To get back to the history of this theater instead of what goes on there now, here’s a few listings from the LA Times; I didn’t realize this theater showed such great movies at one time:
(Feb. 11, 1948)
John Garfield Lilli Palmer in
“Body and Soul"
Monica, Los Angeles
7734 Santa Monica Blvd., H1.0337
(Sept. 7, 1958)
Julien Duvivier’s latest supspense hit, “Deadlier Than the Male,” opens an exclusive Los Angeles engagement Friday at the Monica Theater. “Law and Disorder,” a British crime thriller starring Michael Redgrave, Robert Morely, Ronald Squire and Lionel Jeffries, is the companion feature.
(Nov. 25, 1958)
As the result of a survey conducted among the patrons of Sunset and Monica Theaters a series of foreign films has been booked for preholiday showings. The opening program, starting tomorrow at both theaters, will be Gina Lollobrigida and Gerard Philipe, “Beauties of the Night,” directed by Rene Clair, and “Fan Fan the Tulip,” with Gerard Philipe in the title role.
(March 1, 1959)
The prize-winning Swedish film, “The Seventh Seal, has been held over at the Monica Theater and the opening of "Forbidden Fruit,” starring Fernandel and Francoise Arnoul, has been postponed until Friday.
(March 1, 1965)
COURT RULES FILM NOT OBSCENE
BACHELOR TOM PEEPING
ADULTS ONLY
2nd Big Hit!
Brigitte Bardot
“Strip-Tease"
MONICA
7734 Santa Monica Blvd.
I posted some interesting articles about the Symphony, the Palace of Pictures, and the Forum on their respective pages. A mysterious figure named Dr. Breckwedel, who did a very good job of keeping his personal business out of the papers, seems to be the man behind these theaters.
Dr. Breckwedel seems to have owned or managed the Symphony Theater, the Palace of Pictures, the Palace, and the Forum Theater. There is not much information on him. He died in December of 1958 in Newport Beach at the age of 85.
I still haven’t figured out how to insert links to other theaters on this site, but if you look at some new information I posted for the Palace of Pictures Theater, it talks a little about that theater moving and turning into the Palace at this location.
(Feb. 8, 1916)
NEW LOCATION FOR THE PALACE OF PICTURES
By Grace Kingsley.
Los Angeles is to have a new film emporium de luxe. It is to be called the Palace Theater. The building formerly known as the Chocolate Den on Seventh street, between Hill and Broadway, is being transformed into a first-class picture house. The new theater will have 700 seats, a mammoth pipe organ, which won a gold medal at the Panama-Pacific Exposition, and will be luxuriously fitted out from top to bottom. The Palace Amusement Company, which has owned and operated the Palace of Pictures, will control the new playhouse. Dr. H.B. Breckwedel is secretary and treasurer of the corporation and C.W. Nouls president. The former will act as general manager of the theater. First-run features will be shown. The opening will probably take place the 19th inst.(?) The first film to be shown will in all probability be “The Island of Surprise,” filmed from the Cyrus Townsend Brady story. The present Palace of Pictures will cease to exist at the end of this week.
I wish I could find an address for this theater. Usually, the address isn’t given unless there was a fire or some other mishap involving the police:
(Apr. 25, 1915)
Announcing a complete change of policy, the Palace of Pictures, on Broadway, near Seventh, will tomorrow offer the first of a new series of feature photoplays, dealing with the vital questions of life. It is the “Who Pays?” series, produced by the Balboa Company, staring Ruth Roland, who is supported by Henry King, a Southern California matinee idol. The first of the series is “The Price of Fame.”
Joe, there really is something mysterious about this theater. Could the address for this theater be incorrect? There is not one mention of a theater at this address in the LA Times from 1885-1985. Here’s what was there:
(Aug. 18, 1904)
….He was night hostler at the Nevada Stables, No. 642 South Broadway, and with two other men assaulted a man who called there.
(Oct. 13, 1909)
J.B. Brown Music Co.
642 S. Broadway
(Apr. 26, 1914)
JUST 4 DAYS MORE
Great Closing Out Sale
J.B. Brown Music Company
642 South Broadway
(Feb. 12, 1916)
The Innes Shoe Company has leased the large store at No. 642 South Broadway, and as soon as possession is secured will begin the work of decorating, installing modern windows, etc.
There are advertisements for Innes Shoe Company up until 1938 and then:
(June 18, 1939)
Leasing of the ground floor, basement, mezzanine and part of the second floor of the Forrester Building, 640 S. Broadway, to Bond Stores, Inc., of New York City, was reported yesterday by Fred W. Forrester, one of the owners of the building…..The premises leased have been occupied for many years by the Innes Shoe Co. which will move Aug. 1 to new quarters at Seventh and Olive Sts.
(Oct. 4, 1939)
With a display of up-to-the-minute merchandise and the most modern equipment, Bond Clothes, one of the largest clothing firms in the United States, will open a new store tommorow morning at 640 S. Broadway.
(June 22, 1975)
The former Bond’s Store Building at 638-640 S. Broadway, which had been occupied by Bond’s for over 30 years, has been sold and subsequently leased for use as the World of Pants Department Store, now operating on the lower flooer of the 9-story structure.
Here is part of an article from the LA Times that documents this theater’s movie beginnings:
(Apr. 26, 1914)
AUDITORIUM BECOMES PALACE FOR PICTURES.
