Orpheum Theatre

This is a fabulous theater. It is sad that it does not gain as much attention. There is so much to see in this theater.

On February 15, 1926, this grand theater became home of the fourth and final home of the famed 0rpheum vaudeville circuit here in Los Angeles. Designed by noted theater architect G. Albert Lansburgh. It evokes a French theme with polished brass doors, lush brocade drapery, silk wall panels, marble pilasters, and enormous twin chandeliers all reminiscent of the Paris 0pera.

I agree, it is one fantastic theatre. I think it had two balconies. I guess I can tell this story now, and you all won't tell - I hope. My Dad worked in the Orpheum Building, which was just south of the theatre. When I would go to visit him, after we had lunch together, I would go to the basement, into the boiler room and go up into the theatre, where I would come out next to the south/east exit door, and I would go to the little front row of seats, and enjoy many a movie. I liked just being in a place with all that history. A fond memory.

The only theatre that had two balconies was the Palace Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles.

This theatre is amazing. As part of the LA Conservancy's Broadway theatre walking tour, we were able to go inside this beautifully restored theatre. As we sat and listened to some theatre history, we were treated to a demonstration of the original (1928) organ. What a wonderful place!

The Orpheum has reopened after a four million dollar restoration. The marquee and huge Orpheum roof neon sign has been restored, the roof sign relit after 40 years.

The Orpheum has one balcony. The Palace and Globe have two balconies, the access was through the fire scape alleys. They where sealed at the end of the segregation era. At both theatres, the balconies where not equipped with theatre chairs.

In 1995 I saw the inside of this theater as part of the Los Angeles Conservancy's Broadway Theaters walking tour. It was the last theater on the tour and I would have liked to have stayed to see a movie as it was a very beautiful theater. Unfortunately the movie they were showing was "Tank Girl."

The theatre has been beautifully restored--including working air conditioning! This has greatly enhanced the annual "Last Remaining Seats" series every June. It used to be the balcony seats would become unbearably hot during the screenings. Now audiences can sit back and really enjoy the theatre and its films!

The Mason theatre was another theatre on Broadway with two balconies. The seating capacity was 1650. It was demolished in 1955 to make way for the State Building on Broadway and 1st St.

In 1949 Los Angeles' Broadway was ablaze with flashing neon and no Broadway theater had a flashier marquee than the Orpheum.
To see a night time view of the fantastic Orpheum Theater marquee click here:
http://jpg1.lapl.org/pics34/00036873.jpg

Sweet theatre, its gonna be awesome restored!

Okay, I get the point, only one balcony. However, I thought the Pantages had at least 2 balconies. Wasn't there a place in the Orpheum balcony where you stepped down maybe two or three steps to another level of the balcony? Maybe that's why I thought two. Anyway, yes, truly a grand theatre, and a fond memory.

With regard to the one or two balcony controversy, the Boulevard Theater, at Washington and Vermont, was an Orpheum type theater, as my father who managed it from 1946-1957 often described it. As such, it was always referred to as having two balconies. One main staircase let you enter the balcony at mid-level. From there you went down aisle stairs to the lower balcony with its loge, leatherette seating. If you took the upper aisles from the mid-level entry point you reached the upper balcony with its regular folding type theater seats.Hence, two balconies.I worked there from 1953-57 as an usher and we always referred to the two balcony areas as separate and distinct balconies. The 2300 seat Boulevard had a bit larger seating capacity than the Orpheum.

The Morosco, later named the Globe Theatre also has two balconies...trust me...I have been on them!!!! :-X

In 1964 this theatre was hosting a stage production. I believe it was "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever". I remember that that and "110 in the Dhade" were both "live" in Downtown L.A., one at the Orpheum, and one at the Philharmonic, which became a church, at Olive and 5th St. I may have mixed up which was at which theatre. After that I only remember Spanish language films at the Orpheum.

A previous message mentioned Broadway's flashing neon lights in the 40s. Here's a picture of Broadway (1959)

http://www.geocities.com/los_angeles_coast/Broadway_Los_Angeles_1959_WEB.jpg

It's on this website
http://www.geocities.com/los_angeles_coast/index.html

On another note, the Orpheum will be the site on the evening of August 2 for the world premiere of Collateral starring Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx. Then a few weeks later the Orpheum will host the prequel to The Exorcist. Another premiere at the Orpheum is likely in December.

