Movie Theater History

When you think of "movie history" you probably think of bombshells like Marilyn Monroe, silly old-school special effects and legendary parties. We here at Kidzworld think popcorn, projectors and cup holders. Go figure.

Movie Theater History - The Sounds of Silence

An art form was born when Louis Lumiere released his film of a train arriving at a station (this was obviously before the invention of the plot). From then on, people from all over the world crammed into cinemas to watch short silent movies often accompanied by a piano. It wouldn't be until the 1920s that film technology would allow movies to have sound.

Movie Theater History - Buttering Up the Audience

The first dedicated "picture house" was built in New Orleans in 1896. However, theater-goers were going to have to wait a while for anything good to watch - Hollywood's first full-length film, The Squaw Man, wasn't released until 1913. Popcorn was first served in movie theaters in 1912, so it was actually in theaters before full-length films.

Movie Theater History - A Price to Pay

In 1907 you could watch a film at a Nickelodeon theater for five cents. In fact, that's why it's called a "Nickel"odeon.

During the Depression or the 1920s, movies cost about 27 cents.

During the swinging '60s, it cost a little less than $1 to catch a flick.

In the '80s, it cost about $4.00 to go to a movie.

It now costs around $10 to go to a film.

Movie Theater History - Did U Know?

While the first air-conditioned movie theater was built way back in 1922, the first cup holders didn't make it into cinemas until AMC Theaters introduced them in 1981.

The first shopping mall multiplex was built in 1963. It had two screens and sat 700 people.

New Jersey was home to the very first drive-in theater, which was built in 1933. The drive-in peaked in popularity in the '50s and '60s but there are now less than 1000 of them left in North America.

Related Stories:

Top 10 Movies of 2005

Memorable Movie Quotes

The Evolution of Photography

Read more: Movies