Grand Lake Theater

I lived in Oakland for years and attended the Grand Lake many, many times when it was still a single-screen operation. On one occasion I had the privilege of playing its renowned pipe organ.

The huge sign is spectacular and dominates the neighborhood.

The Grand Lake is still the best theatre in Oakland. On Saturday nights, in the big downstairs theatre, they still play the 'Mighty Wurlitzer' - it's a great theatre!

The Grand Lake Theatre is a jewel!!! It never fails to delight me everytime I drive by it on my way home. Like the exterior facade, the interior is another beautiful sight to behold. Every that plays there is good simply because the experience is so rewarding.

There used to be a time when you can see a movie on the Big main screen from the balcony but today that is another auditorium. I am not against adding more screens by building an adjacent auditorium but I am against altering any part of the main original auditorium.

This and the Paramount Theatre are the two grandest and most glorious cinema palaces in all of Oakland, and surrounding cities.

I'll never forget going to see the premiere of "E.T." here in 1982, when the manager, Allan Mischaun (excuse me if it's misspelled!) was promoting Spielberg's movie on John Stanley's "Creature Features" TV show on KTVU Channel 2. I've since gone back whenever I'm in the Oakland area to enjoy its plush lobby, grand staircases up to the balcony, and overall cinema ambience, so much lacking in theaters today.

HI MY NAME IS JOSE CRUZ I,M A 25 YEAR OLD CHECANO FROM EAST OAKLAND I,M A PROUD OAKLANDER THE GRAND LAKE THEATER IS MY FAVORITE MOVIE THEATER I THINK IT,S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TEATER IN ALL OF NORTHERN CALIFAS IT HAS THAT OLD SCHOOL CHARM THAT THESE MODERN THEATERS DON,T HAVE

The plush curtain in the main auditorium is originally from the long-ago-lost San Francisco Fox. Actually what you see is about the central one-third and bottom two-thirds of it, the Grand Lake having a much smaller proscenium. The remaining parts of the Fox curtain were carefully de-stitched and now embellish the panels of acoustical fabric between the columns along the auditorium sidewalls.

Architects of the Grand Lake were the Reid Bros. This was the largest theatre they designed, although several of their others came close. Also, there were many other theatres in the Bay Area which once had rooftop signs as the Grand Lake has. The only other surviving rooftop sign is on the Parkway, Oakland. Some others which once had them are the FAIRFAX, Oakland (blown down in a windstorm--Fairfax is now a church), IRVING, San Francisco (demolished), FOX PENINSULA, Burlingame (demolished). There were others as well.

The mural in the lobby says it was from a bank building in "upstate New York". Does anyone know which bank and in what city?

Also upstate New York is Syracuse to some people and Albany to others. That is why I want to know which upstate New York city it is from. I am from Syracuse.

Thank you so much for the "Democratically Elected Presidents' Day" marquee, as well as many of the previous ones. To whom does the public owe a hearty thank you for speaking out in a way that pleases so many?

The Grand Lake was one of two Roadshow houses in the East BAy during the 1960's. I Saw Ben Hur, How The West Was Won, Dr. Zhivago, The SandPebbles, Magnificient Men in There Flying Machines, Camelot, Grand Prix during there reserved seat engagements. The theatre had a major renovation by National General During the engagement of The Sand Pebbles. When the exclusive Runs dissapreared the Grand Lake showed all ist Run Disney product in the 1970's. The theatre was in excellent shape . I return to the Grand Lake and see many films over the years but I still miss the balcony. It is my favorite theatre in the Bay Area to see a film.

I have lived in the area around the Grand Lake all of my life. I have seen more movies there than I can count. However, I will NEVER see another movie there again as long as they post obsurd political statements on their marquee. They have no business getting involved in politics like that. The marquee is supposed to be to display movies being shown, not to advance their leftist political agenda. Is "BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW" really a movie? I didn't thinks so. Grand Lake you're just a movie theater, stop the political statements now!