Here is a 1930 photograph of the Orpheum's auditorium from below the balcony showing the box seats.

The Orpheum hosted the Hollywood premiere of Tom Cruise new film "Collateral".It was the first quality premiere held downtown in decades.brucec

That "Collateral" premiere was supposed to have been at the Pacific 1-2-3 on Hollywood Boulevard, wasn't it?

I seriously doubt it. The Pacific has been closed down for about ten years.

The main auditorium is still used for private screenings , isnt it?

If you look at the Pacific 1-2-3 on this site, you will find that it in fact has been used for screenings and special events in the last few years. It is used as a field test theatre by USC for Digital Projection.

And going back to an earlier post the original Orpheum Theatre (aka: Palace Theatre) had two real balconies. The lower half of the balcony is called the Mezzanine level of the balcony.

I remember so anxiously waiting to see the premier of Superman and the only thing that calmed me down was the great architecture. I saw other great movies lie Starwars :)

The official web site of the Orpheum Theatre: http://www.laorpheum.com/

For people that would like to see a little of the Orpheum Theatre. They are using it as a location for the American Idol show tonight (February 8th, 2005) on the Fox network.

William: You beat me to it.....as I was about to post the American Idol theatre news!! What a beautiful LA theatre and glad to see it get such fun exposure!!

Having trouble with the website, Los Angeles Conservancy -- Last Remaining Seats.

For the Last Remaining Seats info, the site said to try back in April for the line up.

http://www.laconservancy.org/

br91975: The official website is very special and offers a wonderful enlarged photo of the theatre with its organ near the stage! Thanks!!!

William: Ok, thanks! And if I ever get to LA, THIS theatre will be definite must-see!

For those who might be going to Los Angeles this summer to see theatres, you might as well join the Conclave tour of the Theatre Historical Society, details of which are on their site at: www.HistoricTheatres.org You don't have to be a member, but you must register by the dates shown. On the tour, youy will some 20 theatres both inside and out, top to bottom in most cases! Bon Voyage!

Well it looks like the Orpheum Theatre is the location again for the Los Angeles tryouts for the show "American Idol". It's on the Fox network.

Yes, another week of tryouts at the Orpheum! I thought the 4th season was going to literally crash and burn when Simon and Paula got into a fight over that one group of male singers! Oh well, at least we're all getting to see the beautifully restored Orpheum, but believe the organ may have been removed as I can't seem to spot it when the camera shows the stage and the first row of seats.

They move the organ to what used to be the "animal room" -- from when they were a vaudeville house with acts featuring live animals.

Hmph. Perhaps they should leave the organ alone and relocate the bunch from American Idol to the 'animal room' and do everyone a favor.

Sam_e: I agree! What a bunch of strange idol wha-ta-bes! I do have a few favorites that I believe will make the race to the final round though!

Is this the Orpheum Theater that is used currently in some car commercial that has this excited person thinking that they are a big "star" as they run into the theater, but then to their disappointment all their screaming "fans" were really screaming because of the car that pulled up in front of the Orpheum. If it is, it's an amazingly beautiful neon marquee.

Yes, That's the Orpheum.

On my recent visit to Los Angeles I went to the screening of the 1924 silent version of "The Thief of Bagdad" starring Douglas Fairbanks and Anna May Wong. The film (running time 150 minutes) was acompanied by Bob Salisbury brilliantly playing the score on the Wurlitzer 3Manual/14 Rank theatre pipe organ.

An audience of around 500 attended a memorable evening in this wonderfully restored vaudeville/movie palace.

"Wings," the first movie to win the Academy Award for best picture, will be showing July 2nd with Bob Mitchell playing the Wurlitzer, if anyone's looking for an excuse to visit this great theater. Tickets go on sale May 1st. According to their flyer, more info at:

www.silentmoviesLA.com

There seems to be a premiere or a shoot going on in this night time pic

http://community.webshots.com/photo/170629714JDgBzI

I just found another pic that shows it's the premiere of Collateral with Tom Cruise. I didnt know they had premieres downtown again.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/170628855klFFLP

Does anyone know if this is the Orpheum Theatre featured so predominently in Akon's video for "Mr. Lonely"?

Yes, the Akon video was filmed at the Orpheum in Los Angeles.

