Garfield Theatre
9 E. Valley Drive,
Alhambra,
CA
91801
9 E. Valley Drive,
Alhambra,
CA
91801
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Contributed by
William Gabel
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Recent comments (view all 38 comments)
I second Ken MC ’s comment about Joe Vogel. I grew up in Monterey Park and went to all the local theters as a lad in the 1960’s and 70’s and am, too, very sad that nothing remains of them. I certainly enjoy Joe’s knowledge about the history of these theaters and almost feel like I know the man!
Here is a 1925 photo of the Garfield Theater. Photo comes from the book “Theatres in Los Angeles”.
When I was a regular relief projectionist here, I was dating the assistant manager. She was Linda Ronstadt’s cousin.
Cha Cha Cha
There’s finally a photo on the Internet showing the back wall of the Garfield’s stage house, with the Bard Circuit’s sailing ship logo still visible, though faded, decades after it was painted. You can make out the words “Vitaphone” and “Movietone” at upper left, and a bit lower, “Stage Plays” in this 1983 shot.
That combined with the vintage rooftop signage is a true throwback to another era. Thanks for posting that.
Thanks Joe. Brings back a lot of memories. I recall there was a bar next to the Garfield at the corner called “Tabu Isle.” I know that because when I worked there in the mid 70’s I had to go there and collect the manager who would have a few drinks until the second feature was over. I remember when the remake of King Kong played there in 1976 it did sell out business. Belongs to a totally diffrent era and I have to remind myself that these theaters once existed.
Some friends dragged me to see the King Kong remake at the Garfield. I think it was the only time I ever saw the place packed. I’d have liked to see the original King Kong there.
I also remember the Tabu Isle, which was already looking pretty seedy in the 1950s. It must have been a favorite haunt of people who drank too much, as I can recall several occasions when, walking back to the car after a movie, we would find that some hapless bar patron had thrown up on the sidewalk.
Here is another photo from 1983:
http://tinyurl.com/d5ol5v
Here is a photo circa 1980s:
http://tinyurl.com/yga42ec
My best cinematic experiences were had in this theatre in the early 90’s with my pal, Jeff, watching fantastic HK double bills and choking on BBQ shrimp crackers washed down with a Janlibo.