Million Dollar Theatre

This theatre opened as THE MILLION DOLLAR by Sid Grauman in 1918. The style is spanish baroque. It seats about 2200 people. This was Sid's first theatre in Southern California (1)Million Dollar (2)Metropolitan [renamed Paramount Downtown razed in the 60's] (3) Rialto (4) Egyptian (5) Chinese. The Million Dollar tried to reopen with movies in 1999, but turned back into a church.

Sid Grauman launched his career as a film showman in Los Angeles with the Million Dollar, said to have cost as much as its flamboyant name. On opening night, February 1, 1918, Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish, Charlie Chaplin, Mabel Normand and others stars drove past kleig lights and crowds two blocks long waiting to see William S. Hart in "The Silent Man". The Million Dollar remained a movie theatre with stage show well past other theatres in the area. During the late 50's - 70's the Million Dollar had Spanish stage shows, featuring some of the Best Spanish entertainers in the world. The Million Dollar today is a church. Movies did return for a short time in 1999. The building was constructed for the Metropolitan Water District in the Churrigueresque style, popularized by the San Diego Panama Pacific Exposition of 1915. Derived from Spanish Baroque, the lavish terra cotta ornamentation displays whimsical Americana: a bison head, Texas longhorn and cavorting figures. The building's architect Albert C. Martin has produced major Los Angeles landmarks which include City Hall and the Department of Water and Power. The sculptor for the theatre was Joseph Mora. The Million Dollars's architect William L. Woolett went on to build important movie houses in Long Beach and Santa Monica; his crowning achievement, The mighty Paramount (aka: Grauman's Metropolitan) Theatre at 6th and Hill Street. It was downtown's largest movie palace until its demolition in 1963.

During the early 30's the Million Dollar Theatre was part of the Circle Theatres chain. By the late 30's, The Million Dollar would become part of the Metropolitan Theatres chain till the 1990's.

On the Los Angeles Conservancy's recent Broadway Behind-The-Secenes Tour the Million Dollar Theater was open for view. The balcony was open but the ground floor auditorium is closed because of "falling plaster." The lobby has been modernized and retains none of the original features.

In the 1950s the Million Dollar was operated by Francisco Fouce, who also operated the Mason Theatre and the Mayan Theatre in LA, and I worked as relief projectionist in all three.

The booth of the Million Dollar was apparently an afterthought, as it was located at the front center of the balcony. Thus the ceiling sloped down toard the front affording barely 6' of headroom at the front wall. When I worked there, new Century projectors and sound heads had been installed, but connected to the original WE sound fader and amplifier.

When the Million Dollar hosted stage shows along with a first run Mexican film, the projectionist was the followspot operator. I recall one night the legendary Argentina La Marca was appearing, and the angry stage manager called me on the house phone to demand that I use a straw gel in the spotlight as the naked arc was making her face an ashen color. I warmed up the color and Ms. La Marca appeared years younger.

The marquee currently sports a "for lease" sign.

I did relief projection there in the late 70s. That had to be the smallest booth I have ever worked in. And yes, between movies, I had to run that damn spotlight on Isela Vega during her nudie shows. What a rude awakening that was because it was my first job in Los Angeles. Come to think of it, I met my wife there. She was a cashier. Oh well, but we are no longer together. Ahhh, the memories. tee-hee

my whole family enjoyed watching spanish movies and very famous spanish singers like Vicente Fernandez and Juan Gabriel. We always had a blast but i always remeber The Million Dollar because of its beautiful architecture!

Is it for sale or lease? Any particulars about the building itself?

This theatre is currently 'nameless'. In 2000, the church who were using the building at that time removed the name 'Million Dollar' from the marquee over the entrance (a case of money is the root of all evil perhaps?). As can been seen in the Nov 2002 photo above, the marquee is now totally bare, apart from the 'For Lease' sign.

You can see another photo of this theater here:
http://www.laokay.com/lathumb/laphoto/Theatre07.jpg

I don't know what year the photo was taken but there is a "For Lease" sign on the marquee.

lostmemory;
That's quite a recent photo possibly summer 2004 as there are road works going on outside the theatre (which have been been happening for quite some time).

The theatre has been for lease for a few years. After the church left the theatre to move down to the State Theatre. The owners tried to bring back movies to the theatre. But the damage was done, movie going on Broadway was dead. The day that I went to the theatre there was only about 10 people watching the new movie. The location of the Million Dollar Theatre is at the north end of Broadway, about 3 blocks away from the next theatre. There was a few theatres in and around the Million Dollar at one time but they are all gone now. Those live shows kept the Million Dollar going for many years. The Million Dollar had the same problem that the United Artists Theatre had for many years. The United Artists is located at the Southern end of Broadway, about a block away from the Orpheum Theatre. For some reason people would not go that extra block, during the last years the United Artist was run as a theatre. During the last few years the theatres on Broadway ran. People seemed to go to the Los Angeles, State, Orphuem, Palace, Tower, Rialto, Cameo and the Olympic. Maybe it was the way Metropolitan Theatres booked them, but the Globe, Roxie, Broadway and the Arcade were the first one of the new batch of theatres to close. During one of the last contracts for projectionists, Metropolitan Theatres had installed platters in a few of the theatres and had the operator walk between them. So you had one projectionist for three theatres. To some that would not be a problem nowadays. But we are talking about three old single screen theatres, that had many problems. The building that the Million Dollar Theatre is located in now has been turned into apartments.

hello William,
how do you know so much about The Million dollar? and all the other theaters of which i remember quite vividly as a kid in the 70's. I remember there was a spanish store right next door to the theatre of which i think it was a pharmacy or bodega? I remember that corner was always so busy!!! i loved all the caos. But the one main reason i remember that theatre is because of my grandmother of whom loved to join all her loved ones to meet and have a good time. And sad to say some of our family members were aliens to the U.S. and when they crossed the border, we would all meet them at The Million Dollar and exchange hugs and kisses of loved ones we had not seen in over 10 years, and walk down to Cliftons and have a great dinner.:(......I'm sorry if this upsets anyone, But i've never shared this with anyone. I always wished to live above the great theatre and look at the street and hold on to those great memories of grandmother of whom has passed away.

Hi L Linares

It was a pharmacy type store. I remember a small bodega that baked this great Mexican breads nearby. For those who got to see these Great Theatres during those times, they were good memories. During those times those theatres would be operating full on the weekends and alittle less during the week. I remember going to the Million Dollar many times along with the Los Angeles, State, Orpheum, Warner, United Artists. I grewup in Los Angeles and saw all of these theatres up and running for years. And later would run many of them as a projectionists.

