Your lovely theater needs to be operated by a professional cinema and theater operator. A person who KNOWS show business, not City Hall.
This manager will manage the place instead of renting it out to people to put on “an” event; like a convention center. This is too flighty. Locals NEED to know that movies (not first run) are always shown with the occasional live stage show.
Checkout the CASTRO THEATRE in San Francisco -fabulously successful with this type of programming. I know, I loved working there but had to move away due to family commitments.
As a recent former usher at Hollywood’s El Capitan, the FIXED seating count is presently at 998. There is room for 12 + MOVABLE seats in the rear handicapped booths.
The awesome balcony has far more seating than the orchestra level and I’m informed by Joseph Musil (who directed the El Caps massive 1990’s restoration) that many seats were removed to accommodate the organ console installation, plus the rear handicap seating, restrooms and new projection booth.
As for “biggest movie theaters”, I think that New York City’s “Cathedral of Motion Pictures” was the (long gone) Roxy Theatre at 6,000 plus.
Hello Chelsea H…
You are just entering a fabulous world… but it’s dying very fast! I’m in my mid 60’s and came in on the end of an era when “going to the pictures” was wonderful entertainment.
We dressed “up” to go out to the downtown movie house for an entire evening of entertainment; from the doorman, concession stand, finding a seat in the balcony, listening to the pipe organ, watching the beautiful curtains opening and closing during each segment of the program -complete with footlights and spotlight on the organist, the news, a travel program, trailers and door prizes… and so on!
Wow, those WERE the days but to coin a phrase, they’ve “gone with the wind.”
Now, it’s booringly bare-screen multiplexes, all showing the same garbage churned out by the Hollywood zombies, shown by candy merchants and staffed by children who haven’t the slightest inclanation of what show business is all about!
I hope you strike it rich by finding a “sugar daddy” and that your dreams come true. Dreams DO come true.
I’ve busted my hump for a decade trying to find and reopen an art deco single screen 500 seater with the dreams of going back in the proverbialy “time machine” but with zero luck.
The day I give up is when I’m on my death bed. However, there are countless little cinema/theaters out there just waiting to be snapped up and be prepared to relocate.
But… you’ll need to be in the right part of town!!! Research the neighborhood for it’s ethnicity and show the right type of films. Forget the “first run” junk -they’re at killer prices from the greedy distributors… show the older classics or biggies from just a few years ago that people failed to catch on general release.
Please stay in touch with your trials and tribulations.
Simon in Long Beach, California
Everyone within normal travel distance of greater Los Angeles, who are devotee’s of the classic single screen theaters, should jump onto their Pogostick or catch a train to SANTA ANA and see the fabulous display of JOSEPH MUSIL’S CREST THEATRE.
Artistically shown is everything from early pencil drawings, blue prints, molds, models and beautiful photographic collection -the entire side wall of his museum/auditorium is devoted to the CREST.
I would advise calling first for an appointment 714-667-6959 as Mr. Musil’s (formerly known as the “Salon of the Theatres” -now the AMERICAN MUSEUM OF THEATRICAL DESIGN) does not keep normal shop hours… You’ll need to offer a handsome donation because it’s well worth the normal price of admission and this is a non-profit organization with volunteer docents! www.josephmusil.com
Mr. Musil is an amazing iconic tower of authority regarding countless American theaters. He was profesionaly trained in Milan, Italy and has provided his services to theater giants across America, further providing a wealth of designs and models for numerous Disney projects both locally, France and Japan.
The only other point I might add was a comment from an overseas visitor during the 2005 THS Conclave; “Your museum tour and stage show was the absolute highlight of the entire tour.” -Need I say more?
Simon Overton -Volunteer stage manager.
Many thanks “SB Hobo” for your encouraging remarks regarding the Granada’s future. I’ll pay another visit when the old lady reopens!
Glad you enjoyed the Arlington’s silent films with organ.
My favourite memory is of TWO GREATS who played at San Francisco’s fabulous “Silent Film Festival” hosted at the CASTRO THEATRE; Denis James was outstandingly fabulous while the late and great Bob Vaughn received a deafening ovation as the over eighty-year old staggered out of the jam-packed auditorium. I had tears of joy both nights.
