Thanks for the follow-up, Joe. Your comment about visibility makes sense in the case of the Fairfax, although the early photos Ken found at the state library site (link listed earlier in this thread) show the area as fairly sparce at the time of its opening. Nevertheless, the intersection of Beverly & Fairfax must have obviously been anticipated as a major one (particularly with Gilmore Field diagonally across the intersection from the Fairfax site, making the location more of a destination-draw for early motorists).
You mentioned many theatres with storefronts, suggesting the Fairfax wasn’t unique as such. That was not the core of my query. I was specifically interested in any theatres with corner lots and/or the same number of storefronts (the Fairfax has 8; most non-corner lots would only have 4 or 5). This question of multiple storefronts has particular relevance today, considering today’s nearby Grove and Beverly Center malls.
Also, I’m unclear as to whether all the theatres you mentioned still survive. I obviously know the Alex and the Academy (especially since the latter is now a Regency theatre akin to the Fairfax), but I don’t know the status of the others…
Thanks for the Pennell profile, Joe. Los Angeles area theatre design/construction in the first three decades of the 20th century confuses me, as the downtown theatres differ so greatly from others such as the Fairfax. Moreover, looking at the photos Ken provided links to, it seems the Fairfax was built almost as a proto-shopping mall – a stand-alone corner building with wrap-around storefronts. I don’t know another theatre in LA that has as many storefronts as the Fairfax; then again, few are corner buildings. Any insights into the rationale behind such design and construction?
(I think the photo might be the grand opening of the Fairfax…)
Sadly, we do not have the records for 1932. I suspect most of the historical material was lost between Cineplex Odeon’s reign and Laemmle’s reign. However, we do have a comprehensive set of blueprints for the rennovations Cineplex Odeon conducted back in the 1980s. Here are links to the scenic artist/muralist who worked on the rennovations as well (the photos revealing Fairfax restoration in process):
Ken, did you ever visit the theatre before it was multiplexed? I’m particularly curious about any live theatre shows that may have used the stage, fly house, and dressing rooms (all of which still survive intact today)…
BTW, my district manager noticed the show advertised in poster case is “Sally,” a film released in 1929. Could this mean the Fairfax was built before 1932?
I’m the general manager of the Fairfax for Regency Theatres and must thank you, ken, for posting the link for that fantastic photo. What really amazes me is the pre-developed nature of the neighborhood as visible in the distance at the extreme left of the photo. I think those are actually dirt roads leading off Beverly (and Beverly itself might be a dirt road as well). It’s also interesting to note what appears to be the original ticket booth, which suggests the surviving booth we have today is indeed a relic of Fox West’s one-time ownership.
Re: the recent Marquee photo – please note the lower neon has since been repaired and is now firmly affixed onto the marquee.
Thanks for the follow-up, Joe. Your comment about visibility makes sense in the case of the Fairfax, although the early photos Ken found at the state library site (link listed earlier in this thread) show the area as fairly sparce at the time of its opening. Nevertheless, the intersection of Beverly & Fairfax must have obviously been anticipated as a major one (particularly with Gilmore Field diagonally across the intersection from the Fairfax site, making the location more of a destination-draw for early motorists).
You mentioned many theatres with storefronts, suggesting the Fairfax wasn’t unique as such. That was not the core of my query. I was specifically interested in any theatres with corner lots and/or the same number of storefronts (the Fairfax has 8; most non-corner lots would only have 4 or 5). This question of multiple storefronts has particular relevance today, considering today’s nearby Grove and Beverly Center malls.
Also, I’m unclear as to whether all the theatres you mentioned still survive. I obviously know the Alex and the Academy (especially since the latter is now a Regency theatre akin to the Fairfax), but I don’t know the status of the others…
Thanks for the Pennell profile, Joe. Los Angeles area theatre design/construction in the first three decades of the 20th century confuses me, as the downtown theatres differ so greatly from others such as the Fairfax. Moreover, looking at the photos Ken provided links to, it seems the Fairfax was built almost as a proto-shopping mall – a stand-alone corner building with wrap-around storefronts. I don’t know another theatre in LA that has as many storefronts as the Fairfax; then again, few are corner buildings. Any insights into the rationale behind such design and construction?
Thanks for the additional photo links, Ken.
Here’s a photo link to LA City Councilman Jack Weiss' site, which features many historical photos:
View link
(I think the photo might be the grand opening of the Fairfax…)
Sadly, we do not have the records for 1932. I suspect most of the historical material was lost between Cineplex Odeon’s reign and Laemmle’s reign. However, we do have a comprehensive set of blueprints for the rennovations Cineplex Odeon conducted back in the 1980s. Here are links to the scenic artist/muralist who worked on the rennovations as well (the photos revealing Fairfax restoration in process):
http://www.pauldwillner.com/paul_image_fairfax.htm
http://www.pauldwillner.com/theater_fairfax.htm
Ken, did you ever visit the theatre before it was multiplexed? I’m particularly curious about any live theatre shows that may have used the stage, fly house, and dressing rooms (all of which still survive intact today)…
BTW, my district manager noticed the show advertised in poster case is “Sally,” a film released in 1929. Could this mean the Fairfax was built before 1932?
I’m the general manager of the Fairfax for Regency Theatres and must thank you, ken, for posting the link for that fantastic photo. What really amazes me is the pre-developed nature of the neighborhood as visible in the distance at the extreme left of the photo. I think those are actually dirt roads leading off Beverly (and Beverly itself might be a dirt road as well). It’s also interesting to note what appears to be the original ticket booth, which suggests the surviving booth we have today is indeed a relic of Fox West’s one-time ownership.