“Auditorium, Clune’s Theater Beautiful,” will be emblazoned against the skies by thousands of incandescent lamps on the night of the opening of the magnificent new home of film drama. The switching on of the tremendous electric sign will be the first step in the formal introduction to Los Angeles theatergoers of a permanent addition to picturedom. W.H. Clune’s new policy of showing only the world’s greatest filmizations of famous plays and novels will please the lovers of high-class dramatic art in this city.
This, I think, is the beginning of the end and the end of this theater. I wish there was a photo of the interior at least.
(Apr. 10, 1923)
A partial interest in the property at 612-616 South Broadway, adjoining the Story Building on the south, has been sold by the Columbia Investment Company to the Warehouse Realty Company for $11,500 a front foot. The property has a frontage of approximately sixty-two feet on Broadway, and extends through to an alley for a depth of 160 feet. Present improvements consist of a two-story and basement building, the ground floor of which is occupied by the Walkover Boot Shop, and by the Symphony Theater. The deal involved the sale of a large portion of the stock in the Columbia Investment Company to the Warehouse Realty Company, which, through this transfer, becomes the virtual owner of the property. Confirmation of the purchase of additional stock or plans for the improvement of the property, could not be obtained from officials of the Warehouse Realty Company last night.
The wrecking ball arrives….maybe
(Oct. 21, 1923)
WE MUST MOVE!
BUILDING COMING DOWN
SALE NOW ON WATCHES, DIAMONDS AND JEWELRY AT COST AND LESS
Humphrreys Jewelry Co.
616 South Broadway
Next Door to the Symphony Theater
I don’t know what happened exactly to this theater, but by 1942 there are many ads for Desmond’s at 616 South Broadway. Nothing shows up at 614 South Broadway after the mid-20’s. Maybe I’ll try to find some photos of the Story Building and there might be a surprise.
Here are some things about a major remodel at this theater:
(Jan. 9, 1921)
In order to enhance the presentation of pictures the Symphony Theater has been entirely redecorated. The new color scheme is a skillfull blending of old rose, ivory, dull blue and henna, with old rose dominating. No trace remains of the original color scheme. On the stage a rich old-rose velvet curtain has replaced the blue one, and to serve as a shield to the screen when it is not being used, a gold curtain has been installed. The entire wiring system of the Symphony has been changed and electrical engineers have designed more elaborate effects. The ladies lounge has been redecorated in pink tapestry, old rose rugs, and entirely new furnishings. The orchestra pit has been enlarged to allow the addition of more musicians, and the orchestra has been greatly improved.
(Feb. 13, 1921)
Final arrangements have been consummated between Dr. Breckwedel, managing director of the Symphony Theater, and Thomas H. Ince, president of the Associated Producers, Inc., giving the local film impresario exclusive first-run privelage in Los Angeles on all photoplays produced and distributed by the group of directors, including Mr. Ince, J. Parker Read, Jr., Mack Sennett, Maurice Tourneur, C. Gardner Sullivan, Allen Dwan, George Loane Tucker and Marshall Nellan. The Symphony Theater is undergoing a complete physical change. On completion of the remodeling this photoplay house will be essentially attractive. It will be known as the New Symphony Theater. A Hope-Jones organ is being installed and the orchestra is to be enlarged. The decorations are in the hands of a famous Boston interior decorator, who is personally responsible for hundreds of America’s most beautiful picture theaters.
(Feb. 20, 1921)
On Tuesday the New Symphony Theater, completely remodeled, will be open to the public for the first showing of the Thomas H. Ince film spectacle, “Lying Lips.” On account of the many changes made in the appearance of the theater and the many improvements, it was decided to close the theater for Sunday and Monday to allow ample time for rehearsals to insure the proper presentation of the film.
(Nov. 14, 1920)
The Symphony Theater Company has leased the store room at 616 South Broadway to the Humphrey Jewelry Company for a period of five years for a rental of $500 per month. The property, formerly occupied by M. Golob, jeweler, has a frontage of eight feet on Broadway.
(Sept. 30, 1917)
The Motion Picture Operators' Union yesterday enlisted women and chemicals in its fight against the Symphony Theater on Broadway and failed to do anything but create a bad smell. For a time there was a regular unionite odor in the open-shop theater. Displeased at the fact that Manager C.R. Gates has decided to run his theater to suit himself and not the union, the motion-picture operator’s organization first tried to beat up the open-shop operator. That failing, it got some women to enter the theater at the busiest time in the afternoon and distribute hydrogen sulphids, which has the characteristic odor of rotten eggs. Manager Gates fought this chemical with incense and within a comparitively short time the theater was free from the objectionable smell. The show kept right on.
Here’s some pretty good proof that this theater was built for the sole purpose of showing movies:
(Jan. 22, 1922)
Contracts were executed yesterday by financial backers of the Symphony Theater for the erection of the Forum Theater at the corner of Pico street and Norton avenue with a seating capacity of 2000 and estimated to cost $900,000. An orchestral organ, said to be the largest theater organ in the world, will be installed by the W.W. Kimball Company of Chicago. This organ, it is said, is to be more massive than the great organ in the Morman Tabernacle at Salt Lake City and, it is said, will cost $100,000. Dr. H.B. Breckwedel, managing director of the Symphony, states that the Forum will mark a new departure in the future of motion-picture houses for Los Angeles, as he is following the theory that big theaters must be built away from the congested district with ample provision for the parking of automobiles. “Also our policy will be to support the open market, offering nothing but first-run pictures and not to be tied to any one producer,” said Dr. Breckwedel yesterday.