Last night was this year's opening program for the Last Remaining Seats series. The film was "Ninotchka" including a Tex Avery cartoon and a newsreel and followed a one hour concert on the last remaining theater organ on Broadway. The theater was almost full. I was able to obtain a membership in the conservancy for $35 which included a free 2-disc set of "Meet Me in St. Louis" on DVD. Copies of the book "The Last Remaining Seats" were also on sale. A night to remember. Next show will be "Son of the Shiek".

The Orpheum is said to be haunted. Pictures that I and others have taken in the auditorium on a recent visit can attest to the "orb" lights seen on the prints that they may be some enitities. Like everything else you either believe it or don't.

Valencia: Most theatres have ghosts from their past. I know they have souls and could feel it upon entering the Fox Theatre in Atlanta during their 75th anniversary last Dec. 26, 2004. And I would love to see your photos with "orb" lights!

Valencia: This from a CT member in regards to my previous post..."When I read your words above about 'ghosts having souls' I thought that I should warn you that they are not what they may seem, and are certainly not "souls" if one is using the Bible-based meaning of the word. Please read my message below, which I left on the www.CinemaTour.com web site about this subject, and I think you will be relieved to know how to avoid a definite danger for your own good and that of others." Valencia, the message mentioned in the above quote is not included in this post due to the length so if you wish to read it go to www.CinemaTour.com and look under their THEATRE YAK forum.

I think one must register on the Cinema Tour forum site to view the message in regards to ghosts and theatres. I do hope this clears up the matter for all of us thanks to a fellow CT member.

You don't have to register for anything.
Here's the direct link:

http://forums.cinematour.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000043

A great but older color photo of the Orpheum Theatre.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/Chuck1231/California%20Theatres/California%20Theatres%20Two/OrpheumTheatreLosAngelesCa.jpg

To show photographic evidence of my last statement I will need to learn how to post such photos onto this site and I don't know how. If someone can email me or message here how photos can be placed on Cinematreasures let me know. Thanks.

Unfortunately, cinematreasures no longer seems to accept photos.
You can try free www.photobucket.com and then post the links to your uploaded photos here. That's seems to be the site of choice around here. But you can also try webshots, or other free photo sites too. I just happen to like photobucket.

History and photos of the Orpheum can be found at this web site.
http://www.laorpheum.com/

The end of vaudeville at the Orpheum, 1949, courtesy of the LA Library:

http://jpg1.lapl.org/pics34/00036874.jpg

CALLING ALL THEATRE / MOVIE ENTHUSIASTS!!!

T'he Los Angeles Theatre' on South Broadway, LA is playing host to the UK television show 'Dead Famous LIVE'. We are currently looking for people who would like to come along as part of the studio audience.

'Dead Famous LIVE' is a studio entertainment show all about Hollywood History and the paranormal. We will be welcoming celebrity guests on to the show and investigating famous locations around Hollywood which are rumoured to be haunted including the Los Angeles Theatre itself.

This is an invaluable chance to get access to the Los Angeles Theatre, the place where Charlie Chaplin's 'City Lights' premiered in 1931 and to have a thoroughly great day out! (And its free!!)

We're transmitting 'Live' back to the United Kingdom so expect it to be exciting and fun!

We will be filming on three days from 11th - 13th November between 11.30am - 4pm. If you are interested in coming on one or all of these days then email me for tickets!

george.hughes@twofour.co.uk

I look forward to your responses!

Here is an interesting photo from the LA Library, circa 1930. Vaudevill would already be on its last legs as talking pictures began in 1927:

http://jpg2.lapl.org/pics08/00013704.jpg

Interior, 1932. The LA Library notes the presence of the "world's largest handwoven rug".

http://jpg2.lapl.org/theater3/00015530.jpg

Proscenium, 1926:

http://jpg2.lapl.org/theater3/00015526.jpg

Here is the chronology for the Orpheum as discussed by the LA Library. I know that the original was at 110 S. Main, not 125. This picture is supposed to be Orpheum #3 in 1911, at 630 S. Broadway.

An exterior view of Orpheum Theater #3 as seen from across the street. Includes cards, street car and a building down the street with the name "Mullen & Bluett Clothing Co." and behind that "Walter P. Story Building."

