This drive-in, alongside the nearby Canadian Drive-In, was very notable for a man named Michael Zahorchak, whose first shift was at one of the two drive-ins there and built his career into the giant Canadian Odeon Theatres chain, who would later become president of the Ontario Motion Picture Association and the vice president of the Canadian Motion Picture Pioneers. He later purchased control of Canadian Odeon Theatres for $31.2 million from the Rank Organization in 1977.
A heart seizure caused his death at the age of 61 on May 12, 1982, and his death sparked national headlines across Canada and the United States.
The exact address is 1919 Black River Boulevard, Rome, NY 13440. It was actually originally operated by the Esquire Theatres of America chain before CinemaNational took it over on March 20, 1974, marking one out of four theaters to do so, including three indoors and one drive-in.
As of 1974, the Rome 1 & 2 (or Rome Cinema Centre) originally housed 486 seats (with 313 seats in Screen 1 and 173 seats in Screen 2), and 10 people were employed at the time.
Once operated by Odeon Theatres Canada.
Once operated by Odeon Theatres Canada.
Once operated by Famous Players.
Here’s the history:
Once briefly operated by Golden Triangle Theaters during the late-1960s.
Taken over by Golden Triangle Theaters in August 1968.
Taken over by Golden Triangle Theaters in August 1968.
Taken over by Golden Triangle Theaters in August 1968, who at the time bought Jefferson Amusements.
Once briefly operated by Golden Triangle Theaters during the late-1960s.
Taken over by Tom Moyer’s Luxury Theatres in August 1984.
Taken over by Tom Moyer’s Luxury Theatres in August 1984.
Taken over by Martin Theatres in February 1964.
Looks closed in the 1980 aerial view, meaning that this definitely closed during the mid-1970s.
This is most likely the replacement of the nearby Family Drive-In, which closed that same year as the 27’s opening.
This drive-in, alongside the nearby Canadian Drive-In, was very notable for a man named Michael Zahorchak, whose first shift was at one of the two drive-ins there and built his career into the giant Canadian Odeon Theatres chain, who would later become president of the Ontario Motion Picture Association and the vice president of the Canadian Motion Picture Pioneers. He later purchased control of Canadian Odeon Theatres for $31.2 million from the Rank Organization in 1977.
A heart seizure caused his death at the age of 61 on May 12, 1982, and his death sparked national headlines across Canada and the United States.
The Town Cinemas reopened on August 15, 1973 exactly eleven days after the fire. At the time, Odeon Theatres Canada was its operator.
Taken over by CinemaNational in February 1974 after the chain sold the entirety of Kallet’s theaters.
The exact address is 1919 Black River Boulevard, Rome, NY 13440. It was actually originally operated by the Esquire Theatres of America chain before CinemaNational took it over on March 20, 1974, marking one out of four theaters to do so, including three indoors and one drive-in.
As of 1974, the Rome 1 & 2 (or Rome Cinema Centre) originally housed 486 seats (with 313 seats in Screen 1 and 173 seats in Screen 2), and 10 people were employed at the time.
Most likely closed as a movie theater in 1974 following CinemaNational’s purchase from Kallet that February.
Taken over by CinemaNational in February 1974 after the chain sold the entirety of Kallet’s theaters.
Taken over by CinemaNational in February 1974 after the chain sold the entirety of Kallet’s theaters.
Taken over by CinemaNational in February 1974 after the chain sold the entirety of Kallet’s theaters.
First operated by Carrol’s Development Corporation, who renamed the chain CinemaNational in January 1974. It was first known as Dutchess Cinema.
First operated by Carrol’s Development Corporation, who renamed the chain CinemaNational in January 1974.
Once operated by CinemaNational.