Regarding the Popcorn (see above) I know for sure that they always used the bagged popcorn, even in the beginning. I didn’t think the Cinemechanica automation circuitry looked well made but it worked well. The lenses were mounted on a rotary fixture so you didn’t have to manually replace them when you switched from “flat” to “anamorphic” (wide screen). The theatres had stereo and surround sound but I don’t believe we ever used the whole system. These were very convenient but heavy to get to the top spool. The projectors used 60 foot free wheeling film reels. One projectionist handled both of the booths. The booths also had automation for lighting and curtains, and (when necessary) changeovers. The Cinemchanica sevens were a bit noisier. I am not saying the Simplexes or Centuries were of poor quality - they remain the best - but the nines were so quiet and reliable. After years of working Simplexes and Centuries, it was a genuine pleasure to work with the Cinemechanica nines. Theatre 1 (right side as you entered) had the first Cinemechanica nine projectors imported into the United States. The booth was unusual inasmuch as each included two Cinemechanica projectors from Milan, Italy and nearly complete automation. The screens were geometrically corrected for the Wide Screen, anamorphic lenses, also unique to the little theaters. He believed that the paying audience should never see the screen without a movie projected upon it, unlike the classless movie houses of today). It was Jack’s preference that the auditoriums be fitted with curtains in front of the screen for the proper dramatic effect (like the Olden). As usual, Jack ran a magnificent theater operation with the house being always immaculate. The Theaters were originally managed by the late Jack Kosharek who managed the Olden Theatre previous. Anthony Tommaro was the managing director for the small chain. The Tommaro’s also owned produce wholesaling in the Township. It was originally planned as one of the defunct Jerry Lewis Twin Cinemas but following the failure of that organization, development continued under the ownership of the Tommaro Brothers. I was the original projectionist at the Director’s Chair Hamilton theater and showed the first film in both cinemas.
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