There were four theaters named Orpheum. The first at 125 S. Main Street; the second at 227 S. Spring Street; the third at 630 S. Broadway; and the fourth (and present one) at 842 S. Broadway.

http://jpg2.lapl.org/theater3/00015512.jpg

This is another photo from 1911, which again refers to #3 at 630 S. Broadway:

http://jpg2.lapl.org/theater3/00015523.jpg

This is an undated interior photo from Orpheum #3:

http://jpg2.lapl.org/theater3/00015525.jpg

This is #4:

http://jpg2.lapl.org/theater3/00015529.jpg

This is around 1966:

http://jpg2.lapl.org/theater3/00015515.jpg

Orpheum #3 is actually the Palace. An oversight on my part.

This is another modern photo of the Orpheum Theater.

Another color photo of the Orpheum.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/96445164@N00/72982194/

This theater has a good bit of airtime in the 1993 Schwarzenegger film, Last Action Hero.

I believe this is the marquee to the Orpheum you see in the new Coke commercial.

You can also see the Orpheum in the new Extra gum commercial with the opera setting. And the Orpheum can also be seen the Los Angeles part of American Idol show on Fox.

And a night shot is here.

Night shot here


http://www.flickr.com/photos/someonewalksinla/142252969/

We attended the "Last Remaining Seats" event last night, which featured Judy Garland an James Mason in "A Star is Born." The theatre itself is just a gem, so beautiful. The balcony, where we sat for the film, is quite steeply raked. There are 3 "opera boxes" on either side of the house, reminding me very much of the Orpheum in Memphis, TN. The boxes are accessible from the balcony or from a stairway from the orchestra level. For the event, there was a performance at the organ, which was just wonderful. It was great to sit in the opera box right below the organ pipes and watch/hear them operate. The valance over the main drape as well as those over the organ screens appear to be the original fabric, while the main drape appears new. There are two lighting trusses hung in front of the stage, but they are fortunately high enough to not be too instrusive. There is a balcony-rail lighting position installed that obscures the decoration along the balcony front.

The lobby is in beautiful shape, although there are oddly shaped upholstered banquettes that (although fun) must not be original to the theatre. The upper level of the balcony is also very nice. I assume the carpet is a reproduction, but it's nicely done. The chandeliers in the auditorium and in the lobby are functioning and nicely restored.

As an event space, the Orpheum is very versatile. The auditorium is lovely, the lobby is spacious, and the foyer is quite nice. The enclosed box office was in use for the event. Adjacent to the lobby is a larger room that housed a bar/concession stand, but was also large enough to serve as a reception area. This room is not ornate, but rather plain-vanilla. There is a lounge space on the basement lower level, all dark wood and tile, with a fireplace and furnishings. There is a well-equipped bar off this space. The lower level ladies' room has been recently updated; lots of stalls and well-functioning.

For the film showing, I am curious whether the projectors were original to the theatre, or brought in. One machine had problems with focus and with the audio. In general, the sound was pretty bad, at least for us in the balcony. There is a modern-looking center cluster hung in front of the stage. I don't know if this is a "house" system or brought in for the event, but it was not adequate. Also, when the program began with introductory remarks, the speaker's voice came only through two side speakers, and was almost inaudible in the balcony. Again, I don't know whether these arrangements were made just for this event or whether this is the usual house set-up.

Still, you have to give the Conservancy a lot of credit for doing this. All in all, a wonderful night.

The Orpheum is an interesting building. It's a U shaped building, with the theater auditorium itself in the middle. Here's an aerial view to see it better:

http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=pp6ft554btmq&style=o&lvl=1&scene=260200

That's a great view, Bway. Actually, two weeks ago I was on the triangular corner where Spring and Main converge, right behind the Orpheum, and you can clearly see the theatre roof.

I took the LA Conservancy tour yesterday, and we saw this theatre. Because I posted a lengthy description above, I will not repeat myself. Only I have to say that our tour group was lucky enough to have the theatre manager present to open the doors, and he gave us a wonderful talk about the organ. It was certainly nice of him to spend his Saturday waiting to let us in; it was even nicer of him to spend some time answering our questions and talking to us.

Here is a recent photo of the Orpheum Theater.

You are falling down on the job Lost Memory. :)

What about all these great interior exposues?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38522529@N00/sets/72157594296803105/

I usually don't link to an entire album. I leave some photos for other people to link to. Otherwise I'll be accused of being a photo hog. LOL Besides, most people can find the rest of the album on their own just as you did.

