The building I was trying to recall was the Bank of Commerce. Here’s a 1920 photo. The College is between the bank building and the Subway Terminal: http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics37/00068252.jpg
The Church of Compassion wasn’t a Moonie church. It did receive a scathing write-up in the LA Times on 9/1/74 for allegedly bilking its congregants. Here is an excerpt from the article:
Although the organization has held regular services at times in Dallas and in South Gate, those have been discontinued in favor of a Los Angeles “cathedral”, opening September 29 in what was once the Warren’s Theater building at 7th & Hill streets.
The Church of Compassion, which has a lease-option on the 10-story building, has refurbished the 765-seat theater and some offices with plush carpeting, mirrors and statuary to serve as its new headquarters.
On October 19, 1976, the church appears to be going under after several investigations:
Until recently, one Sunday afternoon a month services were held (admittance by ticket only) in the lavishly appointed 2,000 seat theater at 7th and Hill. The church sponsors no services there now however, “because we are holding crusades in other cities”, a spokesman explained.
The Church of Compassion filed for bankruptcy in May 1977. On 5/29/83, the LA Times reported the following:
The former Warner Theater, currently operating as the Theater Jewelry Center at the corner of 7th & Hill Streets, has been purchased by McDade & Shidler. The nine-story, 94,000 square foot building was converted into a commercial jewelry mart about
4 ½ years ago.
I was inside the theater today. The security guards nixed any picture taking. The balcony is still intact. There is a beautiful chandelier, and a great mural on the ceiling. Where the stage would have been is now a tacky fake skyline, for unknown reasons. If you’re downtown during the week, this is well worth a look around, plus you can pick up a diamond ring for the missus.
They’ve taken Dr. Scott’s name off the marquee, which makes sense. There is a large ad, very faded, on the back wall. I took some pictures. They also have the two “Jesus Saves” signs that used to be on the Church of the Open Door over by the library.
I was inside this theater today. I tried to ask permission to take photos, but no one spoke English. I took that as a negative affirmation. The theater is very well kept inside. My camera has a weak flash, but hopefully the pictures will be OK when I post them later.
My rationale is that, in Philly at least, the “theater” was a closet in the back of the room. I have no objection to adding a straight theater that later showed adult films. In the case of the Star/Movie, I don’t have enough information to determine if it merits an addition.
The Nu-Art showed “Birth of a Nation” in July 1970. I recall that the owner of the Silent Movie theater scheduled a showing a few years ago, but canceled due to community objection.
I saw a 1969 LA Times ad for the Star Theater in Long Beach at Ocean and Locust. I think this is the same as “The Movie” at 345 E. Ocean. This is a porno theater, so I’m not adding it.
Holy moley. This chick’s filmography is impressive. I can’t tell which weird film was the secret one in 1969, but here is a sample, from the imdb:
Janine Reynaud
Getraumte Sunden (USA title – Succubus) 1968
Im Schloss der blutigen Begierde (Castle of Bloody Lust) 1968
Rote Lippen, Sadoerotica (aka Red Lips, aka Sadist Erotica) 1969
Kuss mich, Monster (Kiss Me, Monster) 1969
Wie Kurz ist die Zeit zu Lieben (How Short is the Time for Love) 1970
Je suis une nymphomane (no translation necessary) 1970
This motion picture is the story of a kind of a woman you may not have known even existed. Because of the unusual nature of the title, we suggest that you call 278-8790 for the title, then check your dictionary for the full meaning so you will not be surprised by the sophisticated subject matter of this film. This motion picture is rated x, for adults, naturally.
Starring Janine Reynaud and Jack Taylor
Directed by Jess Franco
Screenplay by Pier A. Caminneci
Exclusive Engagement – Pacific’s Beverly Hills Theatre (formerly Warner Beverly Theater)
9404 Wishire at Canon Drive
Shoe Shine was playing over at the Sunset on 2/11/50. The Laurel was showing The Bicycle Thief (7th record-breaking week!). The LA Times ad gives the address as 8036 Beverly Boulevard.
The Sunset was advertised in the LA Times on 2/11/50. Features were “Sciuscia” (Shoe Shine), a de Sica film, and “Take One False Step”, with William Powell and Shelley Winters. Admission was 54 cents.
Redondo Beach – The new Art Theater will be opened tomorrow night with a benefit performance given by the local order of the Fraternal Brotherhood of Eagles. Special arrangements have been made for the members of the Eagles from Los Angeles and Santa Monica to reach Redondo and it is supposed that two special cars will arrive from each place. Two shows will be given, the first performance beginning at 7 and the second at 9.
The building I was trying to recall was the Bank of Commerce. Here’s a 1920 photo. The College is between the bank building and the Subway Terminal:
http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics37/00068252.jpg
The Church of Compassion wasn’t a Moonie church. It did receive a scathing write-up in the LA Times on 9/1/74 for allegedly bilking its congregants. Here is an excerpt from the article:
Although the organization has held regular services at times in Dallas and in South Gate, those have been discontinued in favor of a Los Angeles “cathedral”, opening September 29 in what was once the Warren’s Theater building at 7th & Hill streets.
The Church of Compassion, which has a lease-option on the 10-story building, has refurbished the 765-seat theater and some offices with plush carpeting, mirrors and statuary to serve as its new headquarters.