This advertisement gives a different address:
(Dec. 29, 1915)
My System of Dentistry is Painless, Absolutely Painless.
W.T. McNally, D.D.S
One-Priced Dentist
616 So. Broadway, over Symphony Theater.
Phone F4945
This doesn’t give an exact address, but it might be the same Symphony Theater:
(Aug. 27, 1914)
The local movie field will be invaded by another feature photoplayhouse on Saturday evening of this week, when the Symphony Theater, on the east side of Broadway, near Sixth, will open. The new theater will play only large spectactular feature productions, using the big Shubert and Brady plays. “The Lure” will be the opening play.
Here are a few more short items I found that might fill in a few gaps:
(Jan. 8, 1906)
The promotion of Oliver Morosco’s new Majestic Theater has suddenly revived, and the manager said yesterday that contracts had already been let to Carl Leonardt, and that actual work would commence in three weeks. Mr. Leonardt, it is said, has notified tenants in the little brick buildings on the site that they must vacate within the month. His contract calls for the completion of the entire structure by November 1 of this year, but he believes that he can have it almost completed by September 1. Orders for steel have been placed, according to the same account, and there will be no let-up in the prosecution of the work. The proposed Majestic has suffered numerous delays, but its chief promoter seems assured that there will be no more of these.
(Aug. 7, 1910)
This way, Mr. Electrician-turn your “spot” on the Majestic theater, for this year it is a house of colossal possibility. John Cort, the most interesting single figure in the theatrical world today, prevailed upon Oliver Morosco to build a theater when he-Cort-was a third-rate power in the syndicate. Mr. Morosco prevailed upon Mr. Hamburger, and for his friend, Cort, he at last secured a beautiful house. Cort wasn’t himself sure, half the time, just what was going to be seen upon its stage. Its first season shows ran from mediocre to worse. Bigger men laughed at Cort. But he and Morosco were still good friends. Both of them believed that they would come out on top some day. A few months ago-the landslide. Cort became the man of the hour in American theatrical affairs. Lesser managers and producers flocked around the Shubert banner, of which Cort had become chief defendant, like a drove of frightened sheep. The very foundations of syndicate security seemed tottering. And Cort was still Morosco’s friend. The Majestic is a very beautiful theater, of just the right size, and of the most modern design. Morosco, intimate friend of Charles Frohman, David Belasco, Abe Erianger and others of the dyed-in-the-wool syndicate stripe, thus becomes a Shubert manager. Odd position, isn’t it? To date, he is the only man on record who has succeeded absolutely in transporting agua on both shoulders without spilling any of it.
Thanks Ken, but I think you were correct originally in that the final architects were Edelman(Edleman?)& Barnett. It sounds as though Rosenheim was the original architect for the Majestic when it was going to be built on the East side of Broadway for Morosco. Something must have happened between 1905-1907 because after 1907 the theater is called Hamburger’s Majestic and Morosco’s name isn’t even mentioned again in connection with the theater. Also, the pre-1905 plans say that upper floors of the building would be a hotel and after 1907 the upper floors are an office building. Does anyone know if the Morosco building was actually built under another name on the East side of Broadway? Maybe he sold the name of Majestic, since he clearly already owned half of the Majestic in San Francisco, and this new theater was supposed to be a sister.
This first article is for comedy relief, the second clearly shows that the Majestic did show movies, at least for a time.
(May 27, 1910)
Adding to laurels won as a robber-taker last September, Miss Elizabeth La Rue, a costumer in the Majestic Theater Building, yesterday captured a clothes-stealing malefactor in a shop on South Spring street and marched him prisoner to her office on Broadway, guarding him until police arrived. She made a hold-up man so dizzy last September, when she nearly shook his teeth loose, that he was unable to escape with her gold watch and $200 which he had grabbed from her as she was leaving the All Night and Day bank. After holding her assailant in a wrestling bout for nearly a minute, he was so stunned and delayed that the police in the neighborhood were able to reach the scene and run the man down…….Miss La Rue, when asked as to her manhandling capabilities, said she wants it made plain to everyone that she is not seeking notoriety or trying to obtain a position as a woman policeman. “Why, I just can’t help putting up a fight for my property. Anyone who won’t try to capture a thug or thief does not deserve to have anything of value. There is nothing strange about my behavior, because WHY should any able-bodied woman be afraid of a mere man?” is the way she put the case.
(March 20, 1913)
The remarkable advance that has been made in motion photography within the past few years is being proved at the Majestic Theater every afternoon and evening this week, in the series of films called “Satan,” and representing the efforts of the evil one to conquer good. The films were made in Italy by the celebrated Ambrosio company and are typical of the foreign-made motion pictures. The “Satan” films will be continued at the Majestic throughout this week.
This first article is very interesting and goes into great detail about the interior decorations of the Majestic. If anyone wants the complete article, I will gladly email it.
(June 14, 1908)
Interior decorations for the Hamburber Majestic Theater of Broadway, between Eight and Ninth streets, are being prepared by Antoon Molkenboer at his studio, No. 2548 West Pico street. The ‘cartoon’-as artists call it-for the beautiful panel over the great proscenium arch has been completed, and the artist is now preparing the canvas on which the final work will be painted. The order for the artistic embellishment of this beautiful fireproof theater is perhaps the largest ever given for any structure on this Coast, as the work will include the decorating, in original designs, of the auditorium, lobby, foyer and cafe. The panel over the stage, in sight of the entire audience, is the only part containing human figures. All the rest will be in ornamental effects of flowers and birds.
