Just wanted to acknowledge your use of my quote about this short lived Drive-in and the North Penn Twin. Thanks.
This drive-in was probably one of the shortest lived drive-in theatres known to exist. It was not even mentioned or acknowledged in the Daily Oklahoman at the time, and the only mention of the theatre was in the Black Dispatch newspaper.
Being essentially across the street of the sewage treatment plant forclosed any chance that Oklahoma cities “black drive-in” had no chance to even get started.
In researching the drive-in, I spent some time trying to track down anyone associated with the theatre, but by that time (1985) All of the principal people had passed on. It was truly a lost drive-in.
The Southpark theatre sadly died a horrible death. As the months passed in 1988, the Southpark went from showing regular feature movies to a dollar house. People were bypassing the theatre for newer theatres. The theatre was operated by George Grube, the former first manager of the 14 flags drive-in and long time OKC theatre man. He was a true gentleman.
However, the theatre in 1988 had a union contract, and as I was working at the Southpark in its final days, I was given an ultimatum from Tim the manager. I could “work for free” to “help out” or hit the door. As I was making union wage for a 4 screen, that was an easy decision. The theatre labored on for roughly another 30 days and then closed for good.
Stunning admission, when the theatre opened in June of 1975, a couple of friends and I came over to the new 4 screen theatre to see Doc Savage, the man of Bronze. We had all just started to drive and long story short, when the movie was over, we just went into “Lennie” a hard R film about comedian Lennie Bruce. No one noticed and no one said anything…We were amazed. (at the time)
Only years later did I learn that George Grube (the manager) really did not care. Oh brother!
As a former projectinist at the Apollo Twin, the Almonte was always a favorite to see the latest films. The theatre was certainly nice in its day, and Commonwealth (the owner) took very good care of this theatre in particular.
I just want to add to something OKCdoorman said above regarding the projectionists. As a union projectionist (I.A.T.S.E. Local 380) it was alway frustrating as jobs were awarded based on seniority. The older guys had it, and the younger ones (such as me) wanted it. Typically when a new theatre would open there would be a predictable change of projectionists with older more seniority guys having first choice. They would leave an opening at their old theatre and someone else would get that position, usually someone with less seniority. Sadly the union went bust in June of 2001. With it went quality of projection.
Things like: Starting the picture in frame, in focus, and with the masking properly set (Standard or Scope) That seems to be a problem for some other theatre chains who use ushers to thread up the projectors and run the movies.
Although I did get to fill in a time or two at the Almonte, it was largely the theatre of Henry Finch, who was for a time the Business Agent for IATSE Local 380. He was a great fellow who could keep you in stitches for hours with his stories. He also installed the equipment at the Almonte.
To this day, if given a choice of any theatre in town (mostly 20 to 24 screens predominate as of Jun 2025 in OKC) I would choose the Almonte. The staff was always friendly, the management top rate (Bob Ostercamp) and they kept the place running like a top. It was not too big with a modest 6 screens, so you did not get ran over between shows. Sorry AMC, anything over 8 to 10 screens is JUST TOO BIG!
Thanks Lauren Durbin for capturing the old Almonte 6 Theatre.
It was certainly a destination to see movie for many years. I certainly miss this one, and Henry Finch, projectionist extraodrinare. As it was a Commonwealth theatre in the mid 1980’s anyone who worked for them could see movies free at any other Commonwealth theatre. (I was working at the Apollo Twin in MWC at the time). But when there was a new movie worth seeing, this was the place to go. Sure seemed the 1980’s were a classic age for movies, as I suspect many such as Kentucky fried Movie, Groove Tube, Mel Brooks History of the world, The Hollywood Knights…could not be made today.
Just a few comments about Commonwealth in Oklahoma city… It died a horrible and prolonged death, after the chain was sold, the first thing that happened was the closure of the twins. . The Apollo Twin in MWC, the Shephard Twin, The French Market Mall twin, The Quail Twin. Today, the Apollo twin is a discount mattress mart, hooray.
