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Front Door Theatre

Long Beach, CA
5832 Atlantic Avenue
, Long Beach, CA 90805 United States
(map)
Status: Closed/Demolished
Screens: Single Screen
Style: Unknown
Function: Unknown
Seats: 50
Chain: Unknown
Architect: Unknown
Firm: Unknown
Add a photo for this theater!
The Front Door Theatre, was one of the few remaining adult theatres in Southern California. It was located a few doors down from the old Atlantic Theatre.

Closed in December 2006.
Contributed by MagicLantern


YOUR COMMENTS

 
The name on the door says "Front Door Theatre and Bookstore". There is no marquee and ladies are free with male escort; the ceiling is caved in at points - possibly from water damage - blacklights illuminate most of the room so one can see everything (ahem) that people are doing while they watch the films, which are digitally projected from a machine in the ceiling. An electronic ticker machine on the wall of the auditorium repeatedly warns patrons not to expose themselves and keep their hands to themselves. Nerve-jangling buzzers of different tones usher one into the theatre and the auditorium, there's a security guard at the door to the theatre and it can best be described as "an experience". The ticket taker said that the theatre had been showing adult films for 30 years.
posted by MagicLantern on Feb 16, 2005 at 6:07pm
I have been to the Front Door. Although I have never seen ladies inside, I have been told by some of the regulars that escorted ladies have come to the theater to watch men “enjoying” themselves. The main thing I don’t like about this place is that there is no parking. I used to take the bus to get there. Another thing is, they will not let you stand in the rear of the theater. Also, I’m not sure why they roll the marquee. Nearly everyone in there is yanking their tool, but security expects you to zip up when ever the bells and whistles go off.

If you and your lady as so inclined to this type of entertainment, then you might find the Commerce Adult Books arcade more to your liking. It’s not a theater, but it is cleaner, well lit, and none of the booths have doors. So, you can watch others “enjoy” the movie, or have them watch you. It is located near Washington and Garfield, in the city of Commerce, CA. Email me for more detail: res076dy@gte.net
posted by Bigshot on Apr 19, 2005 at 9:04am
Wouldn't "Back Door" theater be a more appropriate name for this theater? :)
posted by Lost Memory on Apr 19, 2005 at 9:30am
That sounds like a stimulating night at the movies. If I can digress, I was watching an adult film in Philly one late night in a half-empty theater. An elderly African-American gentleman was sleeping in the seat in front of me, or so I assumed as he hadn't moved since I sat down. Towards the end of the film, the gentleman suddenly arose from his prone position with the unmistakeable body language (and accompanying verbalization) that suggested that he had actually not been sleeping at all. Needless to say, I stayed away from his seat when leaving the theater.
posted by ken mc on Sep 3, 2005 at 6:13pm
Adult Theaters were fun, miss going. We as a couple enjoyed going the the Studio in Buena Park, up the street was a Pussycat that was run down an attracted more of a gay crowd. Also, Long Beach had one on Ocean that was fun. Does anyone know of a nice theater were couple go in OC or LA area? or even San Diego area?
posted by socalfuncouple9 on Oct 13, 2005 at 8:15am
The only theatre I have been to in San Diego is inside an Adult Depot. It has 2 theatres each with about 25 seats. I had quite the experience there. If interested email at npindie@yahoo.com
Would love to hook up with a cool/person or couple and head out to a theatre.
Nick
posted by nickmovies on Mar 2, 2006 at 9:53am
Anybody or couple in the san diego area who wants to meet up and check out an adult theatre?
Nick
posted by nickmovies on Mar 19, 2006 at 12:48pm
I was recently at the Front Door on a Tuesday afternoon and witnessed a stacked brunet getting salami slammed by a B.B.C.
The security guard stood by in the back just to make sure no one got crazy while the show was going on. It was great to watch. So it appears that it is cool to bring your lady here to have a little fun so long as you make friends with the guard on the way in. I also noticed that they cleaned up the rest room. Things are look up at the Front Door.
res076dy@verizon.net
posted by Bigshot on Aug 30, 2006 at 2:02pm
Tall blonde F likes lingerie & "fuck-heels" wants some action at the theater e=mail nsashablgirl@yahoo.com
posted by sexykitty on Aug 31, 2006 at 7:46am
A little off-topic there, I think. Plenty of other websites for that.
posted by ken mc on Aug 31, 2006 at 9:48am
This place, along with the Atlantic Theater and the entire block, is slated for demolition soon.
posted by Manwithnoname on Sep 18, 2006 at 4:08am
Does anyone know of ANY other adult movie theaters in SoCA? We would like to go as a couple but can't find any other than this one and the one mentioned in SD area. Help please.
posted by poobare on Nov 18, 2006 at 7:10am
My wife and I are also looking for an adult theater where couples attend. Do couples attend here often? If so, when is the best day/time to meet other couples?
posted by John Arms on Dec 1, 2006 at 7:31am
Couples are rare at this place. It used to be a haven for curios ladies who wanted to play around. During the day on weekends the crowd is pretty mellow. You will be safe there, but don’t expect to meet anyone else except horny guys jacking. The Tiki in Hollywood is the same.
res076dy@verizon.net
posted by Bigshot on Dec 1, 2006 at 3:42pm
I try to steer clear of any venue where there is a likelihood of the above. The public library comes to mind.
posted by ken mc on Dec 1, 2006 at 3:47pm
I guess that didn't come out right. I was suggesting the library as a safe haven, not one prone to tool-yanking, as one contributor so eloquently stated above.
posted by ken mc on Dec 1, 2006 at 3:51pm
The theater is now closed along with the bookstore. The building will be demolished soon.
posted by Manwithnoname on Dec 31, 2006 at 8:20am
Any news of the theater's whereabout? I heard that it moved near downtown Long Beach.