You might look into Hollywood’s IVAR THEATRE Ivar @ Hollywood Blvd. It’s owned by the California Youth Theatre and, I am told, receives backing from the Getty Foundation.
It is hardly ever open -basically used for rehearsals?, in fair but shabby looking shape, has a small balcony but a pleasing stage with plenty of room for dressing rooms.
Where are YOU located? Can I be of local help?
Don…Thank you so much for your photograph. This must have been a late evening shot as to the angle of the shaddows. Lovely!
If only the owner, Ted Nasser, had the brains to have leased the Royal to me some 7 or so years ago, the old lady would be still open today and looking a lot prettier.
My plans, along with over 3,000 signatures of support, not including every surrounding merchant, were to have turned this lovely place into an all British cinema.
Further in mind was the installation of a second procenium arch with curtains for moderate size stage ready for “live” performances by visiting Brits… Plus, added to the programme would have been openings of new films from Britain including Film Festivals and a British themed gift & food shop.
And the name ROYAL was perfect for my dreams but Ted was “blind” to the fact of allowing such a venture to come true!
Simon Overton, Long Beach, Ca.
Hello again “butternut”;
The red curtains will look fabulous with a grey interior. I recall this colour theme at a small cinema where I one lived in the 50/60’s in Southampton, England.
How about spray painting, at one angle towards the screen/stage with a darker grey, then reverse the spray painting procedure with the ligheter colour. This way the light will be reflected INTO the the auditorium!!!
Hey! So many ideas to choose from -anxiously awating your decission.
Another thought has come to mind… With the natural curve of the structure, I believe it would be suitable to paint in an optical illusion. Like so many theatres painted to look like wood paneling inside, use a computerized model to compose a picture of cantilevering. Make it look like the wood beams in a gothic church apse, and cover the walls at the chair level with a simulated, painted, velvet drapery to set off the wood. Wood tones with kelley greene as well as wine red are stunning. They would enhance the illusion giving a feeling of grandeur. The Loew’s State in Los Angeles (Broadway)is concrete painted like wood but it is static. The quanset hut style would appear fluid.
Gary… I was in my favourite “city by the bay” in April ‘07 and was shocked to see a pile of boxy looking apartments being constructed on the site of the Royal.
I cannot recall seeing anything left of the Royal’s classic facade.
Perhaps a photographic update is possible from a local fan?
Pretty please?
You don’t mention your location. Locale AND climate can also play a major part of helping your patrons feel comfortable, that is, depending on what the average weather patern is like.
Do you have stage curtains? I hope so as bare screens are so ugly! Curtains should be contrasting in color and design and opened and closed at slow to moderate speed. NEVER fast or jerked!!!
When you complete your task, please post a photo.
Good Luck from www.josephmusil.com Theater Designer.
P.S. Your stage/platform and surrounding procenium(?) arch could be flat black; so as to display a sharp edge for your projection.
Has the theaters “namesake” ever attended? I hope so. Perhaps he should write a healthy checque to restore this place befitting its name.
Another way to keep your patrons happy and returning time and time again is to OPEN THE BALCONY. The income from extra ticket sales is well worth it.
I’m an ex-Brit now living in California wondering is old “Blighty” still has that archaic policy of charging higher prices for the balcony? “Swipe me” as Tony Hancock often said! The open balcony policy is good for business.
Hello theater owners, take note, it’s a FACT!!!!!!!!!
Check their website with your valid question in the “mail” section.
The Fox-Arlington is thriving in a city that appreciates this house.
While in S.B. in March we noted that the fabulousl old Granada Theatre had been “saved but destroyed!"
What I refer to is that the outer shell of the building remains while the original auditorium has been pulverized like a bomb went off -nothing left of the stage but a vast hole in the ground with a gaping hole allowing in the sunlight.
The sidewalk display of the Granada’s "new” future will resemble an open style boxy-looking, boring-to-look-at stage. I forget what the auditorium’s new look will offer because I was so dissapointed that the past was NOT preserved for future generations to come… How sad!
Perhaps the only way for L.A’s Broadway theaters to survive is to jazz up the rent of these scum-bag shops, harras the winos and beggars and up-grade the street lights… then the American element of patrons may think about returning… but the entertainment industry and younger generations has moved on to other districts!
Am I correct in stating that the Nasser family (Castro, SF) once owned this theater?
