Cine 7 Theatre

3814 MacArthur Boulevard,
Oakland, CA 94619

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Showing 1 - 25 of 28 comments

rivest266
rivest266 on August 8, 2018 at 4:48 pm

This reopened as Cine'7 (Ciné 7) on July 7th, 1962. Grand opening ad in the photo section.

terrywade
terrywade on August 18, 2017 at 12:52 am

So sad this great little Laurel Theatre has been taken down. This was my neighborhood theatre as a kid along with the Fairfax in Oakland. Golden State Theatres/United California Theatres ran some great kid shows with KARTOONASCOPE. The Laurel was a church the last few years. I missed going over and taking some photos on It’s last days. They always had nice curtains and blue lights on them. UA wanted more cash with the art films and changed the name to Cine 7. The local Catholic church St Laurence O' Tools sent out notes to protest the change I remember. They brought back reg films after a few months. The city of Oakland could care less about these old classic movie buildings that could have re born as a new entertainment place.

gsmurph
gsmurph on June 9, 2017 at 7:13 pm

I am sorry to report that the Laurel/Cine 7 is undergoing demolition as of this writing.

mlind
mlind on August 1, 2015 at 5:31 pm

When I was at Mills College (1962-66), this was the closest theater. We could walk to it.

xsallnow
xsallnow on July 16, 2014 at 5:52 pm

I saw “The Girl Can’t Help It” at the Laurel in 1957. I think the co-feature was “Dino” with Sal Mineo. Does anyone remember that? A nice neighborhood theater.

Bobbt37
Bobbt37 on August 24, 2013 at 7:01 am

I just moved into the Maxwell Park area, attending Fremont High in the 50’s and a neighbor asked me if I wanted to go to the movies with him and the rest of the guys. That was the first time I went to the Laurel Theater. It was around 1953. We moved around Oakland a lot. From downtown to East Oakland.

gsmurph
gsmurph on March 16, 2009 at 8:45 pm

Victory Outreach has left the former Cine 7; the new occupant is called the Dominion Christian Center.

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on March 13, 2009 at 10:08 pm

Here is an April 1964 ad from the Oakland Tribune:
http://tinyurl.com/arkn4u

terrywade
terrywade on August 17, 2007 at 11:16 am

Someone needs to bring back the Laurel Theatre. The area doesn’t have any movie theatres. Bring in the guys that run the El Cerrito and have food,drinks and movies. Across the streets sits the old Hopkins, another old Oakland neighborhood house that has been many things since it’s movie days. Bring back Mrs A to manage the New Laurel. Is she still around. A real class manager for the UA circuit. Always had a flower in her hair, says my friend Ed Jacklich who worked for her in the late 60’s.

scottfavareille
scottfavareille on February 1, 2007 at 9:30 am

Just went on the market today for $1,999,999 Still used as “Victory Outreach” church. Sq ft of building is 10,376 # of parking spaces is 27. Listing agent is Benjamin Mohr at (925) 820-9911

jakeessl
jakeessl on May 30, 2006 at 11:15 am

A recent photo of the building as the Victory Outreach:

View link

jakeessl
jakeessl on May 30, 2006 at 11:15 am

A recent photo of the building as the Victory Outreach:

View link

gsmurph
gsmurph on September 19, 2005 at 1:18 pm

One note of trivia about the Laurel’s vertical: When it became the Cine 7, the reel of film was replaced by an asterisk.

gsmurph
gsmurph on April 19, 2005 at 3:39 pm

Speaking of Crawford’s Coffee Shop, I remember there was a clock to the left of the proscenium around which the words “CRAWFORD’S COFFEE SHOP” were boldly displayed.

robertcampbell
robertcampbell on April 15, 2005 at 1:53 am

I remember the Cine 7 when it was called the Laurel. Saw “town without pity” there. When it was changed to the Cine 7, in the beginning showed runs that just left Downtown Oakland, then went to porn for about a year, then to a b movie house. You were able to buy membership cards, and get in for 50 cents. Candy counter was on main floor and stairs on both sides took you up to the restrooms and entrances to the balcony. The balcony was full of marijuana and lovemaking. It didn’t have any murals in it that i can remember. The marquee was cool, the vertical on the top was a black and white shaped reel of film, and when lit, would flash and look like it was rotating. You could see it all the way down MacArthur Blvd. When it first became the love center church, the marquee was removed. Crawfords coffee shop across the street had the best shakes!

krism
krism on December 27, 2004 at 6:27 pm

I lived and grew up in the Laurel District in Oakland, before moving away in the late eighties. The stories are vast and numerous for me to mention specific shows, but the theater was dark and dank and on a weekend night you had your share of Marijauna, fights and making out. I saw a double feature Led Zepplin/Pink Floyd, not to mention, the scare of my life movie, “The Exorcist” yikes. All in all many good make out sessions. Ah the old Cine7

gsmurph
gsmurph on December 16, 2004 at 9:58 am

The Laurel opened on March 17, 1939. The opening features were “The Great Waltz” and “Service De Luxe.”

mlind
mlind on December 3, 2004 at 12:09 pm

I attended Mills College in the early sixties. This was the only theater we could walk to. I have a vague memory that it wasn’t first run at that time. This was possible during the art films stage.

Oakboy
Oakboy on November 19, 2004 at 3:58 am

I saw the house of dark shadows there and remember the smell of pop corn and marijauna in the air.

gsmurph
gsmurph on June 25, 2004 at 4:54 am

Cine 7’s status should be “Closed” rather than “Open.”

gsmurph
gsmurph on April 25, 2004 at 12:13 pm

The Cine 7 briefly operated in the mid 1990’s as the Laurel Community Theatre.

gsmurph
gsmurph on April 25, 2004 at 12:12 pm

The Laurel’s architect was Alexander Aimwel Cantin.

RobertR
RobertR on February 27, 2004 at 4:20 pm

WOW Hello Dolly and Darling Lily did you bring lunch and dinner? :)

blues10750
blues10750 on February 27, 2004 at 4:13 pm

you, can call me at 510-895-8711, dan.