I’ve driven by this theater for years but have never bought a ticket. The large white marquee with all the second-run films is highly visible as you drive past the South Bay Galleria going south on Hawthorne. I recall that it was two dollars a few years ago, but I guess inflation has taken its toll. I didn’t know the bowling alley was gone, though.
You should read some of the stories in the LA Times in the early part of the twentieth century. The projectionists were always leaping out of the booth after the film burst into flames. It was a hazardous job.
I believe this theater was in the vicinity of the Lux/Rose et al. but predated that theater by some years. This may have been an early silent film house that didn’t last too long.
Still listed as the Hunterdon in the 1963 and 1970 IMPAs. This may be simply sloppy research by the editors. Operator was Morton Mazor. Capacity was 300 cars.
I saw “The Truman Show” at this theater whenever that was released. It’s not a bad looking theater.
The next film festival is in November:
http://www.tiranafilmfest.com/
The Concert Hall was opened well in time to screen one of my favorite films, “Qaamarngup uummataa” (Heart of Light). The film was released on 1/25/98.
I’ve driven by this theater for years but have never bought a ticket. The large white marquee with all the second-run films is highly visible as you drive past the South Bay Galleria going south on Hawthorne. I recall that it was two dollars a few years ago, but I guess inflation has taken its toll. I didn’t know the bowling alley was gone, though.
There is a clothing store called PS Zoo at this address now. Presumably this is a new building, but I can’t say with certainty.
Lost Memory has noted that there may be an AKA of the Garden Theater for this addition.
This was an RKO-Stanley Warner theater in 1970.
Listed as White City Shopping Center Theater in the 1970 IMPA. It was part of the RKO-Stanley Warner chain at that time.
The Benn is listed as an RKO-Stanley Warner theater in the 1970 IMPA.
An internet search shows the Player’s Night Club currently at 112 W. College. Unknown if this is still the theater building.
That looks like a party. What’s the cover?
This is a 1938 photo. It’s on EBay so it may disappear soon:
http://tinyurl.com/2xofqe
The theater is now closed, according to the website. It’s available for rent or lease, but no more productions.
The Garden Auto-Torium was part of the David Snaper Theater Circuit in the early Seventies.
The Plaza was part of the Snaper Theater circuit in 1970, Wilbur Snaper president.
Theater news and a photo here:
http://tinyurl.com/yswwkx
How about another photo?
http://tinyurl.com/29m5gr
You should read some of the stories in the LA Times in the early part of the twentieth century. The projectionists were always leaping out of the booth after the film burst into flames. It was a hazardous job.
It was still open in 1970, according to the IMPA of that year. Operator was Associated Theaters.
The current occupant is Blue Ribbon Screen Graphics.
I believe this theater was in the vicinity of the Lux/Rose et al. but predated that theater by some years. This may have been an early silent film house that didn’t last too long.
Capacity in the 1963 and 1970 IMPAs was listed as 400 cars. Operator in 1963 was Jay Wooten.
The 1963 IMPA notes the MGM operation in India:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Ltd.
W.T. Wilson, Manager
P.O. Box 837
Metro House
Mahatma Gandhi Road
Bombay
Listed as the S-3 in the 1963 IMPA with space for 850 cars. By 1970 it was the Route 3 and capacity had expanded to 1570 cars.
Still listed as the Hunterdon in the 1963 and 1970 IMPAs. This may be simply sloppy research by the editors. Operator was Morton Mazor. Capacity was 300 cars.