Los Angeles got lots of interesting movie palaces outside of the 3 historic theatre districts (Downtown, Hollywood or Westwood) during the 1920's and into the 1930's. An amazingly diverse range of styles included Chinese (the Beverly) , art deco (Wiltern's tops!), Spanish revival (of course) and Roman imperial (the Forum).
All of the studios were interested in having opulent venues in the neighborhoods to show off their movies to the greatest advantage. Sometimes they made booking arrangements with other studios or circuits, sometimes they built their own palaces.
We've gathered information on just a few of our Los Angeles movie theatre favorites on this page.
Let us know if we missed yours and we'll try to do something about it.
about the photos...
The photos on the right of the column are 2007 images by Bill Counter. A click on these photos will get you the full size view.
The images on the left cside of the column below are generally as shown by Google Images, Yahoo! or other databases for image searches on these theatres. Click on the image to see how it was found in context.
We also give you a link to the site itself (or sometimes a specific article) for your further research.
All images are subject to copyright.
Alex Theatre
216 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
| map | (818) 243-ALEX
Website: www.alextheatre.org
Opened: 1925 as the Alexander. This was operated for years by Fox West Coast and (later) Mann Theatres. The auditorium got the Skouras treatment in the 1950's.
Architects: Arthur G. Lindley and Charles R. Selkirk designed the Alex in a Greek revival style with a large forecourt inspired by the Egyptian in Hollywood. It got a remodel in 1940 by S. Charles Lee, who added the entrance spire in the top photo. At right is the Alex's ticket lobby.
Seating: 2030 seats in 1925, 1460 later.
Status: Renovated in 1993 and open now as a performing arts venue with occasional film events.
More information: See the Alex Cinema Treasures page for lots of history.
Calisphere/UCLA photo collection
Here's a photo of the Alex from 1940 -- before S. Charles Lee's facade work. See the S. Charles Lee archive for lots more treasures.
Bijou Memories
This site has some nice pictures of the Alex, including this photo of the renovated auditorium.
L.A. Public Library Photo Collection
www.lapl.org A 1937 shot of the proscenium from the Library's collection.
Los Angeles Times
www.latimes.com Los Angeles Times photographer Annie Wells went on a Vintage Movie Palaces tour with members of the League of Historic American Theatres in 2006. In the portfolio of 24 pictures is a shot from the Alex balcony: proscenium
Beverly Theatre
206 N. Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
| map |
Opened: May 18, 1925. This theatre was initially operated by Fox West Coast (until the late 50's) then a whole series of other circuits: Amusement Corp. of America, Statewide, Loew's and General Cinema. It was equipped for 70mm and was running roadshows in the 60's.
Architect: Lewis A. Smith designed an elaborate Chinese style temple with a unique almost-circular proscenium. It got a moderne makeover in 1936.
Seating: 1270
Status: Closed in 1977 by General Cinema. Much of the decor was still visible when it was converted to retail. It has an appearance in the movie "Xanadu." A later banking tenant gutted it. Demolished in 2005
More information: Check out lots of information about the Beverly on the Cinema Treasures page.
Barry Photo
barryphoto.smugmug.com Barry has a whole gallery of photos of the sad 2005 Demolition of the Beverly.
LA Public Library Photo Collection
www.lapl.org A rare view of the Beverly Theatre's interior in 1940. The proscenium originally had a more circular shape.
An exterior from 1940's.
More from the Library Collection: 1924 exterior | 1929 view down Wilshire by F. M. Huddleston - note the Beverly's dome on the left | panorama toward the hills - note Beverly minaret and roof sign far right
Ken McIntyre on Cinema treasures
www.cinematreasures.org/theater/494 Ken McIntyre has posted an early Beverly Theatre exterior on his Photobucket pages.
Preserve L.A.
www.preservela.com This early image of the facade is on a posting about the Beverly Hills Demolitions: the Beverly theatre and the Beverly Canon Theatre went down at the same time. full size view
Yesterday LA - A tour of LA through Vintage Postcards
www.yesterdayla.com This site has a wonderful collection of postcards -- mostly from the 50's.
Here's a view across Wilshire Blvd. looking at the dome of the Beverly and "Dr. Strangelove" on the marquee. Note that here we've lost the original facade. full size view
Also on this site: another Beverly view -- Showing the dome.
