Whittier Village Cinemas

The project began as the proposed United Artists Theatre. But upon its launch, it opened as Bushnell’s Wardman Theatre on March 15, 1932 with “All Quiet on the Western Front” supported by a newsreel, a travelogue called “Cross Road” and five acts of vaudeville. Stars at the opening included “Western Front’s” Edmund Breese, Yola D'Avril and Rita Cavalier.

The theatre was tri-plexed becoming an adult theatre. It closed after the Whittier Narrows earthquake of October 1, 1987. However, the theatre was refurbished and relaunched in 1990.

I live in the area, and I go there all the time!

I remember seeing “Rhapsody In Blue” at the old Wardman Theater when it first came out in 1945. My stepfather, who worked for the railroad, had a part-time job of cleaning the Roxy, Wardman and Whittier theaters after closing. I remember many times going to the movies, falling asleep, he would wake me up, I would help him sweep up and then we would go home.

In the 1950’s, the Wardman was part of the Bruen’s Whittier Theatres company. Hugh W. Bruen also operated the Whittier and the Roxy, where he kept his office. In about 1953, he built the Sundown Drive-In.

Here is part of a July 1977 article in the LA Times:

WHITTIER-Community leaders hope to appeal to the business sense of X-rated movie theater chain owner Vincent Miranda. If all goes well, they say, Miranda will be convinced that conversion of the Wardman Theater into a multi-theater complex showing general run films would be profitable and a valuable asset to a nearby redevelopment project.

Miranda’s recent acquisition of the Wardman Theater from Pacific Theaters has touched off controversy here. The S. Greenleaf Avenue cinema is showing two sexually explicit films. Although just outside the Greenleaf Ave./Uptown Redevelopment Project, businessmen are fearful that the presence of an X-rated theater may have a detrimental effect on potential developers. There is also apprehension that other adult-only businesses may be attracted to the area.

A coalition of business, church and parents groups has formed to voice objections to the showing of adult-oriented films at the Wardman. Recently, coalition spokesmen visited Miranda at his Hollywood offices. “We tried to suggest to him that a four-theater complex would make it”, said City Councilwoman Delta Murphy. “We told him that it would be an economic plus for him and an economic plus for the city. We said that if he is not interested in that, we wanted a lease price and a lease option price.”

Miranda said he is considering the coalition’s proposals. But he expressed doubt that a multi-theater complex at the Greenleaf site would be feasible. At this point, Miranda said he would be more interested in sale of the Wardman rather than a lease agreement. Miranda has promised to forward a sale price to the coalition leaders. “We do buy and sell theaters”, he said.

Here is a January 2007 ad from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune:
http://tinyurl.com/kpro4f

I grew up in Whittier attending the Wardman Theater for matinees of such movies as “It Came From Beneath The Sea” and “The Blob” (I loved Sci-fi flicks!.) It was a wonderful little theater, and since I moved back to Uptown Whittier 10 years ago, I can walk two blocks to see most first-run movies whenever I want. But about a month ago, the last vestiges of the original interior finally disappeared——the original concession stand (with its popcorn maker). Now, when you enter the lobby, you are faced with more of those obscene video games where the old concession stand (and staircase to the balcony)used to be. And they call this “progress”.

Two old restrooms, the projection room, an egyptian style room is up the stairs behind the snack bar.

From the LA Library:

http://jpg1.lapl.org/pics34/00036939.jpg

If it is of any use to anyone, my mom was an usherette at the Wardman in the ‘40’s and she used to park me in the projection booth with Mr. Wardman until her shift was finished, then we’d watch the next show. The lounge area upstairs was really beautiful, at that time. I grew up in the Roxy, around the corner from the Wardman, with its Saturday matinees, complete with yo-yo contests, etc., the Wardman, and the beautiful Spanish Revival Whittier Theatre, on Whittier Boulevard. After the War, my mom and I would chase the searchlights all over the L.A. basin on the weekends, attending shows at every movie house operating from Santa Monica to Long Beach to La Habra, Fullerton and Santa Ana. I’m currently restoring and operating the 1928 Patricia Theatre in Powell River, B.C., and draw heavily on my recollections of what REAL movie palaces looked like in their prime, in L.A.!
Annie F.

I have visited the Historical Society and spoke to a few people in Uptown businesses including Derek the current manager for the Village Cinemas. I have acquired plenty of information but I would really like to get some testimonials from anyone who might have visited the Pussycat Theater when it was still in operation. This cinematic case-study is one of my last papers before i graduate from college (December 17!!!). I would appreciate any help whatsoever. I can omit names if desired or use pseudonyms if there are people out there who do not want their name on a research paper.

If you have any information or know of anyone who might please contant me:
Susie Balpuesta
(562) 686-5990
email:

Thank you very much for your time and consideration

Does anyone have any more or know where I can got more information on the history of the Village Cinemas? I was told that it once operated as a porno theater is this statement true? I am interested in doing a case study on this particular theater and need any guidance.

thank you

This theatre displays large poster-sized photos of other Whittier theatres that did not escape the wrecking ball. The pics are located along the theatre building south on Greenleaf.