The Grand Lake is HANDS DOWN the best first-run theatre in the Bay Area. As an Oakland native, I'm really happy that the Grand Lake still shines every so gloriously as it's beautiful marquee and rooftop sign. Every film is receives a top notch presentation, this theatre was also one of the first to implement digital sound when it first surfaced. It doesn't bother me that the balcony was converted into a second auditorium, growing up I loved how it was the only theatre to have "stadium style" seating. Another bonus of the balcony conversion is that the screen is much closer and looks stunning- they did a really good job. The other two screens that they added on the side are also nice, cute with their own themes. But the experience of the main screen... WOW!

I remember seeing "E.T." here, back in 1982, as one of my earliest movie-going experiences...and what a memorable one it was. The line was around the block, and the theatre inside, crowded! For years, I would come here on weekends to see most of the Disney features. While some of the multiplexes in the area were ok, the Grand Lake was a special place. The mural along the stairwell, and the decorations in the main lobby areas are all 'grand'. I've never been fond of the balcony being used as a second theatre. Having seen some films in the main theatre here recently, I thought the partitioning of the second floor looked particularly tacky. Hopefully that will be restored to its original state someday. The "Egyptian" and "Mayan" theaters on the sides are also very well done, but it's the main theatre that has the nicest atmosphere, as only an authentic 1920s movie palace could have.
In the 80s, the matinees for the children's movies used to begin with an amusing film, showing a boy and girl visiting the theatre and a narrator explaining proper audience manners. Is this still shown? It was very funny.

I try not to get invloved, but NO it Should NOT!

Hey Michaan,

Why dont you spend some money on your arthouse theatre, the Park? You've got a wealthy populus there that would poney up full prices to see the art films you play there. But you're obsessed with your antique show and your political messages.

I always thought the idea of going to the movies was to be able to for a short time be taken out of the real world. But to walk up and pay modern full prices for the shows and have to listen to your political commentary is sickening. Why don't you replace the carpets in the lobby? As I recall, they haven't been touched since Roger Rabbit opened, what was that, 1988? I am very glad that you keep classic houses opened up, but why not spend a little bit on your theatre business and less on the antique shows? YOu've spent it all there, and a great theatre there, but you wont on the theatres you still operate. The Grand Lake hsan't had new carpets in 15 years...nor seats...the Oaks in Berkeley doesn't even have air conditioning (which you stole the lovely chandeliers from for alameda) and the park theatre you wont even paint. You charge almost $9 for your papark theatre covered in duct tape and cracked paint. You also make enemies with Sony and Paramount so you don't or can't play 2 major studios films. Your projection is first rate, good people running your theatres, but why not spend half the time fixing up your places. You ever think that the payroll you've spent placing your political messages probably collectively has been enough to paint the park theatre and recarpet the grand lake?

P.S.-the charm of the rooftop sign is diminished as you are too cheap to ever turn the d*mn thing on.

Grand Lake is a nice theater but I understand that employees are treated horribly........You pay 7 dollars to these hard working people and you expect them to fear you....that is distrubing and sickening....get your act together Allen and have a heart....you put up marquees about Bush not treating America fairly...why don't you treat you employees with a little bit of integrity. Your a rich many allen, but that doesn't mean you have to be filthy and rich

http://www.socialistalternative.org/febmar/count_every_vote.JPG Here's a shot of the marquee with one of the political messages

The Grand Lake Theater opened on 6th March 1926.

This theatre was once operated by National General Theatres and later by Mann Theatres. Before being sold to the current owners.

I agree with the above comments about the roof top sign rarely being lit. I just moved to Oakland, and the first few nights passing by the Grand Lake with the sign lit up was truly magical and amazing! I have only seen it lit once since then! What's up with that? The owners have no idea how much more business they'd get if they operated the sign nightly. It truely makes the place magical and special. Without it lit, the place looks dead and closed. What a shame...

