Mission Theatre

The Bakersfield Californian reported Richard Lemucchi came to Bakersfield from Italy in 1910 at age of 16 and worked many menial farm jobs. He studied English, gained his citizenship and became head mechanic at the old Bakersfield Garage.

After viewing a local movie he decided the theatre business was for him and he took a trip to Los Angeles to see about buying films. When asked where his theatre was, he replied he didn’t have one yet but would find a place.

Mr. Lemucchi found that place, when he opened the New Mission Theatre on August 25, 1923, and operated until he closed it around July 29, 1929, when he took over management of the Rialto Theatre.

Dick Lemucchi was also known for the Arvin Theatre, Tejon Theatre and Granada Theatre, which showed only films a family could enjoy. Outside of his theatres he was involved in many local clubs and fund raising events and upon his demise in 1965 he passed his organization on to his wife and sons.

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