(Jul. 5, 1908)
Embodying engineering features equaling and in some respects surpassing anything of the kind ever attempted before in such construction, the Hamburger Majestic Theater on South Broadway, near Ninth street, stands preeminent among modern reinforced concrete buildings, and its completion will add another to the many magnificent structures boasted by this City of the Angels….(this one goes on and on)
(Nov. 24, 1908)
The large representative audience that went to the opening of Hamburger’s Majestic Theater last night, for the production of “The Land of Nod,” got more than the usual theater crowd gets, even on an opening night. For the audience not only saw something new and vivacious on the stage, but it saw something newer and more beautiful in the cosy playhouse. Cosy is the best way to term it. And yet it has size, seating, as it does, nearly 1700, and it looks big. But the cosiness comes from the fact that its construction gives such a perfect sightline to the whole stage, its unsupported gallery and balcony present no obstruction to view and the roominess of the seats is and invitation to return.
(Aug. 20, 1905)
The Contractor and Builder thus describes the new Majestic Theater:
Architect A.F. Rosenheim has completed working drawings for this magnificent theater and office building to be erected on the east side of Broadway, between Sixth and Seventh streets, and the plans are now ready for estimates. It will be a sevenpstory, attic, and basement structure, 116.6 x 150 feet, thoroughly fireproof, and modern in all its appointments……
Now it switches to the West side of Broadway. (vokoban)
(June 12, 1907)
BUILDING CONTRACTS LET
Hamburger Realty and Trust Company to F.O. Eugstrum(sp?) Company, eight-story and basement reinforced concrete building, $146,497. The foregoing contract is for what is to be known as the Majestic Theater, to be situated on the west side of Broadway near Ninth street.
(Aug. 25, 1907)
There are many unique engineering features about the new Hamburger’s Majestic Theater, a permit for which was issued last week, calling for and outlay of $180,000. The building is and eight-story reinforced concrete structure, a picture of the accepted design having appeared in this department several months ago. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the engineering work are the cantilevers, which support the balcony and gallery, in which the cantilevers have a clear projection or overhang of from twenty-five to thirty feet. The cantilvers are really forty to fifty feet in length, extending from the exterior walls of the structure to the extreme end of the balcony, part of which hangs in mid air without support than afforded by the delicately balanced base. These are reinforced with cold twisted steel bars which are anchored into the exterior walls. These cantilevers are four feet longer than the famous ones on which the balcony of the Temple Auditorium hangs…..(very long artice) The building was designed by Edleman & Barnett, and all the engineering problems were worked out by Mayberry & Parker, architectural engineers. The contract has been awarded to F.O. Engstrum.
Joe’s opening date for this theater is correct, Nov. 23, 1908. The interesting thing to me is that this theater was being consistently discussed in the preceding 4 years. Most of the talk concerns the revolutionary building and also a healthy competition with San Francisco for the grandest theater on the West Coast. If anyone wants me to send them the newspaper article .pdf’s, let me know. Here are a few highlights. Note how the location and plans change over time. My email is
(Aug. 16, 1904)
Incorporation papers of the Majestic Building Company were yesterday sent to Sacramento for the signature of the Secretary of State, and the $300,000 seven-story fireproof hotel and theater proposed for the east side of Broadway, between Sixth and Seventh streets, will probably be built. It is proposed to begin work September 1, and it is estimated that the entire structure will be completed by March 1, 1905. Oliver Morosco is to be the lessee of the theater, and will make the new place his principal house. He will continue the control of the Burbank on Main street as a cheaper priced theater…..“The theater will seat 1600 people,” said Oliver Morosco yesterday, “and I claim that it will be the most gorgeously and completely finished theater in the Southwest…” A.F. Rosenheim is the architect.
(Oct. 18, 1904)
Oliver Morosco has arrived here{San Francisco} from Los Angeles, and when seen at the Majestic Theater tonight, where the house was sold out for a big benefit for the Outdoor Art League, said: “I’m here looking after my business, as I own half of this house. I have made arrangements to erect the counterpart of this Majestic Theater in Los Angeles. A. Rosenheim, who designed the Herman Hellman Building, will be the architect, and the structure will cost half a million. It will front on Broadway, between Sixth and Seventh streets, and work will positively be commenced within fifteen days.” The San Franciso Majestic is the most elegeant theater here and the erection of its counterpart in Los Angeles will give that city as fine theater accommodations as will be found on the Coast.
I think this theater was first called the Shamrock and then changed its name to the Band Box, not the other way around. There are multiple listings in 1924-1925 for the Shamrock Theater at this address and then this article comes up on Feb. 28, 1927:
Fire which destroyed a film with a $500 loss occurred in the operator’s booth of the Band Box Theater, 608 South Hill street, last night. The theater was about half-filled when the fumes of the burning celluloid were noticed, but the crowd left in an orderly fashion. C.A. Manning, the operator, was in the booth when the film burst into flame. He was uninjured. The fire department arrived in time to prevent the flames from spreading to the ceiling of the theater. The theater is owned by the William Fox Film Company.
It could have changed its name back and forth. The earliest mention I’ve found of the Shamrock name is from 1923:
(Sept. 2, 1923)
Shamrock Theater, 608 South Hill Street
Sept. 2-Dorothy Gish in “The Ghost in the Garret.”
There is another fire reported at this address on July 22, 1929, but there is no name of the theater given.
In May of 1931 there are many advertisements for office rentals at the WM. Fox Office Building at 608 South Hill Street.