posted by blueboy on Jan 5, 2007 at 3:56pm
The Back Door was the bar in the rear of the building with the entrance still seen along the north side behind the gate. It has been closed for about 20 years now. But in it's day, it was a one-stop night out. Have a few drinks and if you didn't get lucky, you could stop by the Front Door Theater and you wouldn't have to leave "empty handed".
posted by LittleJohn on Jan 9, 2007 at 8:16am
anyone know where the front door in long beach moved too
posted by delldudette on Mar 9, 2007 at 8:00pm
I haven't heard anymore about the new location. I've been looking for somewhere to find a JO buddy in NLB.
posted by LittleJohn on Apr 23, 2007 at 9:34am
Yeah, I'm looking for a good adult movie theater or adult movie preview place too. Please post any locations in the southern california area that you have found be be good. The Front Door was the last and only location I knew of in the area. Thanks, and look forward to finding some new places. (or if the Front Door is relocated, that would be great news too)
posted by done480 on May 24, 2007 at 3:42pm
Theater is still closed. It's adjacent to the Atlantic, which is also closed and vacant.
posted by ken mc on Jun 13, 2007 at 9:17am
Here are some photos from June 2007:
http://tinyurl.com/2bmc5u
http://tinyurl.com/2yd5n6
posted by ken mc on Jun 16, 2007 at 4:16pm
Wondering if the Tiki or Tomkat are worth going to. Also heard of a video preview store in Commerace, but no location! Anyone know of any adult porn places worth the trip? Please post!
posted by done480 on Jul 11, 2007 at 5:42pm
I think the listing of the Front Door on CT is a tribute to the elasticity of the term "Cinema Treasures".
posted by ken mc on Jul 11, 2007 at 5:54pm
I saw a 1969 LA Times ad for the Star Theater in Long Beach at Ocean and Locust. I think this is the same as "The Movie" at 345 E. Ocean. This is a porno theater, so I'm not adding it.
posted by ken mc on Jul 14, 2007 at 8:32pm
What's the rationale on not adding porno theatres?
posted by MagicLantern on Jul 15, 2007 at 2:47am
My rationale is that, in Philly at least, the "theater" was a closet in the back of the room. I have no objection to adding a straight theater that later showed adult films. In the case of the Star/Movie, I don't have enough information to determine if it merits an addition.
posted by ken mc on Jul 15, 2007 at 9:13am
Can someone tell me if the new address of Front Door Theater is 325 W 7th St, Long Beach, CA 90813
posted by cutthroat on Oct 23, 2007 at 11:03pm
Drove by this location several months ago - didn't see anything that looked like a theatre.
posted by retired on Mar 4, 2008 at 1:20pm
If you look at the photos from last June, there's no question about a theater being at 5832. I agree it doesn't look like much when you drive by.
posted by ken mc on Apr 11, 2008 at 10:08pm
I was referring to the posting by cutthroat dated 10-23-07. I didn't see anything resembling a theatre at 325 W 7th Street in Long Beach.
posted by retired on Apr 18, 2008 at 10:58pm
Here are some October 2008 photos:
http://tinyurl.com/4u8uzb
