Cra
zy and Interesting Facts About Movie Theaters
Going to the movies is a beloved pastime that has been a part of our culture for over a century. It is a place where you can escape reality for a few hours and get lost in a world of storytelling, adventure, and romance. While we might think we know everything there is to know about movie theaters, there are still many unknown and fascinating facts out there. In this article, we will uncover some of the crazy and interesting facts about movie theaters that will surprise you.
1. The first movie theater was in Los Angeles
While there were other venues that showed movies before, the first dedicated movie theater was the "Electric Theater," which opened in Los Angeles on April 2, 1902. The theater was built by Thomas L. Tally and charged ten cents for admission. Tally also installed electric fans to cool down the audience during the hot summer months.
2. The biggest movie theater in the world is in China
Located in the city of Chengdu, China, the New Century Global Center is the largest building in the world by floor area. This mammoth structure is home to a water park, hotels, offices, and a shopping mall, and also has a state-of-the-art IMAX movie theater that seats 1,500 people.
3. The first movie sound system was called Vitaphone
The Vitaphone system was developed by Warner Brothers in 1927, and it revolutionized the movie industry. The system synchronized recorded sound with motion pictures, which meant that movies could now have sound and dialogue for the first time. The first feature film to use the Vitaphone system was "The Jazz Singer" starring Al Jolson.
4. Popcorn was originally banned in movie theaters
Today, popcorn and movies go hand in hand, but that wasn't always the case. When movie theaters first started becoming popular in the early 1900s, they were seen as elegant and sophisticated venues. As such, theater owners didn't want the mess and noise that came with selling popcorn. It wasn't until the Great Depression that theater owners realized they could make a profit by selling cheap snacks like popcorn to moviegoers.
5. The world's shortest movie theater is in Scotland
Located in the village of Upper Tyndrum in Scotland, the "Tubey" is the world's smallest movie theater. It only has 24 seats and is housed inside a converted phone booth. The theater still shows movies, and visitors can pick up the key to the booth from the nearby Real Food Cafe.
6. Movie theaters have a secret code for cleaning up a mess
Ever wonder how movie theater employees know exactly where to go when there's a mess to clean? Well, they use a secret code. When an usher shines a flashlight onto the floor, it means there's a spill that needs to be cleaned. Two flashes mean it's a biohazard.
7. The movie rating system was created in response to violence in films
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the film industry was under fire for the violence and sexual content in movies. In response, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) created the movie rating system in 1968. The system gives movies one of five ratings based on its content: G (General Audiences), PG (Parental Guidance Suggested), PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned), R (Restricted), and NC-17 (No One 17 and Under Admitted).
In conclusion, movie theaters are far more fascinating and complex than we might have thought. From the first movie theater in Los Angeles to the Tubey in Scotland, these little-known facts give us an insight into the rich history and culture of movies. Next time you're at the movies, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating world behind the silver screen.