To get back to the history of this theater instead of what goes on there now, here’s a few listings from the LA Times; I didn’t realize this theater showed such great movies at one time:
(Feb. 11, 1948)
John Garfield Lilli Palmer in
“Body and Soul"
Monica, Los Angeles
7734 Santa Monica Blvd., H1.0337
(Sept. 7, 1958)
Julien Duvivier’s latest supspense hit, “Deadlier Than the Male,” opens an exclusive Los Angeles engagement Friday at the Monica Theater. “Law and Disorder,” a British crime thriller starring Michael Redgrave, Robert Morely, Ronald Squire and Lionel Jeffries, is the companion feature.
(Nov. 25, 1958)
As the result of a survey conducted among the patrons of Sunset and Monica Theaters a series of foreign films has been booked for preholiday showings. The opening program, starting tomorrow at both theaters, will be Gina Lollobrigida and Gerard Philipe, “Beauties of the Night,” directed by Rene Clair, and “Fan Fan the Tulip,” with Gerard Philipe in the title role.
(March 1, 1959)
The prize-winning Swedish film, “The Seventh Seal, has been held over at the Monica Theater and the opening of "Forbidden Fruit,” starring Fernandel and Francoise Arnoul, has been postponed until Friday.
(March 1, 1965)
COURT RULES FILM NOT OBSCENE
BACHELOR TOM PEEPING
ADULTS ONLY
2nd Big Hit!
Brigitte Bardot
“Strip-Tease"
MONICA
7734 Santa Monica Blvd.
It’s nice to know that there is a great website where someone can share and learn from others with similar interests. Thanks Cinema Treasures!
I posted some interesting articles about the Symphony, the Palace of Pictures, and the Forum on their respective pages. A mysterious figure named Dr. Breckwedel, who did a very good job of keeping his personal business out of the papers, seems to be the man behind these theaters.
Dr. Breckwedel seems to have owned or managed the Symphony Theater, the Palace of Pictures, the Palace, and the Forum Theater. There is not much information on him. He died in December of 1958 in Newport Beach at the age of 85.
I still haven’t figured out how to insert links to other theaters on this site, but if you look at some new information I posted for the Palace of Pictures Theater, it talks a little about that theater moving and turning into the Palace at this location.
This article might clear up some of the mystery:
(Feb. 8, 1916)
NEW LOCATION FOR THE PALACE OF PICTURES
By Grace Kingsley.
Los Angeles is to have a new film emporium de luxe. It is to be called the Palace Theater. The building formerly known as the Chocolate Den on Seventh street, between Hill and Broadway, is being transformed into a first-class picture house. The new theater will have 700 seats, a mammoth pipe organ, which won a gold medal at the Panama-Pacific Exposition, and will be luxuriously fitted out from top to bottom. The Palace Amusement Company, which has owned and operated the Palace of Pictures, will control the new playhouse. Dr. H.B. Breckwedel is secretary and treasurer of the corporation and C.W. Nouls president. The former will act as general manager of the theater. First-run features will be shown. The opening will probably take place the 19th inst.(?) The first film to be shown will in all probability be “The Island of Surprise,” filmed from the Cyrus Townsend Brady story. The present Palace of Pictures will cease to exist at the end of this week.
I wish I could find an address for this theater. Usually, the address isn’t given unless there was a fire or some other mishap involving the police:
(Apr. 25, 1915)
Announcing a complete change of policy, the Palace of Pictures, on Broadway, near Seventh, will tomorrow offer the first of a new series of feature photoplays, dealing with the vital questions of life. It is the “Who Pays?” series, produced by the Balboa Company, staring Ruth Roland, who is supported by Henry King, a Southern California matinee idol. The first of the series is “The Price of Fame.”
Joe, there really is something mysterious about this theater. Could the address for this theater be incorrect? There is not one mention of a theater at this address in the LA Times from 1885-1985. Here’s what was there:
(Aug. 18, 1904)
….He was night hostler at the Nevada Stables, No. 642 South Broadway, and with two other men assaulted a man who called there.
(Oct. 13, 1909)
J.B. Brown Music Co.
642 S. Broadway
(Apr. 26, 1914)
JUST 4 DAYS MORE
Great Closing Out Sale
J.B. Brown Music Company
642 South Broadway
(Feb. 12, 1916)
The Innes Shoe Company has leased the large store at No. 642 South Broadway, and as soon as possession is secured will begin the work of decorating, installing modern windows, etc.
There are advertisements for Innes Shoe Company up until 1938 and then:
(June 18, 1939)
Leasing of the ground floor, basement, mezzanine and part of the second floor of the Forrester Building, 640 S. Broadway, to Bond Stores, Inc., of New York City, was reported yesterday by Fred W. Forrester, one of the owners of the building…..The premises leased have been occupied for many years by the Innes Shoe Co. which will move Aug. 1 to new quarters at Seventh and Olive Sts.
(Oct. 4, 1939)
With a display of up-to-the-minute merchandise and the most modern equipment, Bond Clothes, one of the largest clothing firms in the United States, will open a new store tommorow morning at 640 S. Broadway.
(June 22, 1975)
The former Bond’s Store Building at 638-640 S. Broadway, which had been occupied by Bond’s for over 30 years, has been sold and subsequently leased for use as the World of Pants Department Store, now operating on the lower flooer of the 9-story structure.