The theater is not completely "nameless". On the front sidewalk is a sign citing the historical significance of the theater and outlining it's history. It is clearly identified as the Million Dollar. The building I work in, the Fine Arts Building, also has a signpost.

I am looking for someone or some place that would have old film strips from the late 1970's from the Million Dollar. My fiance's grandfather performed there and we would like to know how we can get a hold of some of those itms, DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW??? Thanks so much

The last chain to operate the Million Dollar Theatre was Metropolitan Theatres. Having worked many of the theatres along Broadway. A lot of those types of trailers and film daters would have been thrown out since that time. And since the theatre was leased to the Universal Church for a time, they may have cleaned up the booth areas. Because the theatre booths that I worked had very little left from the past other then the equipment.

Oh, so pretty much, they may have been tossed. :-( Well Thanks for that info. I will try and see what next step to take...THANKS!

It's sad that a lot of these types of advertising items no longer are around. You might try Metropolitan Theatres in Los Angeles. Its a long shot.

Does anyone have new information on the theatre? E-mail us. wheatongrand.net

I already tried it and it's now the Paramount Theatre... I think! Unless I am getting the wrong one.. do you have a link or web address? Thanks

vmorales

Here is Metropolitan's website.

http://www.metrotheatres.com/

Here their contact address.

http://www.metrotheatres.com/contact.htm


I think the Paramount Theatre you got was the Downtown Los Angeles Paramount Theatre which when it opened was named the Metropolitan Theatre.

Good Luck!!!

William

I just did the LA Conservancy's Broadway Theater tour (again!) and this time we went into the Million Dollar. Unlike Knatcal's experience noted above, the theater was open to us but the balcony was closed. And the first few rows of seats on the main floor were blocked off by that yellow "caution" tape.

The problem, they explained to us, is the proscenium, a huge arch of block stone. In most theaters of that era, the stones would have simply been made of plaster -- but in this case they are real. And unstable. The area of the theater that's blocked off is the area that the proscenium would hit if it happened to collapse.

Apparently the owner is holding off repairs until a new tenant is found and their needs are taken into account.

Is it worth the money to save it? Historic tax credits could be brought to bear... I wll look into it. Anyone else interested in helping me? Paul

The exterior of the Million Dollar Theater can be very briefly glimpsed in the new Keanu Reeves flick 'Constantine'.

Another recent photo of the Million Dollar Theater:
http://you-are-here.com/theatre/million.html

In one scene in the new flick 'Be Cool', John Travolta and Uma Thurman are shown driving away from the Million Dollar Theater, while the follow-up shot is of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. (Also, on prominent display on the Grauman's marquee, via either stock footage or some sort of homage, is title signage from 1987's 'The Untouchables'.)

When I was growing up in Los Angeles in the 50's (I was born in Los Angeles in 1947), I went to the Million Dollar Theater almost every week with my grandmother. We would go to dinner on Saturday night at the Biltmore or Statler Hilton, then walk over to the Million Dollar Theater on Broadway. What do I remember the most? The ENORMOUS rest rooms with Gold (colored) fixtures. Magnificent carpets. Wide stairways. And, LODGE seats. My grandmother loved the HORROR movies that were popular in the 50's. Also near (downtown): the Bradbury Building, Grand Central Market and so many other GREAT and magnificent theaters RKO, Paramount, etc., etc., etc.

Old postcard:
http://www.andreas-praefcke.de/carthalia/usa/usa_losangeles_million.htm

I recall the Million Dollar showing Wild Wild West (the Will Smith flop) about seven years ago. I was too busy to go and have regretted it since. I have been in most of the Broadway theaters but not the $1,000,000.

I remember when my grandfather took me to the Million Dollar when I was a little girl. He worked there as a projectionist so we went a lot. I wanted to post this message to see if anyone remembers my grandfather. I am currently trying to gather any information about him. His name is Chris Rangel and he worked with Frank Fouce during the 50's, 60's and 70's. If anyone knows of anything please respond to my message. Thanks!

I just posted the message above and I wanted to add my e-mail address where I can be contacted. It is abbottconnie@yahoo.com

One of the posts above mentions the Million Dollar as being nameless. What about the vertical, which was quite high up on the building's Broadway side. Has it been removed?

I went to the Million Dollar only once, during the 1970s, when it featured live performances by Mexican celebrities. I was disappointed overall, primarily because there was absolutely no trace of what the lobby and other public spaces must have originally looked like.

The dropped ceilings and wall paneling were horrid, especially as measured against the auditorium and wonderful baroque ornamentation on the building's exterior. I wish I knew what the original decor was like, and whether it was destroyed or just covered over.

During that period, the same vandalization in the name of modernization had occurred to the lobby of the Eastern Columbia Building, also located in the theater corridor at Broadway and Ninth. It's superb exterior is one of the most iconic art deco landmarks in Los Angeles, but the lobby had been stripped bare.

At least this wasn't the case with the Pellissier Building that houses the Wiltern Theater. Its lobby -- at least at the time I lived in Los Angeles -- was completely original and as splendid as the theater itself.

stevebob;
There is currently no signage on the building that has the name 'Million Dollar'. There is a small display mounted on a post located on the pavement outside the theatre, that gives details of the theatre (provided by the LA Conservancy I believe?). Hopefully with the planned re-opening of the Million Dollar Theatre, the name will come back to the actual building again.

I believe that the false ceilings and walls in the lobby only 'cover over' the original decoration which is still in place underneath.

You are correct to say that the Eastern Columbia Building has been totally gutted internally (the public lobby and the office spaces) and is currently being converted into loft appartments. The exterior remains intact.

The lobby of the Pellissier Office Building that houses the Wiltern Theatre remains intact.

Thanks!

Though not theater-related, I thought it worth mentioning for anyone who checks out the Million Dollar in person that the Bradbury Building, right across Broadway and built in 1893, is well worth a look if you're not familiar with it. The interior is stunningly unique. (It's an office building, so I'm sure it's only accessible during normal business hours.)

p.s. to KenRoe: I am so jealous that you have Saint closing party tapes!

