At age 10-12 … I lived in the Mission District in the late 60’s, early 70’s and would go alone (kids could walk Mission Street back then without fears) to the GRAND to see whatever was playing on weekends.
The Grand was a huge old place. They served every kind of concession stand food available and them some.
I recall they even baked Pizzas.
And oh — the variety of ilms they presented … a terrible picture called ‘ALASKAN SAFARI’ … another time, a faded print of a scratchy 007 picture, another time, an old science fiction — or a mystery or … or … or …
… wait — oh yes — there was a pink-orange mostly out of focus print of Liz Taylor’s CLEOPATRA ….
In short, I’d go and watch whatever was there — 2 or 3 times in a row.
But at night — especially the weekends, it was a communal get together location from the local melting pot of the Mission.
So, they ran the films always — with the house lights always up. People of all languages just yammering away. Some came with their own picnic baskets — some just to read a book or a newspaper. It was a strange and wonderful time for this then adolescent boy.
I often think of my days at ‘The Grand’ … and in fact, miss them.
At 15 … 1974 — I started my career in the world of Movies, TV & Commercials here at the beloved AMC SERRAMONTE SIX THEATERS in Colma, CA as a lowly Usher.
It was here, I learned much about life … of friendships … and especially, this was my ‘University of Hollywood’ as I was able to watch any film I wanted as many times I wanted.
At 17 — after moving down to literally Hollywood, CA after graduating High School in Pacifica … I would work at the HOLLYWOOD PACIFIC on Hollywood Blvd. for about 5 months until I became homesick for ‘The Six’ (nickname for the Serramonte Six) — and Friends & Family.
I returned as an Assistant Manager … and stayed there for the next year and a half …
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of those days as a teenager — as an Usher — all duded up in our Maroon Jackets, Blue Shirts with Velour Bow Ties and Black Pants.
In short … the Serramonte Six was a place of wondrous memories … good, bad & ugly ones …. but that is what life is all about as we all swim in this river of humanity. D.A.
At age 10-12 … I lived in the Mission District in the late 60’s, early 70’s and would go alone (kids could walk Mission Street back then without fears) to the GRAND to see whatever was playing on weekends.
The Grand was a huge old place. They served every kind of concession stand food available and them some.
I recall they even baked Pizzas.
And oh — the variety of ilms they presented … a terrible picture called ‘ALASKAN SAFARI’ … another time, a faded print of a scratchy 007 picture, another time, an old science fiction — or a mystery or … or … or …
… wait — oh yes — there was a pink-orange mostly out of focus print of Liz Taylor’s CLEOPATRA ….
In short, I’d go and watch whatever was there — 2 or 3 times in a row.
But at night — especially the weekends, it was a communal get together location from the local melting pot of the Mission.
So, they ran the films always — with the house lights always up. People of all languages just yammering away. Some came with their own picnic baskets — some just to read a book or a newspaper. It was a strange and wonderful time for this then adolescent boy.
I often think of my days at ‘The Grand’ … and in fact, miss them.
D.A.
At 15 … 1974 — I started my career in the world of Movies, TV & Commercials here at the beloved AMC SERRAMONTE SIX THEATERS in Colma, CA as a lowly Usher.
It was here, I learned much about life … of friendships … and especially, this was my ‘University of Hollywood’ as I was able to watch any film I wanted as many times I wanted.
At 17 — after moving down to literally Hollywood, CA after graduating High School in Pacifica … I would work at the HOLLYWOOD PACIFIC on Hollywood Blvd. for about 5 months until I became homesick for ‘The Six’ (nickname for the Serramonte Six) — and Friends & Family.
I returned as an Assistant Manager … and stayed there for the next year and a half …
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of those days as a teenager — as an Usher — all duded up in our Maroon Jackets, Blue Shirts with Velour Bow Ties and Black Pants.
In short … the Serramonte Six was a place of wondrous memories … good, bad & ugly ones …. but that is what life is all about as we all swim in this river of humanity. D.A.