Here is a photo of the Orpheum under construction. The Majestic is across the street:
http://tinyurl.com/ydpzmh

Ken: not only the Majestic but, a couple of doors farther up, Tally's Broadway Theatre was still in operation as can be seen by the blade signs above either side of its entrance.

Ken: not only the Majestic but, a couple of doors farther up, Tally's Broadway Theatre was still in operation as can be seen by the blade signs above either side of its entrance.

Ohh! So that's where Tally's was, right across from the Orpheum.
I am planning to be in Los Angeles early next year, I have to check out what's there now.

Bway: The particular Tally's Broadway across from the Orpheum and near the Majestic is listed at Cinema Treasures. Its location is now occupied by a 1929 addition to the former May Company department store.

Vaudeville was still going strong at the Orpheum in 1934:
http://tinyurl.com/y73gx9

Art and commerce:
http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics18/00028714.jpg

"Beat Street" was showing at the Orpheum in 1984:
http://jpg1.lapl.org/pics29/00034475.jpg

A masterpiece of cinema...

It must have been a great movie, look at the overflow crowd. I bet they were disappointed that they couldn't get in to see it. :P

Recent pics:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/hollywood90038/dwntwnOrpheumMar22200701.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/hollywood90038/dwntwnOrpheumMar22200702.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/hollywood90038/dwntwnOrpheumMar22200703.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/hollywood90038/dwntwnOrpheumMar22200704.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/hollywood90038/dwntwnOrpheumMar22200705.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/hollywood90038/dwntwnOrpheumMar22200706.jpg

What was going on when those photos were taken?

Looks like auditions for a reality show.

hollywood90038: Those are great photos especially the rooftop marquee ones! It's amazing that rooftop Orpheum sign is still there! ken mc: Yes, the auditions were for the reality show, So You Think You Can Dance.

This is a recent close-up of the Orpheum Theater.

Just for your information, this film has a small cameo in the new Transformers movie

Yes, thanx! I'm glad I found it in LA, because I also wrote down location shots from the credits in Detroit, DC and New Mexico.

They showed the marquee in the battle scene at least 5 times and there were two movies on the marquee. "A Place in the Sun" (1951) and "Rose Tattoo" (1955).

Here are some July 2007 photos:
http://tinyurl.com/ypwxcw
http://tinyurl.com/2da3km
http://tinyurl.com/2zk5ts

Here is a 1937 photo from the USC archive:
http://tinyurl.com/yv33o8

The Marciano-Walcott fight was shown at the Orpheum in September 1952. The man on the left is former welterweight champion Barney Ross:
http://jpg2.lapl.org/pics38/00053997.jpg

Here is a night view of the Orpheum Theater.

The legendary Phil Spitalny was rocking the Orpheum in 1950, according to this LA Times ad:
http://tinyurl.com/37dn7c

In the recent movie "Transformers", there was a climactic street scene, including a theatre front. I believe that it is the Los Angeles Orpheum....can anyone confirm? The marquee definitely said Orpheum.
They also used the Michigan Central train depot here in my home town of Detroit. A sad state for a beautiful building.

DonF, if you look back at a post from neeb on July 8th. 2007. It looks like he confirms that the Orpheum Theatre had a cameo in the film. And imdb has a location listing for 8th. and Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles too.

Thanks, William, I missed that post. The building looks a bit on the "seedy" side, but the posts say the interior is in beautiful condition. Is the exterior in good shape? Posts here seem to say that the interior is in good condition.

Oops. Just looked again and saw the extremely clear part about the $4 million dollar renovation. Obviously this gem has been well cared for. Too bad more of these treasures aren't as well served.

DonF, Those theatres along Broadway are gems. It great that many of them are still standing. The Orpheum was the last one that operated as a movie theatre. Metropolitan favored the Orpheum over the other large houses that they operated along Broadway in the last 25 years. They kept the Orpheum running. The United Artists and State are in good hands and being maintained. The Los Angeles and Palace Theatre are also in good hands and presenting shows from time to time. The Million Dollar is slow to return, but being the oldest of the large houses give it time. It's still good news that most of the large Broadway houses are still standing. We only lost the Paramount, Hill Street Theatres and we still have the Warner Bros. Downtown Theatre doing the diamond retail thing. It was fun running those houses in their last years in the booth.

