A Night at the Movies

On October 6th of 1965, Miami-based Wometco Enterprises brought Gainesville its first modern theatre. The entertainment on that day included not only the theatre’s first movie, The Sons of Katie Elder, but also an Old West hijack attempt. Then-Mayor Ed Turlington arrived at the opening ceremony with the film reel by carriage. Hijackers then tried to steal the film, but the sheriff and deputies defeated them in a shoot-out. In 1975, the Plaza Theatre started selling student discount coupon books at the on-campus Constans Theatre. The $6.00 books included $1.50 coupons that could be used as cash for shows at various ticket prices. The coupons were also valid at all Wometco-brand theaters across Florida.