Then they closed the three and 4 screens in short order, The Heisman 4 (Norman) the Heritage park 3 (in the Heritage Park mall). . Then they waited again, as if hoping for a buyer and then closed the remaining four screen theatres The Reding 4, The North park 4, and lastly the Almonte 6. The last ad I was able to find was for the Heritage Plaza 5, and it did not even list movies or times, it just advised, “Call Theatre for Times” They were all gone by 1990 IIRC. All had been viable theatres up until the end, even with competition from General Cinema, and Hollywood theatres. The day of 16 screens under one roof and showing all available movies at one place had arrived. (Personally, I don’t care for the concept at all, it just seems to impersonal.)
It was a sad end for what was once the nicest chain in town.
I am thankful that I had an opportunity to work as a union projecitonist in most all of their theatres at one point or another, and held down the Apollo twin from ‘85 to '88.
It pains me to wonder what became of the Cinemeccanica V8’s that were in the Apollo Twin and Quail Twin…They were in great shape.
Just to correct some incorrect information. The old GENERAL CINEMA 8 SCREEN THEATRE at Crossroads mall was never torn. It was converted into a pharmacutical Warehouse (Pharmorr) and remains it’s distinctive shape as seen by aerial photographs to this day (17 Oct 2024.)
Likewise, Crossroads mall itself was never torn down, two of its former anchor stores are still open as Sante Fe Hills Charter school and elementry.
Oct 23, 1982, A sad legacy for this drive in theatre, occured when the body of Theresa Metcalf was discovered on the remains of the old drive in theatre.
For the record, the information under the photo, that the Apollo was “operated by United Artists and Commonwealth Amusements” is misleading.
Spectro theatres (an independent Oklahoma city operation controlled primarily by Maurice Ferris) operated the Apollo Twin when it originally opened in October of 1969. It was later acquired and operated by Commonwealth Theatres until 1988, when the chain was purchased by UA (United Artists).
United Artists essentially operated it as a dollar house until they closed it. A sad end for a once grand theatre.
Except for the fact I found this picture doing research back in the 1990. It had not been seen since it was taken. .
The point is that everyone that is posting the photo as their own is problematic, as none of them know the source. This is the maddening thing about Cinema Treasures. They allow people to post photographs and verbatum text from other sites, and other persons posted elsewhere.
When someone does not quote a source of the photo, that should be a red flag for Cinema Treasures that the person is just posting a purloined picture, from someone else or another drive-in site.
This theatre was never known as the “Three ball Cinema” as another poster asserted, AS you can see from the posted images, especially the article from 1976, the theatre was originally known as the Cinema Vegas Theatre. Nor did it ever have three screens.
AS a poster asserts this drive in was closed by 1969, For the record it’s last showing was Sept 22, 1961 with a showing of “Jet Pilot” and “Conqueror” both with John Wayne.
AS the poster asserts this drive in was closed by 1969, For the record it’s last showing was Sept 22, 1961 with a showing of “Jet Pilot” and “Conqueror” both with John Wayne.
This was NOT the same theatre as the old South Shields Mall twin. Different location in mall, and different company.
And note to Stagehandguy, the link you reference is to WAS a fellow (Rivist) who is well known for copying the work of many other researchers.
The South shields twin opened in Nov of 1979. It was located at 7536 S. Shields, and was originally operated by Grube and company. It closed in Apr of 1986, and was a consistent low performer.
The South Shields 8, AKA Supersavers 8 opened in Feb of 1987 and was located at 7301 S. Shields.
Despite what is offered for the closing date in the initial information about this theatre, The last ad found was on 26 Aug 1977. showing, “Crater lake monster” and “Land of the Minotaur.” This comports with the information provided by 77DX, that the owners of the building sold it in 1977.
Cinema tour states: “Used same chairs, fixtures, and equipment as Academy X & AcademiX. Located in the 3900 block of SW 29th Street.”