http://tinyurl.com/4wc7dy
http://tinyurl.com/3unqzy
http://tinyurl.com/4hnyk4
posted by ken mc on Oct 11, 2008 at 11:52pm
Regarding 327 W. 7th Street. I live around the corner but think it is E. 7th Street between LB Blvd. and Locust. I would love to find another one. Love doing that J/O stuff in there.
posted by Long Beach Native on Nov 25, 2008 at 4:01pm
Regarding 325 W 7th Street. I traveled the length of 7th Street from the 22 & 405 freeways, but didn't see anything that looked like it. I'm sure it's my lack of familiarity with the area.
posted by retired on Nov 30, 2008 at 7:03pm
This building has been demolished and is nothing but a vacant lot. Yet another classic movie palace gone.
posted by Manwithnoname on Jun 29, 2009 at 12:48pm
What a tragedy!! I've been gone for the last 5 years and was rocked by this news when I got back. So, what now?? Any accuracy to support claims of another porn house on 7th in Long Beach? This has inspired me to consider picking up where the FDT left off; whatcha guys think? The FDT suffered what it did due largely by it's location I think. This type of business needs an industrial type area to surround it; no neighbors, moral groups, etc, to potentially threaten it's existence. Hmmmm?? Gonna look into this, will keep you posted. Anyone here have an idea on to get a hold of Steve(AKA Larry),the FDT's last known owner??
posted by JrkBnd on Jun 29, 2009 at 5:21pm
I agree that it is a tragedy! I moved away as well and was shocked to find it closed when I came back on vacation. It is sad that these theaters are close to being nonexistent. The FDT was one of the best theaters to go next to the Pussycat that used to be on Beach Blvd. It was one of the few places where couples and single women would show up. Granted most of the time it was nothing but guys but couples did show up. And wow did it get really hot at times and there was some J/O going on, dam. I would sure love to find another place to relax and J/O! Is that theater actually there on 7th street?
posted by Cali Falcon on Sep 3, 2009 at 8:34am
is anyone interested in getting a group together to share and watch movie once in awhile, maybe it would build into a private theater for club members. im thinking about long beach/orange county area.
posted by dansmith on Oct 26, 2009 at 4:00am
I loved going to the Pussycat and having guys join me to fuck my wife. Loved it!
posted by loveitall on Jan 1, 2010 at 6:40pm
i loved the FDT! if they reopen please let us know
posted by theaterlvr on Feb 13, 2010 at 11:16pm
if there are any other theaters in long beach that allow what the FDT did..let me know...and DanSmith you have a good idea there to...Loveitall...i would like to chat and possibly hook up with you 2
posted by theaterlvr on Feb 13, 2010 at 11:19pm
I know its a ways away but i found a theater in Bakersfield, sits approx. 25=30 good place to JO..if you would like to know more e-mail me at socalifdad69@aim.com name it interest in theater
posted by theaterlvr on Feb 15, 2010 at 12:55am
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