Orpheum Theatre
842 S. Broadway,
Los Angeles,
CA
90014
842 S. Broadway,
Los Angeles,
CA
90014
61 people
favorited this theater
The Orpheum Theatre was the last movie palace still showing film in downtown Los Angeles when it finally closed in late-2000. Before closing, this palatial structure showed films in English and in Spanish with subtitles.
The theatre’s auditorium, lobby and foyers are matched by its expansive balcony. Stunning at every turn, its downstairs wood paneled foyer recalls a more elegant time when going to a movie theater meant going out on the town.
After a $4 million restoration in 2003, the Orpheum Theatre has reopened as a venue for concerts and legitimate theater and for the Los Angeles Conservancy’s “Last Remaining Seats” classic film series.
Contributed by
Cinema Treasures
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Recent comments (view all 204 comments)
GerryC, your post of Jun 25, 2010 is for the original Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. Which is listed here as the Grand Theatre. The Grand Theatre became the first Orpheum Theatre in 1894. This Orpheum Theatre (1926) is the fourth Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.
Great video about the vintage curtains. How sad that the multiplexes of today don’t value the showmanship that used to be standard theater procedure way back when.
I agree nice video,very interesting and historical.
A CHILD IS WAITING at the Orpheum, 1963:
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A CHILD IS WAITING at the Orpheum, 1963:
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A photo of the rooftop neon sign from March 2010:
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I add to this album of vintage theaters and memorabilia from time to time:
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The theater marquee is prominently featured in the movie “Hop” which opened this weekend.
SCORE INJURED IN EXPLOSION IN THEATER – (February 7, 1931 – AP) – Panic In Audience of 2000 At Los Angeles Averted By Actor; Screen Star’s Honor ………Thirty persons were injured, several seriously, and a panic in a theater audience of more than 2,000 was averted when an explosion in a power main in front of the Orpheum theater shook the building late last night. So terrific was the blast that several persons standing in front of the theater were lifted into the air and others were hurled against store windows. A portion of the street was torn up and windows smashed. A brilliant first night audience, augmented by the presence of more than 1,000 motion picture players, packed the theatre for the premiere of ‘Cimarron’. Many film stars were on the stage making personal appearances when the explosion shocked the theater. Robert McWade, veteran stage and screen actor, averted a panic. “Don’t get excited folks,” McWade cried. “That was just part of the celebration in my honor.” The audience laughed and grew calm. The show goers filed out in an orderly manner later, when squads of police and firemen took charge of the situation. The blast was due to an accumulation of gas in the power main, according to H. E. Walker, member of the fire prevention bureau, attending the performance.
This theater looks great in the photos. Alas, I was only able to peer from the gate on the outside and couldn’t see anything. I was taking my first tour of downtown LA’s Historic Theatre District and I was both elated and greatly disappointed by what I saw. First the good. There is a tremendous amount of stunning architecture in downtown Los Angeles and it appears that a great number of the older office buildings have, in fact, been converted to residential. That said, I saw precious little effect of all of those new residents' effects on the area. Except for some cafes and restaurants on Spring Street the area’s retail is decidedly low brow. Sadly, large parts of the area smelled of urine. The theaters of Broadway (even the supposed restored ones) had a look of utter abandonment. I think there is a lot of potential, but I just don’t see the effort. I lived through the bad old days of Times Square in the 70’s and 80’s and witnessed it umprobabe transfomation into the Disneyland that it has become today. No one ever thought that could ever be accomplished, but it was because the city put its full force and resources behind it. Police presence was increased, the homeless were moved out, porn stores closed, office buildings built, tax incentives for residents put in place. The change happened pretty much within 10 years. I don’t see LA putting the same effort behind it and more importantly, local residents supporting it. Can some local Angelenos convince me otherwise? I hope so. I think downtown has the bones. It needs the flesh. The clothing will follow on its own.