Cinema Twin
100 Cestrian Drive,
Chester,
SC
29706
100 Cestrian Drive,
Chester,
SC
29706
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Carmike Cinemas, Stewart and Everett
Previous Names: Cinema I & II
Nearby Theaters
On May 3, 1976, Chester Theatre manager Terry Owens announced that a 620-seat first-run twin-screen cinema will be built at the Peoples Plaza Shopping Center in Chester. Owens replied to the Rock Hill Herald that “the basic reason is that it’s as cheap to operate two as one and we’ll be able to match surrounding towns such as Rock Hill and Lancaster for showings”, and also later replied that the cost of the building was 30% more as a twin than a single-screener with the total investment being $385,000.
Some of its original installations include both auditoriums being fully draped each with separate color schemes, seats featuring upholstered backs, cushions, and armrests, and a modern projection system that can run continuously throughout the performance and can rewind automatically estimating $40,000 worth with projection, amplification, and film transport systems. During its heyday, estimate costs were $2 for the adults and $1 for the kids, but drinks, popcorn, and candy go up by a nickel.
The Stewart & Everett Theatres chain based in Charlotte immediately became the first operator for the twin, who also operated the 490-seat Chester Theatre who began operating the Chester Theatre from Fred J. Powell in 1969.
The Cinema I & II was expected to open its doors on December 22, 1976 with Charlton Heston in “Two Minute Warning” at Screen 1 and Burl Ives in “Bakers Hawk” at Screen 2 but for unknown reasons, its opening date pushed forward to December 31, 1976. Its move forced its scheduled run of “Two Minute Warning” to Screen 2 rather than the scheduled Screen 1, and “Baker’s Hawk” ended up moving to the Mini Cinema in Rock Hill. The Cinema I & II opened with Jack Palance in “The Great Adventure” at Screen 1, and “as-expected” Charlton Heston’s “Two Minute Warning” at Screen 2 with all seats for just $1.
The Cinema I & II (later Cinema Twin as stylized by the Charlotte Observer since 1988) was later taken over by the Carmike chain after it took over from the Stewart & Everett Theatres chain in 1986.
The Cinema Twin closed its doors for the final time on July 9, 1998.
Contributed by
50sSNIPES
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Recent comments (view all 1 comments)
After his announcement, Owens “unexpectedly” closed the downtown Chester Theatre on June 3, 1976 in order to focus on constructing his Cinema Twin at the People’s Plaza Shopping Center.