I don't know how often the sign lights up these days, but I remember when I lived in Oakland 1984-'86 (and attended the Grand Lake fairly often) the only nights the sign was lit were Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The rest of the week, only the marquee was lit, and on rainy nights, only the reader boards and GRAND LAKE letters were lit. In a perfect world, all signage would be lit every night, all night, but the fact is, maintaining all that wonderful glamour is very expensive.

For those of you who think Grand Lake Theatre should stop its political statements, get a grip on reality. I applaud Grand Lake for being patriotic. If you don't like it, then don't go to the theatre.

Plus Bush DESPERATELY needs to be out of office. He's putting this country in the worst financial shape in history.

I love the political messages on the marquee! I get a chuckle every time I pass by. You know you are definitely not in a Republican area...

Oakland Artist Miron Murcury (mironmurcury@AOL.com)) has created a wonderful CD Rom of the Grand Lake. It is an inside, outside and backstage tour that is just wonderful. Miron has worked on the Grand Lake as a caregiver and painter. He really knows the Grand Lake well.

I found this site by searching for any web pages containing the words "Grand Lake Theater" and political. I decided to do the search after driving by this magnificent cinema house for the umteenth time and heralding their courageous act of posting political statements and information on their marquee. Just tonight it finally dawned upon me that I have yet to read a single message on their marquee to which I didn't fully agree and concur. In fact at times, the message was so right on that I felt compelled to demonstrate my accordance and did so by frantically honking my horn and pointing up to the marquee as I drove by in my little convertible. Although that made me feel good I realized that the best thing I could do to insure those messages keep coming, is to simply buy tickets. So that's what I do whenever I can and encourage all my friends to do likewise. I'm hoping that every person who ceases their patronage because of the messages on the marquee (i.e. APhillips 12/2003), I and my friends will find two more people that will happily bring their families to the great GRAND LAKE THEATER for all their movie enjoyment. And they’ll tell two friends, and so on, and so on,....

Another political message on the marquee:
http://www.allhatnocattle.net/marquee3.jpg

A Wurlitzer organ Opus 1182 Style 235 was installed in the Grand Lake Theater on 10/21/1925.

Have great mem's of this fine Theatre, as a kid, growing up in the 50's, in the Lakeshore area. A 'Blockbuster', like "The Ten Commandments" would run for month's. "The King and I" packed 'em in, also. My older sister was an Usher in the Grand Lake, during this time, and loved working there. It is an 'asset' to Oakland, as is the Paramount and Fox Oakland. Happy to see the Parkway still go'n, also. Sorry to read about the Roxie, tho. Saw a lot of Disney 'n Elvis' "GI Blues", there. Saw the 'Incredible Shrinking Man', when it first came out, at the T&D. "Beach Party" at the Paramount. The Globe was good for 'B' Horror flicks! Is it true.."Kwik Way", just down from the Grand Lake, finally closed? Been there a long time!

Here is another political message on the Grand Lake marquee.

A July 2005 photo of the Grand Lake can be seen here.

This is another political message on the Grand Lake marquee.

Renaissance Rialto leases the Grand Lake Theater - they do not own it. This and many other web sites incorrectly state that the Grand Lake Theater has been bought and sold - but it has been in the same ownership since it was built. Only the lease has been bought and sold. I know this because my family owns 50% of it.

I came to this webpage just to see where this theater is located for a March 30, 2006 Lecture: "9/11: The Myth & the Reality" by David Ray Griffin. I enjoyed reading this thread and clicking on the links with photos. I don't see anyone remarking about attending lectures at this facility, though. Looking forward to it.

This is a recent night view of the Grand Lake Theater.

Here is some trivia for you. The Grand Lake at one time, before the balcony was converted, was the showcase for Disney Films. Remember all those early Disney Movies, like Candelshoe, and Escape To Witch Mountain? Well they played there. A disgruntled projectionist, was fired for smoking weed in the the booth. He was also the projectionist at the T&D, and spliced in a porno trailer in the preview trailer. The Grand Lake audience was treated to about 20 seconds of "Memories within miss aggie". when the new projectionist turned it off and switched to the main feature, the whole floor yelled BOOOOOO and PUT IT BACK ON! I was there when it happened and let me tell you, it was hysterical!!!! Ah, the memories of the grand lake!

