Oleander Twin

Opening on November 19, 1970, the Oleander Cinema 1 & 2 premiered as the first ever twin theatres to be established in Wilmington and all of New Hanover County and surrounding areas.

Owned and operated by Charlotte-based Stewart and Everett Theatres. Stewart and Everett Theatres basically ran all the movie houses and drive-ins in the Greater Wilmington area, including all the downtown movie theatres.

Both auditoriums seated 600, and it was one of the modern ultra theatres that was designed for great entertainment. Labeled SENC-land’s first to offer rocking chair seating with deep foam cushions and back support, spaced for maximum comfort. Proportional view-comfort widescreens for bright clear picture presentations. Hi-Fidelity sound for greater listening pleasure.

The opening attractions were in Screen 1:“C.C. and Company” with Joe Namath and Ann-Margret. In Screen 2:“On a Clear Day You Can See Forever” with Barbra Streisand. Coming attractions were:“Hello Dolly”, a re-release of “Wuthering Heights” and “Gone With the Wind”.

Taken over by Carmike Cinemas in 1986 it was renamed Oleander Twin and remained a staple of great entertainment in Wilmington for over 18 years until its closing on January 5, 1988. The theatre has been demolished and an office complex was built on the site where the former Oleander Cinemas 1 & 2 were located.

Recent comments (view all 5 comments)

raysson on May 28, 2013 at 4:09 pm

Advertisement in the Wilmington Star on May 25,1983 THE OLEANDER CINEMA 1 & 2

“THIS MOVIE IS SO BIG,WE’RE SHOWING RETURN OF THE JEDI ON OUR TWO HUGE AUDITORIUMS WITH MATINEES EVERYDAY!!!”

Sorry, No S&E Passes or Special Discount Tickets. Due to the capacity crowds,theatre will be cleared after each performance.

To avoid nightly crowds,we strongly urge movie patrons to attend our matinees during each performance!!!!

raysson on May 28, 2013 at 4:10 pm

Not only did the original STAR WARS movie played here first-run at the Oleander Twin,but also THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK played here first-run too.

raysson on July 30, 2013 at 9:35 am

Carmike Cinemas acquired the Oleander Cinema 1 & 2 in 1986 when it bought out Stewart and Everett. Carmike Cinemas closed this theatre on January 5,1988.

The final two picture shows that played at the OLEANDER TWIN were “Wait Disney’s Cinderella” on Screen 1 and on Screen 2 was Arnold Schwarzenegger in “The Running Man” with Richard Dawson.

raysson on November 5, 2013 at 12:12 pm

A lot of great Hollywood blockbusters played at the Oleander Twin first-run…..

Not only did all three original STAR WARS films played here first-run(1977, 1980, and 1983)

But THE EXORCIST (May 9,1974)

AMERICAN GRAFFITI (November 9,1973)

THE GODFATHER (March 22,1972)

SUPERMAN:THE MOVIE (December 15,1978)

ROCKY (February 16,1977)

THE TOWERING INFERNO (December 16,1974)

Others mention:

THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE

THE GODFATHER:PART II

JAWS 2

CHINATOWN

Just to name a few.

raysson on April 22, 2015 at 3:00 pm

Carmike Cinemas also renamed it the Oleander Twin.