No hat, no ticket...

http://jpg2.lapl.org/theater2/00015154.jpg

Good close up of the marquee and distinctive arch:
http://www.gmrnet.com/graphics/theatr1b.jpg

From the USC Digital Archive:

http://digarc.usc.edu:8089/cispubsearch/sidview.jsp?object_name=chs-m109&ORN=CHS-9009

Robert Voskanian is converting the Million Dollar into a nightclub according to the Los Angeles Downtown News

http://www.downtownnews.com/articles/2005/08/01/news/news02.txt

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!

The theater's lighted-up marquee can easily be seen several times in the Charles Bronson film, Murphy's Law.

This is from the first paragraph of the article about Voskanian in the Downtown News:

"Built in 1918, the 2,345-seat former movie house was gutted in the 1990s and later turned into a church."

Gutted? If that's true, it's the first I've heard of it. And how precisely does a movie palace get "turned into" a church?

In June, 1999 the Los Angeles Conservancy hosted a screening of Sullivan's Travels at the Million Dollar. The interior was very intact. However, some of the nudes in the plaster work were covered over with cloth by the church. There were seats, a projector, a stage and it looked pretty good. The church has since relocated to the former Loew's State down the block. The Conservancy tried to go back in subsequent years and was turned away as there had been some falling plaster and ceiling damage that the owners wanted to fix before renting it out again. I don't know much about Mr. Voskanian, but I hope this is done with more care than the Stock Exchange (1929) where lights and sound equipment are hung from rods that were smashed through the ornate ceiling. That poor place is in a shambles.

From the California State Library:

http://helios.library.ca.gov/soca/laci/1992-0414.jpg

Hello, I am doing research on Frank Fouce and his three cinemas: The Million Dollar, Mayan, and Mason but have come up nearly empty handed on books and periodicals regarding his role in Los Angeles cinema history, if anyone has any information, leads, or even primary resources (including yourself) please contact me at

eddiesantiago@mac.com

Thanks.

Yesterday we took the Conservancy theatre tour. It started at the Million Dollar. The lobby with its 50's re-do is lack-luster - looks like a high school entry, someone said. But once inside the theatre, you see the magnificent decor. The proscenium arch is very interesting with its angled blockwork; almost reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright's concrete blocks. Yet the organ screens were classically wonderful baroque tours-de-force; scrolls and carved figures and wonderful things, very dark in color. The ceiling is also very dark, but you can see how it's coffered. The position of the projection booth is interesting --- its at the front of the balcony. Someone mentions this above. I was curious whether it was retro-fitted or original, but our docent didn't know. She mentioned that the theatre walls were once painted with murals, but that the church that had been here painted them over. All the walls and the ceiling under the balcony were painted with a kind of dull chocolate-milk color paint; I wonder how much color had originally been there.

The fly rail was still there, and it appeared that many of the linesets were still there --- I want to say "in operation" but of course one couldn't responsibly operate them without checking them for integrity. The original switchboard was visible; I took a photo I will try to post. The stage right wall was interesting; I asked our docent whether this was original or if it had been remodeled. The area behind the flyrail was open, which was unusual; then about 10 feet beyond that the wall rose up and you could see 3 stories (or more) of dressing room corridors, but unlike most theatres, they were open and if one stood in those hallways one could view down to the stage. The building abuts the Grand Central Market, and I wasn't sure whether some of this was support space for that.

There were still curtains on the stage - a main drape and a valance and a gold lame drape at the back. Very nice.

We didn't see the ladies room. I probably should have asked to!

The docent also directed our attention to the wonderful carving work on the exterior of the building! There are artist figures in niches, and buffalo heads, and even two long-horn cow-skulls decorating the office building entry! Worth a look for anyone, and you don't even have to pay for the tour.

The tour was definately worth taking; I want to take it again. I advise anyone taking the tour to bring a good flashlight with new batteries, and if you can figure out how to take photos in low light, please do so. We also saw the Arcade, the Cameo, the Los Angeles, the Warner and the Orpheum. We came tantalizingly close to sneaking into the Palace, too! Will update those theatre pages.

So.....was this theater ever turned into a nightclub as per the posting of 10/19/05?

My older sister was a dancer in the stage show. My mother and I would accompany her to all her rehearsals and shows (I was 2 - 4 years old back then. I'm 49 now!) I can remember the excitement of being in the audience, the mariachis, the dancers dancing the jarabe, or the chacha, etc. I also remember walking over to Grand Central Market with my mother to buy fried shrimp. I've never tasted any as good since then. Downtown L.A. was so beautiful in those days. Shopping at the big department stores was an experience, escpecially at Christmastime with the window displays. We used to dress up to go downtown, my mom in high heels, me in my mary janes... riding the street car. Nothing like today where all you see at the local mall are slobs in jeans or sweats. :(

You're right along Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles had everything during that time. There was the big three department stores. They were not as big as Macy's in New York City, but they were big. All the big theatres were running major new films. I also remember mom taking me to the Grand Central Market and Clifton's. Today it's just a shell of what it once was. It's been a long time coming in getting people to come back downtown.

Was this theater originally nameless? A booklet I received during a LA Conservancy tour shows a photo of the building fascade with a simple 2-deck marquee flush against the building. It reads "Opening and Dedication Next Friday". Several stories up are the letters
GRAUMANS. A vertical sign to the south of the building also reads GRAUMANS. The name Million Dollar Theater is no where to be found.
It apparently appeared only in newspaper ads of the era. Some years later when the original marquee was replaced, the words "New Million Dollar" surfaced.

This was Grauman's first theatre in the Southern California area. Like in the first post on this page. In the curve above the first opening was the words Graumans like you said in the photo.

TC posted a postcard on May 18th 2005 (3:08pm) of the building.

Here is another photo from the southern view, looking north on Broadway.

http://digarc.usc.edu8089/cispubsearch/jpgview.jsp?object_name=chs-m109&ORN=CHS-9009

Your photo didn't take, William. Perhaps you could post it again? This is a USC shot looking north, from 1926:
http://tinyurl.com/tfj6r

I can't add much to what is already posted, but I DID attend some stage shows with my father in the late 40's. We rode the Broadway Streetcar from South Los Angeles to Downtown. I can vividly remember Sammy Davis Jr. and his father doing a song and dance number on that beautiful stage.

This is a recent photo of the Million Dollar Theater.

