Eight new screens added to theaters

Eight new screens have been added to Salt Lake theater in time for Christmas.

They come at a time when the movie industry has unleashed a large number of new pictures, and when G and PG films are more numerous than they have been for some time.

Four new screens were added when the Trolley Family Theaters opened at 980 Ft. Union Blvd. in Midvale; two with the opening of the Flick, a new operation in Trolley Square, and two with the opening of additional auditoriums at the Fox Cottonwood Mall Theater.

The new Trolley operation is similar in scheme and design to the Trolley Square Theaters. It features nostalgia in decorations and has old-time film projectors and graphics of old-time film celebrities.

The Family Center Trolley, as it is known, opened with a special premiere of "Joe Panther," on Tuesday evening. This is a picture made by Utahns in Florida and staring Brian Keith. It will not start its regular engagement until February, but is being released to qualify for some Academy Awards.

The Family Center Trolleys also will be showing "Bugsy Malone," "Baker's Hawk," "Shout at the Devil," and "Murder By Death."

The opening of the new theater drew a large number of civic, religious and educational leaders as well as theater-men, who said the theater is "interesting because of the graphics" by Dale Christensen, manager of Trolley Square theaters, as well as lovely and comfortable.

The opening increased to 11 the number of theaters operated by Trolley Theaters Inc. and the corporation has announced four more screens will open in the spring.

The Flick Theater consists of two screens, but the operation started with one film, "Seven Per Cent Solution," on both screens.

The theater itself has the most modern facilities and equipment and features lavish draperies in the main auditoriums, as well as the rich-looking, expensive carpeting in the lobby area.

The PG picture drew the approval of a capacity audience who included theatermen from the Cooper-Highland circuit of Denver, which operates the showhouse. They disclosed that the circuit now has about 80 theaters, mostly in western states and that more than 20 others will be opened within the next few weeks. They also have plans for more theaters in Utah, including a twin at the old Elks Lodge on South Temple Street.

The picture itself, which has been mentioned as a possible Academy Award contender in several categories, drew mixed reactions, but mostly it was favorable. The story deals with the visit of Sherlock Holmes to Sigmund Freud to be cured of an addiction for cocaine. The acting by Robert Duvall, Nicole Williamson, Joel Grey and Alan Arkin is some of the best of the year.

The theater is being managed by Ronald H. Pearson.

The Fox Cottonwood Mall Theater, formerly one showhouse, has increased to two and was the locale last week for the world premiere of the Doty-Dayton production, "Baker's Hawk." This film is now playing at the Cottonwood, and Trolley Square. The Cottonwood also features Walt Disney's "Shaggy D.A."

Late in January or early February, the Cottonwood Mall will be doubled again with the addition of two other screens, according to Ted Kirkmeyer, city manager.