Here is your 2007 political message on the Grand Lake marquee.

^^ I LOVE IT!

Two interior photo's (one a larger version of the top picture) here:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/424193874/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/424193878/

This is the Grand Lake at night.

Awesome photo. You always find all the good photos Lost Memory. Thank you for your hard work and your contributions to this site!

I enjoy films at the Grand Lake, I wish there were better movies available. I don't come as often as I would like because the movies aren't very good. I wish you could run some older films like the Paramount did a few years ago. I would attend Grand Lake more if they could run some older films like 'Gone with the Wind' or 'Ben Hur. I don't have allot of money, but I would do almost any thing to help the Grand Lake to stay open, let me know if there is any way I could help. I could come to more shows, however there aren't that many good films being made.

Mr. Bari Brown
510-798-8560
bsbrown43@earthlink.net

Wishing you well in keeping the Grand Lake open.

When Fox West Coast ran it they fooled the people of Oakland thinking they had a road show theatre. All the big 70mm road shows played San Francisco first, later in the run the Grand Lake picked up the prints before they went to the small theatres and booked them like it was the same thing as road show. They didn't tell the people they only had 35mm. I think later on they did put in 70mm when Allen came on board.

Terry I attended the Grand Lake during the roadshow era I always thought the quality was first rate. Natinal General did a major renovation prior to the opening of "Camelot" and did a first rate job. I always preferred the Grand Lake over the Roxie during the roadshow era. Oakland always had to wait at least 6 months to a year after San Francisco in getting films like "The Sound Of Music" and "Dr Zhivago".These movies would play the Roxie and the Grand Lake for several months. It was the studios that dictated how the roadshow films were booked. San Francisco always opened with Exclusive Northern California Engagement when opening films like "Ben Hur", "My Fair Lady","Cleopatra","Lawrence of Arabia","West Side Story","Those Magnificient Men in there Flying Machines","How The West Was Won", "The Sand Pebbles","Gone With The Wind","Dr Zhivago","The Sound of Music"," Its a Mad Mad Mad World","Funny Girl","Oliver" and "Patton" to name a few. I always thought the roadshow reserved seat presentations were the best I have ever seen. These movies would only open in a Deluxe theatres such as the Pantages in Hollywood, Rivoli in New York,Warner in DC,United Artists in San Francisco,Saxon in Boston,Boyd in Philidelphi,Palace in Chicago,United Artists in Detroit and other key cities across the nation. Many of these films would only open in 15-30 theates across the nation and then the studios would slowly roll them out depending on business, to other cities. The last successful roadshow reserved seat movie was "Fiddler on the Roof" in the early 1970's.brucec

Bruce thanks for your note. I don't think seeing Sound of Music at the Roxie in Oakland after it had played in SF for many months on the Roxie small screen in 35mm was Roadshow. Same at the Grand Lake, they didn't show in full 70mm nor most times they didn't give programs for sale. You may have thought you were at at a Roadshow presentation, but if you saw the same film in Hollywood or SF a few months before it looked great. Did the Grand Lake have reserved seats? I don't remember. What bothered me with the Roxie in Oakland they put in the advertisement 70mm or Todd-Ao many times they just took the logo from the reel roadshow and just used it. Most people that didn't go to SF prob didn't know the 35mm rip off. Wow if the Grand Lake had put in a big curved sceen how great this theatres projection roadshow look for the people of Oakland. 35mm or 70mm at least the Grand Lake is still open, but I think Its roadshow days are gone. I saw Dreamgirls at the big theatre downstairs and the right surrounds did'nt come on. I asked the projectionist Steffon about it, he told me they need to fix it. Next time you go to the Grand Lake check to see if the right surrounds are on. The place needs new rugs in the lobby very bad.

