El Capitan Theatre

An article from UK newspaper ‘The Independent’ printed on Oct 11th 2008.

‘HOLLYWEIRD- EL CAPITAN THEATRE'
Jamie Merrill.
For Sale: The El Capitan Theatre, a unique piece of Hollywood history and a bargain at just $31M. The sale of this splendiferous gilded theatre is a rare chance for one wealthy individual to own a slice of Hollywood history.
Located on Hollywood Boulevard, alongside the historic Hollywood Walk Of Fame, the El Capitan was built in 1926 by Charles Toberman, the real estate developer many called the ’‘Father Of Hollywood’‘ (he put up 36 stylish buildings in the heart of Hollywood). On its debut on 3rd May 1926, when it launched as ’‘Hollywood’s First Home Of Spoken Drama’‘, stars of stage and screen attended its first show, 'Charlots Revue’, starring Jack Buchanan, Gertrude Lawrence and Beatrice Lillie.
The value of the cinema and playhouse (opposite the Kodak Theatre where the Oscars are presented) can only be boosted by the fact t hat it was where ‘Citizen Kane’ had its world premiere. From 1926 to 1936, more than 120 live shows were produced there, including ‘No,No, Nanette’, ‘Anything Goes’ and ‘Ah Wilderness’. Its stage was graced by such stars as Will Rogers, Clark Gable and Joan Fontaine.
Tom Bower, the realtor selling the six-storey theatre, office building and retail store, unimaginatively described the opportunity to buy the El Capitan as chance to take advantage of ‘'a stable occupancy history and an opportunity for an investor to capitalise on long-term rent and absorption of Hollywood’‘. But he has a point. Entrepreneurs take note: as well as being a piece of Hollywood history, the El Capitan is a profitable business and is reportedly the highest-grossing single screen theatre in America, with more than 100 seats, state-of-the-art digital projection and sound, a refurbished 1928 Wurlitzer pipe organ and a screen that rises to reveal a 50ft stage for live shows.
Not too shabby for $31M

The El Capitan in its original incarnation can be seen in this 1928 USC photo:
http://tinyurl.com/44thlq

I mean steamed Hot Dogs.

Here’s something that’s pertinent and maybe fun: What are your most favorite memories of attending movies at the Paramount in Hollywood? What are your favorite films you saw there? I’ll start –

Pardners – not so good as a film, but as a kid I loved it, plus I really loved the Paramount – that was my first visit there and I could not believe they had two sets of curtains – the first set went UP while the second set parted. That’s showmanship. And after the film I had my first C.C. Brown’s experience, one repeated hundreds of times right up until the day they closed (I was at their final private party).

The Music Man – saw it opening day, went back with my parents opening night – Pert Kelton was there. Thrilling film, and incredible stereo sound

Bye Bye Birdie – saw it about five times at the Paramount

OFF TOPIC!

Now you L.A guys are here could one of you tell me how I would get from Long Beach to Hollywood with public transport -train,bus etc, the El Capitain etc! I’m in L.A this weekend and want to see as many of the palaces as possible while taking in ‘9To 5-The Musical’ at the Ahmanson Theatre.
Thanks!
xIanx
drop me an email if you could-journey time would be most helpful!

Boys, this isn’t a chat board – e-mail is a wonderful thing. And so is the Paramount/El Capitan, which is what this is supposed to be about.

I lived next the Hellinger for 6 years, on the dressing room side of the building. It looks like the church is going to hold on to that gem for a long time.

Well the Nederlander Organization were fools to sell the theatre to the church for $17 million. Well next year marks the 20th. anniversary of the sale. There is a new complex going up on 8th Ave. which will include a new Broadway theatre.

did anyone see the Sleeping Beauty presentation? I would assume it was in the new wider 2.55:1 aspect ratio that the dvd/bluray has

This undated ad was on the restroom wall at the Hollywood & Highland complex:
http://tinyurl.com/4bdqmd

The El Capitan has a top notch DLP setup so I don’t think you’ll miss much.

Actually one would hope that it screens in it’s original 70MM.

I don’t think anything remains from the 1942 renovation.