Here is part of an article from the LA Times that documents this theater’s movie beginnings:
(Apr. 26, 1914)
AUDITORIUM BECOMES PALACE FOR PICTURES.
“Auditorium, Clune’s Theater Beautiful,” will be emblazoned against the skies by thousands of incandescent lamps on the night of the opening of the magnificent new home of film drama. The switching on of the tremendous electric sign will be the first step in the formal introduction to Los Angeles theatergoers of a permanent addition to picturedom. W.H. Clune’s new policy of showing only the world’s greatest filmizations of famous plays and novels will please the lovers of high-class dramatic art in this city.
This, I think, is the beginning of the end and the end of this theater. I wish there was a photo of the interior at least.
(Apr. 10, 1923)
A partial interest in the property at 612-616 South Broadway, adjoining the Story Building on the south, has been sold by the Columbia Investment Company to the Warehouse Realty Company for $11,500 a front foot. The property has a frontage of approximately sixty-two feet on Broadway, and extends through to an alley for a depth of 160 feet. Present improvements consist of a two-story and basement building, the ground floor of which is occupied by the Walkover Boot Shop, and by the Symphony Theater. The deal involved the sale of a large portion of the stock in the Columbia Investment Company to the Warehouse Realty Company, which, through this transfer, becomes the virtual owner of the property. Confirmation of the purchase of additional stock or plans for the improvement of the property, could not be obtained from officials of the Warehouse Realty Company last night.
The wrecking ball arrives….maybe
(Oct. 21, 1923)
WE MUST MOVE!
BUILDING COMING DOWN
SALE NOW ON WATCHES, DIAMONDS AND JEWELRY AT COST AND LESS
Humphrreys Jewelry Co.
616 South Broadway
Next Door to the Symphony Theater
I don’t know what happened exactly to this theater, but by 1942 there are many ads for Desmond’s at 616 South Broadway. Nothing shows up at 614 South Broadway after the mid-20’s. Maybe I’ll try to find some photos of the Story Building and there might be a surprise.
Here are some things about a major remodel at this theater:
(Jan. 9, 1921)
In order to enhance the presentation of pictures the Symphony Theater has been entirely redecorated. The new color scheme is a skillfull blending of old rose, ivory, dull blue and henna, with old rose dominating. No trace remains of the original color scheme. On the stage a rich old-rose velvet curtain has replaced the blue one, and to serve as a shield to the screen when it is not being used, a gold curtain has been installed. The entire wiring system of the Symphony has been changed and electrical engineers have designed more elaborate effects. The ladies lounge has been redecorated in pink tapestry, old rose rugs, and entirely new furnishings. The orchestra pit has been enlarged to allow the addition of more musicians, and the orchestra has been greatly improved.
(Feb. 13, 1921)
Final arrangements have been consummated between Dr. Breckwedel, managing director of the Symphony Theater, and Thomas H. Ince, president of the Associated Producers, Inc., giving the local film impresario exclusive first-run privelage in Los Angeles on all photoplays produced and distributed by the group of directors, including Mr. Ince, J. Parker Read, Jr., Mack Sennett, Maurice Tourneur, C. Gardner Sullivan, Allen Dwan, George Loane Tucker and Marshall Nellan. The Symphony Theater is undergoing a complete physical change. On completion of the remodeling this photoplay house will be essentially attractive. It will be known as the New Symphony Theater. A Hope-Jones organ is being installed and the orchestra is to be enlarged. The decorations are in the hands of a famous Boston interior decorator, who is personally responsible for hundreds of America’s most beautiful picture theaters.
(Feb. 20, 1921)
On Tuesday the New Symphony Theater, completely remodeled, will be open to the public for the first showing of the Thomas H. Ince film spectacle, “Lying Lips.” On account of the many changes made in the appearance of the theater and the many improvements, it was decided to close the theater for Sunday and Monday to allow ample time for rehearsals to insure the proper presentation of the film.
(Nov. 14, 1920)
The Symphony Theater Company has leased the store room at 616 South Broadway to the Humphrey Jewelry Company for a period of five years for a rental of $500 per month. The property, formerly occupied by M. Golob, jeweler, has a frontage of eight feet on Broadway.
(Sept. 30, 1917)
The Motion Picture Operators' Union yesterday enlisted women and chemicals in its fight against the Symphony Theater on Broadway and failed to do anything but create a bad smell. For a time there was a regular unionite odor in the open-shop theater. Displeased at the fact that Manager C.R. Gates has decided to run his theater to suit himself and not the union, the motion-picture operator’s organization first tried to beat up the open-shop operator. That failing, it got some women to enter the theater at the busiest time in the afternoon and distribute hydrogen sulphids, which has the characteristic odor of rotten eggs. Manager Gates fought this chemical with incense and within a comparitively short time the theater was free from the objectionable smell. The show kept right on.
Here’s some pretty good proof that this theater was built for the sole purpose of showing movies:
(Jan. 22, 1922)
Contracts were executed yesterday by financial backers of the Symphony Theater for the erection of the Forum Theater at the corner of Pico street and Norton avenue with a seating capacity of 2000 and estimated to cost $900,000. An orchestral organ, said to be the largest theater organ in the world, will be installed by the W.W. Kimball Company of Chicago. This organ, it is said, is to be more massive than the great organ in the Morman Tabernacle at Salt Lake City and, it is said, will cost $100,000. Dr. H.B. Breckwedel, managing director of the Symphony, states that the Forum will mark a new departure in the future of motion-picture houses for Los Angeles, as he is following the theory that big theaters must be built away from the congested district with ample provision for the parking of automobiles. “Also our policy will be to support the open market, offering nothing but first-run pictures and not to be tied to any one producer,” said Dr. Breckwedel yesterday.