Perhaps they (or Blumenfeld Theatres) and local newspapers may have historic files containing photographs, etc?
Congratulations on winning the battle… I’ll drive up from Long Beach for the grand re-opening celebrations -might fly if gas gets any higher!!!
Hello Bob: What a fabulously interesting article. I savored every word and could clearly visualize every thing that happened.
My wife wondered why I was roaring with laughter?… because some of these same things happened to me! I’m from the next generation, a decade later and “Captain Bligh” must have moved on to my theater.
I loved the part about missing the curtains… that happened to me at the Gaumont in Southampton with 4 boys from Liverpool, except that I was standing there on my own with the curtain opening and I wasn’t paying attention. Did I hear about it later? Wow!!!
You should continue your story and have it published. Cherrished memories with such consummate detail are history. These children working in cinemas today have absolutely NO concept of show business and the theater/cinema owners are nothing but candy merchants showing films!
God bless and let’s share some more goings on… PLEASE!
Are there any new developments with the California Theatre regarding its recent restoration, closure and sale and is it still a tri-plex?
I’m very curious!
Hi Brad… Perhaps JOSEPH MUSIL -the fabulous theater designer and renowned architect in Santa Ana, Ca, can be of assistance. Call him at 714-667-6959 or
Good Luck -Simon
Hello from Long Beach, Ca…
Congratulations on your project! I am in the finishing stages of a new book on “The Movie Houses of San Francisco.” This has been a seven year on-and-off research and now need to find a publisher who is interested in the woprld of theaters.
Would you care to share publishing info and any special tips?
Many thanks Simon Overton
This is an amazing little cinema with (what looks like) the worlds smallest projection booth… God forbid another earthquake.
They manage to find the most unusual films never heard of before; I went to the Roxie to see “The Art of Masterbation” and was completey amaaaaaaaaazed at what we (the audience roaring with laughter)were shown. I swear I blushed in the darkness!
Your lovely theater needs to be operated by a professional cinema and theater operator. A person who KNOWS show business, not City Hall.
This manager will manage the place instead of renting it out to people to put on “an” event; like a convention center. This is too flighty. Locals NEED to know that movies (not first run) are always shown with the occasional live stage show.
Checkout the CASTRO THEATRE in San Francisco -fabulously successful with this type of programming. I know, I loved working there but had to move away due to family commitments.
As a recent former usher at Hollywood’s El Capitan, the FIXED seating count is presently at 998. There is room for 12 + MOVABLE seats in the rear handicapped booths.
The awesome balcony has far more seating than the orchestra level and I’m informed by Joseph Musil (who directed the El Caps massive 1990’s restoration) that many seats were removed to accommodate the organ console installation, plus the rear handicap seating, restrooms and new projection booth.
As for “biggest movie theaters”, I think that New York City’s “Cathedral of Motion Pictures” was the (long gone) Roxy Theatre at 6,000 plus.
Hello Chelsea H…
You are just entering a fabulous world… but it’s dying very fast! I’m in my mid 60’s and came in on the end of an era when “going to the pictures” was wonderful entertainment.
We dressed “up” to go out to the downtown movie house for an entire evening of entertainment; from the doorman, concession stand, finding a seat in the balcony, listening to the pipe organ, watching the beautiful curtains opening and closing during each segment of the program -complete with footlights and spotlight on the organist, the news, a travel program, trailers and door prizes… and so on!
Wow, those WERE the days but to coin a phrase, they’ve “gone with the wind.”
Now, it’s booringly bare-screen multiplexes, all showing the same garbage churned out by the Hollywood zombies, shown by candy merchants and staffed by children who haven’t the slightest inclanation of what show business is all about!
I hope you strike it rich by finding a “sugar daddy” and that your dreams come true. Dreams DO come true.
I’ve busted my hump for a decade trying to find and reopen an art deco single screen 500 seater with the dreams of going back in the proverbialy “time machine” but with zero luck.
The day I give up is when I’m on my death bed. However, there are countless little cinema/theaters out there just waiting to be snapped up and be prepared to relocate.
But… you’ll need to be in the right part of town!!! Research the neighborhood for it’s ethnicity and show the right type of films. Forget the “first run” junk -they’re at killer prices from the greedy distributors… show the older classics or biggies from just a few years ago that people failed to catch on general release.
