I remember going to the San Rafael theater in the 1950s. Tickets for a double feature were 25 cents. Popcorn was a dime. Candy was a nickel. The first movie I remember was a Disney film, probably Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs.
I remember when I could go to a movie at the Lark in Larkspur for 12 cents. If I was able to get the money together, I would splurge on a lodge for 50 cents. Those were the days.:)
The El Camino was (the building still stands and is now offices) at Fourth and Lootens. It was converted into a J.C. Penny's in the late 50s and then became part of Macy's. Part of the ceiling and the procineum (sp) survived until the building was gutted a number of years ago.
When it closed the lodges were moved to the Rafael. When the Rafael started to be rebuilt in 1998 George Lucas purchased the seats and installed them in a screening room. Where they are now since Lucas Arts is now at the Presidio I do not know.
You remember the El Camino Theater? If you remember the other theaters in the '50's then you should remember the El Camino, when they ran a double feature and what happen to cartoons, you don't see them anymore.
I remember in the fifties, going to the matinee at the Tamalpais Theatre and the Rafael. I think they were owned by Bloomfieldd or Bloomfeld ??? then. Anyway, sometimes they would raffle a Schwin bike which made going to the movies a really big deal.