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978

Million Dollar Theater ** (added 1978 - Building - #78000687)
Also known as Edison Building
307 S. Broadway, Los Angeles
Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Martin,A.C.
Architectural Style: Mission/Spanish Revival, Early Commercial
Area of Significance: Architecture, Entertainment/Recreation
Period of Significance: 1900-1924
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Theater

Here is a stock scam suit involving the Million Dollar in the eary 20s:
http://tinyurl.com/yaahkq

Here are some photos from January 2007:
http://tinyurl.com/yewnex
http://tinyurl.com/yj9vf9
http://tinyurl.com/ycx7n9
http://tinyurl.com/yzj842
http://tinyurl.com/ygc9ug
http://tinyurl.com/yaygae
http://tinyurl.com/yjpewp

Photograph of the auditorium can be found here:

http://www.laconservancy.org/initiatives/million.php4

Here is an even better one:

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

I was a member of the LA Conservancy a few years ago. They have interesting walking tours of downtown LA, including a tour of the theaters on Broadway.

Ken Mc, thank you for that link to the stock scam. There's some fascinating material there. (Gotta love the legal language of the period: "A feme sole of the age of majority...")

It would be nice to see the Million Dollar active again. It's in a good location, relatively speaking, especially with the new lofts that are coming in and its nearness to Grand Central Market.

I hear that the interior is kind of shabby. Maybe someone can comment who has been in there recently.

Recent pics:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/hollywood90038/dwntwnMillionDollarMar22200701.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/hollywood90038/dwntwnMillionDollarMar22200702.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/hollywood90038/dwntwnMillionDollarMar22200703.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/hollywood90038/dwntwnMillionDollarMar22200704.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/hollywood90038/dwntwnMillionDollarMar22200705.jpg

how can i contact the person in charge.
I wanted to take some school photographs of the million dollar building.
I attend Pierce College --Photography 11
Please email me prietanm@yahoo.com

213.617.3600

The Million Dollar is back.! Soon Latin Cinema Award winning movies * with subtitles available in english

more info for tickets

elMillionDollar@usa.com

fri-sat-sun. Wed and Thu Latin Music acts , arts paint and special events.

We welcome all fans to support the renovated Million Dollar

Arts, Music, Cinema is Back Million Dollar

Here is a 1984 photo. The blade looks a little different:
http://tinyurl.com/2mee53

The blade looks the same in this 1950 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/2843hq

Here is a 1987 photo from the UCLA collection:
http://tinyurl.com/2z3dh7

From Downtown News, May 21, 2007: "The legendary theater at Third Street and Broadway, built by Sid Grauman, is being renovated and will reopen in June, said manager Robert Voskanian. The Million Dollar Theatre, which seats more than 2,000 people, will host film screenings, movie premieres, stage performances and concerts. Voskanian said the next phase of the renovation includes replacing the carpet, drapes and some electrical repairs. The theater has been completely repainted and is awaiting a shipment of gold tiles for the lobby, which will house an upscale concession stand. The $1 million-plus refurbishment is more than halfway complete, said Voskanian."

They had a "for lease" sign out front a few months ago. I didn't know all this renovation was going on inside. Who is paying for all this?

I suppose it could have taken them a while to bring the sign down. There is no reason they really had to. If anyone inquired they could've said that the theatre is under contract, and a lot of time wouldn't have been wasted.

The other thing is that I imagine it doesn't really take that long to spend a million dollars on renovation, despite what instinct might lead you to believe.

If it were a pain-staking restoration, which I don't get the feeling it is, I could see how the time span you are discussing might seem odd.

My two cents.

I guess a million is appropriate, given the name of the theater.

Hello - My name is Mark Anthony De La Rosa and I am the Grand Son of Adolfo (Al) De La Rosa, also known as "El Gordo De La Rosa." He worked directly for Frank Fouce in the 1950's and managed the Million Dollar Theatre and was also responsible for booking and bringing various Latin Talent from all over Latin America to include Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete, Pedro Vargas, Cantinflas, La Bomba Atomica and various others to the United States. Please advise if you knew my Grand Father; if so, I would like to hear some stories or you may have some pictures that you may be willing to share. My Grand Father passed away on December 5th, 1968 (before I was born). I do look forward to your response. Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

Mark A. De La Rosa

P.s. I can be reached at delarosamark@yahoo.com

I was in the theatre lobby this morning conducting a tour and saw that the drop ceiling and round lights added in the 1950s has been removed. Near that front door the 1940s round dome has been un-covered and is being restored. I couldn’t get my group into the auditorium, but I could see that the underside of the balcony has been re-painted a Maroon-ish color. I hope to try to sneak in next Saturday.

This is a 1923 ad that includes the Million Dollar Theater.

I was at the downtown office this week, and I was able to get into the Bradbury playing the "I'm a tour guide/member of the LAC's historical theatres committee" crap.... Well.... The auditorium looked okay - painted red, gold, and cream. The lights were down save for these red lights on for accent... The Lobby on the other hand..... As I posted above, they have removed the 1950s drop ceiling, but they have placed a rather ugly gold pressed tin ceiling in it's placed and have hung ugly lamps.... I'm hoping that once this theatre is open and making money, that they'll do a full lobby restoration at a later date....

You're talking about the theater, right? The Bradbury is across the street. Not being picky, just clarifying.

I'm sorry.... I work in the Bradbury, and was able to get into the Million Dollar Theatre - ugh, I'm having a senior moment and I'm only 26!

Just so visitors to this site know, the Bradbury, though not a theater, is a wonderful historic building that can be visited:
http://www.laconservancy.org/tours/downtown/bradbury.php4

It is a great building. Rent DOA (the original) or Blade Runner for a look at the inside, or just go there if you're in LA. Sometimes they charge to get in and walk around, sometimes they don't. It depends on the current administration.

Here is a photo from the Library of Congress:
http://tinyurl.com/2wl4wv

Looks like my link is still holding up, three days later. That's encouraging.

Here is a small ad in the LA Times dated 5/6/39. Thankfully times have changed for the better:

MILLION $ 2ND BIG WEEK
Premiere of Stage and Screen
"Blackberries of 1940"
40 Sizzling Brown Skin Beauties

plus 2 First Run Features

Urgent...Please help! My father, Alfredo Mendoza was a Mexican entertainer and performed there with his late aunt famous Mexican singer Amalia Mendoza sometime in the 1960's or 70's. Can anyone please tell me where or how I can find photo or film archives on performances held at the Million Dollar Theatre. I am researching my fathers career and could use your assistance. Please contact me at cynbel02@yahoo.com Thanks

Carolina

This is the back of the building in July 2007:
http://tinyurl.com/249d82

I talked my way into the theatre again this week by approaching Robert Voskanian, the theatres manager who was standing beneath the marque. He was very eager to walk me around the theatre auditorium and it looked fantastic - the best I've ever seen it. The ceiling still has the same water damage as it's always had, but that kind of work costs millions to repair. The thing that I was most interested in was the lobby dome. Voskanian said that when they had started the project that one of their plans was to restore the original lobby dome from 1918. He said that they brought in several different specialists to survey the area, but that they all said that it would cost too much to be done at this time. I have a feeling that down the road when the theatre has had the opportunity to generate some income, that the smaller details such as that will be dealth with. I'm just glad to see the theatre alive with activity and the smell of fresh paint rather then of must and dust.

