Popcorn stands out as the best movie snack primarily because of its affordability, convenience, and the timing of its rise in popularity.
The Winning Combination
According to Andrew F. Smith, author of Popped Culture: A Social History of Popcorn in America, popcorn's reign as the quintessential movie treat comes down to a few key factors:
Affordability
- During the Great Depression, popcorn was an incredibly cheap snack, making it accessible to almost everyone. This meant movie theaters could offer it at prices that kept customers happy.
- Compared to other potential snacks, popcorn ingredients were inexpensive, ensuring its consistent availability within budget-conscious times.
Convenience
- Popcorn is easy to make and handle, which is a crucial aspect when serving large crowds in a dark movie theatre.
- It does not require utensils, and there is no need for a complicated setup or storage. It is simple to make, package and serve.
Timing
- The rise of popcorn as a theater staple coincided with the advent of "talkies" (movies with sound). As movie attendance skyrocketed, popcorn was positioned to ride the wave.
- Prior to this, movie theaters were initially focused on live stage productions and didn't need to sell food, but with new formats they needed concessions and Popcorn fit the bill perfectly.
Popcorn's Movie Dominance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Inexpensive to produce and sell. |
| Convenience | Easy to prepare, handle, and eat. |
| Timing | Rose to prominence with "talkies" and booming movie attendance. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the perfect combination of price, convenience, and opportune timing made popcorn the undisputed champion of movie snacks. Its affordability allowed for widespread consumption and its ease of handling made it a great match for a busy cinema.