Carthay Circle Theatre
6316 San Vicente Blvd. (several blocks south of Wilshire)
Los Angeles, CA 90035
| map |
Opened: 1926 with the premiere of C.B. DeMille's "Volga Boatman"
Architect: Dwight Gibbs
Seating: 1518
Status: Demolished in the early 70's by NGC for an office building. Through the 1950's this remained a favorite site for major premieres and long run roadshow attractions. This was the third LA theatre equipped for TODD-AO with "Around the World in 80 Days" opening in 1956. Many other 70mm runs followed.
More information: See our Carthay Circle Theatre page for more information and photos.
Zilf's Postcards on Flickr
www.flickr.com/photos/zilf This great postcard view of the Carthay Circle Theatre is from the Zilf collection. Zilf has amassed a wonderful collection of Los Angeles postcards--459 at last count. full size view
Forum Theatre
4050 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
| map |
Opened: May 14, 1924 as the Warner Bros Forum Theatre. It was offices and a test house for Cinerama through the early 70's while operated by Stanley Warner and later by Pacific Theatres.
Architect: Edward J. Borgmeyer
Seating:1600
Status: It's been a Korean church since the late 70's. The original auditorium ceiling is obscured with a dropped ceiling and murals have either been painted over or covered.
More Information: See the Cinema Treasures page.
Cinema Treasures
This terrific night view (as well as lots of other information) is on the Forum page of this great website.
L.A. Public Library Photo Collection
A lobby view of the Forum.
Another interior photo from the LAPL collection: inner lobby
Auditorium of the Forum Theatre.
More exteriors: 1926 aerial view | undated exterior | facade from the side | marquee with "The Crowd Roars"
Online Archive of California
From the state archive: A 1979 exterior by William Reagh. full size view
A view of one of the murals in a 1978 photo by Tom Zimmerman.
Four Star Theatre
5112 Wilshire Blvd. (between Highland & LaBrea)
Los Angeles, CA 90036
| map | (877)- LAoasis
Status: Since 2001 it has been a church, the Oasis Christian Center. In 2007 it was renamed the Oasis Theatre and is available for rentals, with church services still on Sundays. The view above is from 2007.
At right is a 1992 view, when it was still part of the UA circuit, from the archives of Meghan Harken.
Website: www.oasisla.org
Opened: In the early 30's as the United Artists but operated by Fox West Coast. Later it was renamed the Four Star. The United Artists circuit eventually operated the house as the UA Four Star and hosted many major runs including a first run engagement of "The Graduate" in 1967 and some 70mm runs.
UA removed the 70mm equipment in the mid 70's and the theatre was leased to the Mitchell Bros. as a porno venue.
It was later operated as an independent and re-equipped for 70mm. In the 80's and early 90's it had a grand period as a revival house showing classics, Indian movies and lots of 70mm presentations.
Architects: Walker & Eisen -- Clifford A. Balch, P.A. Eisen, A.R. Walker. Walker & Eisen designed many other Los Angeles theaters, including a number for United Artists. The firm did the building for the downtown UA although the theatre interior was by C. Howard Crane.
The Four Star was a standard United Artists style house for the period with deco panels on the front labeled "Unity" and "Artistry". The design is similar to the UA theatres in Berkeley, Long Beach, Pasadena and East Los Angeles (UA Alameda).
Seating: 900
More information: See the Cinema Treasures page on the Four Star Theatre.
California State Library
www.lib.state.ca.us Here is a 1930 view prior to the opening from the Mott-Merge collection of the California State Library.
A 1980 exterior by Tom Zimmerman.
EP Net
www.ebscohost.com A nice view of the Four Star running a revival of Valentino's "The Sheik" in 1936 by John Swope (1908-1979) appears on a site from this hosting company. Image copyright The John Swope Trust, MPTV.
LA Public Library Photo Collection
www.lapl.org A premiere at the Four Star of "In Old Chicago" in 1938 from the Herald Examiner Collection. full size view
More of this premiere by Herman Schultheis: distance view | across the street |
Also in the Library collection: 1937 premiere "Lost Horizon" | 1941 premiere - "That Hamilton Woman" from the Herald Examiner Collection
Fox Ritz Theatre
5214 Wilshire Blvd. (near La Brea)
Los Angeles, CA 90036
| map |
Opened: October 15, 1926. Operated for years by Fox West Coast Theatres. For a time it was used by Mike Todd as a private preview house. In 1960 it ran the Mike Todd Jr. 70mm production "Scent of Mystery" in Smell-O-Vision.
