When customers and staff at B&E Meats heard Des Moines Theater (Cinema) might reopen after a six-month closure for repairs, questions came flying from all directions.

“When?” “What’s the first movie?” “Do they need help to get it ready?”

It’s amazing the ownership residents of this city feel for their little old-single-screen Des Moines Cinema.

Although the building is 59 years old, the movies will be brand new. Thanks to theater owner Joel Thomson, first-run films are now shown here.

Kicking off last Friday’s re-opening was Ice Age, The Meltdown, released just a month ago and grossing $168.3 million by April 23 (The Associated Press).

Ice Age will be followed this Friday by Mission Impossible III, and then The Hedge and Cars (animated), each for two weeks.

Personally, I’m hoping for a good old-fashioned comedy. Heaven knows we need a good laugh these days.

Movie times are 6 and 8 p.m. daily plus 3 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

This 1947 theater originally featured family-type and first run films. Multi-screen theaters competition have closed many single-screen theaters in recent years.

Ralph Nichols, Times/News associate editor, asked, “Did you know that is the only cinema located between West Seattle and Federal Way west of Interstate 5?” Sure didn’t!

But, I do know my growing family had good times there. And that today moviegoers say we have “the best theater popcorn in the state.”

Jim Langston, great-grandson of the pioneer Draper family, said he and Dave Koester, were there opening night, 1947. The movie was Gallant Bess about a horse a marine found on a South Pacific Island during World War II.

A horse story versus Ice Age? Times do change!

During this safety repair closure, people were patient, yet concerned about the theater’s future. Then, hearing an official walk-around inspection was scheduled for April 24 that might result in imminent reopening, I asked to tag along.

Accompanying cinema owner Thomson was Charles Stixrud, his attorney, together with South King County Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal Ron Biesold and Des Moines building inspector Larry Pickard.

These decision makers agreed some safety issues still exist that must be brought into compliance before final approval. However, in a mutual compromise effort to open the theater as soon as possible, this is what they decided:

Thomson can open the theater now upon receipt of a letter from his attorney to the city and fire department stating safety items still pending will be completed and pass a fire inspection no later than June 12.

Thomson added if he can’t meet that deadline, he’ll voluntarily close until they are done.

I do believe with that end in sight a sigh of relief was shared by all.

Some of us remained in the lobby discussing the good news. Thomson said he’d immediately call to book the first movies. Next he told theater employee Garrett Heaton, a Mt. Rainier High School graduate who has worked at the theater for six years, not to leave until he changed the marquee from “Closed for Repairs” to “Ice Age-The Melt Down.”

Garrett said, “Just working here is sweet, people are so friendly.”

A fresh breeze of air rushed in through open lobby doors and soon people randomly came in asking the same question, “Is the cinema really opening?” “When?”

One woman driving by saw the marquee, turned her car around, parked, and came in to confirm it was true.

Closing the theater was a troubling experience for all. Rumors or fact, one truth remains -- everyone attending Des Moines Cinema now is safer at the movies.

As the great entertainer America’s humorist, Will Rogers said, “If you don’t learn to laugh at trouble, you won’t have anything to laugh at when you’re old.” Or, “Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”

So, have a good time at the movies. Joel Thomas is popping corn and anxious to see his customers again.

Des Moines Cinema is open and ready to entertain you.