LA Times
(Oct. 2, 1917)
Symphony Theater-614-616 So. Broadway
Home of Good, Clean Pictures.
Now Showing Ethel Barrymore in “The Lifted Veil”
This advertisement gives a different address:
(Dec. 29, 1915)
My System of Dentistry is Painless, Absolutely Painless.
W.T. McNally, D.D.S
One-Priced Dentist
616 So. Broadway, over Symphony Theater.
Phone F4945
This doesn’t give an exact address, but it might be the same Symphony Theater:
(Aug. 27, 1914)
The local movie field will be invaded by another feature photoplayhouse on Saturday evening of this week, when the Symphony Theater, on the east side of Broadway, near Sixth, will open. The new theater will play only large spectactular feature productions, using the big Shubert and Brady plays. “The Lure” will be the opening play.
Here are a few more short items I found that might fill in a few gaps:
(Jan. 8, 1906)
The promotion of Oliver Morosco’s new Majestic Theater has suddenly revived, and the manager said yesterday that contracts had already been let to Carl Leonardt, and that actual work would commence in three weeks. Mr. Leonardt, it is said, has notified tenants in the little brick buildings on the site that they must vacate within the month. His contract calls for the completion of the entire structure by November 1 of this year, but he believes that he can have it almost completed by September 1. Orders for steel have been placed, according to the same account, and there will be no let-up in the prosecution of the work. The proposed Majestic has suffered numerous delays, but its chief promoter seems assured that there will be no more of these.
(Aug. 7, 1910)
This way, Mr. Electrician-turn your “spot” on the Majestic theater, for this year it is a house of colossal possibility. John Cort, the most interesting single figure in the theatrical world today, prevailed upon Oliver Morosco to build a theater when he-Cort-was a third-rate power in the syndicate. Mr. Morosco prevailed upon Mr. Hamburger, and for his friend, Cort, he at last secured a beautiful house. Cort wasn’t himself sure, half the time, just what was going to be seen upon its stage. Its first season shows ran from mediocre to worse. Bigger men laughed at Cort. But he and Morosco were still good friends. Both of them believed that they would come out on top some day. A few months ago-the landslide. Cort became the man of the hour in American theatrical affairs. Lesser managers and producers flocked around the Shubert banner, of which Cort had become chief defendant, like a drove of frightened sheep. The very foundations of syndicate security seemed tottering. And Cort was still Morosco’s friend. The Majestic is a very beautiful theater, of just the right size, and of the most modern design. Morosco, intimate friend of Charles Frohman, David Belasco, Abe Erianger and others of the dyed-in-the-wool syndicate stripe, thus becomes a Shubert manager. Odd position, isn’t it? To date, he is the only man on record who has succeeded absolutely in transporting agua on both shoulders without spilling any of it.
Thanks Ken, but I think you were correct originally in that the final architects were Edelman(Edleman?)& Barnett. It sounds as though Rosenheim was the original architect for the Majestic when it was going to be built on the East side of Broadway for Morosco. Something must have happened between 1905-1907 because after 1907 the theater is called Hamburger’s Majestic and Morosco’s name isn’t even mentioned again in connection with the theater. Also, the pre-1905 plans say that upper floors of the building would be a hotel and after 1907 the upper floors are an office building. Does anyone know if the Morosco building was actually built under another name on the East side of Broadway? Maybe he sold the name of Majestic, since he clearly already owned half of the Majestic in San Francisco, and this new theater was supposed to be a sister.
This first article is for comedy relief, the second clearly shows that the Majestic did show movies, at least for a time.
(May 27, 1910)
Adding to laurels won as a robber-taker last September, Miss Elizabeth La Rue, a costumer in the Majestic Theater Building, yesterday captured a clothes-stealing malefactor in a shop on South Spring street and marched him prisoner to her office on Broadway, guarding him until police arrived. She made a hold-up man so dizzy last September, when she nearly shook his teeth loose, that he was unable to escape with her gold watch and $200 which he had grabbed from her as she was leaving the All Night and Day bank. After holding her assailant in a wrestling bout for nearly a minute, he was so stunned and delayed that the police in the neighborhood were able to reach the scene and run the man down…….Miss La Rue, when asked as to her manhandling capabilities, said she wants it made plain to everyone that she is not seeking notoriety or trying to obtain a position as a woman policeman. “Why, I just can’t help putting up a fight for my property. Anyone who won’t try to capture a thug or thief does not deserve to have anything of value. There is nothing strange about my behavior, because WHY should any able-bodied woman be afraid of a mere man?” is the way she put the case.
(March 20, 1913)
The remarkable advance that has been made in motion photography within the past few years is being proved at the Majestic Theater every afternoon and evening this week, in the series of films called “Satan,” and representing the efforts of the evil one to conquer good. The films were made in Italy by the celebrated Ambrosio company and are typical of the foreign-made motion pictures. The “Satan” films will be continued at the Majestic throughout this week.
This first article is very interesting and goes into great detail about the interior decorations of the Majestic. If anyone wants the complete article, I will gladly email it.