On October 19, 1976, the church appears to be going under after several investigations:
Until recently, one Sunday afternoon a month services were held (admittance by ticket only) in the lavishly appointed 2,000 seat theater at 7th and Hill. The church sponsors no services there now however, “because we are holding crusades in other cities”, a spokesman explained.
The Church of Compassion filed for bankruptcy in May 1977. On 5/29/83, the LA Times reported the following:
The former Warner Theater, currently operating as the Theater Jewelry Center at the corner of 7th & Hill Streets, has been purchased by McDade & Shidler. The nine-story, 94,000 square foot building was converted into a commercial jewelry mart about
4 ½ years ago.
I guess if you were sitting in the cheap seats you might object to a stringy chandelier blocking your view of the screen.
There was a cyclone fence across the front of the theater today. No one was around, so I couldn’t ask what was going on.
I was inside the theater today. The security guards nixed any picture taking. The balcony is still intact. There is a beautiful chandelier, and a great mural on the ceiling. Where the stage would have been is now a tacky fake skyline, for unknown reasons. If you’re downtown during the week, this is well worth a look around, plus you can pick up a diamond ring for the missus.
They’ve taken Dr. Scott’s name off the marquee, which makes sense. There is a large ad, very faded, on the back wall. I took some pictures. They also have the two “Jesus Saves” signs that used to be on the Church of the Open Door over by the library.
Some kind of renovation is going on inside. The construction guys wouldn’t let me in to take pictures.
I was inside this theater today. I tried to ask permission to take photos, but no one spoke English. I took that as a negative affirmation. The theater is very well kept inside. My camera has a weak flash, but hopefully the pictures will be OK when I post them later.
There weren’t any theaters left in Camden in the early 80s, when I lived in Philly. Has anyone built one since, maybe in the waterfront area?
My rationale is that, in Philly at least, the “theater” was a closet in the back of the room. I have no objection to adding a straight theater that later showed adult films. In the case of the Star/Movie, I don’t have enough information to determine if it merits an addition.
The Nu-Art showed “Birth of a Nation” in July 1970. I recall that the owner of the Silent Movie theater scheduled a showing a few years ago, but canceled due to community objection.
I saw a 1969 LA Times ad for the Star Theater in Long Beach at Ocean and Locust. I think this is the same as “The Movie” at 345 E. Ocean. This is a porno theater, so I’m not adding it.
The Rialto was showing x-rated films in November 1969, per an ad in the LA Times.
I have to check that out. Thanks for the info.
Any time.
Holy moley. This chick’s filmography is impressive. I can’t tell which weird film was the secret one in 1969, but here is a sample, from the imdb:
Janine Reynaud
Getraumte Sunden (USA title – Succubus) 1968
Im Schloss der blutigen Begierde (Castle of Bloody Lust) 1968
Rote Lippen, Sadoerotica (aka Red Lips, aka Sadist Erotica) 1969
Kuss mich, Monster (Kiss Me, Monster) 1969
Wie Kurz ist die Zeit zu Lieben (How Short is the Time for Love) 1970
Je suis une nymphomane (no translation necessary) 1970
One of the posters in the USC photo is for “Half Breed”, a 1916 Douglas Fairbanks film.
Or vice versa? There wasn’t any date on the USC photo. The building next to the theater was persuading, I thought.
Strange ad from the LA Times, dated 5/10/69:
This motion picture is the story of a kind of a woman you may not have known even existed. Because of the unusual nature of the title, we suggest that you call 278-8790 for the title, then check your dictionary for the full meaning so you will not be surprised by the sophisticated subject matter of this film. This motion picture is rated x, for adults, naturally.
Starring Janine Reynaud and Jack Taylor
Directed by Jess Franco
Screenplay by Pier A. Caminneci
Exclusive Engagement – Pacific’s Beverly Hills Theatre (formerly Warner Beverly Theater)
9404 Wishire at Canon Drive
Shoe Shine was playing over at the Sunset on 2/11/50. The Laurel was showing The Bicycle Thief (7th record-breaking week!). The LA Times ad gives the address as 8036 Beverly Boulevard.
The Sunset was advertised in the LA Times on 2/11/50. Features were “Sciuscia” (Shoe Shine), a de Sica film, and “Take One False Step”, with William Powell and Shelley Winters. Admission was 54 cents.
The Studio was advertised in the LA Times on 2/11/50. Address was Vermont and Hollywood Boulevard. Admission was 54 cents.
From the LA Times, January 31, 1912:
Redondo Beach – The new Art Theater will be opened tomorrow night with a benefit performance given by the local order of the Fraternal Brotherhood of Eagles. Special arrangements have been made for the members of the Eagles from Los Angeles and Santa Monica to reach Redondo and it is supposed that two special cars will arrive from each place. Two shows will be given, the first performance beginning at 7 and the second at 9.
This is an undated photo from the USC archive. If I had to guess, I would say it’s the same building as the photo above.
http://tinyurl.com/2o7tbh
Here is a 1939 photo from the LAPL:
http://jpg1.lapl.org/pics46/00042589.jpg
This bar was next to the theater in 1951. You could park for free, but poachers going to the La Reina had to pay a quarter:
http://tinyurl.com/3237nk