Movies! 1 & 2
767 North West Street,
Wichita,
KS
67203
767 North West Street,
Wichita,
KS
67203
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Joseph Cooper Burks of American Automated Theatres Inc. (AATI) announced one of the fledgling circuit’s first franchised locations in 1971. Like the Jerry Lewis Circuit and National General Circuit, AATI would show family films in theatres that were placed in or behind strip shopping centers. They were also pitched as “one button” operations that had a nickelodeon vibe. David and Marge Heller were the proud owners of The Movies! 1 & 2, the city’s only west-side theatre at that time. The Movies! 1 & 2 opened on October 15, 1971 with “Two Lane Black Top” and “Walt Disney’s The Aristocats".
The Hellers bailed on the location within a year after showings on August 6, 1972. AATI stepped in to continue the operation before closing it in September of 1972. On December 21, 1972, the theatre came back advertising the best popcorn in town. That worked until the theatre faded on November 15, 1973. The building stands within its retail strip pretty much unchanged in the 2020’s for lease.
Contributed by
dallasmovietheaters
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Recent comments (view all 1 comments)
A similar AAT theatre was built in the Sunset Plaza, Salina, KS. It featured Cinemacannica projectors. My best guess is that they were identical in design.