Back-to-back New SouthsideCentral features… it’s your lucky day! This article kicks off the “Who’s #1?” series where we’ll countdown (countup?) things that fit a topic. If you’ve got any ideas for some “Who’s #1?”, let us know.
Today, we’re going to tell you “Who’s #1?” in the category of “Defunct Movie Theaters”. They were great places to watch a movie, but they’re all out of business now. Let’s take a tour of the SouthsideCentral area’s Defunct Movie Theaters while we tell you “Who’s #1?” Let’s start with #6 on our list…
#6 – Plaza Cinema (Danville VA) – The Plaza Cinema was fair at best, but when Carmike decided to split it into two theaters, they became Theaters Of Little Space and quite uncomfortable. One other thing that is non-fondly remembered, they kept the same “Scramble” videogame in the lobby for 15 years.
#5 – Rives Theater (Martinsville VA) – The Rives was a movie theater in the downtown area. Parking was very hard to find even at night, but the Rives still had some charm. It’s somewhat re-opened as a live music venue, but even that’s having problems.
#4 – Sobo’s Main Theater (South Boston VA) – It had been a church for a long time, but when an entrepreneur decided to clean it up and re-open the theater on North Main St. They started off with a great business plan of first-run movies at lower prices than the World of Sports’ Cinemas. That lasted for a while but then they changed to a second-run theater. That lasted for sometime and then the theater shut down. Beautiful old projector, good sound system, classic seats.
#3 – Park Theater (Danville VA) – The Park Theater was in the corner parking lot of the Ballou Park Shopping Center. Originally set for two screens, it was sub-divided into four in the mid-eighties The spacing was adequate and the Park Theaters survived longer than most others in the area. Unfortunately, Danville Stadium Cinemas forced the Park Theaters into a second-run business plan. Combine that with the gradual decline of the Ballou Park area and you’ve got another defunct theater. For a bizarre experience, search for the Ballou Park 4’s website and try to explain what the heck it is now.
#2 – Riverside Cinema (Danville VA) – Like most of the area’s theaters, the Riverside Cinema started off as a one-screen theater but was subdivided into two. Riverside Cinema fell victim to Danville Stadium Cinemas as well, but I’ll always remember the demolition of the building. For a few days, the interior of the smaller auditorium was left open (no idea why) and you could see the destruction caused by the wrecking crew. One final thought… whatever happened to that “time capsule” that was buried at the entrance?
#1 – Carolina Circle 6 (Greensboro NC) – Yeah, it’s not Southside VA but who can forget the futuristic look of the area’s first multiplex? Come to think of it, it was all bathroom tiles on the walls but it looked cool back in 1976. The hallways to the different theaters had a variety of weird 45° angles as you tried to find your theater. I remember every time we drove by the mall… we had to slow down and read the letterboard sign and the edge of the mall property to see what was playing. Anyway, not only did the theater close in 1996, the entire mall was obliterated figuratively and literally. Rest well, Carolina Circle.
And that’s “Who’s #1?” in our first category. Agree? Disagree? Got some thoughts of your own? Let’s hear about it in the comments.
I have very fond memories of 2 of these theaters. I loved the Ballou Park Theater. The last movie I saw in that theater was Shooter with Mark Walberg. But the neatest and/or craziest thing was the green couch that was in the room there at the women’s bathroom. It had been there for over 30 years!!!! Riverside Cinema was where Drew saw his first movie when he was 4. And the movie we saw was Pokemom!!! Thanks, Bruce, for taking me down memory lane!!!!
Are you sure the Park Theater began with two screens? Maybe I’m wrong, I seem to remember it being one huge theater.
I know in the fall of 1978, DCC had their freshman orientation at the Park, and the interior was huge. That was especially apparent with all the interior lights turned on, which was an uncommon occurence that I only experienced that one time.
As part of the plans to employ the arts in revitalizing downtown Sobo, the old Main Theater could be revived as a repertoire movie theater, showing second-run features, art films, foreign films and classic films. I have long thought that an annual film festival could be held here and the Main would be a great central venue for something like this. It’s big lobby would be an ideal place for receptions, exhibits, etc.
And why didn’t the South Drive In on the state line make the list? Gosh I had some great times at the South. There was as much going on in the car next door as there was on the big screen! 🙂 Shame on you Bruce for not including the South Drive In!
I am not aware of this “South Drive In” of which you speak. I never saw any movies at this place nor did I try to sneak a peek around that long fence while going 60 MPH down Route 29.
Bruce do you expect us to believe that?? LOL
Miss Pert you are kinky old fart. Shame on you!!!
What about the North Theater?? I went there as a child and saw Gone with the Wind.
Of course, Miss Pert is older these days, but I haven’t always been old. There were times when I could get my ankles behind my head (without Yoga) and “gettin’ groovy” was the only thang on my agenda for the day. These days its more about making sure the my hardwood floors have a glossy sheen. Sad.