The Art Moderne style house Allen Park Cinemas here in "downtown" Allen Park, Michigan, opened in 1940 and had seating for over 1600 patrons, and was referred to many of the local population as just "The Show". The Allen Park was designed by the firm of Bennett & Straight and would later be managed by the Nicholas George group of theatres.
This was one of many theaters under George's operation during the 60s and 70s, with some of the other Metro Detroit theatres being the Mai Kai in Livonia, the Americana in Southfield and (briefly) the aging Michigan, in downtown Detroit.
Night time
In the 1940's when Tickets were ten cents each, patrons could purchase many confectionaries and snacks to go-along with their motion-picture entertainment such as Necco-Wafers, Hershey bars, Raisinettes and Sno-caps. This was, of course, to go along with the standard popcorn and soda-pop that most movie-houses had.
An example of a "Glo-Dial" clock
Folks could go to the theatre on a Saturday for the two features and some candy for only a quarter. Back in the 1950's, Roy Rogers was King of the Cowboys and would have films paired-up with offerings from other stars such as the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Westerns were one of the favorites for the many movie-goers back then and the popularity of these films helped to build the success of most local movie theatres such as this one.
Screen, recent
Some of the decor of the theatre included a Glo-Dial clock with neon to the near the screen. Many times the clock also had the word TIME displayed on top, which for most folks meant “TIME TO EAT” (subliminal advertising?). There were also the “Coming Attractions” bi-fold flyers that were printed in a different color every week for the movies that were on their way to the theatre.
2001 photo of the theatre
In mid 1960, a supervisor for the Nick George theatre chain, reported that the theatre had gone through "reseating" and redecorating of the Allen Park Theatre.
Lobby, recent
The Allen Park was later "twinned" as the Allen Park I & II in 1970 and in the mid 1980's, George sold the twin to the AMC chain, who would later carve the theater further, into five screens. It would later be sold to the MJR chain of theatres, running "bargain films" or "second-run" films for a more economic entertainment value.
Pamphlet from Nicholas George Theatres
that included the Allen Park Cinemas (1960's)
One of the many things that can be said of this small theatre, it is most-definitely a wonderful and history-filled part of Michigan and Metro Detroit that many folks have fond memories of that will live on, and will continue to do so for many years to come.
Concessions, recent