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How many years have you worked in the Movie Theatre Industry and how did you first become involved?
I have worked in the movie theatre business for seven and a half years at the same location in Rancho Mirage, CA. I observed the construction and building of this theatre and I expressed my desire to someday work here to my wife; that someday came after I retired from the trucking business when I became bored with retirement and applied for work as a ticket taker and was hired. I enjoy the experience of watching movies and also the spectacular murals above our lobby.
What’s the best part of your Job? Do you have any memorable experiences that you would like to share?
The best part of my job is meeting and interacting with people from all over and experiencing various viewpoints of movies, which has challenged my opinions and caused me to rethink my position and opinion of various movies. I’ve found out that people like to share their observations with like-minded people, I enjoy having this opportunity. My most memorable experience has been and continues to be interacting with celebrities from the movie, music and sports worlds. One never knows who will show up at the movies!
What is your fondest movie theatre memory?
At the opening of the movie “Jaws” in the 70’s my wife grabbed my brother’s knee as the shark was about to attack the swimmer in the opening scene of the movie. He let out a loud response, popcorn went flying everywhere and the whole theatre erupted with laughter. Also, I did not swim in the ocean for a long time; many others didn’t as well so I didn’t feel quite so alone.
How old were you when you went to your first movie?
Do you remember the theatre and the city?
Growing up in a small town in South Georgia with only one theatre I went to the movies at least twice a week; thankful for the ten cent admission fee, and five cents for the popcorn wasn’t a bad deal either. I don’t remember not liking movies, so I would say I was five or six years old.
What is your favorite movie of all time? What is it about this movie that stands out for you?
My favorite all time movie is “Gone With The Wind” because it was based on the civil war and how it influenced life in the south which gave me a better understanding of my heritage.
Do you have any industry related hobbies or experiences? Please explain.
I collect movies and enjoy watching them over and over again. I’ve had the privilege of meeting Elizabeth Taylor and getting her to autograph the box cover of the movie “Raintree Country” during my part-time job at Eisenhower Hospital.
Do you have any special interests that you would like to share?
I enjoy reading, watching sports, church going, napping and Living Life To The Max!

 


A cake for Dave Gerrald's 80th birthday.

I was born September 24, 1937 in South Georgia which was conducive to my Tom Sawyer childhood experience. Due to economics my parents moved my brother and me to Burbank, California where I attended junior high and later graduated high school in June of 1955. In September of 1955 I joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Alfred A Cunningham DD 752 for four years, serving in Hawaii, Tasmania and Melbourne, Australia for the 1956 Olympic Games; then on to Guam, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Formosa and Hong Kong, China.

 

I was married in 1958, and in 1959 the first of my three children was born. I was discharged from the Navy and took a job as a freight docks worker in Los Angeles, CA where I was promoted to operations manager. I later moved to the Coachella Valley to become the terminal manager of our new terminal in Indio, CA. I retired in 2003, and was not content. I applied for part time work at Century Theater @ the River in Rancho Mirage, CA where I was hired in May of 2010 as a ticket taker. I have to say that what started out as a temporary job has developed into a second career. My wife of 42 years and I have experienced many movies we might have otherwise missed. Of course the extra money doesn’t hurt!!!

 

I count it a privilege to work at this beautiful theater. I enjoy greeting and serving our guests, knowing many of them on a first name basis as they are our regular customers.