William, I've seen notice of LA Conservancy theatre tours on Cinema Treasures. I'm curious, but I'm also in Michigan. Are the tours worth the effort to try to get to Los Angeles? Do they have one annually that's more "behind the scenes" and detailed than other times? I'd consider a trip to LA for a chance to see these.
Thanks,
Don

The LA Conservancy theatre tour is a nice little tour. I took it ages ago when Metropolitan Theatre had the open and running to the public regular film schedules. They do the walking tour of Broadway and you get to go into only a few of the houses now. When I took it Metropolitan ran all of the houses and we got to go into 80% of them. The LA Conservancy runs their "Last Remaining Seats" program every year, which is a Great night at the movies.
Every year the Theatre Historical Soc. of America has concaves at a city around the country and they give more detailed tours of the select theatres.

Phil Spitalny was sent to net heaven by mistake, but he lives again:
http://tinyurl.com/2lh8yw

You should have left him there!

Don't diss the Philmeister. A legend in his own time.

Does that "50c" next to the theatre's name denote the price of admission or the price for parking? 50 cents seems a bit low to get into the Orpheum in 1950, especially to see "The Gay Lady" and Phil Spitalny's All-Girl Orchestra and Choir.

I think it's the bargain price before a certain time. Because the it looks like a number and PM if you blow the picture up.

I know you are all waiting for this:
http://tinyurl.com/2lzysb

Joe, you forgot Evelyn and her magic violin. Worth another two bits at least.

Thanks. Now I can get some sleep instead of staying up all night wondering who Phil Spitalny was. You are my hero.

I was checking out the birth date feature on the IMDB. There's a bunch of people born on my day and year that I never heard of. If you want a good laugh, type in Busty Dusty in the IMDB search engine and check out her filmography. It's a crime that she never got that Oscar. The snub of "Ben Dover Does the Boob Cruise" is unconscionable.

Here's an August 1939 ad from the LA Times:
http://tinyurl.com/3chl9b

Its so nice to see the Orpheum Theater auditorium side wall used on those AARP commercials.

Also that beer commercial at the opera. The bottles vs. cans one.

Wow! I didn't realize that was the Orpheum! That's the one where the guys have the beer bottles to "get them through" the opera, and the screaching voice breaks them all, except for the guy with the can...
It's for bud light, and here's a copy of it I found on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akvLIpTOmhM

Recent scan of magazine pictures and article:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/dwntwnlaOrpheum.jpg

There is a Buster Keaton movie at the Orpheum tonight, sponsored by the Wurlitzer Association, I think.

Awesome.

I hate admit to seeing this, but this theater's exterior, lobby, and auditorium is in the movie "Alvin and the Chipmonks".

Here is a 2008 night view of the Orpheum Theater.

The "Related Websites" link should be changed to this link.

Was just at the Orpheum last Friday night for the screening of Buster Keaton's "Steamboat Bill, Jr." Incredible to be able to see the film - with a fantastic print - at this majestic theater. It was just what I needed after dealing with too many bland multi-plexs lately. The live accompaniment on the Wurlizer organ was just incredible. Though I have been to the Orpheum many times since it was taken over and totally removated, I am always blown away when I go back at the complete love and attention to detail the theater has been restored to. I told my friend if she remembered what the theater was like BEFORE the purchase and renovation by Steve Needleman and, strangely, she could not. But I do! Especially the smell that would greet you during on summer shows with no air conditioning. Anybody have any memories of what the place used to be like?? And while I am at it, I want to give a big shout out and thank you to Mr. Needleman and his group for the fantastic job they have done to the lovely and historic theater - so THANK YOU!!!

This is a larger night view.

A historical video (just over 12 minutes in length) featuring the Orpheum Theatre:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS6zgSIOGZg

Here is an undated photo from the LA Library:
http://tinyurl.com/yrmkun

From yesterday:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/OrpheumFeb16200804ct.jpg

This is another recent photo.

I have a question about the Orpheum's rooftop sign.

Was there originally another sign behind it -- an identical rectangle spelling out "Orpheum" in cursive script, but facing the other direction?

Back in the 1970s, a single capital letter "O" was visible behind the now-restored west-facing sign. I never understood why only the letters "rpheum" would have been removed from this east-facing sign, but I've never seen a vintage photograph that confirmed that there were once two identical back-to-back signs, either.

Can anyone verify that there were two signs at one time, and whether they both spelled out the complete name "Orpheum"? If so, does anyone know when all the letters save the initial one were removed from the east-facing sign, and why?

