BACK TO HOME
|{ HISTORY }|
April 1st, 1949 Lewstown’s Showplace Cinema “The Miller Theatre” opens. The name “Miller” originated from the theatre’s contractor Daniel Miller. The Miller Theatre was a single screen theatre with a capacity of about 1200 seats. The second floor had restrooms, a cry room on the right, and a private room to the left. The theatre opened with the title “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” starring Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly. It has been currently re-played for its 75th anniversary. In 1981, Lewistown Entertainment took over operating The Miller Theatre. Under Lou Silverman’s supervision, The Miller was divided into 3 separate screens. Over the years, 3 additional screens were established totaling to 6 operational screens/theatre’s. Today, The Miller utilizes 4 of the 6 theatre’s. In March of 2020 due to government regulations involving the COVID-19 outbreak, The Miller was forced to cease operations. In July of 2021, Lewistown Entertainment sold The Miller to Malachi Scott who operated the theatre until July of 2023 when current owners Sherri Burns and Joe Bojtschewsky purchased The Miller. It is their desire to keep The Miller operating for many years to come, and to continue providing Central PA with the best first run movie entertainment buy.
Projector History
In 1953 Cinemascope was introduced to provide a much wider movie experience for patrons. The Miller followed suit with installing a large Cinemascope screen for their customers to be able to enjoy a new innovation. Also in the 50’s magnetic stereophonic sound was born. And again, The Miller provided its customers with this new sound innovation. Staying in the 50’s 3D was also introduced worldwide.
This required a special lens to fit in front of The Millers two projector lenses to showcase 3D movies. When Lewistown Entertainment began operating The Miller, a different kind of projection system was used called The Platter System where a movies 5 or 6 reels were spliced together onto a round disc called a Platter. This enabled a movie to play completely through without having a projectionist on duty at all times as the old 2 projector system required. March of 2010 The Miller Cinemas first digital projector was installed in cinema 3 to meet with coming demands of the film industry. This projector allowed playing a much improved 3D system. In 2014, cinemas 1, 2, 4, and 5 had digital projection installed.
The Platter System
The (Current) Digital System
A Blast From The Past
This photo was taken outside of The Miller Theatre showing the fully lit marquee opening night in 1949 with the opening movie “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra posted on the marquee.
This is a photo of the original lobby and concession stand that customers would be presented to when entering The Miller. Showing the ushers ticket stand and the concession stand behind.
This is a photo of the second floor cry room for a parent and child to watch the show for the purpose of no interruptions to other patrons.
These two photos showcase the inside of the very large auditorium holding the capacity of around 1200 seats.
The Miller Today