The so-called "butterfly twin" complex was developed by the General Cinema Corporation of Boston. A butterfly twin became a fixture at many an American mall during the 1960s. The first installation, known as Cinema I & II, opened in December 1964. This complex was an outparcel of CHARLOTTETOWN MALL, in North Carolina. An identical butterfly twin was dedicated, in December 1964, at San Antonio's NORTHSTAR MALL. 

In April 1965, three GCC butterfly twins debuted simultaneously. These theaters were part of Houston's GULFGATE SHOPPING CITY, MEYERLAND PLAZA and NORTHLINE SHOPPING CITY. In the same year, butterfly twins opened at Dallas's NORTHPARK CENTER and Greater Boston's WESTGATE SHOPPERS' PARK. In July 1967, an installation was completed at Indy's GLENDALE CENTER.