Here is a photo, circa 1994:
http://tinyurl.com/2bkn59

Greg thanks for the update as a good many of us are waiting for this historic theatre to re-open.

I got inside again today!! I had a group of tourists from Ireland and just as I was giving my "the oldest movie palace still standing" spiel, the gates of the theatre opened and we were able to go inside. The lobby is still undergoing renovations - still laying new tile and the ceiling still needs a few touch ups, but the auditorium appears to be finished for the time being. The main floor has new carpet and the lighting is perfect to accentuate the newly painted walls. They've also hung red drapes on the side walls of the auditorium to add a new layer to the space without spending a boatload of cash. All traces of that dammed church have been wiped clean of the interior, and the theatre is ready for a new phase in it's history. I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised with how this renovation job has come off. I know several people were a bit apprehensive with the news that the theatre was going to have major work done, but I feel that the management has a good clear vision, and all is well.

The Million Dollar will be operating very soon...
We will present award winning film movies, International artists, Latin Music, pop, rock bands our own Million Dollar Ballet and orchestra...We will mantein the high standard of quality some future events includes the Official Latin Venue for the Oscar night* on February 24 2008.

We invite the fans of The Million Dollar to check a preview web page on http://www.myspace.com/elmilliondollar

For TICKETS and season pass email elmilliondollar@usa.com

Regards

Raul Alberto

President

Latin Market

for "El Million Dollar"

Here is a 1950 ad from the LA Times:
http://tinyurl.com/39ydaa

Hello, I would like to contact people that performed or attended the MD for a documentary film project. email: alebouza@aol.com

Here are two 1925 ads from the LA Times:
http://tinyurl.com/27oo53
http://tinyurl.com/2g4ugt

Those who have seen BLADE RUNNER will know that Million Dollar is seen very clearly the film, as is the Bradbury building. I just recently saw the film again on the big screen at the Zeigfeld Theatre in New York City during a limited engagement.

How big was the crowd at the Ziegfield for that?

You can find the answer to your question on the crowds at the Ziegfeld, on the Ziegfeld's page.

The final cut of Blade Runner is currently playing at the new Landmark theater in West Los Angeles.

Here is a July 1959 ad from the LA Times:
http://tinyurl.com/26atyy

Here is a November 1957 ad:
http://tinyurl.com/2c5t5s

This is a recent photo of the Million Dollar Theater.

You can infer from the September 8 post by Mr. Alberto, as well as the Myspace presentation, that the MD will be showing Latin films only. That's fine with me, as long as the theater is up and running. I missed out in 1997, which is the last time they ran first run films at the MD. I won't miss out this time.

Here is a May 1919 ad from the LA Times. Director Ince was later shot to death on Charlie Chaplin's yacht, supposedly by William Hearst:
http://tinyurl.com/ys6ahb

Greased Lightning with Charles Ray and Wanda Hawley was released in April of 1919.

Here is a June 1929 ad. Perhaps Lazarus bought the theater from Sid Grauman?
http://tinyurl.com/33ggcn

Syncopation with Barbara Bennett and Bobby Watson was released in March of 1929.

Well, it would make sense - Grauman sold off his interest in his Egyptian and Chinese Theatres in 1929.........

Ignore the incorrect caption at the top. I thought this USC archives photo was interesting if you note the "Homer Laughlin building" sign next to the MD. There was also a Homer Laughlin building and theater in Long Beach.
http://tinyurl.com/23bt48

Geez.

scan of recent magazine picture and article:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/dwntwnlaMillionDollar.jpg

That magazine is spreading some old misinformation about the Metropolitan Water District and William Mulholland again. The office building attached to the Million Dollar was called the Edison Building. Southern California Edison Company had its offices there. Mulholland was with the L.A. Department of Water and Power, not the MWD. LADWP's offices were a block up Broadway near 2nd St. The MWD was not even in existence when the Million Dollar was built. MWD was incorporated in 1928 and later took over Edison's old offices some time after SCE relocated to the new (the 3rd in L.A. of the name) Edison Building at 5th and Grand about 1931.

And to think that somebody got paid to write that article.

If you look at the USC photo I posted on 11/11, it says "Edison Building", as Joe pointed out above.

Here is a photo taken today:
http://tinyurl.com/2znc4o

From Saturday:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/MillionDollarFeb16200804.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/MillionDollarFeb16200802.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/MillionDollarFeb16200806.jpg

From the Feb. 25, 2008 Los Angeles Downtown News paper:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/MillionDollartextct.jpg

Theater notes on the lightpost in front of the theater:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/MillionDollarFeb26200802.jpg
The free-standing boxoffice:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/MillionDollarFeb26200805.jpg

Most of these free-standing ticket booths look like Zeus's helmet or something, but the Million Dollar Theater booth looks like Elvis's haircut.

If you look at the photo of the lightpost posted on Feb 26, 2008 at 7:27pm, you will see that the name of this theater is spelled "Million Dollar Theatre". How long has this theater been listed here with the word "theatre" spelled incorrectly? I'm surprised that no theater historian has caught this spelling error. I'm glad that I wasn't eating my lunch when I discovered this mistake. I could have become very ill. Could the word Theater be changed to "Theatre" in the names above?

Actually, the spelling confusion runs much wider than just this page. (I'd argue it runs throughout the country: I can't make out any consistent application of the alternative spellings.) Look, for instance, at the 'coming soon' announcement on the Million Dollar's marquee, in hollywood90038's third picture on Feb 18. I've also observed both spellings on the lightpost notes outside the theatre: I think it must be the headline, which just wraps around out of sight in hollywood90038's fifth link above, that slips into the 'theater' spelling.

As memory serves, Grauman specifically called the Million Dollar a 'theatre' to bestow a supposed European sophistication upon it...

