Famous News (Jan-Feb 1982)

Spotlight on our Partners: Lethbridge Theatres Limited continued and DeGuerre in 1926. *‘Our first contact with Famous Players was in 1928,’’ explains Mr. Shackleford, ‘‘when a new form of entertainment appeared on the horizon one that was to revolutionize the movie industry the screen was actually going to come alive and talk! The big problem was that this transition would cost a lot of money, and looking for new capital for a small, struggling movie business was not easy. Had we stood alone in 1928, we quite possibly would have gone out of business because we lacked the financial resources to build and develop our little company with the challenge before us in this new electronic era.” They heard Famous Players was a big company building theatres all across Canada. Ambitious and daring, they decided to approach Famous with the suggestion of forming a partnership to either build a new theatre or to renovate the Palace which they were then operating. Mr. Shackleford says, ‘‘My meeting in Toronto with then President of Famous Players, Mr. N.L. Nathanson and with his executive right-hand advisor, Mr. T.J. Bragg, was most cordial and responsive. That moment in 1928 was to be the beginning of our association which has continued uninterrupted for 53 years. And out of this partnership with Famous Players came a new company Lethbridge Theatres Limited.”’ The new company tore down the Palace and replaced it with a new theatre, the Capitol, which opened October 9, 1929, and in so doing introduced ‘‘talkies’’ to Lethbridge. Majestic Theatres Ltd. formed The Majestic Theatre in Lethbridge was closed in 1932 when the depression hit, and was later purchased by Majestic Theatres Limited, the new company formed by Lethbridge Theatres Limited and Famous Players. The Majestic was never operated as a theatre again 4 January/February, 1982 but was subsequently sold to a dairy company. In 1933 the company purchased the Empress Theatre which was completely remodelled and renamed the Roxy. In the early 1950’s the Roxy closed its doors, but a dream came true for Mr. Shackleford on Thanksgiving Day, October 9, 1950, when he watched crowds fill the new 950-seat Paramount Theatre. The Opening attraction was Bob Hope and Lucille Ball in ‘‘Fancy Pants.”’ In 1967 the Paramount Cinema opened as a dual with seating accommodation for 488 and 475 people. It was Lethbridge’s first multiple cinema. In 1969 the College Mall Cinema was opened and in 1974 the impressive old Capitol Theatre was torn down to make way for the Lethbridge Centre. In September 1975, Lethbridge’s newest theatres, the Twin Cinemas 1 and 2 were opened in the Lethbridge Centre. Mr. Shackleford also found time to become involved in community affairs. He was active with the Lethbridge and District Exhibition and Fair Board, the Community Chest, the Gyro Club, and the Cancer Society. In 1963, he received an outstanding achievement award from the Motion Picture Theatre Association of Alberta. He entered civic politics in 1939 and was elected mayor on three occasions, from 1944-47, 1952-55, and 1957-61. He retired from the local political scene in 1964. Mr. Shackleford has seen the motion picture industry change from the nickelodeons of the early days of this century to the wide-screen theatres of today. He has dominated entertainment in Lethbridge for many years. Still actively engaged in the industry, his tradition of excellence is being carried on by his sons Robert (Bob), and Douglas. Douglas is presently manager of the College Mall and Bob is manager of the Paramount as well as assisting in the supervision of all theatres. Mr. Shackleford says, ‘‘The Majestic Company is one of many partnerships of Famous Players and, over the 53 years of association, we have come a long way from one theatre to our present status of five hard-top screens and one drive-in. Expansion is anticipated during 1982 by adding a triplex drive-in and possibly another indoor theatre. Today our staff comprises about 75 employees. ‘“‘Thus our association with Famous Players has meant much to Lethbridge Theatres Limited, our family and our associate, in having the entire resources of this major theatre company with its vast expertise guiding our destiny.”’ Mr. Shackleford concludes, ‘‘One cannot write history without mentioning names and personalities. It has been my pleasure to serve with all the presidents of Famous Players right from the start, firstly N.L. Nathanson, then Arthur Cohen, J.J. Fitzgibbons, R.W. Bolstad and today’s dynamic and considerate George P. Destounis. Like all great leaders, one is judged by the company he keeps and believe me, ‘‘Big George’’ keeps a great company of top men such as Bill Murray, Larry Pilon, Gerry Dillon, Doug Gow, Herb Black and Joe Whyte, to mention just a few. ‘“‘Now you know what makes Famous tick and why we have had 53 years with nary a squabble or a serious argument. They have been Satisfied to leave management vested in the hands of its partnership at the local level.’’ Mr. Shackleford’s slogan over these many years has been and still is, ‘‘A business that grows from within never fails.’’ Footnote: In supplying us with some of the details on the formation of Lethbridge Theatres Limited and subsequent partnership with Famous Players Limited, Mr. A. W. Shackleford mentioned that he had announced his intention to retire from active participation in theatre operation at the end of 1981. We at Famous Players are pleased that to date this has not been the case, and we expect Mr. Shackleford will continue to be actively involved for many years to come. rn PI ee eae ae CERRO AAR ee