Please stay in touch with your trials and tribulations.
Simon in Long Beach, California
Everyone within normal travel distance of greater Los Angeles, who are devotee’s of the classic single screen theaters, should jump onto their Pogostick or catch a train to SANTA ANA and see the fabulous display of JOSEPH MUSIL’S CREST THEATRE.
Artistically shown is everything from early pencil drawings, blue prints, molds, models and beautiful photographic collection -the entire side wall of his museum/auditorium is devoted to the CREST.
I would advise calling first for an appointment 714-667-6959 as Mr. Musil’s (formerly known as the “Salon of the Theatres” -now the AMERICAN MUSEUM OF THEATRICAL DESIGN) does not keep normal shop hours… You’ll need to offer a handsome donation because it’s well worth the normal price of admission and this is a non-profit organization with volunteer docents! www.josephmusil.com
Mr. Musil is an amazing iconic tower of authority regarding countless American theaters. He was profesionaly trained in Milan, Italy and has provided his services to theater giants across America, further providing a wealth of designs and models for numerous Disney projects both locally, France and Japan.
The only other point I might add was a comment from an overseas visitor during the 2005 THS Conclave; “Your museum tour and stage show was the absolute highlight of the entire tour.” -Need I say more?
Simon Overton -Volunteer stage manager.
Many thanks “SB Hobo” for your encouraging remarks regarding the Granada’s future. I’ll pay another visit when the old lady reopens!
Glad you enjoyed the Arlington’s silent films with organ.
My favourite memory is of TWO GREATS who played at San Francisco’s fabulous “Silent Film Festival” hosted at the CASTRO THEATRE; Denis James was outstandingly fabulous while the late and great Bob Vaughn received a deafening ovation as the over eighty-year old staggered out of the jam-packed auditorium. I had tears of joy both nights.
You might look into Hollywood’s IVAR THEATRE Ivar @ Hollywood Blvd. It’s owned by the California Youth Theatre and, I am told, receives backing from the Getty Foundation.
It is hardly ever open -basically used for rehearsals?, in fair but shabby looking shape, has a small balcony but a pleasing stage with plenty of room for dressing rooms.
Where are YOU located? Can I be of local help?
William… thanks for your info… Simon
Don…Thank you so much for your photograph. This must have been a late evening shot as to the angle of the shaddows. Lovely!
If only the owner, Ted Nasser, had the brains to have leased the Royal to me some 7 or so years ago, the old lady would be still open today and looking a lot prettier.
My plans, along with over 3,000 signatures of support, not including every surrounding merchant, were to have turned this lovely place into an all British cinema.
Further in mind was the installation of a second procenium arch with curtains for moderate size stage ready for “live” performances by visiting Brits… Plus, added to the programme would have been openings of new films from Britain including Film Festivals and a British themed gift & food shop.
And the name ROYAL was perfect for my dreams but Ted was “blind” to the fact of allowing such a venture to come true!
Simon Overton, Long Beach, Ca.
Homeboy; Please… the name of the Inglewood, Ca., theater you said was under demolition.
Thanks from SirSimon in Long Beach.
Are there any inside pictures available?
Folks, it’s time to approach the BIIIIIIIG FAAAAAAAT oil companies!
Hello again “butternut”;
The red curtains will look fabulous with a grey interior. I recall this colour theme at a small cinema where I one lived in the 50/60’s in Southampton, England.
How about spray painting, at one angle towards the screen/stage with a darker grey, then reverse the spray painting procedure with the ligheter colour. This way the light will be reflected INTO the the auditorium!!!
Hey! So many ideas to choose from -anxiously awating your decission.
Another thought has come to mind… With the natural curve of the structure, I believe it would be suitable to paint in an optical illusion. Like so many theatres painted to look like wood paneling inside, use a computerized model to compose a picture of cantilevering. Make it look like the wood beams in a gothic church apse, and cover the walls at the chair level with a simulated, painted, velvet drapery to set off the wood. Wood tones with kelley greene as well as wine red are stunning. They would enhance the illusion giving a feeling of grandeur. The Loew’s State in Los Angeles (Broadway)is concrete painted like wood but it is static. The quanset hut style would appear fluid.
