This is my ode to Samuel Rubin. A fellow who passed
away on February 5th 2004. Very few recognize his name but just about
everyone of us have benefited from his vision and business endeavor.
It was the early 1930’s in Long island NY and since the age
of six young Samuel had been selling everything from pretzels to flags.
Then at the ripe old age of 12 he changed the way you and I enjoy
our theater experience today. There have been other major advancements
in movie-dom. THX, Dolby Digital, cup holders on the armrests and
of course the incredible addition of stadium seating. But without
young Sam’s tenaciousness to make a buck these would all be
lesser enjoyed additions. For you see, Samuel Rubin is the pioneer
of the movie popcorn explosion. At the outset Rubin made the popcorn
at a remote location and delivered it to the theaters. It seems the
movie-house managers thought the smell was too potent. But later they
figured out that was part of its allure. It wasn’t long before
we had widespread use of popcorn machines in theaters across the country.
So attached has our culture become with the movie popcorn relationship
but even to watch a movie in our homes requires this much needed salty
staple. Just for fun I strolled around my office complex and asked
everyone how many times they went to the movies a month and if popcorn
was a part of their theater journey. 100% of the people said that
they must buy popcorn for themselves or someone in their party. No
exceptions. Had to have it. I have also noticed that everyone has
their own popcorn formula. My wife Cindy and I are purists opting
for the normal, lightly salted, no butter variety. Though it is simple
we are adamant about it just the same. And we are not alone. Some
kernel worshippers would think it pure blasphemy to eat of the white
puffs without first anointing it with a buttery baptism. Certain popcorners
choose to enhance their experience by mixing in something sweet like
M&M’s or Skittles. Others choose the hot route and get a
cup of jalapeno’s on the side. I am not sure if good ole Sam
ever envisioned refillable Jumbo Tubs dripping with butter and selling
for 9 dollars each, but something told him that without it movies
just wouldn’t be the same. And Mr. Rubin. You were right.
Thanks to wikipedia.org and maddogproductions.com for there background
on Samuel.