Comment apparently added or edited 4/21/2006
The SW 3900 block is right across from the Immanuel Conception church
The Academy aka Academy X was located downtown at 7 North Harvey. .
The Chieftan, which DID show porn was at 3450 SW 29th St
Portland is the beginning of the 3700 block. Tulsa is the 4000 Block. . If it existed, it would have been between these streets.
I am looking at an aerial from 1975 that encompasses the area on SW 29th between Portland and Tulsa. . The entire south side of the street in the 3900 block is an open field. Infact, there is nothing from where Newcastle splits off to Tulsa, that looks like it could have been a motel or cinema…
Mike Rogers,
Just wanted to let you know, they were NOT the same theatre. The AlVA drive in was operated from 14 Jun 50 until Aug of 70, and the Stadium was built SW of the ALVA, due to the land lease expiring and the owner wanting to build a trailer park. The STADIUM was opened 30 July 71.
I can show you an aerial with both theatres present…
MichaelKilgore:
Just wanted to acknowledge your use of my quote about this short lived Drive-in and the North Penn Twin. Thanks.
This drive-in was probably one of the shortest lived drive-in theatres known to exist. It was not even mentioned or acknowledged in the Daily Oklahoman at the time, and the only mention of the theatre was in the Black Dispatch newspaper.
Being essentially across the street of the sewage treatment plant forclosed any chance that Oklahoma cities “black drive-in” had no chance to even get started.
In researching the drive-in, I spent some time trying to track down anyone associated with the theatre, but by that time (1985) All of the principal people had passed on. It was truly a lost drive-in.
The Southpark theatre sadly died a horrible death. As the months passed in 1988, the Southpark went from showing regular feature movies to a dollar house. People were bypassing the theatre for newer theatres. The theatre was operated by George Grube, the former first manager of the 14 flags drive-in and long time OKC theatre man. He was a true gentleman.
However, the theatre in 1988 had a union contract, and as I was working at the Southpark in its final days, I was given an ultimatum from Tim the manager. I could “work for free” to “help out” or hit the door. As I was making union wage for a 4 screen, that was an easy decision. The theatre labored on for roughly another 30 days and then closed for good.
Stunning admission, when the theatre opened in June of 1975, a couple of friends and I came over to the new 4 screen theatre to see Doc Savage, the man of Bronze. We had all just started to drive and long story short, when the movie was over, we just went into “Lennie” a hard R film about comedian Lennie Bruce. No one noticed and no one said anything…We were amazed. (at the time)
Only years later did I learn that George Grube (the manager) really did not care. Oh brother!
As a former projectinist at the Apollo Twin, the Almonte was always a favorite to see the latest films. The theatre was certainly nice in its day, and Commonwealth (the owner) took very good care of this theatre in particular.
I just want to add to something OKCdoorman said above regarding the projectionists. As a union projectionist (I.A.T.S.E. Local 380) it was alway frustrating as jobs were awarded based on seniority. The older guys had it, and the younger ones (such as me) wanted it. Typically when a new theatre would open there would be a predictable change of projectionists with older more seniority guys having first choice. They would leave an opening at their old theatre and someone else would get that position, usually someone with less seniority. Sadly the union went bust in June of 2001. With it went quality of projection.
Things like: Starting the picture in frame, in focus, and with the masking properly set (Standard or Scope) That seems to be a problem for some other theatre chains who use ushers to thread up the projectors and run the movies.
Although I did get to fill in a time or two at the Almonte, it was largely the theatre of Henry Finch, who was for a time the Business Agent for IATSE Local 380. He was a great fellow who could keep you in stitches for hours with his stories. He also installed the equipment at the Almonte.
To this day, if given a choice of any theatre in town (mostly 20 to 24 screens predominate as of Jun 2025 in OKC) I would choose the Almonte. The staff was always friendly, the management top rate (Bob Ostercamp) and they kept the place running like a top. It was not too big with a modest 6 screens, so you did not get ran over between shows. Sorry AMC, anything over 8 to 10 screens is JUST TOO BIG!
