Answer: There was a time in the Bootheel when movie theaters were not only plentiful, but the very backbone of social life.

Reportedly, towns such as White Oak and Campbell had movie theaters. Holcomb had the "Richmond." Kennett had the "Palace," and the "Ritz." Neighboring Hayti had the "Joy," and Steele had a theater. Caruthersville had three movie theaters: the "Stadium," the "Gem'" and the "Rogers." The "Stadium" sometimes played late night movies that were risque for the times, but would be Sunday morning television today.

A man and his wife might see two or three movies a week. A date for a youngster and his girlfriend had a routine: a movie, a cheeseburger after, a drive around town to prove mastery of the family car, and then vive la difference. But always a movie first.

Saturdays in the Bootheel meant streets bristling with farm workers. All the movie theaters ran westerns that featured such stars such as Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and a host of other cowboy heroes who normally wore white hats.

It is difficult to minimize the importance and luxury of air conditioning for a sweltering Bootheel society. Movie theaters were among the first to acquire central air. That alone was an irresistible lure.

Imagine a blistering hot day with no relief to be found. You walk by a movie theater that had left their door open to allow that delicious cold air to sweep over your body. It was narcotic. You would go in -- zombie-like -- to see the worst movie ever made. A couple of hours of pleasurable relaxation, and you would be back to the street for a blast of humid nausea.

Young people today enjoy huge technological advantages. There is one thing they missed, however, that sometimes gave old-timers quite a thrill: The big theaters in large cities often decorated their lobbies, and the theater itself, in garish display, Las Vegas style.

One theater in St. Louis gave the audience a view of stars and clouds wisping by. It was not incidental. It was part of the movie-going experience. It was also not unusual to have live entertainment prior to the movie.

The Kennett Cinema has that family atmosphere reminiscent of well being that was one time generously spread over the entire Bootheel. It has comfortable seating, and ample space that is far superior to some large city complexes that may give you a selection of 10 or 12 movies, but place you in a room so small the crash of sound from explosions and car chases will rattle your teeth. These cell-like enclosures have all the ambiance of an empty plastic bag.

There is an expression today: "This is where we came in." This comes from the fact that movie patrons from the past gave no particular importance to walking in on a movie half way through. The lights never went out until the night's presentation was over. So the customer just set through the previews and the part of the movie they had missed until, "this is where we came in."

So, this is where we came in.

The Answer Man will appear on occasion in the Daily Dunklin Democrat, and will provide answers to various and sundry questions about local people, etc. Readers are invited to submit their queries to The Answer Man by e-mailing them to bhunt@dddnews.com.