In 1963 it was leased to the Lindy Pen Co. as the Lindy Opera House, a venue for legit dramas, musicals and revues. In 1976 it was renamed the American Theatre with grand plans for a bi-centennial revue that had only a short run.
Architect: Lewis A Smith more about Smith
Seating: 1,660 originally, reseated down to 1402
Status: Demolished in 1977 for a parking lot.
More Information: See the Cinema Treasures page on the Fox Ritz.
LA Public Library Photo Collection
www.lapl.org A view of the proscenium of the Fox Ritz from the Library collection.
More interiors from the Library collection: ticket lobby | lobby | another proscenium view | side wall | rear of the house | balcony- after Skouras treatment |
A view of the facade while running a Greta Garbo feature. full size view
More exteriors in the Library Collection: 1931 exterior | exterior detail | streamlined facade | marquee in 1955 | great panoramic 1947 view |
USC Archives
digarc.usc.edu In this 1930 view from the USC Archives we're looking east on Wilshire. You can spot the Fox Ritz by the roof sign.
Fox Wilshire Theatre
8440 Wilshire Blvd. (near La Cienega)
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
| map | (323) 655-0111
Website: www.wtbh.org
Opened: Now known as just the Wilshire Theatre, this house opened September 19, 1930 as the Fox Wilshire Theatre. This theatre was always a premier first run for Fox West Coast Theatres and, later, Mann Theatres. In the 1959 it was was equipped for 70mm and played a number of long run reserved seat engagements including "Exodus" (1960), "Sound of Music" (1965), "Sand Pebbles" (1966) and "Man of La Mancha" (1972).
Architect: S. Charles Lee
Seating: 2295 originally. Now about 1900
Status: Closed as a film venue around 1977. It got a renovation (with a muted color palette) in 1981 and reopened under Nederlander Organization management. The theatre runs Broadway shows and occasional concerts. It's now just called the Wilshire Theatre and is owned by the Temple of the Arts Synagogue.
More information: See our Fox Wilshire Theatre page for more information and photos.
Golden Gate Theatre
5176 Whittier Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90022
| map |
Opened: 1927
Architect: Clifford A. Balch
Seating: 1345
Status: Closed and boarded up. Building in front of the theatre was demolished due to earthquake damage.
More information: See the theatre's page on Cinema Treasures.
California State Library
www.lib.state.ca.us There are lots of great theatre photos in this collection--including this exterior of the Golden Gate by William Reagh. full size image
Roadside Peek
www.roadsidepeek.com In Roadside Peek's Grand Theatres - Southern California section are a number of photos courtesy of Timothy G. Schubin of the Golden Gate Theatre. Here's a view from 2006. The structures surrounding the auditorium were removed after damage from the Whittier earthquake of 1987. larger view
LA Public Library Photo Collection
www.lapl.org A view of the Golden Gate's lobby from the Library's collection.
An interior shot, also from the library's collection. full size view
more L.A. Library theatre photos
Lincoln Theatre
2300 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90011
| map |
Opened: October 7, 1927. At the opening A. Phillip Randolph, the head of the Pullman Porters Union spoke and blues singer Sarah Martin entertained. The revue for the week was "Chocolate Scandals." The opening picture was First National's "Rose of the Goldfen west" with Mary Astor.
This was the showplace of South Central that hosted all the big black touring acts and was famous for its weekly talent shows. A mural of Abraham Lincoln hung above the grand staircase.
Architect: John Paxton Perrine designed the building for Adolph Ramish.
Seating: 1960
More Information: See the Central Theatre page on Cinema Treasures. The Lincoln Theatre is discussed at length in R.J. Smith's "The Great Black Way: LA in the 40's" from PublicAffairs Press, New York, 2006.
LA Public Library Photo Collection
www.lapl.org A view of the proscenium of the Lincoln in 1962.
A 1962 view of the Lincoln Theatre's lobby. full size view
Another 1962 interior from the Library collection: grand stair
Los Angeles Movie Palaces
www.geocities.com/los_angeles_coast These views of the Lincoln are on Lawrence and Dennis's great Los Angeles Movie Palaces page. Here's the interior of the theatre. full size view
Exterior view of the facade in 1962 prior to being re-purposed as a church.
Another exterior shot.
A more recent image.