Gary… I was in my favourite “city by the bay” in April ‘07 and was shocked to see a pile of boxy looking apartments being constructed on the site of the Royal.
I cannot recall seeing anything left of the Royal’s classic facade.
Perhaps a photographic update is possible from a local fan?
Pretty please?
You don’t mention your location. Locale AND climate can also play a major part of helping your patrons feel comfortable, that is, depending on what the average weather patern is like.
Do you have stage curtains? I hope so as bare screens are so ugly! Curtains should be contrasting in color and design and opened and closed at slow to moderate speed. NEVER fast or jerked!!!
When you complete your task, please post a photo.
Good Luck from www.josephmusil.com Theater Designer.
P.S. Your stage/platform and surrounding procenium(?) arch could be flat black; so as to display a sharp edge for your projection.
Has the theaters “namesake” ever attended? I hope so. Perhaps he should write a healthy checque to restore this place befitting its name.
Another way to keep your patrons happy and returning time and time again is to OPEN THE BALCONY. The income from extra ticket sales is well worth it.
I’m an ex-Brit now living in California wondering is old “Blighty” still has that archaic policy of charging higher prices for the balcony? “Swipe me” as Tony Hancock often said! The open balcony policy is good for business.
Hello theater owners, take note, it’s a FACT!!!!!!!!!
Check their website with your valid question in the “mail” section.
The Fox-Arlington is thriving in a city that appreciates this house.
While in S.B. in March we noted that the fabulousl old Granada Theatre had been “saved but destroyed!"
What I refer to is that the outer shell of the building remains while the original auditorium has been pulverized like a bomb went off -nothing left of the stage but a vast hole in the ground with a gaping hole allowing in the sunlight.
The sidewalk display of the Granada’s "new” future will resemble an open style boxy-looking, boring-to-look-at stage. I forget what the auditorium’s new look will offer because I was so dissapointed that the past was NOT preserved for future generations to come… How sad!
Perhaps the only way for L.A’s Broadway theaters to survive is to jazz up the rent of these scum-bag shops, harras the winos and beggars and up-grade the street lights… then the American element of patrons may think about returning… but the entertainment industry and younger generations has moved on to other districts!
Am I correct in stating that the Nasser family (Castro, SF) once owned this theater?
Perhaps they (or Blumenfeld Theatres) and local newspapers may have historic files containing photographs, etc?
Congratulations on winning the battle… I’ll drive up from Long Beach for the grand re-opening celebrations -might fly if gas gets any higher!!!
Hello Bob: What a fabulously interesting article. I savored every word and could clearly visualize every thing that happened.
My wife wondered why I was roaring with laughter?… because some of these same things happened to me! I’m from the next generation, a decade later and “Captain Bligh” must have moved on to my theater.
I loved the part about missing the curtains… that happened to me at the Gaumont in Southampton with 4 boys from Liverpool, except that I was standing there on my own with the curtain opening and I wasn’t paying attention. Did I hear about it later? Wow!!!
You should continue your story and have it published. Cherrished memories with such consummate detail are history. These children working in cinemas today have absolutely NO concept of show business and the theater/cinema owners are nothing but candy merchants showing films!
God bless and let’s share some more goings on… PLEASE!
This seems to be a very nice “local” movie house. Is the pipe organ still there, playable and what make is/was it?
Are there any new developments with the California Theatre regarding its recent restoration, closure and sale and is it still a tri-plex?
I’m very curious!
Hi Brad… Perhaps JOSEPH MUSIL -the fabulous theater designer and renowned architect in Santa Ana, Ca, can be of assistance. Call him at 714-667-6959 or
Good Luck -Simon
Hello from Long Beach, Ca…
Congratulations on your project! I am in the finishing stages of a new book on “The Movie Houses of San Francisco.” This has been a seven year on-and-off research and now need to find a publisher who is interested in the woprld of theaters.
Would you care to share publishing info and any special tips?
Many thanks Simon Overton
This is an amazing little cinema with (what looks like) the worlds smallest projection booth… God forbid another earthquake.
They manage to find the most unusual films never heard of before; I went to the Roxie to see “The Art of Masterbation” and was completey amaaaaaaaaazed at what we (the audience roaring with laughter)were shown. I swear I blushed in the darkness!