Regency Bruin Theatre

Opened by Fox West Coast Theatres on December 31, 1937, the Fox Bruin Theatre originally had 876 seats, all on a single floor. It was designed by architect S. Charles Lee, one of the foremost & prolific theatre architect’s in Southern California, who’s earlier work included the downtown Tower Theatre and Los Angeles Theatre. This is a small, but elegant theatre, that is often seen in the backdrop of movie premieres taking place across the street at the Village Theatre. Its wrap-around marquee can be seen from all four streets which intesect at the theatre. Originally the auditorium side-walls were treated with luminous painted stencils which glowed in the dark from the ‘black lighting’ effects of the cove lighting. It was taken over by Mann Theatres chain in 1973. and was equipped to screen 70mm movies in 1978. Sadly, the theatre’s auditorium murals that once glowed in the dark have been painted over, leaving a totally plain auditorium. As of 2009, the seating capacity is listed as 696.

Regency Theatres replaced Mann Theatres as the movie operator on April 1, 2010.

It was announced on July 21, 2024 that the Regency Bruin Theatre would close on July 25, 2024, together with the Regency Village Theatre across the road.

Recent comments (view all 133 comments)

rivest266 on August 5, 2016 at 9:52 pm

December 31st, 1937 grand opening ad in photo section.

DavidZornig on November 28, 2017 at 8:37 am

1958 Chevrolet print ad added, featuring the Regency Bruin Theatre marquee.

CStefanic on September 5, 2018 at 5:05 pm

Does anyone know if this palace can still project film?

moviebuff82 on March 29, 2020 at 2:06 pm

This theater was featured in once upon a time in hollywood.

davidcoppock on November 24, 2020 at 1:50 am

Screened the World premiere of “The World is not enough” on 19/11/1999.

JimMitchell on July 21, 2021 at 4:27 pm

On July 21, 2021, I looked at the Google Street View image from February, 2021, and the Bruin appears to be closed. Box office boarded up, marquee dark, no posters in the front patio displays. I’m in Arizona, so can’t check in person. Anyone have an update?

rivest266 on July 21, 2021 at 5:51 pm

Now reopened at the time of this post.

DavidZornig on January 16, 2022 at 7:33 pm

Facebook post with 29 photos credit Richard DuVal. Scroll through to the right.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10223291322565544&set=pcb.5131540600204019

davidcoppock on May 1, 2023 at 7:05 am

The music video for Praise you(Fatboy Slim) was filmed outside this theatre without filming permission.

BigScreen_com on July 22, 2024 at 11:51 am

The Village and the Bruin are closing July 25, 2024:

Westwood, CA: Regency Bruin and Westwood Village Theaters Closing Thursday [Jul 22, 2024]