cinelog.org

This weekend marked the twelve year anniversary of one of the more notable passing’s in Orange County cinema history, with the death of Edwards Theatres founder, James Edwards II. On 4/26/97, the ninety year old Edwards was found floating in Newport Bay, having suffered a fatal heart attack.

 

In the wake of Mr. Edwards’ death, the Orange County cinema landscape underwent a drastic transition. Edwards’ once highly profitable, family owned, chain slipped in to bankruptcy, under the leadership of his children; this financial failure ultimately forcing the closure of numerous county theatres and resulting in the chain being absorbed by, cinema conglomerate, Regal Entertainment Group. After thirty two years of Orange County’s cinemas being defined by Edwards’ independent, “giant killer”, approach, the county fell in line with the national chains James Edwards had fought off throughout his career.