My neighbor and good friend, JOSEPH MUSIL -classic theater architect extraordinaire, is responsible for the present-day design of the Fine Arts Theatre auditorium and stage.
I’m not too sure as to the facade but I’m sure Joe will confirm by telephone: 714-667-6959…… Such talent can be seen in other theaters: Majestic Crest, Alex, El Capitan and more!
The Chinese Theatre seems to make its money from unsuspecting tourists and the overly LOUD person(s) giving actual tours of the theater while the movie is running.
As for good showmanship… take a trip to the MAJESTIC CREST THEATRE in Westwood! The JOSEPH MUSIL DESIGN is simply stunning. Blacklight murals of the famous L.A. skyline, two sets of fabulous curtains, a starburst over the procenium, fanfare, great coffee & popcorn and no goofy tourists with loud comments!
Why oh why was this announcement so late in publication? Surely the idea of booking the film and theater plus advance publicity was not thought of a couple of days ago?
Hope you had a full house… I’d loved to have been in attendance!
If you are in the market to install a home theater, why not call JOSEPH MUSIL in Santa Ana, Ca., 714-667-6959 for info-to-know?
Mr. Musil heads THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF THEATRICAL DESIGN and has designed some fabulous “historic” (style) home theater models… even with an organ along with curtains and special lighting.
Yes, good luck as well… and to win some old and new patrons…
Why not contact the Public Affairs Office at the Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard bases.. and offer our proudly serving members of the U.S. Armed Forces a really BIG WELCOME with free pop corn or half price tickets?
You might ask about a Color Guard ceremony on your GRAND REOPENING NIGHT… invite the Mayor, Chief of Police and other civic personnel.
Another problem of poor attendance is the “low life” who wander about in that part of downtown. This problem is similar on Broadway in L.A. My car was broken into twice in Oakland… not any more!
When the Silent Film Festival commenced a dozen or so years ago at the Castro Theatre I was proud to be on their list of early volunteers and doorman and greeter.
One film in particular I suggested as a future screening was the epic “Intolernce.” It’s taken all these years to finally surface there… and I have moved far, far away to Oregon. Sorry kids, I won’t be there but wish you a full house. Also congrats on your super programs!
Howard, from what I have heard, the films screened aboard the ocean liners then were PROBABLY from those being shipped from country to country. I don’t know if planes shipped films???
Also, selection and number varied from release dates.
I well recall a crossing I made aboard the SS America in 1951; the only film paying for six days was “Comin' Round the Mountain” with Abbot & Costello. By the time we reached Southampton, passengers were at screaming point with the same film and, not to mention, sea sickness!
My wife and I went to the final screening before the Egyptian closed as a real movie theater, which was later destroyed beyond all help.
At the shows conclusion, the audience begged the manager to bring up the house lights for one last look and a photograph… sadly, he didn’t give a damn, so we were all deprived of actually seeing that stunning stage and auditorium.
Thank you Sid and I thank God for early photographs!
Each Sunday evening TV News broadcasts give the top “dollar” grossing movie of the week and it’s usually a Jock or Bimbo themed film.
I honestly don’t think that the amount spent on attendances is totally fair, due to the fact that various cinemas charge different prices. This also fails to include manager comps or discounts.
Perhaps the news programs should have the actual attendance number of paid AND free tickets issued. Of course, we’ll never know how many people CRUISE FOR FREE from one screen to another!
I’ve just moved to Oregon and NOW you come up with this wonderful idea!
.Joseph Musil’s AMERICAN MUSEUM OF THEATRICAL DESIGN, located in Santa Ana, is oh-so-close to the I-5 freeway can seat up to 40 in the magnificent auditorium.
It also has a large outer (public) lobby and there are three huge garages all within 2 blocks.
Call Joe at 714-667-6959 and see what he can come up with as a hosting place.
Wish I could be there -Simon Overton (Joe’s former stage manager!)
Most of my Saturday mornings were spent at the ABC Broadway as a member of the ABC Minors Club. For the price of six-pence, it was four hours of delight.
Birthday kids were invited onto the stage (I had five or six birthdays a year!) and the shone the follow-spotlight across us while the audience screamed their lungs out to “Happy Birthday.” They also played a scratchy old film and recording of the famous song and dear old “Uncle Bob” was Master of Ceremonies. We would all sing the “Minors Song” and receive a free pass for the following Saturday. I still have my old 45rpm record of it.
My St. Mary’s School chum, Martin Rabley and I, preferred the balcony because viewing was better than the awfully low seats downstairs. The noise of us unruly kids must have been pure bedlam but the thrilling serials were spectacular with “Flash Gordon” and “The Lone Ranger."
Then it was home to lunch of "bangers & mash and playing in the huge fields behind my country home in Bitterne -such happy days.
Back in 1951, I had just returned to Southampton from a five month holiday with relatives in Long Island, New York.
