Majestic Theatre

845 S. Broadway,
Los Angeles, CA 90014

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Additional Info

Architects: Leo W. Barnett, Abraham M. Edelman, Edward Leodore Mayberry Jr., Llewellyn Adelbert Parker

Firms: Edelman & Barnett, Mayberry & Parker

Styles: Art Nouveau

Previous Names: Asher Hamburger's Majestic Theatre

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Majestic Theatre

Originally built as Asher Hamburger’s Majestic Theatre and built for M.A. Hamburger. It opened in November 23, 1908 with a Shubert production “The Land of Nod” starring Knox Wilson. It was leased to Oliver Morosco. Designed by architectural firm Edelman & Barnett, the structural engineers were Mayberry & Parker. Interior decorations were by Dutch artist Antoon Molkenboer. Seating was provided in orchestra and two cantilevered horseshoe balcony levels. The stage was 40ft wide and 80ft deep. The proscenium was 36ft wide. There was a cafe located in the basement. Actor Ramon Navarro was employed in his first job as an usher and occasionally had bit parts.

Between the stage productions the Majestic Theatre would occasionally screen movies. It became a full time cinema in 1915 and a Wurlizer organ was installed in the foyer. Over the years it switched from films to stage shows several times and finally ended its days as a movies & burlesque theatre. It was closed in April 1933 with a production named “Pleasure Seekers”. It was demolished in May 1933 to become a parking lot.

Contributed by William Gabel

Recent comments (view all 59 comments)

Luis Vazquez
Luis Vazquez on September 6, 2011 at 6:37 pm

Just passed by this theater site on Sunday, September 6. The status should be changed from closed to demolished. As is evident from the google maps camera, it is sadly no longer there.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on November 13, 2011 at 5:34 am

The Film Daily of May 25, 1933, reported that the Majestic Theatre in Los Angeles had been closed and dismantled.

Eric Leeuwenberg
Eric Leeuwenberg on December 22, 2013 at 3:35 pm

Hello visitors, here’s a website that shows rare pictures of the Majestic Theater’s proscenium in the making ! The site is in dutch, but images say more than words and hopefully there will be an english version in the future. Anyway check: http://tinyurl.com/nfjwaop

MJuggler
MJuggler on December 22, 2013 at 3:41 pm

Thanks Ericle! Happy Holidays and keep hunting for theatre images!

vokoban
vokoban on December 22, 2013 at 6:48 pm

Thanks Eric….those are pretty amazing photos. You should add them to the photos on this page.

MJuggler
MJuggler on December 23, 2013 at 10:52 am

Translation of Eric’s find and more is here, (always look for more information): https://sites.google.com/site/downtownlosangelestheatres/majestic-theatre

Eric Leeuwenberg
Eric Leeuwenberg on December 28, 2013 at 5:06 pm

You’re welcome, Vokoban. I just uploaded a few. Hi MJuggler, that’s a nice update at sites.google Both of you, have a nice Silvester.

Eric Leeuwenberg
Eric Leeuwenberg on March 31, 2014 at 9:59 am

@MJuggler I just did a hunt in my hometown. Check http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/44885 Greets, Eric.

dallasmovietheaters
dallasmovietheaters on March 11, 2016 at 9:36 am

November 23, 1908 grand opening ad and two early exterior architectural drawings posted in photos.

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