Entries and Categories

Allen Theatre

March/06/2011 Random Thoughts
allen-theater-240fp100710
I was thrilled to learn that my favorite movie house anywhere, The Allen Theatre in my town of only 5,000 people, was named one of the 12 best movie theatres in America by Moviefone.com. Here’s what the Moviefone listing had to say:

Theater: The Allen Theatre
Location: Annville, PA
Best Feature: Antique movie posters and local art complement this renovated theater
Our Readers Say: Moviefone reader Bert says, "Adorned with movie posters from yesteryear, the theater has an old feel with modern sound and digital picture. A moviegoer really gets an experience, not just a movie, complete with announcements, pre-film music and a red curtain unveiling the show."

The Allen was named after Allen Hicks, who was our insurance agent until his death. Mr. Hicks was married to the late Mary Jane Hicks, who after a lottery win became the benefactor of the old Astor Theater, which was destined for the wrecking ball until her good fortune became the good fortune of our little town. Today the Hicks’s son, Skip, a former teacher, owns and operates the movie house, which many, including myself, consider to be Annville’s crown jewel.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every lottery winner would leave behind such a legacy? You can learn more about the Allen Theatre by clicking here.