Iconic Silver Screen Theatre Closes After 30 Years

September 3, 2013

An iconic Escambia County business announced its closure on Monday.

“After the end of the day, The Sliver Screen Theatre will be closing the doors for good. This will be the last day to watch a movie at The Silver Screen. We thank all of you for everything over the last 30 years,” the movie theater posted on its Facebook page about noon. “We hope to see you one last time.”

Over the years, The Silver Screen in Pensacola operated as a normal movie theater, a 99-cent theater and often advertised dinner and a movie combos. And it was known at one time for regular showings of the 1975 cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”.

“So sad to hear,” Jimmy Henry said on Facebook. “So many memories from my childhood as well as memories with my children.”

Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

12 Responses to “Iconic Silver Screen Theatre Closes After 30 Years”

  1. Sad on November 18th, 2014 9:19 pm

    This was really upsetting, I had a lot of good times at the Silver Screen. :(

  2. Wharf Rat on September 4th, 2013 4:06 pm

    From what I understand, it is not a case of the larger “greedy” companies not working with the smaller venues. It is the new technology of the larger companies not working here and at other theaters facing the same dilemma.

    A switch to digital projection from 35mm film will cost around $250,000. Digital presentations will soon be the only ones available. How many people still use film cameras, as opposed to phone cams, or digital units? Sort of like the advent of the ATM and the loss of many bank teller’s jobs.

    The economy of technology is good.

  3. Michael on September 4th, 2013 11:01 am

    That is a real tragedy for Pensacola, my family always enjoyed catching a film at the Silver Screen whenever we visited Pensacola.

    Ben, small theaters have great difficulty competing with the corporate giants, many companies, such as Disney for an example will not work with smaller theater companies and those that will charge much higher rates making it very difficult for family owned theaters to stay in business.

  4. Henry on September 4th, 2013 9:03 am

    “Economy is getting better? Really? Sonic in Cantonment , closed, Red Barn BBQ in Milton closed, and Beef O Bradys @ Woodbine & Hwy 90 Closed. Silver Screen closed. Lets stay out of Syria, and take care of our own country!”

    What does Syria have to do with crappy food?

  5. Ben on September 4th, 2013 8:28 am

    I’m not understanding how corporate greed killed this theater. Can somebody explain it to us slow folks?

  6. Shari on September 3rd, 2013 8:46 pm

    This is so sad to hear, it was a great place to go and see a movie with the family or friends. or on a date. This was a economical way to see a good show. But you are right “Mom” corporate greed has killed another family business, they will be missed.

  7. david on September 3rd, 2013 6:53 pm

    I haven’t been there in a long time, but I will always remember it as Cinema Tavern. I watched several midnight shows of Rocky Horror and Dawn of the Dead and shared pizza and pitchers of beer with friends at the round tables.

  8. Just a citizen on September 3rd, 2013 3:31 pm

    Economy is getting better? Really? Sonic in Cantonment , closed, Red Barn BBQ in Milton closed, and Beef O Bradys @ Woodbine & Hwy 90 Closed. Silver Screen closed. Lets stay out of Syria, and take care of our own country!

  9. Mom on September 3rd, 2013 1:57 pm

    American corporate greed kills another family business. So sad for everyone. We loved “The Screen.”

  10. Brian on September 3rd, 2013 1:10 pm

    Wow. I’ve not even known it was in existence that long but gave so enjoyed taking our grandbabies to the silver screen. They alway s thought they were so special to watch a movie & get a pizza too. It will be missed.

  11. really on September 3rd, 2013 12:31 pm

    I never visited the Silver Screen, but heard it was a neat place to watch movies and eat. So very sorry for the employees…the Country’s economy is declining rapidly affecting so many people/families.

  12. sniper on September 3rd, 2013 5:53 am

    Wish we would have known they were closing. I would have liked to take the family to one last show.