Ken McIntyre on Cinema Treasures
www.cinematreasures.org Ken McIntyre took a number of shots of the theatre in 2007. Ken's Photobucket pages include this sidewall view. full size view
Other photos of the Lincoln Theatre by Ken: house left sidewall | stage view | balcony seating | stairway | lobby | facade | side of building | more of the side | end of marquee |
Nu Wilshire Theatre
1314 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
| map |
Opened: 1931 by Fox as the Wilshire. Twinned in the 1970's (down the middle) by Mann Theatres.
Architect: John M. Cooper
Seating: Originally 1189
Status: Closed November 2007.
More information: See the Cinema Treasures page.
L.A. Public Library Photo Collection
www.lapl.org A photo of the exterior from 1938 from the Library's collection. Anyone for playing Magic Screen? full size image
Picwood Theatre
10872 W. Pico Blvd. @ Westwood
Los Angeles, CA 90403
| map |
Opened: 1948
Architect: S. Charles Lee
Seating: 1100 originally, later reseated for 950.
Status: Run through the mid-80's by Pacific Theatres, often with exclusive runs. Demolished 1985 to make way for the Westside Pavillions Mall.
Online Archive of California
www.oac.cdlib.org A view of the Picwood in 1946.
A view toward the screen. full size image
From the State archive: more LA theatres
Rialto Theatre
1023 Fair Oaks Ave.
South Pasadena, CA 91030
| map |
Opened: October 17,1925
Architect: Lewis A. Smith
Seating: 1200
Status: Closed August 2007. Landmark Theatres said patronage wasn't sufficient to pay the bills. There's a possible development deal in the works which may incorporate the theatre but it's years down the road.
More information: See the Rialto page on Cinema Treasures.
RLader on Flickr
www.flickr.com An interior shot dating from 1968 posted by rlader.
Tahoe 61 on Flickr
flickr.com/photos/33142718@N00
A view of the organ grille area at the Rialto Theatre by Tahoe 61 in his Rialto Theatre set. full size view
A view of the front of the balcony by Tahoe 61. full size view
More by Tahoe 61: lobby | under balcony | exterior side | marquee at night |
LA Okay
www.laokay.com Here's an exterior shot of the Rialto from this site's extensive Theatres section.
L.A. Public Library Photo Colection
www.lapl.org From the Library's collection: exterior "My Dinner with Andre"
Los Angeles Times
www.latimes.com Los Angeles Times photographer Annie Wells went on a Vintage Movie Palaces
tour with members of the League of Historic American Theatres in
2006. In the portfolio of 24 pictures are a number of nice shots of the Rialto: marquee | main floor | facade and vertical | winged lady | lobby stairs |
Vista Theatre
4473 Sunset Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
| map | (323) 660- 6639
Website: www.losfeliz.com/online/vista.htm
Opened: In October, 1923 as Bard's Hollywood Theatre. Lou Bard also operated the College and 8th St. (later the Olympic) downtown.
It's a cute neighborhood house with an Egyptian flavored interior. At right: the Vista theatre boxoffice.
Architect: Lewis A. Smith
Seating: 638
Status: Still open with first runs, moveovers and occasional revivals.
More Information: See the Cinema Treasures page on the Vista Theatre.
7 how 7 on Flikr
Here's a nice interior shot posted by 7-how-7 on her Vista Theatre set.
Also by by 7-how-7: another view
Tech Girl on Flickr
www.flickr.com/photos/tecgirl A view of the Vista auditorium view posted by Techgirl. full size image
Also by Tech Girl: another view
Donna Grayson on Flickr
www.flickr.com/photos/donnagrayson
Sidewall detail in Donna's Vista Theatre set. full size image
L.A. Public Library Photo Collection
www.lapl.org Here's a 1923 view of the opening (when the Vista Theatre was called Bard's Hollywood) from the Library collection.
Warner Bros Beverly Hills
9404 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
| map |
Opened: 1931. After the consent decrees of the 50's, the Warner Beverly Hills was operated by the Stanley Warner Corporation as the Stanley Warner Beverly Hills and, starting in the late 60's, by Pacific Theatres as Pacific's Beverly Hills.
The theatre had a glorious career as a deluxe venue for prestige films. It had one of the few horizontal VistaVision installations in the Los Angeles area (removed '57 0r '58) and was equipped for 70mm presentations.