There were indeed originally two signs, one facing east and an identical one facing west (visible in early photos). Both had fallen into disrepair over the years. Probably all letters but the "O" on the east-facing sign had fallen down. During the recent renovation of the theatre, the west-facing sign was restored and the remnants of the east-facing one were removed. I guess it was assumed that the east-facing sign would not likely be seen much (a reasonable assumption, I think).

Here is a photo circa 1980, when the theater was called Teatro Orpheum:
http://tinyurl.com/2zey9b

Brannigan was released in March of 1975.

Here is a mid-70s photo:
http://tinyurl.com/2jk9zj

The Teatro Orpheum photo reminds me of when I used to frequent the place while studying at UCLA, sometimes with whomever I was able to corral for a trip downtown and some ambience that was far removed from Westwood Village. In particular, I recall seeing subtitled versions of Cabaret and Chinatown there.

I don't think anyone here would be shocked to learn that there were rats in the Orpheum in those days (and probably in other Broadway theaters, too). One evening, while we were watching Cabaret from the center of the balcony, a large rat sauntered down the aisle toward my friends and me. They were such good sports about it! Almost spontaneously, we raised our legs simultaneously to put our feet on the seatbacks in front of us. The rat passed by without incident or further reaction on our part; I guess we were having too good a time to let such a minor intrusion spoil it.

In retrospect, our collective underreaction to the rat surprises me -- but maybe it wasn't such a big deal after all. I had no idea until recently that theaters could be lice-infested or that many an old cinema was locally known as the neighborhood "itch"; if I have to pick my poison when it comes to cinema vermin, I guess I would prefer rodents to lice.

Network in the "mid-70s photo" was released in November 1976 in NYC.

Any objection to Teatro Orpheum as an aka?

So Let it Be Written... So Let it Be Done!

You can see the name "Teatro Orpheum" in the photo so I don't know why anyone would object.

For some of the "classic" theaters, people get huffy if changes are proposed absent concrete evidence. Hence the solicitation for objections.

I think almost all the downtown theatres were advertised with "Teatro" in their names if and when they ran Spanish language movies. Here's photographic evidence of Frank Fouce's Teatro California, and of El Nuevo Teatro Rialto, and I recall the Million Dollar advertised as El Teatro Million Dollar. I'm pretty sure the Mason, State, Globe, United Artists, and others were advertised as "Teatro..." as well. The same was true for neighborhood theatres throughout the region. Not all of them got signs out front, or cloth banners, but Teatro Whatever was what they were in their ads.

Are you pro or con, Joe?

I think just about everybody knows that teatro is only the Spanish word for theater, so in a way it seems pointless to add it, but then Teatro (capitalized) Whatever did appear in advertising and (in some cases) on the signage, so it is historically accurate. I guess that adds up to me being indifferent.

If it means changing all the downtown theaters to Teatro, I reverse my earlier recommendation and vote no.

It doesn't matter how many listings have to be changed. An aka name of Teatro Orpheum should be added.

Any name that ever appeared on the theatre itself, or in advertising, should be added.

I agree to the extent the names are actually different. In the case of Teatro Orpheum vs. Orpheum Theater, the name in question is "Orpheum" -- it's the same! Ditto for all the other downtown examples cited.

Any name that the theater was advertised as, or any name that was on the theater itself should be used. This theater has aka names of Boulevard Theatre and Teatro Boulevard. If both names can be included on that listing, why not on this one?

Here's a USC picture of the Orpheum under construction (I don't think this is already linked to above...). File number is CHS-14097.

Nice! What are those things they put around the palm trees?

Flags, I think. Maybe some holiday.

How about flag day? Would Palm Sunday be out of the question?

Well I meant the bases of the palm trees....

All of the light poles with palm leafs also have the Shriners logo on them.

Oh, I guess I'll stick with flag day. :)

First of all, those aren't palm trees. Palm fronds have been attached to the light poles along with the banners. And, no, it's not Palm Sunday or Flag Day. The Shriners are in town! (Note the Shriners' emblem on each light pole at the bottom of the palm fronds.)

I guess William beat me to it!

Well, you can tell who the New Yorker's are. We confuse a lamp post for a palm tree. LOL

There are a bunch of USC pictures showing Shriners parading down Broadway, presumably on their way to the Shrine auditorium. It was always a big deal back then, lots of banners proclaiming "Welcome Shriners!"