Terry I agree the Grand Lake could use a little touch up. It also is starting to look a little shabby on the outside.Allen either needs to put some money back into the theatre or give it to Landmark to run as a specialty house. I think the Grand Lake would do well with specialty films like they run at the Piedmont.Allen seems to be loosing interest in the Grand Lake I hope this is not true.brucec

To All; Allen, is a great movie theatre operater! you all should know that aging palaces are not cheap to keep up. he does maintain
this theatre . as far as the comments about lighting up the tower marquee, the PG&E to light this is exuberant! not to mention if the neon has to be replaced from running all the time . So to all of the negative comments that are said , I want to say Allen is a Great theatre owner! and he does pay attention to the up keep of his theatres. It takes a lot of concession sales to run any theatre. not to mention what the film companies take from you! Allen keep up the good work! my friend!

"Allen either needs to put some money back into the theatre or give it to Landmark to run as a specialty house."

What a joke. Landmark runs some of the most run down theatres. The notion that they would invest money on to the site is very hard for me to believe. We should all hope that Allen hols on tho this theatre for a very long time.

Here is another recent night view of the Grand Lake.

I take it that Allen wants to keep the Grand Lake because I know he closed the Oaks and Park and didn't renew the lease on the Orinda. I saw the beautiful Auctions at the Bay in Alameda where he poured a great deal of money if only the Grand Lake was kept up like that. I repeat the Grand Lake was in great shape when National General gave up the house to Allen because a major renovation was done in 1966-67. I know that Allen has poured a great deal of money into the Grand Lake over the years and has done very well.New competition from Jack London and Emeryville has cut into the profits of the Grand Lake and money needs to put back into the Grand Lake to compete becuase I have noticed a decline the last few years.Maybe Allen needs to repostion the Grand Lake more as a specialty theatre and classics instead of competing with the megaplex theatres. Maybe a mix of both mainstream, specialty and classics. I saw my first film at the Grand Lake in 1959 which was "Ben Hur" and my last film "Harry Potter" so I have attended this theatre for almost five decades. I really want to see the Grand Lake remain successful with Allen. The theatre really needs new carpets and a touch up in a few places. The above comment concerning Landmark, I have seen them do a wonderful job with historic theatres and have seen rundown theatres they run such as the Rialto in South Pasadena which just closed. I only made the remark concerning Landmark, if Allen was lossing interest in the Grand Lake which I hope he is not.brucec

brucec, Didn't Mann Theatre operate it before Allen bought it?

Yes National General became Mann Theatres after Ted Mann bought the National General Theatres which was Fox West Coast years earlier. The Grand Lake has always been fortunate to be in a very nice area with parking problems like most urban areas. Mann theatres never booked the Grand Lake properly after the decline of the roadshow films. They had a beautiful renovated theatre and played Disney films. They didn't start booking the blockbuster films again until Allen took over the Grand Lake.brucec

With the new Alameda Theaters do to open sometime soon with it's main huge theatre the Grand Lake is going to loose many customers. You watch as soon as the Alameda opens watch Allen re open up to the movie public his semi private auction art deco auction theatre in Alameda. The Grand Lake will have some competion for the first time since the Jack London Sq Theatre opened that Regal just remodled.

This is a more recent view of the Grand Lake Theater.

Here is a photo, circa late 20s or early 30s:
http://tinyurl.com/3xgkuo

Here is a December 2007 photo.

Held up pretty well, hasn't it?

It looks good to me. Too bad they don't all age as well as this one.

Here is a photo for marquee aficionados. If its too large, I can find smaller photos.

This is a recent photo of the Grand Lake Theater with another political message.

Oakland's Grand Lake Theatre video including interview with owner & organist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p_Dt0RhE74

Well, now here is why I love going to see a movie. To read some jerk's political views up on the marquee. So much for escapism.

