Cathedral City’s Mary Pickford only valley movie theater to reopen

The silver screen made its return to the valley Friday, with the Mary Pickford Theater in Cathedral City the first and only movie theater to open its doors locally.

"I've been eagerly awaiting the movies reopening because I just really enjoy movies,' said Curt Watts, one of the theaters first customers back.

The Pickford was closed for more than three months – and now for $5 per ticket, people can see a socially distanced movie on the big screen.

General Manager Ted Hane said he's working to build back up momentum as the community starts to trickle back in – of course, with coronavirus precautions in place.

"We're at 25 percent capacity, so there really isn't a lot of room to pack people in – it's very very spread out," Hane said. "We've also staggered the times that (movies) get out so that we don't overload the restrooms, and there's a large intermission time to allow us to clean and sanitize."

"I feel very safe," Watts said. "I looked online – saw what they were doing for social distancing, keeping spaces between people, so I feel like they're doing the right thing."

You'll notice decals on the floor, and cleaning crews sanitizing frequently.

"Before we would go in, sweep up, do our thing," Hane said. "Now we're really focused on where were people actually sitting, taking care of that particular seat and the adjacent seats."

The Pickford is also requiring masks inside, except when in your seat in the theater. It's a controversial topic with the nation's largest movie theater chain, AMC, facing backlash over its initial mask-optional policy. The company has now reversed coursed and required them.

Hane said at the Pickford, it's about keeping the community safe. "If you come in and you don't have a mask and you're pushing that agenda, I understand your own personal need, but I'm protecting my employees, I'm protecting my guests as well."

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