Before my July departure, I saw “Ma & Pa Kettle Back on the Farm” at the (now gone) Corona Theatre in Elmhurst.
And guess what was playing on board the Queen Mary while crossing the Atlantic? Yes, “Ma & Pa”… And what opened at the Odeon just after I got home? How did you guess?
The funniest of scenes must have been while Ma & Pa were being chased by a train while operating a hand pumped trolly.
That DVD is now in my collection. Such happy memories!
The typical double-bill programmes at the Gaiety were always well planned with a specially related theme. I well recall going there on a very stormy Saturday night.
“War of the Worlds” and “When Worlds Collide” thrilled the jam-packed audience especially when the outside thunderstorm caused the projection to go crazy. This, in turn, had girls screaming while we boys made all sorts of creepy noises to add to the excitement.
As a very young boy, I believe my first movie-going experience must have been at the Abbey Cinema in 1946.
It was a British film; “Green For Danger” in B&W with Alistair Sim. I fully recall a creepy night time scene where a woman in a white dress ran across a lawn lawn. The moon came out from behind the clouds and a man jumped out at her. She screamed and so did I! This thriller movie is now part of my DVD library.
As a young lad in the 1950’s, I well recall going to the Palladium for the first and only time but still have vivid memories; What ever flick I went to see had already started
The auditorium was very dark and upon entering, I stumbled and fell into a curtained doorway on my left. It was the projection booth and there was a man standing in there kissing (better known as “snogging”) with an usherette. Then he told me to “bugger off, kid!” I think that was more entertaining than the movie.
With proper use of stage curtains; to open when the Overture ends… and no lighting is fabulous showmanship! We always did that at the Castro in San Francisco!
If you go the the listings for the DRAKE CINEMA, PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND, you’ll see your cousin’s namesake. This was under the Odeon chain and had the most interesting of facades; a huge Galleon under full sail.
Stationed in this wonderful port city with the Royal Navy, I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed watching movies in their on a lousy, cold, wet, summers day!
My neighbor and good friend, JOSEPH MUSIL -classic theater architect extraordinaire, is responsible for the present-day design of the Fine Arts Theatre auditorium and stage.
I’m not too sure as to the facade but I’m sure Joe will confirm by telephone: 714-667-6959…… Such talent can be seen in other theaters: Majestic Crest, Alex, El Capitan and more!
Have you consulted with your public library, records at City Hall and any local newspapers?
James… Congratulations! Simply fascinating historic photographs of your proud family and friends.
You should publish a book… for future generations who won’t know what a single screen cinema looked like!
The Chinese Theatre seems to make its money from unsuspecting tourists and the overly LOUD person(s) giving actual tours of the theater while the movie is running.
As for good showmanship… take a trip to the MAJESTIC CREST THEATRE in Westwood! The JOSEPH MUSIL DESIGN is simply stunning. Blacklight murals of the famous L.A. skyline, two sets of fabulous curtains, a starburst over the procenium, fanfare, great coffee & popcorn and no goofy tourists with loud comments!
Hollywood… your days are numbered.
Why oh why was this announcement so late in publication? Surely the idea of booking the film and theater plus advance publicity was not thought of a couple of days ago?
Hope you had a full house… I’d loved to have been in attendance!
If you are in the market to install a home theater, why not call JOSEPH MUSIL in Santa Ana, Ca., 714-667-6959 for info-to-know?
Mr. Musil heads THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF THEATRICAL DESIGN and has designed some fabulous “historic” (style) home theater models… even with an organ along with curtains and special lighting.
Yes, good luck as well… and to win some old and new patrons…
Why not contact the Public Affairs Office at the Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard bases.. and offer our proudly serving members of the U.S. Armed Forces a really BIG WELCOME with free pop corn or half price tickets?
You might ask about a Color Guard ceremony on your GRAND REOPENING NIGHT… invite the Mayor, Chief of Police and other civic personnel.
Another problem of poor attendance is the “low life” who wander about in that part of downtown. This problem is similar on Broadway in L.A. My car was broken into twice in Oakland… not any more!
Congratulations on your project… was this shot in English cinemas?
Salt Lake City’s (still open) CAPITOL THEATRE once had a huge sign across the street.
When the Silent Film Festival commenced a dozen or so years ago at the Castro Theatre I was proud to be on their list of early volunteers and doorman and greeter.
One film in particular I suggested as a future screening was the epic “Intolernce.” It’s taken all these years to finally surface there… and I have moved far, far away to Oregon. Sorry kids, I won’t be there but wish you a full house. Also congrats on your super programs!
Howard, from what I have heard, the films screened aboard the ocean liners then were PROBABLY from those being shipped from country to country. I don’t know if planes shipped films???
Also, selection and number varied from release dates.
