Movie Popcorn Pioneer Dies at 85

JME2 · Post by **JME2** » 2004-02-09 03:45pm

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u ... obit_rubin

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. - Samuel M. Rubin, who helped make popcorn the popular snack at movie theaters, has died. He was 85.

Rubin, known as "Sam the Popcorn Man," died Thursday in Boynton Beach, said his daughter, Karen Rubin. Popcorn became a staple at movie theaters during the Great Depression. From 1934 to 1940, the nation's annual popcorn harvest grew from 5 million to 100 million pounds.

Marty Winter, who worked with Rubin during their careers of more than 60 years in the movie concession business, said Rubin saw popcorn being made in Oklahoma City during a visit around 1930 and started selling it at concessions he controlled when he returned to New York.

But Rubin's daughter and another longtime business colleague, Carl Levine, said it was not until the early 1950s that Rubin began to sell popcorn in a major way.

At the time, his company, ABC Consolidated, now part of the Ogden Corporation, had the refreshments concession for major movie chains in the New York metropolitan area, including RKO, Brandt and Loews.

Rubin was likely the first to pop corn in machines on a widespread basis in theaters. He began by popping the kernels in Long Island City, N.Y., and trucking it to theaters but later made the treat in theaters.

Rubin was born on May 24, 1918, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He sold pretzels at age 6 and flags at 9. At 12, he went to work for Lazar, Stein & Landsman, ABC's predecessor company, filling vending machines in movie theaters, which did not yet have concession stands.

When a vending machine rolled and broke against the stage, he used it as counter to sell candy, a precursor of the modern movie concession stand.

He also developed movie-size candy bars and boxes, which could be sold for $1.50 instead of 35 cents, and sold liquor in Broadway theaters.

In addition to his daughter, he is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his sons, Lawrence and Martin; nine grandchildren; and a brother.

Joe · Post by **Joe** » 2004-02-09 03:47pm

It may be the most unhealthy thing that humans can consume, but I love movie popcorn. Rest in peace, Mr. Rubin.

Alex Moon · Post by **Alex Moon** » 2004-02-09 04:25pm

Guy lived to 85. Obviously he never asked for the buttered topping. Rest in Peace Mr. Rubin.

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2004-02-09 04:28pm

Joe wrote:It may be the most unhealthy thing that humans can consume, but I love movie popcorn. Rest in peace, Mr. Rubin.

If you don't get the liquid cholesterol topping it's not that bad.

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2004-02-09 04:32pm

I think deep friend Mars bars still top the lethal food list.

Faram · Post by **Faram** » 2004-02-09 04:35pm

Joe wrote:It may be the most unhealthy thing that humans can consume, but I love movie popcorn. Rest in peace, Mr. Rubin.

Ehh Veightvatchers recomends Popcorn as snacks, just skip the butter and it's next to harmless.

Joe · Post by **Joe** » 2004-02-09 04:35pm

Stormbringer wrote:
Joe wrote:It may be the most unhealthy thing that humans can consume, but I love movie popcorn. Rest in peace, Mr. Rubin.
If you don't get the liquid cholesterol topping it's not that bad.

Compared to normal food? Yes, it most certainly is. It's just not as bad as it is with the liquid cholesterol, in which case you would probably have a less detrimental health effect if you simply injected liquid fat directly into a vein on your arm.

Asst. Asst. Lt. Cmdr. Smi · Post by **Asst. Asst. Lt. Cmdr. Smi** » 2004-02-09 04:53pm

I find it funny that the guy who made such an unhealthy delicacy lived to be 85. May he rest in peace.

Did he develop the overpriced movie threater candy and soda too?

Mayabird · Post by **Mayabird** » 2004-02-09 05:06pm

Rest in peace...

PS Varsity food is many times unhealthier than movie popcorn.

Joe · Post by **Joe** » 2004-02-09 06:55pm

Mayabird wrote:Rest in peace...

PS Varsity food is many times unhealthier than movie popcorn.

That's really saying something.

Spanky The Dolphin · Post by **Spanky The Dolphin** » 2004-02-09 07:11pm

Popcorn is actually not that bad for you at all, and in many cases is a pretty wise choice for snack food. A whole microwaved bag has only about a hundred Calories, for one...

Andrew J. · Post by **Andrew J.** » 2004-02-09 08:14pm

I've never cared for popcorn, with or without butter, but godspeed to the guy anyway.

Post by **Gandalf** » 2004-02-09 10:36pm

Admiral Valdemar wrote:I think deep friend Mars bars still top the lethal food list.

Oh how I love those...

Love popcorn too, I got a popcorn maker for christmas.