Photo: Current owner, Bridget Bagby, got her start in the business by helping to promote her grandfather's (Elmer Bills, Sr.) theatres at local parades with her sister, Brenda.

B&B Theatres is a family owned and operated company specializing in medium sized cities.

• In business since 1924
• Currently operates and/or books 161 theatre screens in Kansas, Missouri, & Oklahoma
• The 33rd largest theatre company in the nation

Robert Bagby, President of B&B, graduated from Kansas State University in 1979 with a B.S. in Business Administration/Accounting. Robert and his wife, Bridget, have been married since 1979, have three children, and reside in Liberty, Missouri, where the company operates the Liberty 12 Cinema.

Elmer Bills, Sr. founded Bills Theatres in Salisbury, Missouri, in 1924. When Elmer Sr. bought the Lyric Theatre in Salisbury, he met his future wife, Johnnie, the piano player for the silent movies. A few years later, Elmer Bills, Jr. was born into the business.

In 1936, at age ten, Sterling Bagby went to work for Elmer Bills, Sr. as a concession clerk. After serving in World War II, Sterling married his Higbee, Missouri, ticket seller, Pauline Bagby. Together, they started the Bagby Traveling Picture Show presenting movies throughout rural Missouri, traveling with the film, projection, equipment, seats and snack bar. The Traveling Picture show presented movies in barns, schools, and parks. The company would eventually evolve into a Kansas circuit of drive-in theatres and hardtops (indoor theatres).

In 1959, Elmer Bills, Jr. graduated from the University of Missouri and married Amy (lovingly referred to by him as "the best popcorn girl he ever hired"). Elmer & Amy joined Elmer Sr. & Johnnie and continued the expansion of Bills Theatres, Inc.

On January 1, 1980, the Bagby and Bills families cemented decades of friendship by formally combining the two theatre companies into B&B (Bills & Bagby) Theatres. At the same time, Sterling & Pauline's son, Bob, married Elmer & Amy's daughter, Bridget, truly bringing the families together. After taking us into the 21st Century, Sterling Bagby passed away in October, 2000. Today, Bob & Bridget, Elmer & Amy, and Pauline run one of the Midwest's fastest growing theatre circuits. The company was recognized in 1999 by the National Association of Theatre Owners as one of the oldest family-owned circuits in the Midwest.
Photo above right: Elmer & Amy Bills, Bob & Bridget Bagby, the late Sterling Bagby & Pauline Bagby. Photo taken in 1999.

Through the years, B&B has seen the coming of sound, color films, wide screen movies, and many advances in stereo sound and projection. Our newest complexes offer the latest in sound and comfort, including DTS Stereo Sound, surround sound, cup holders, and wide screens. Our "extended family" now consists of over six hundred employees who continue to offer the finest in customer service. Today, B & B operates large multi-plexes but continues to operate a number of classic small town theatres - including Elmer Senior's Lyric Theatre in Salisbury, Missouri where it all started many years ago.

B&B's Newest Theatre, Sapulpa Cinema 8, Sapulpa, Oklahoma

The following was published in the Kansas City BOXOFFICE Magazine March 18, 1974.

A salute to Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bills, Sr. on their golden anniversary as Missouri exhibitors and election of five new directors were features of the annual membership meeting held by the United Motion Picture Ass'n in the Shawnee Room, Crown Center Hotel, Tuesday. The meeting was held in connection with the Show-A-Rama 17, the annual four-day UMPA convention at the same hotel. Chosen as new directors were Dick Durwood, Paul Ricketts, Doug Lightner, Tom Fleming, and Jim Lewis.

Presentation of a plaque to "Elmer and Johnnie Bills for 50 Years of Showmanship" was made by Ben Shlyen, editor and publisher of BOXOFFICE Magazine, and was a joint salute by UMPA and this publication to the northern Missouri exhibitors. Elmer Bills, Sr. began his industry career in 1924, when he and his foster uncle bought the Lyric Theatre in Salisbury. Elmer Bills, Jr., who grew up in his parents' theatre business, was present for the salute to his parents and gave the treasurer's report.

Photo caption at right: North Missouri exhibitors Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bills, Sr., are honored for "50 years of showmanship" at the annual membership meeting of the United Motion Picture Ass'n, held in conjunction with Show-A-Rama 17 in Kansas City. The plaque was a joint presentation to the Bills by UMPA and BOXOFFICE, the presentation being made by Ben Shlyen, center, editor and publisher of the magazine.