70mm roadshow engagements included "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962), "Becket" (1964), "Lord Jim" (1965), "Ryan's Daughter"(1970), "Mary, Queen of Scots" (1971) and others. It got move-over reserved seat engagements of "Patton"(1970) and "2001"(1969).
After the good bookings migrated to Westwood and more suburban locations, this once glorious theatre finished its movie days in the late 80's as a 99 cent house. Later it was renamed "The Beverly" (not to be confused with the other Beverly Theatre) and used for concerts, to the ire of the city fathers.
Architect: B. Marcus Priteca
Seating: 1500
Status: Demolished in 1988 for a parking lot.
Sources: See the Warner Beverly Hills page on Cinema treasures for an interesting history.
For information on 70mm roadshows at the Warner Beverly Hills see Michael Coate's From Script to DVD: 70mm in Los Angeles.
California State Library
www.lib.state.ca.us The California State library has a number of exterior views circa 1931 from the Mott-Merge collection including this nice view of the marquee. full size view
Also in the collection: facade from across the street | exterior from corner | closer facade view | exterior from Canon Street | another facade view | tower |
Jericl Cat on Flickr
www.flickr.com In Jericl Cat's Wilshire Blvd. History set is this nice view looking west on Wilshire: Warner Beverly Hills
LA Public Library Photo Collection
www.lapl.org A 1931 view of the auditorium from the Library's terrific collection.
Looking toward the rear of the auditorium. full size view
Another interior view from the Library collection: ceiling detail
An exterior view from the Library's collection.
More exteriors in the Library collection: facade and west side - note the signage: "The pride of Beverly Hills" | 1931 night tower view | 1937 street view | 1938 marquee | later tower view - Javier Mendoza | 1988 exterior - as The Beverly - Chris Gulker |
UCLA Library - "Changing Times"
www.ucla.edu/library From the Library's collection "Changing Times - Los Angeles in Photographs 1920-1990" comes this view of the facade during the November 1953 premiere for " Torch Song."
Warner Bros Huntington Park
6714 Pacific Blvd.
Huntington Park, CA 90255
| map |
Opened: January 19, 1930 with Joe E. Brown as the MC. The opening attraction was "The Life of the Party," a Vitaphone release in 2 strip Technicolor.
Architect: B. Marcus Priteca
Seating: 1468
After Warner Bros. divested, the theatre was operated by Stanley Warner Corp and (from '68 on) Pacific Theatres. It has been known as the Huntington Park, the Huntington.
It was twinned in the 80's by Pacific Theatres and called Pacific's Warner 2. In later years business was good as the theatre ran a lot of Spanish language and Spanish subtitled films in what was a vibrant business area.
Status: Closed and available for lease. Want it?
More Information: See the Warner Huntington Park page on Cinema Treasures for lots of details.
Warner Grand
478 W. 6th St.
San Pedro, CA 90730
| map | (310) 548-7672
Website: See the Warner's website www.warnergrand.org for schedule and many terrific photos of the theatre.
See also the website for the Grand Vision Foundation for more about programs at the theatre as well as additional historical information.
Opened: January 20, 1931 as the Warner Bros. San Pedro with "Goin' Wild" with Joe E. Brown. In the 80's it was renamed the Warner Grand.
Architect: B. Marcus Priteca
Seating: 1598
Status: It's been owned since 1996 by the City of Los Angeles, the Warner hosts live events and weekly screenings of foreign and classic films. The theatre is being gradually refurbished.
More information: See our Warner Grand Theatre page for more information and photos.
Westlake Theatre
638 S. Alvarado St.
Los Angeles, CA 90057
| map |
Opened: 1926
Architect: Richard M. Bates, Jr.
Seating: 1949
Status: It's now a swap meet. Main floor seats have been removed but most of the decor is intact.
More information: See Cinema Treasures on the Westlake.
L.A. Public Library Photo Collection
www.lapl.org A nice shot of the Westlake's proscenium from the Library's collection.
L.A. Time Machines
www.latimemachines.com Here's a lobby view of the Westlake Theatre on this terrific site's Los Angeles Movie Palaces page.
A view of one of the murals. full size view
Also on this site: a proscenium/fire curtain view
Ken Roe on Cinema Tour
www.cinematour.com Ken has some nice photos on the Westlake Theatre page of Cinema Tour including this view of the front of the balcony. full size view
This is a view of the organ grille area house right.