GREAT TIMES, SIMPLIER DAYS.
Thanks Lauren Durbin for capturing the old Almonte 6 Theatre.
It was certainly a destination to see movie for many years. I certainly miss this one, and Henry Finch, projectionist extraodrinare. As it was a Commonwealth theatre in the mid 1980’s anyone who worked for them could see movies free at any other Commonwealth theatre. (I was working at the Apollo Twin in MWC at the time). But when there was a new movie worth seeing, this was the place to go. Sure seemed the 1980’s were a classic age for movies, as I suspect many such as Kentucky fried Movie, Groove Tube, Mel Brooks History of the world, The Hollywood Knights…could not be made today.
David Coppock asks about the 14 flags moniquer. . It is because the State of Oklahoma has had 14 flags over the terratory. They are:
14 flags that have flown over Oklahoma
1.The Royal standard of Spain 1541
2.The Great Union flag of Great Briain 1663
3.Royal Standard of France 1701
4.The Standard of the Spanish Empire 1763
5.The Standard of the French Republic 1800
6.The Louisiana Purchase from France 1803
7.The United States flag 4 Apr 1818
8.The flag of Mexico from 1821to 1836
9.The flag of the Republic of Texas 1836
10.The Lone Star flag of Texas over the Panhandle to 1850
11.The Choctaw flag (Confederate) 1861-1865
12.The Confederate Battle Flag over Oklahoma 1861-1865
13.The First Oklahoma State Flag adopted 1911
14.The Present Oklahoma State Flag adopted by the Legislature in 1925
Wesley Horton Proud Oklahoman by Birth.
Drive-in researcher since 1975 (when I was in High School!)
Just a few comments about Commonwealth in Oklahoma city… It died a horrible and prolonged death, after the chain was sold, the first thing that happened was the closure of the twins. . The Apollo Twin in MWC, the Shephard Twin, The French Market Mall twin, The Quail Twin. Today, the Apollo twin is a discount mattress mart, hooray.
Then they closed the three and 4 screens in short order, The Heisman 4 (Norman) the Heritage park 3 (in the Heritage Park mall). . Then they waited again, as if hoping for a buyer and then closed the remaining four screen theatres The Reding 4, The North park 4, and lastly the Almonte 6. The last ad I was able to find was for the Heritage Plaza 5, and it did not even list movies or times, it just advised, “Call Theatre for Times” They were all gone by 1990 IIRC. All had been viable theatres up until the end, even with competition from General Cinema, and Hollywood theatres. The day of 16 screens under one roof and showing all available movies at one place had arrived. (Personally, I don’t care for the concept at all, it just seems to impersonal.)
It was a sad end for what was once the nicest chain in town.
I am thankful that I had an opportunity to work as a union projecitonist in most all of their theatres at one point or another, and held down the Apollo twin from ‘85 to '88.
It pains me to wonder what became of the Cinemeccanica V8’s that were in the Apollo Twin and Quail Twin…They were in great shape.
Just to correct some incorrect information. The old GENERAL CINEMA 8 SCREEN THEATRE at Crossroads mall was never torn. It was converted into a pharmacutical Warehouse (Pharmorr) and remains it’s distinctive shape as seen by aerial photographs to this day (17 Oct 2024.)
Likewise, Crossroads mall itself was never torn down, two of its former anchor stores are still open as Sante Fe Hills Charter school and elementry.
Oct 23, 1982, A sad legacy for this drive in theatre, occured when the body of Theresa Metcalf was discovered on the remains of the old drive in theatre.
For the record, the information under the photo, that the Apollo was “operated by United Artists and Commonwealth Amusements” is misleading.
Spectro theatres (an independent Oklahoma city operation controlled primarily by Maurice Ferris) operated the Apollo Twin when it originally opened in October of 1969. It was later acquired and operated by Commonwealth Theatres until 1988, when the chain was purchased by UA (United Artists).