The 3rd frame of the lightpost notes (yesterdays had a harsh glare):
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/MillionDollarFeb27200806.jpg
If this theatre cost a million dollars to build way back when, what would it possibly cost to build it today with all the adornment?
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/MillionDollarFeb27200805.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/MillionDollarFeb27200809.jpg

Okay, well that proves me slightly wrong. Maybe it was just the 'theater' spelling on the marquee right behind the lamp post that I was focussed on...

I was quite moved when I saw press coverage this week of the Red Carpet Event inaugurating the MD with its legendary Mexican artists of years gone by. It's revival and commitment to what was such an important landmark in the history of Latin Music is remarkable.

I remember as a child, my Father always would talk about those magical special evenings when he would go and see Pedro Vargas, Amalia Mendoza, Cantinflas, then later Vicente Fernandez, Juan Gabriel, and then Gerardo Reyes. I grew up thinking of this place as a magical place far away in my dreams. In the late 70's and 80's when I was finally old enough, Dad with Mom and me in tow, would take me to this place he would always talk about. I lived it first-hand and immediately knew why this place meant so much to Dad.

My parents did not have a lot of money, so going was not only a very special treat and a big deal, it was also a dent in their pocketbooks. As back then a concert would be about $5 a person in his time, and in mine, it would be $20. But you see, the experience was invaluable. Those were concerts at the time where multiple artists would perform - and I don't mean an opening act and the main artist as is done today. In any given concert, you would have A-listers performing in one concert alone. You would have Gerardo Reyes, followed by el Charro Avitia, followed by VIcente Fernandez, and ending with Angelica Maria. So you would really get a great bang for your buck.

The premiere Red Carpet Event of the Million Dollar Theater this week opened up so many beautiful memories of a common bond Dad and I had in my childhood. It evoked the emotional connection that we developed with that theater. But most importantly, it brought back another memory of my beloved Father who passed away three months ago.

I can't wait to once again, relive a piece of history, because I know that when I make the line to enter the theater with my wife and share with her that magic; I will take Mom and have her tell my wife first-hand, why that place was so special to us. While Dad won't be there to drop us off while he parks (his F-150 Ford pick-up truck with a brown and white huge worn-out camper) so that we can get a head start on the line that would wrap around the block in order to secure tickets at the box office - I know he will be smiling because we will both be enjoying a piece of what connected us to each other during my childhood.

Max Gallegos
maxgallegos@yahoo.com

www.aliciamax.com

The press coverage of the Million Dollar's renovation includes this article at LA Downtown News Online (referenced under Openings/Closings today here at Cinema Treasures):

http://www.ladowntownnews.com/articles/2008/03/03/news/news02.txt

Unfortunately, the stripping of the historic lobby is erroneously blamed on the Hispanic church that occupied the space from 1993-1998.

Stevebob, that's what the press reports about the lobby. What's your version?

Max, there is a Pedro Vargas ad from 1959 posted on 10/13/07.

My comment was based on the obliteration of the historic elements of the Million Dollar's lobby by the 1950s modernization that included installation of a false ceiling.

I believe the Hispanic church inherited this space in its modernized, "stripped" state; I haven't seen any indication that they contributed to that condition. Did they?

When I took the Theater Historical Society tour a couple of years ago we visted the then closed Million Dollar. A young lady with the Conservancy told us that the original lobby decor was still there, cover over by the sheet rock. They were hoping it could be restored sometime in the future. I'm sure it won't be cheap and the million spent so far is far short of what's needed to do a complete restoration of this theater but at least there is forward movement.

I recall the dropped ceiling of the lobby being there in the early 1960s. It was the sort of cheap modernizing job that was done to many old theatres. Most of the original ceiling decor is probably still there in the Million Dollar, as it usually is in the others. The main point of putting in a dropped ceiling is so you won't have to go to the expense of actually removing a lot of heavy, decorative plasterwork, and you can cheaply run wiring and duct work through the newly concealed space.

There are cards in the California Index containing citations which strongly imply that it was the Million Dollar project that brought Architect William Woollett to Los Angeles from San Francisco (theatre lessee Sid Grauman was a recent arrival from San Francisco himself and I suppose may have had something to do with the choice of Woollett as designer of the theatre portion of the project.) They also reveal that Woollett worked on the Million Dollar in Martin's office, not on his own. One Architect & Engineer article refers to Woollett as Martin's associate in the project.

I don't know what name A.C. Martin's firm went by in 1918, but whatever it was should probably be the name in the "firm" spot on the Million Dollar's Cinema Treasures page.

I found two names for A.C. Martin's firm. The first was A.C. Martin and Associates. That name was later changed to A.C. Martin Partners. The firm was founded around 1909 but the name at that time is not specified. Since A.C. Martin had a son with the same name who was also a noted architect, we should list the name above as Albert Carey Martin Sr. to avoid any confusion with his son Albert Carey Martin Jr.

In September, 1947, the Million Dollar Theatre was being advertised as the "New Home of the Big Name Bands." Performing on stage for the week of September 16th were Tex Williams & His "Smoke Smoke" Orchestra and Entertainers. The following week, "The 20th Century Gabriel," Erskine Hawkins, and His Orchestra took over, co-starred with Hattie McDaniel, "Beloved Screen & Stage Star." No movies were mentioned in the ads, but presumably they filled the gaps between stage shows.

Here is a screen shot from the 1988 film "Colors":
http://tinyurl.com/28yvf6

The MD is featuring a free concert this Saturday April 12, at 6pm honoring the birthcentennial of singer and actor Tito Guizar (1908-2008). Their new web page is www.milliondollartheater.com

Here is an April 2008 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/5mm6qf

Having not being down to the downtown area in some time, I was very happy to read that the Million Dollar theatre was reopening. It's unfortunate that a previous tenant stripped the marquee of its Million Dollar signage. It looks too plain now. Were the modern additions removed in the lobby? Are the murals that were painted over going to be restored? I wish the new owner the best of luck as there are so many new venues to compete against now. It's a nice idea to try and show movies again but no one is going to drive down there to see a movie. You can barely get people into the theatres in Hollywood anymore. The Pacific Theatre on Hollywood Blvd is the next movie palace that desperately needs salvation.

Here is an article that was in today's LA Times:
http://tinyurl.com/65ze8d

It looks like there will be two Last Remaining Seats shows at the Million Dollar in June. I'm looking forward to it.

