SMALLER TOWNS DEPEND ON VIDEOS FOR MOVIES

MARBLE HILL -- While most towns can only support a limited number of businesses, video rental stores don't seem to have any problems keeping up with the demand in Southeast Missouri.

Some towns have only two such stores, while others have nearly a half-dozen, if you include video rentals available in the local grocery stores.

Banner Video in Marble Hill is one of four stores that rent movies in this Bollinger County town. And with 2,000 movie titles available for rent, store clerk Jamie Cook keeps busy, particularly on weekends and in bad weather.

The store rents more movies than other stores because it tries to keep a large selection of the latest hits, Cook said, adding that he often suggests a video to his customers.

"I tell them what I saw and thought was good," he said. "And I know most of the people so I know what they might like."

It usually takes three to six months for a movie to be released on video after leaving the big screen. And since it has been at least 25 years since there was a movie theater in Marble Hill, most customers don't mind the wait.

In Scott City there are at least four video rental businesses, but Movieland II is probably the newest.

Randy Dukes and Sandy Blankenship opened the store a few months ago with 600 titles for rent.

Lori Kelley, a friend who has been working off and on at the store, said it doesn't try to compete with other rental stores.

"We just do our own thing," she said. "We have the new titles just like the others, but we have some older movies, too."

People like the convenience of staying at home and watching movies, Kelley said.

Even though most towns support several video rental stores, their presence doesn't hurt theaters.

As the largest town in Scott County, Sikeston has two theaters and its fair share of video rental stores.

Malco Trio Cinemas operates two theaters, one at the mall and another near the center of town. They show the latest releases and also offer bargain night for all shows on Monday.