Comments from mbfavretto

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mbfavretto
mbfavretto commented about Alhambra Theatre on Feb 3, 2005 at 2:27 pm

Fabulous theatre! When was it built? Does anyone know of/remember the Palace on Columbus Ave.?

mbfavretto
mbfavretto commented about Strand American Conservatory Theater (ACT) on Feb 3, 2005 at 2:19 pm

I remember this place in the 70’s as a haven for gay men to have sex in the balcony. When somebody mentions “the Strand” all I can thhink of is the sticky floors upstairs and strands of whatever clinging to my shoes.

mbfavretto
mbfavretto commented about Curran Theatre on Jan 14, 2005 at 1:59 pm

Just another thought here, that photo also depicts Geary Street and the Geary Theatre next door to the Curran, now home to American Conservatory Theatre) as two-way (it’s one-way now and has the distinction of having the 38 Geary Municipal Railway bus line, the heaviest-trafficked line in America, by the way; then it had the Muni streetcar lines A and B with service to Golden Gate Park and beyond. San Francisco has the first and oldest, civic-owned transport in America, since 1912.

mbfavretto
mbfavretto commented about Curran Theatre on Jan 14, 2005 at 1:52 pm

Well, thanks for the photo, Lost Memory! That looks as if it were taken about the period in which “All About Eve” was filmed! How great!

mbfavretto
mbfavretto commented about Curran Theatre on Jan 13, 2005 at 1:56 pm

“All About Eve” was released in 1950 so I am supposing that production toook place about four or five months before release (maybe longer, but post production in those days didn’t take as long as today). The famous scene in which Eve Harrington waits outside the stage door for Margot Channing (Bette Davis) in the rain and is taken up to meet her by Margo’s companion (Thelma Ritter) was filmed in the actual alley/stage door entryway between the Curran and the famous Clift Hotel next door. Another famous scene featuring Marilyn Monroe and Bette Davis was filmed in the Curran’s lobby. It still looks remarkably the same. Bette took home the Oscar for her performance and I believe that this is the film that Bette Davis first met Gary Merril. They fell in love (it shows) and married after release. If you haven’t seen the film, do so. “Fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy night…”

mbfavretto
mbfavretto commented about Curran Theatre on Jan 8, 2005 at 1:51 pm

“All About Eve” was filmed here. The cast took the train up from Hollywood quickly since there was a production break at the Curran and it rained the four days of shooting. The cast stayed at the famous St. Francis Hotel across the street (or with friends) andthe Curran looks “Old Broadway” enough to satisfy even Eve Harrington! Great place to see a show!