U.S.-Style Movie Theaters to Be Built in Moscow, Leningrad

Time Warner Inc. raised the curtain today on plans to build a pair of multi-screen theaters in Moscow and Leningrad, and its Soviet partners promised no censorship and plenty of popcorn for Russian movie fans.

The high-tech gleaming palaces of marble and steel will be built at a total cost of $28 million, not including land, and will feature American-style concession stands and gift shops selling everything from Bugs Bunny memorabilia to Batman dolls.

Admission will be in rubles.

“Hurray for Hollywood and Leningrad and Moscow too!” Time Warner President N. J. Nicholas said at a lavish reception at the Soviet Embassy hosted by Yuri Dubinin, the Soviet ambassador to the United States.

Dubinin, referring to American moviegoers’ passion for popcorn, candy and cola, added: “There was one intriguing detail. There will be a lot of restaurants around those theaters.”

Time Warner will keep 60% of the profits and reinvest the money in future ventures in the Soviet Union. Its Russian partner in the joint venture, Sovexportfilm, will garner 40% of the take.