United Artists essentially operated it as a dollar house until they closed it. A sad end for a once grand theatre.
There is nothing left of the old theatre to see any more. It was torn down and is now nothing but an empty lot.
MichaelKilgore,
Except for the fact I found this picture doing research back in the 1990. It had not been seen since it was taken. .
The point is that everyone that is posting the photo as their own is problematic, as none of them know the source. This is the maddening thing about Cinema Treasures. They allow people to post photographs and verbatum text from other sites, and other persons posted elsewhere.
When someone does not quote a source of the photo, that should be a red flag for Cinema Treasures that the person is just posting a purloined picture, from someone else or another drive-in site.
Photo © 1982 Daily Oklahoman
This theatre was never known as the “Three ball Cinema” as another poster asserted, AS you can see from the posted images, especially the article from 1976, the theatre was originally known as the Cinema Vegas Theatre. Nor did it ever have three screens.
AS a poster asserts this drive in was closed by 1969, For the record it’s last showing was Sept 22, 1961 with a showing of “Jet Pilot” and “Conqueror” both with John Wayne.
AS the poster asserts this drive in was closed by 1969, For the record it’s last showing was Sept 22, 1961 with a showing of “Jet Pilot” and “Conqueror” both with John Wayne.
Note to MichaelKilgore,
You need to recheck your data. March 6, 1948 was indeed a Friday. Note the advert from the Oklahoman archives on that date:
https://imgur.com/a/D6cxGrH
This was NOT the same theatre as the old South Shields Mall twin. Different location in mall, and different company.
And note to Stagehandguy, the link you reference is to WAS a fellow (Rivist) who is well known for copying the work of many other researchers.
The South shields twin opened in Nov of 1979. It was located at 7536 S. Shields, and was originally operated by Grube and company. It closed in Apr of 1986, and was a consistent low performer.
The South Shields 8, AKA Supersavers 8 opened in Feb of 1987 and was located at 7301 S. Shields.
Wesley Horton
Despite what is offered for the closing date in the initial information about this theatre, The last ad found was on 26 Aug 1977. showing, “Crater lake monster” and “Land of the Minotaur.” This comports with the information provided by 77DX, that the owners of the building sold it in 1977.
Could someone delete the 11 year old dead links to roadsideoklahoma.com and other sites…
How about removing the really helpful niggling comments about the empirical physical address. (Sorry, such conversations are just a waste of time.)
It would be so nice if someone could come along and delete the long dead links to roadsideoklahoma, and other nonsensical isolated comments.
The buildings between where Newcastle breaks off from 29th and portland is a Warehouse. . Notice the Immanual Conception church at 3901 SW 29th.
Cinema tour states: “Used same chairs, fixtures, and equipment as Academy X & AcademiX. Located in the 3900 block of SW 29th Street.”
Comment apparently added or edited 4/21/2006
The SW 3900 block is right across from the Immanuel Conception church
The Academy aka Academy X was located downtown at 7 North Harvey. .
The Chieftan, which DID show porn was at 3450 SW 29th St
Portland is the beginning of the 3700 block.
Tulsa is the 4000 Block. . If it existed, it would have been between these streets.
I am looking at an aerial from 1975 that encompasses the area on SW 29th between Portland and Tulsa. . The entire south side of the street in the 3900 block is an open field. Infact, there is nothing from where Newcastle splits off to Tulsa, that looks like it could have been a motel or cinema…
Two things:
The drive-in theatres in Altus were called the Altus, and Altus West DI… check the ads.
Would a moderator consider removing all the references and links to Roadsideoklahoma as they are all dead and have been for some time.
I agree with Kenmore, there is no evidence this was anything but a walk in theatre.
Mike Rogers, Just wanted to let you know, they were NOT the same theatre. The AlVA drive in was operated from 14 Jun 50 until Aug of 70, and the Stadium was built SW of the ALVA, due to the land lease expiring and the owner wanting to build a trailer park. The STADIUM was opened 30 July 71.
I can show you an aerial with both theatres present…