Jerry Lewis Cinema

Two malls developed by Gamble Development had common opening dates of August 19, 1971: the Mesabi Mall in Hibbing and the Thunderbird Mall in Virginia. It was a way for the development company to carve out locations for its chain of Gamble’s Discount Department Stores and Red Owl Family stores - both of which were being destroyed by competitors. The two malls would also have single-screen theaters.

Franchisee Movie World Inc. secured locations in both malls to launch 350-seat single-screen Jerry Lewis Cinema’s in each. The theatres promised family-friendly fare in their mall settings. They also had the one-button automation which was supposed to make theatre operation a snap for those without theatrical experience.

The two Jerry Lewis Cinemas opened within a day of each other. The Thunderbird Mall of Virginia was first opening on October 6, 1971 and the Mesabi Mall in Hibbing was second on October 7, 1971.

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