"All of us have been manipulated by the theater operators."
In return, theater operators say many restoration projects would not have occurred without support from Hartford.
Concessions are much more profitable to theater operators than receipts from the film.
The theater operator can put a film that is expected to do incredibly well into the largest room.
"But we couldn't accommodate the size theater operators want nowadays."
If the show should close before April, he says, "the $5 million will be refunded by the theater operator, because that's his legal responsibility."
Some theater operators do not see a recovery coming soon.
Repeated telephone calls to the theater operator were not returned.
I'm hopeful theater operators will listen more closely to customers.
Competition among theater operators to become bigger and better is leading them to expand.