Just watched video posted above by HowardBHaas listing Allen Marchaan as the owner. Allen Marchaan is NOT the owner of the Grand Lake Theater - he pays rent every month. Look it up.

Here is another political announcement. "Prevent unwanted presidencies - America must bring back hand-counted paper ballots". Sounds like a new movie from Michael Moore. LOL

This is another 2008 photo.

Another marquee political message can be seen here.

I'm not a McCain fan. But they should cool it with those political messages on the marquee. It's difficult enough trying to fill up an old movie palace without pissing off half the potential patrons in your community.

I wonder if any Republicans attend this theater. Most of those messages seem to be aimed at that party.

Strangely, they are showing "W." this weekend. Of course, the patrons will see it here only to mock it and heckle the movie. Should be interestin'..

Here is the latest free political announcement.

They really need to relax. I don't like Bush & Cheney either. But this is just silly.

About two months from now when Bush leaves office, I wonder if movie titles will start to appear on the marquee.

First of all, even though I don't live in California, much less Oakland, that theatre's another fantastic-looking theatre, inside and out.

Secondly, now that Bush and his Republican Administration will be out of office come late January 2009, I wonder if they'll start playing more of the great, old classics in addition to the crappy stuff that gets played reglarly at these antiseptic-looking multiplex cinemas across the country. The old movie palaces that're left should concentrate more on great older classic films.

The latest propaganda message is here. If your a Republican, don't bother reading it. :)

This guy is worse than the old Soviet Union.

I don't understand why he thinks it is good business to offend people on the marquee, unless he's so rich that it doesn't matter to him if the theatre makes money or not. There is a very good reason why conventional wisdom says not to discuss politics.

I know California is very liberal. But there are still enough Republicans out there. Most hard-core Republicans I know would turn around and walk back to their car if they saw that.

I don't get it. It says the national nightmare is almost over, yet the inaugeration is just a week away. Shouldn't it say it's just about to start??

The Grand Lake is in a very democratic part of town. A Republican probably wouldn't be caught dead walking in the 'hood. LOL.

A photo of the Grand Lake without an inflammatory political message on the right side of the marquee. I wonder why the off day?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bwchicago/2771991915/

Yeah, at that time they said they had discontinued that practice. I don't see anything wrong with it. It's his business, let him run it as he pleases. The theater's gotten a lot of publicity as a result. The rest of my Grand Lake set is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bwchicago/tags/ctid414/ I'm rather proud of my interiors (although I'm not terribly fond of the paint finishes they used)

That is a good point. I hadn't thought about it from a publicity standpoint.

But I still think it's silly. I would find a different way to grab headlines if I were running the show.

Anyway Brian, I'm pretty sure the owner isn't going to take my opinion into consideration.

Hi Folks:

Thought I would mention that the theatre has newly installed carpet. It's a great improvemnt over the old worn out carpet.

Mike

This is the latest political announcement. Bush is out of office and this guy is still at it. LOL

The Grand Lake Theater from the outside on the night of March 26th, 2009.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29762733@N04/3423151132/

The staff was pleased to take care of the local treasure. It was well maintained, and the presentation was good.

1947 Photo

1980 Photo

the grand lake theater is trully a cinama treasure in oakland i've been coming here since i was about 10 years old . first time i came here was to see transformers the movie in a morning matinee i've seen so many movies here i lost count to many to name the last movie i seen here was in 2007 to see ironically the transfomers motin picture .. i like the 2 theaters that have balconys the main theater is also great with the wulitzer organist to entertain you .and the former main theater balcony turned theater up stairs is also hella cool i have so many memorys at the grand lake like any true oaklander should i hope this theater never fades away .....

ps the political messages on the marquee are kinda rediculous at times but kinda cool very unique btw i'm a democrat ....

Here are some 1986 photos:

Photo1

Photo2

Photo3

Photo4

Here is a photo from around the time of the opening:
http://tinyurl.com/nxravg