I did see part of the Chipmunk movie last week while killing time in a doctor's office. Interesting shots of the Orpheum, but not worth renting this horrendous film.

i thought it was ok. I saw that shot too. My favorite movie with this theater in it will be always Transformers.

The theatre is seen in the background of a scene in Repo Man. The film showing then was Staying Alive.

This is a March 1958 ad for "Run Silent Run Deep".

Recent photographs I took of the Orpheum can be seen here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/2774667623/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/2774670613/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/2774672083/

Here is a September 2008 photo.

Here is a Christmas Day 1930 ad from the LA Times:
http://tinyurl.com/4jbel4

Here is a January 1930 ad:
http://tinyurl.com/479yso

This 1921 ad was on the restroom wall at the Hollywood and Highland mall:
http://tinyurl.com/3q463f

Of course this 1921 ad would not be for this Orpheum, since it didn't open until 1926. It would be for the previous Orpheum, now called the Palace, further up Broadway.

Or I suppose it could even be for an Orpheum in some other city!

I think all the ads were for Los Angeles theaters, so it is probably for the Palace/Orpheum.

I wonder why the ad isn't in the restroom of the Palace Theater? It seems to me that whoever placed the ad in the restroom thought that it was for this theater and wasn't aware of this theaters opening year.

No, it was actually just decorative. There are ads for Grauman's Chinese, El Capitan and others. The theme of the mall is movies, Oscar night and so on.

Oh, I thought it was in the restroom of this theater.

Here's some stills from an episode of the show "Chuck" showing the Orpheum's interior.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1185877/mediaindex

It was playing the part of an L.A. Opera House. They didn't use the Orpheum's exterior, but the studio (?) exterior they used had hanging banners that said "La Traviata at the Orpheum," and had the Orpheum's logo.

In the late 70s, I can remember we had a black and white projection tv that was operated from the booth and hit the main screen. Can you imagine? I think in the 40s, they would broadcast information about the war. Awesome Theater.

This is a December 2008 photo.

The Orpheum made an appearance during the Super Bowl, in a cars.com commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt-hK-IzdJ8

The RCA TV projection equipment at the Orpheum Theatre was used for closed circuit boxing & sports events in the 50's-70's. The Warner Downtown and Paramount Downtown were also equipped with RCA TV projection equipment during mid 50's. The images of the war in the 40's were shown at the Newsreel Theatres along Broadway.

Haha, I remember seeing that commercial during the superbowl, and didn't put 2 and 2 together.
It also was featured in last year's superbowl....a pretty funny commercial in which two guys get DRAGGED to an opera by their wives/girlfriends, but one guy says, "I can get through it"....opens his jacket, and had about 10 Bud or Coors Lights in bottles in his jacket....but then the opera hit a high pitch which made all the bottles crack and break.......funny.

Since I realized that I couldn't find this information anywhere on this page, which is the natural place for someone to look:

This Orpheum was the fourth home of the Orpheum circuit in Los Angeles.

The first was at the Grand Theater on Main, now demolished, which housed the Orpheum from 1894 to 1903.

The second location was the Los Angeles/Lyceum on Spring, now demolished, which housed the Orpheum from 1903 to 1911.

The third was the Palace Theatre, which is still standing, that was known as the Orpheum from 1911-1926.

Here is a 1982 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/cldlx2

Here is a 1939 photo from the USC archive:
http://tinyurl.com/ct53h9

Here is another USC photo from the same time period:
http://tinyurl.com/dau859

Another photo from the USC archive:
http://tinyurl.com/cu28ta

This theater has such a classic marquee.
I have seen the interior of the Orpheum used in many different things in film, and TV.

1938 Photo

1983 Photo

1983 Night Photo

Wow, "Teatro Orpheum"...never knew it was a Spanish Theater for a while.

Here are some photos taken today:
http://tinyurl.com/pzptyy
http://tinyurl.com/osblno
http://tinyurl.com/qasqoh
http://tinyurl.com/qrtg5s
http://tinyurl.com/pu3nuk
http://tinyurl.com/owcpsa
http://tinyurl.com/oxenrb
http://tinyurl.com/q6goha

It's such a classic marquee.

Saw it on TV during the season premiere of "FlashForward".

Yes, that is the Orpheum Theater in all those AARP Medicare
Supplement Card commercials seen on TV nowadays.