(June 14, 1908)
Interior decorations for the Hamburber Majestic Theater of Broadway, between Eight and Ninth streets, are being prepared by Antoon Molkenboer at his studio, No. 2548 West Pico street. The ‘cartoon’-as artists call it-for the beautiful panel over the great proscenium arch has been completed, and the artist is now preparing the canvas on which the final work will be painted. The order for the artistic embellishment of this beautiful fireproof theater is perhaps the largest ever given for any structure on this Coast, as the work will include the decorating, in original designs, of the auditorium, lobby, foyer and cafe. The panel over the stage, in sight of the entire audience, is the only part containing human figures. All the rest will be in ornamental effects of flowers and birds.
(Jul. 5, 1908)
Embodying engineering features equaling and in some respects surpassing anything of the kind ever attempted before in such construction, the Hamburger Majestic Theater on South Broadway, near Ninth street, stands preeminent among modern reinforced concrete buildings, and its completion will add another to the many magnificent structures boasted by this City of the Angels….(this one goes on and on)
(Nov. 24, 1908)
The large representative audience that went to the opening of Hamburger’s Majestic Theater last night, for the production of “The Land of Nod,” got more than the usual theater crowd gets, even on an opening night. For the audience not only saw something new and vivacious on the stage, but it saw something newer and more beautiful in the cosy playhouse. Cosy is the best way to term it. And yet it has size, seating, as it does, nearly 1700, and it looks big. But the cosiness comes from the fact that its construction gives such a perfect sightline to the whole stage, its unsupported gallery and balcony present no obstruction to view and the roominess of the seats is and invitation to return.
(Aug. 20, 1905)
The Contractor and Builder thus describes the new Majestic Theater:
Architect A.F. Rosenheim has completed working drawings for this magnificent theater and office building to be erected on the east side of Broadway, between Sixth and Seventh streets, and the plans are now ready for estimates. It will be a sevenpstory, attic, and basement structure, 116.6 x 150 feet, thoroughly fireproof, and modern in all its appointments……
Now it switches to the West side of Broadway. (vokoban)
(June 12, 1907)
BUILDING CONTRACTS LET
Hamburger Realty and Trust Company to F.O. Eugstrum(sp?) Company, eight-story and basement reinforced concrete building, $146,497. The foregoing contract is for what is to be known as the Majestic Theater, to be situated on the west side of Broadway near Ninth street.
(Aug. 25, 1907)
There are many unique engineering features about the new Hamburger’s Majestic Theater, a permit for which was issued last week, calling for and outlay of $180,000. The building is and eight-story reinforced concrete structure, a picture of the accepted design having appeared in this department several months ago. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the engineering work are the cantilevers, which support the balcony and gallery, in which the cantilevers have a clear projection or overhang of from twenty-five to thirty feet. The cantilvers are really forty to fifty feet in length, extending from the exterior walls of the structure to the extreme end of the balcony, part of which hangs in mid air without support than afforded by the delicately balanced base. These are reinforced with cold twisted steel bars which are anchored into the exterior walls. These cantilevers are four feet longer than the famous ones on which the balcony of the Temple Auditorium hangs…..(very long artice) The building was designed by Edleman & Barnett, and all the engineering problems were worked out by Mayberry & Parker, architectural engineers. The contract has been awarded to F.O. Engstrum.
Joe’s opening date for this theater is correct, Nov. 23, 1908. The interesting thing to me is that this theater was being consistently discussed in the preceding 4 years. Most of the talk concerns the revolutionary building and also a healthy competition with San Francisco for the grandest theater on the West Coast. If anyone wants me to send them the newspaper article .pdf’s, let me know. Here are a few highlights. Note how the location and plans change over time. My email is
(Aug. 16, 1904)
Incorporation papers of the Majestic Building Company were yesterday sent to Sacramento for the signature of the Secretary of State, and the $300,000 seven-story fireproof hotel and theater proposed for the east side of Broadway, between Sixth and Seventh streets, will probably be built. It is proposed to begin work September 1, and it is estimated that the entire structure will be completed by March 1, 1905. Oliver Morosco is to be the lessee of the theater, and will make the new place his principal house. He will continue the control of the Burbank on Main street as a cheaper priced theater…..“The theater will seat 1600 people,” said Oliver Morosco yesterday, “and I claim that it will be the most gorgeously and completely finished theater in the Southwest…” A.F. Rosenheim is the architect.
(Oct. 18, 1904)
Oliver Morosco has arrived here{San Francisco} from Los Angeles, and when seen at the Majestic Theater tonight, where the house was sold out for a big benefit for the Outdoor Art League, said: “I’m here looking after my business, as I own half of this house. I have made arrangements to erect the counterpart of this Majestic Theater in Los Angeles. A. Rosenheim, who designed the Herman Hellman Building, will be the architect, and the structure will cost half a million. It will front on Broadway, between Sixth and Seventh streets, and work will positively be commenced within fifteen days.” The San Franciso Majestic is the most elegeant theater here and the erection of its counterpart in Los Angeles will give that city as fine theater accommodations as will be found on the Coast.
I think this theater was first called the Shamrock and then changed its name to the Band Box, not the other way around. There are multiple listings in 1924-1925 for the Shamrock Theater at this address and then this article comes up on Feb. 28, 1927:
Fire which destroyed a film with a $500 loss occurred in the operator’s booth of the Band Box Theater, 608 South Hill street, last night. The theater was about half-filled when the fumes of the burning celluloid were noticed, but the crowd left in an orderly fashion. C.A. Manning, the operator, was in the booth when the film burst into flame. He was uninjured. The fire department arrived in time to prevent the flames from spreading to the ceiling of the theater. The theater is owned by the William Fox Film Company.