Smith worked as a
Pathé Frères salesman. In 1922, he purchased the
National Theatre restoring it to profitability by reducing ticket prices from 25 cents to 10 cents. Smith named his new company Philip Smith Theatrical Enterprises At his drive-ins, children entered free and there were playgrounds to help make it a family friendly event. Smith died in 1961 and his son succeeded him as CEO; his son changed the name to
General Cinema in 1964. ==References==