I well recall a crossing I made aboard the SS America in 1951; the only film paying for six days was “Comin' Round the Mountain” with Abbot & Costello. By the time we reached Southampton, passengers were at screaming point with the same film and, not to mention, sea sickness!
My wife and I went to the final screening before the Egyptian closed as a real movie theater, which was later destroyed beyond all help.
At the shows conclusion, the audience begged the manager to bring up the house lights for one last look and a photograph… sadly, he didn’t give a damn, so we were all deprived of actually seeing that stunning stage and auditorium.
Thank you Sid and I thank God for early photographs!
Each Sunday evening TV News broadcasts give the top “dollar” grossing movie of the week and it’s usually a Jock or Bimbo themed film.
I honestly don’t think that the amount spent on attendances is totally fair, due to the fact that various cinemas charge different prices. This also fails to include manager comps or discounts.
Perhaps the news programs should have the actual attendance number of paid AND free tickets issued. Of course, we’ll never know how many people CRUISE FOR FREE from one screen to another!
I’ve just moved to Oregon and NOW you come up with this wonderful idea!
.Joseph Musil’s AMERICAN MUSEUM OF THEATRICAL DESIGN, located in Santa Ana, is oh-so-close to the I-5 freeway can seat up to 40 in the magnificent auditorium.
It also has a large outer (public) lobby and there are three huge garages all within 2 blocks.
Call Joe at 714-667-6959 and see what he can come up with as a hosting place.
Wish I could be there -Simon Overton (Joe’s former stage manager!)
Hey Terry… FULL “SCOPE” at SF’s infamous CASTRO THEATRE as well as lovely new curtains AND the Wurlitzer nightly!
Who needs any more shoe-box theaters when you have historic palaces?
Most of my Saturday mornings were spent at the ABC Broadway as a member of the ABC Minors Club. For the price of six-pence, it was four hours of delight.
Birthday kids were invited onto the stage (I had five or six birthdays a year!) and the shone the follow-spotlight across us while the audience screamed their lungs out to “Happy Birthday.” They also played a scratchy old film and recording of the famous song and dear old “Uncle Bob” was Master of Ceremonies. We would all sing the “Minors Song” and receive a free pass for the following Saturday. I still have my old 45rpm record of it.
My St. Mary’s School chum, Martin Rabley and I, preferred the balcony because viewing was better than the awfully low seats downstairs. The noise of us unruly kids must have been pure bedlam but the thrilling serials were spectacular with “Flash Gordon” and “The Lone Ranger."
Then it was home to lunch of "bangers & mash and playing in the huge fields behind my country home in Bitterne -such happy days.
Back in 1951, I had just returned to Southampton from a five month holiday with relatives in Long Island, New York.
Before my July departure, I saw “Ma & Pa Kettle Back on the Farm” at the (now gone) Corona Theatre in Elmhurst.
And guess what was playing on board the Queen Mary while crossing the Atlantic? Yes, “Ma & Pa”… And what opened at the Odeon just after I got home? How did you guess?
The funniest of scenes must have been while Ma & Pa were being chased by a train while operating a hand pumped trolly.
That DVD is now in my collection. Such happy memories!
The typical double-bill programmes at the Gaiety were always well planned with a specially related theme. I well recall going there on a very stormy Saturday night.
“War of the Worlds” and “When Worlds Collide” thrilled the jam-packed audience especially when the outside thunderstorm caused the projection to go crazy. This, in turn, had girls screaming while we boys made all sorts of creepy noises to add to the excitement.
As a very young boy, I believe my first movie-going experience must have been at the Abbey Cinema in 1946.
It was a British film; “Green For Danger” in B&W with Alistair Sim. I fully recall a creepy night time scene where a woman in a white dress ran across a lawn lawn. The moon came out from behind the clouds and a man jumped out at her. She screamed and so did I! This thriller movie is now part of my DVD library.
Many thanks Howard… maybe I’ll see you there?
As a young lad in the 1950’s, I well recall going to the Palladium for the first and only time but still have vivid memories; What ever flick I went to see had already started
The auditorium was very dark and upon entering, I stumbled and fell into a curtained doorway on my left. It was the projection booth and there was a man standing in there kissing (better known as “snogging”) with an usherette. Then he told me to “bugger off, kid!” I think that was more entertaining than the movie.
Hey, Ken and Ian… thanks for the above photos; I’m quite homesick, but the “old lady” is gone for good. Shame!
With proper use of stage curtains; to open when the Overture ends… and no lighting is fabulous showmanship! We always did that at the Castro in San Francisco!
If you go the the listings for the DRAKE CINEMA, PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND, you’ll see your cousin’s namesake. This was under the Odeon chain and had the most interesting of facades; a huge Galleon under full sail.
Stationed in this wonderful port city with the Royal Navy, I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed watching movies in their on a lousy, cold, wet, summers day!