Here is the lineup:
http://tinyurl.com/4x283f

Here is a June 1957 ad from the LA Times:
http://tinyurl.com/55f5oa

The Million Dollar Theatre amongst other great old movie theaters along Broadway were featured on the Los Angeles Edition of "GlobeTrekker". Check your local PBS station for time. I believe it also shows up on the Travel Channel as well.

you can get more info on the show in general by visiting www.globetrekkertv.com

A mariachi show is scheduled for Sunday May 11, per the marquee.

www.myspace.com/milliondollartheater

I am wondering if the sculptor Joseph Mora was also the illustrator Jo Mora who worked in similar subject manner. My grandfather, the late Western-Americana collector James G. Layne, gave me a poster dated 1933 which depicts all sorts of goings on at the rodeo. At the poster's top center is the "Sweetheart of the Rodeo," the same illustration that was much later featured on the Byrds album cover. Same Mora, or family of artistic Moras? My guess would probably be the illustrator is son to the sculptor, but any elaboration on this minutia would be appreciated!

Here are some additional images of the Million Dollar Theatre
Facade and marquee
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rovernl/2525388454
Archway
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rovernl/2376426880/

Here is a 1964 photo from the LAPL. The theater is showing Spanish films. Governor Pat Brown is the forgotten-looking man with the glasses.
http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics50/00074746.jpg

Joseph Mora and Jo Mora were indeed one in the same.

Saw El Rey Del Barrio at the MD last night. I have to disagree with the poster who said the tin drop ceiling in the lobby was ugly. I think it's an improvement over the bland, 50s style work that was done. I just wonder how accurate it is...

Here is a 1925 photo from the LAPL:
http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics45/00072367.jpg

go to the following links to check out a Promo Video filmed inside THE MILLION DOLLAR THEATRE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpYOqdLbpgg
or you can watch the same video
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=38502828
On Saturday, August 2, 2008, the million dollar will host its first annual VIVE LOS ANGELES on broadway featuring the band MUTUAL CRY also known as GRITO MUTUAL for band info go to mutualcry.com FOR FREET TICKETS TO THIS ALL AGES, RED CARPET EVENT message me at csufwill@yahoo.com

Here are some July 2008 photos:
http://tinyurl.com/6y3amx
http://tinyurl.com/62n6t8
http://tinyurl.com/6zoold
http://tinyurl.com/67w4z7

If you like b/w photos, this one is for you.

Here are two September 2008 photos:
http://tinyurl.com/3t3hkh
http://tinyurl.com/3u56yc

Here is a January 1947 ad from the LA Times:
http://tinyurl.com/4xdgdb

Here is a 1988 photo from the LAPL. This was a Disney parade of some kind:
http://jpg1.lapl.org/00077/00077794.jpg

Here are some photos taken today:
http://tinyurl.com/5pqzbw
http://tinyurl.com/67fxtk
http://tinyurl.com/5mlqv4
http://tinyurl.com/6fuox2

Hey, Ken -- are you going to attend or volunteer for the LAHTF's Spooktacular show Halloween weekend? If you do, ask around for Don -- it would be nice to meet another theater photographer!

Don, I will be in Seattle that weekend. I hope it goes well.

From the LA Times, dated July 21, 1960:

A masked bandit, speaking in Spanish and armed with an icepick, held up the cashier and manager of the Million Dollar Theater, 307 S. Broadway, last night and escaped with $200, police reported.

MEXICAN REVOLUTION COMMEMORATION
TOWARDS THE CENTENNIAL 1910 - 2010

milliondollartheater.com/MexicanRevolution.html

Here is a 1940 photo from a new collection of Life Magazine images on Google:
http://tinyurl.com/5ww73s

The link to the Life magazine photo was originally found by another member named "misterboo". Your thanks should go to "misterboo" for the photo.

Here is a December 2008 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/54u99u

Here is a January 1953 ad from the LA Times:
http://tinyurl.com/49l7ry

That's the same ad posted two months ago on the Mason Theater page. LOL

Here are excerpts from an LA Times article dated 8/31/50:

Mexico made a proud showing last night when the Million Dollar Theater reopened under the management of Impresario Frank Fouce. Official representatives of nearly every Central and South American country appeared and took bows, including Consuls from Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay and other countries as well as Mexico.

It all recalls that first opening on February 18, 1918 when Sid Grauman brought myriads of stars to the theater, including Mary Pickford, Charles Chaplin, D.W. Griffith, Lillian Gish, Mabel Normand, Roscoe Arbuckle, Alla Nazimova, Douglas Fairbanks and scores of others to see William S. Hart in "The Silent Man".

A 1979 post card view of the Million Dollar Theater in Los Angeles.

Thank you all for your comments regarding the issue of Flickr and photo credits. While useful, the discussion is off-topic and was threatening to take the page off the rails.

I am happy to reconsider the removal of these posts if you think the discussion will resolve similar debates.

Thank you.

Here is part of an LA Times article dated 10/6/54:

Amid the Byzantine-Gothic-East Los Angeles artchitecture of the Million Dollar Theater, a lusty band of Mexican vaudevillians are doing their stuff these days, with comedians Manolin and Schillinsky the chief twinklers.

Dancing gets a whirl on the bill. Los Colegiales are two men and a girl. One of the boys is a real comic, doing eccentric stepping for tops in laughs. The boys do buck-and-wing and tap, also jitterbug with the girl, and she helps out with a fairly comic sketch.

Tonsil artists are too many and too mal. Even Hermanos Martinez gang up on the mike with thunderous result. Tony Moro's singing of "I'm in a Mood for Love" puts one pretty much in a mood for murder, what with the mike's malice. As for Lupita Moran, pretty and graceful, probably the rafters of the old theater never have wrung or been wrung with anything quite so harrowing as her voice.

Say what you will about political correctness and conformity, but I'm glad the Los Angeles Times hews to higher writing standards nowadays. One could imagine from this piece that there may have been a journalistic race to the bottom back in the good old days when the Herald was a serious competitor.

"Byzantine-Gothic-East Los Angeles architecture"? Give me a break.

Interesting, too, that the Million Dollar is called "old" at the ripe old age of 36.

A mid 1970's postcard image of the Million Dollar Theater in Los Angeles.

You posted the same photo Dec 29!!

And your point would be ??

