Something special about the movies for longtime owner Logan, who waves farewell to Luxury 5 Theatres

May 22—MITCHELL — The curtain went down on an era Tuesday night. After 90 years under the Logan's family ownership, Luxury 5 Cinema, a cornerstone of the city's entertainment scene, closed its door for the last time with owner Jeff Logan at the helm.

Tuesday night marked the final curtain call for Logan, as patrons bid farewell after the 7 p.m. screening of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes."

Minnesota-based Odyssey Theatres will assume ownership over the next two days, ushering in a new era for the cinema. When the theater reopens its doors on Friday, it will do so under its new name, Odyssey Luxury 5 Cinemas.

In the Mitchell community, Logan represents the second generation in the family theater business.

The Logan name gained recognition in the Mitchell movie industry when Nelson Logan, Jeff's father, returned to the community after moving away during his grade school years. Returning to town due to his father's failing health, the elder Logan hoped to revive some of his father's vacant commercial properties in town. This decision was made amidst the challenges of the Depression and Dust Bowl area. Recognizing the resilience of the movie industry during tough times, Nelson Logan transformed one of the vacant buildings into the Roxy Theatre in 1933.

And as the saying goes, the rest is history. The theater became the primary focus for Logan's life. He defied the odds when the owner of two other theaters in town, Paramount Pictures, attempted to drive him out of business.

Jeff Logan inherited his passion for film when his father enlisted him to work in the theater at the age of 9. He recalls beginning with simple chores like cleaning up after matinees and distributing movie posters around town.

As he grew up, Logan knew there was something special about the movie business. Even though he strayed from the industry and got a degree in advertising and broadcast journalism, Logan couldn't stay away.

"I realized I preferred the theater over journalism," Logan said. "I love movies and entertaining people. It's satisfying to run movies that make people laugh, take their mind off worries, and maybe even inspire them."

Following in his father's footsteps, Logan dedicated his adult life to the industry. Expanding upon his father's passion, Logan acquired theaters throughout the state, such as the State Theatre in Mitchell, the Huron Drive — in, the indoor theater in Huron, the Dells Theatre in Dell Rapids, and the drive-in in Mitchell. Over time, he sold most of those theaters, eventually retaining only the indoor theater in Mitchell and the local drive-in, the Starlite.

Bringing joy to people through movies was always Logan's goal. When the pandemic struck in 2020, he resurrected the Starlite, the Mitchell drive-in that sat dormant for seven years. His intention was to provide movie enthusiasts with a safe option to enjoy films on the big screen outdoors.

"The pandemic was the most challenging thing I faced during my time in the business," Logan said. "No one expected it and you couldn't plan for it. It was out of our control. I just wanted to provide a safe way for people to get out of the house and enjoy entertainment."

After 64 years in the movie business, Logan continues to find something special about the industry. Owning theaters, especially the Luxury 5, have all been labors of love.

Witnessing record-breaking crowds and lines stretching around the block for blockbuster hits like "Jaws," "Titanic," "Poseidon Adventure," and every Star Wars installment has made all the work worthwhile.

Logan looks forward to retirement, but he has mixed feelings.

"I've worked in theaters since I was 9 years old. That's over 64 years in the industry and I've loved every minute of it," Logan said. "But we are looking forward to being able to spend more time with our grandchildren. We hope to travel more to visit friends and relatives. We have lots of projects around the house we want to catch up on."

As he looked across the lobby of the Luxury 5 Theatre on Tuesday afternoon, Logan felt strange. On his final day in the business he's devoted so much of his life to, he spent most of his time getting ready to pass the baton, helping with the upcoming transition and working with individuals from Odyssey.

As the clock ticked closer to 4 p.m. and the first showing of the day, he prepared to greet customers and sell movie tickets as if it were just another ordinary day, rather than his final performance.

It wasn't goodbye for Logan. Though he won't encounter the people he's met over the years at the theater anymore, except perhaps by chance as a fellow moviegoer, he hopes to maintain the bond with customers who have become friends.

"Owning the theater has given me the opportunity to become friends with many people," Logan said. "We thank everyone for the support and friendship over these many years."

While weekday movies aren't known for crowds, Tuesday night gave long-time customers a final opportunity to experience a film at a venue steeped in memories and nostalgia.

For former Mitchell resident Scott Jendersee, now residing in Harrisburg, the State and Roxy Theatres served as his "baby-sitters" during his childhood.

"My parents dropped me off there every Saturday night," Jendersee said. "Most of the movies from 1975 to 1988 I saw were at one of those two theaters. No one loves movies more than the Logans do."

Logan loved to share movies with people. So much so that when the original Roxy Theatre was destroyed by a fire in 2001, forcing the business to close for repairs, he found ways to continue screening films in makeshift theaters without seats.

Stacey Hohn, of Mitchell, recalls attending a movie during the rebuild period. The makeshift seating arrangements consisted of two couches and seven patio chairs.

Logan's passion for cinema extended to his patrons as well.

Mitchell resident Liz Schiefen's love for movies started at the Luxury 5 Theatre. From early camping out for midnight showings to indulging in all-day movie marathons and even winning an unlimited movie pass, Schiefen cherishes the memories.

As Schiefen attended one final show at the Logan Luxury 5 Theatre, emotions ran high, reflecting on the cherished moments she shared within its walls.

"So many memories there," Schiefen said. "And none of it would have been possible if Jeff Logan hadn't dedicated nearly his whole life to this place and to the Mitchell community."