There are some interior photos on this site:
http://tinyurl.com/83yuac

Here is a January 2009 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/7p7zup

I'm looking for anyone who would like to share memories of the Million Dollar Theatre from the 70s or earlier.
This is for a potential radio piece.
You would have to live in the NY or LA area to make this happen.
My email is eveclax at hotmail dot com
Looking forward to hearing from you.

Here is a photograph I took of the Million Dollar lobby on 1/31/09:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3264193440/

Here is a 1999 photo from the LAPL:
http://jpg1.lapl.org/pics41/00040198.jpg

"The booth of the Million Dollar was apparently an afterthought, as it was located at the front center of the balcony."

Gordon made this comment back in 2003, but the recent "All About" presentation by LAHTF addressed this issue:

The position of the booth was well considered. For one thing, it meant the projectors were closer to the screen, so the image was brighter. Also, they were square on to the screen, so there was no keystoning to be corrected.

Yes, it's a small booth in an odd place -- but that does give it certain advantages.

Here is a 1959 photo from the USC archive:
http://tinyurl.com/czqqq2

The lineup for Last Remaining Seats is out-two shows each at the MD, Los Angeles and Orpheum. See www.laconservancy.org for details.

Here are some April 2009 photos:
http://tinyurl.com/cwgzsv
http://tinyurl.com/ctzub5
http://tinyurl.com/dbutca
http://tinyurl.com/ce2cs5
http://tinyurl.com/cdzw7n
http://tinyurl.com/ck4hkx

Here is a 1923 ad for Grauman's Million Dollar from the LA Times:
http://tinyurl.com/dg3wre

Here is a photo taken by Mrs. ken mc yesterday:
http://tinyurl.com/cl2zdn

Here is a 1983 night shot:
http://tinyurl.com/c9x68m

Another Million Dollar photo is here.

This is a Million Dollar close-up.

Here are more 1983 photos:

Photo1

Photo2

Photo3

The Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation, along with the Jules Verne Adventure Film Festival, will honoring Tony Curtis at the Million Dollar on June 13th. They'll be screening Houdini in the afternoon, along with a magician who'll be recreating one of Houdini's famous escape stunts.

Then there'll be a dinner at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, where Tony will be autographing copies of his book. And then back to the Million Dollar for the 50th anniversary of Some Like It Hot.

Come to see the theater or to star-gaze. It promises to be an amazing evening. Plus we'll be revealing some of the Million Dollar's "hidden treasures."

Get your tickets now.

http://www.julesvernefestival.com/

Million Dollar Theater: The Hidden Layers (2009)
A 15-minute documentary by Haeyong Moon

Hillsman Wright, the executive director of the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation, invites you into the hidden spaces inside the Million Dollar Theater.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=norestudio&view=playlists

Enjoy!

Here are some June 2009 photos:
http://tinyurl.com/mcc76b
http://tinyurl.com/lgozvo
http://tinyurl.com/nzxs2v

You can see a short scene that shows the marquee and the actor watching a film inside with a fake projection booth in the back of the main floor.

I forgot to put the title of the film in the above post. "500 Days of Summer" from Fox Searchlight pictures.

Here is a January 1926 ad from the LA Times:
http://tinyurl.com/re5tea

Here are the updated links to THE HIDDEN LAYERS, a 15-minute documentary about the hidden spaces inside the Million Dollar Theater.

The Hidden Layers Part 1/3
The Hidden Layers Part 2/3
The Hidden Layers Part 3/3

Enjoy and pass it on.

The LA Historic Theatre Foundation will be presenting some historical background on the Broadway theaters, plus a tour of not only the Million Dollar, but also the Morosco (Globe). Saturday, Sept 26th, doors open at 10:30, presentation starts at 11. See you there!

My father and his mariachi played weekly at El Million Dollar for over a decade. El Mariachi America de Miguel Marquez. I remember as a kid goin there and seen my dad play his bihuela. From what I hear my father was well known and he had a blast all those years. My fathers name was Miguel Marquez and he past away in 1997. Every time I drive by El Million Dollar I get a funny feeling and I think, that is where my father was happy in life. I cant wait to go and see a concert there.

My father and his mariachi played weekly at El Million Dollar for over a decade. El Mariachi America de Miguel Marquez. I remember as a kid goin there and seen my dad play his bihuela. From what I hear my father was well known and he had a blast all those years. My fathers name was Miguel Marquez and he past away in 1997. Every time I drive by El Million Dollar I get a funny feeling and I think, that is where my father was happy in life. I cant wait to go and see a concert there.

My father and his mariachi played weekly at El Million Dollar for over a decade. El Mariachi America de Miguel Marquez. I remember as a kid goin there and seen my dad play his bihuela. From what I hear my father was well known and he had a blast all those years. My fathers name was Miguel Marquez and he past away in 1997. Every time I drive by El Million Dollar I get a funny feeling and I think, that is where my father was happy in life. I cant wait to go and see a concert there.

The Wild Bunch will be screening here this evening in a program sponsored by the Jules Verne Society. I believe the presentation will be digital. Surviving stars of the film including Ernest Borgnine, Bo Hopkins, L.Q. Jones and Alfonso Arau will be there along with Ali MacGraw, Lalo Schifrin and the families of Sam Peckinpah and Jerry Fielding. There will be tours of the theater and an on stage reception and after party. As of yesterday, tickets were still available on the society's web site.

Circa 1920s, from the USC archives:
http://tinyurl.com/y9waqge

It was great seeing The Wild Bunch and the stars from the film but the show itself was a disorganized mess causing much confusion and frustration among those waiting in line. Even those paying top dollar and in the front of the line did not get in until "Album in Montage" was half over. There were a multitude of problems and I will be wary of any Jules Verne Society program in the future.

Cool keep it going. The you tube stuff does not work too well.

Oh by the way the name "Million Dollar Theatre" is great.

What problems are you having with YouTube? If it's stuttering and stopping, you can let it load all the way before playing and that should take care of it. I haven't heard of it giving anyone else trouble...

Thanks Don S.You must have had this problem too.

i rented blade runner from netflix on bluray, and I can see the theater during the night scenes. Wonder if that theater will still be open by 2019?

Depends, Justin. Are you a optimist on the economy, or a pessimist?

optimist on the economy.

Let's hope you're right. There's a lot of effort underway to revitalize the downtown area. If that works, then it's very likely that the Million Dollar will still be open in 2019.

Maybe if they put another Million Dollars into it,Just a joke Happy New Year!!!!

Here is an October 1958 ad from the LA Times:
http://tinyurl.com/yl7uphh