Fox Wilshire/Saban Theatre: history + exterior views

8440 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90211 | map |

More pages about the Fox Wilshire/Saban Theatre: lobby areas | recent auditorium views | vintage auditorium views | stage | booth |

Opened: September 19, 1930 as the Fox Wilshire Theatre with the Marx Brothers in "Animal Crackers" as the initial attraction. The premiere was attended by Fay Wray, Jeanette MacDonald, Robert Montgomery and many others. Fox West Coast had a 20 year lease. The building was erected and owned by Los Angeles lawyer Albert H. Chotiner and Eastern financier Arthur Forst.

The opening night photo by Mott Studios is from the California State Library collection. It also appears with several interior views as a collage from the UCLA S. Charles Lee Papers Collection. UCLA has a number of sketches by Lee of various early versions of the tower that can be seen among their 25 images of the theatre that are on Calisphere. 

Website: www.sabantheatre.org | on Facebook   Phone: 888-645-5006. The manager is Dana Morris, who can be reached at 714-658-2423.   

Architect: S. Charles Lee designed one of the most stunning of all the Los Angeles movie palaces. It was Lee's second theatre in Los Angeles. The Tower had opened in 1927, the Los Angeles would come along in January 1931. The Fox Wilshire was the first of many he would do in the art deco style but he never got a chance to do another large theatre that would rival this one.

The interior color scheme of black and silver was enhanced by coral colored seating and drapes. The uniquely styled "curlicue" front curtain opened iris-fashion in several stages. Almost all of the original color scheme is gone with the exception of the ante-proscenium area -- restored in 2008 to all its silvery wonder. Work in 2023 brought back some of the original decorative scheme to the lobby ceiling.  

Calisphere has listings for the 623 items in the S. Charles Lee Papers Collection at the UCLA Charles E. Young Research Library that have been digitized so far. 

 

 

 

This floorplan for the Fox Wilshire comes from an article by S. Charles Lee in the December 28, 1929 issue of Motion Picture News. It seems to be a preliminary version. Many areas weren't built as shown. The article, on Internet Archive, also has sketches of alternate exterior looks for the project. 

A section view taken from the Saban's Tech PDF.

 

Seating: 2,295 originally. Now 1,897 with 916 on the main floor (including 42 movable seats in the pit area) and 981 in the balcony. With a curtain down to close off the top of the balcony the count is 1,444. Among other changes, the lobby has been enlarged into space that was formerly the last few rows of the main floor seats. See a recent seating chart.  

 

 

In this this May 28, 1929 article it was Harry W. Chotiner, secretary-treasurer of the Chotiner Theatres circuit, denying that they were part of this project. Chotiner Amusement Corporation was a venture of another Chotiner, Albert H. Thanks to Ken McIntyre for including the article as a comment in a thread for the Ken's Movie Page Facebook group about the La Brea, a theatre that WAS part of the Chotiner circuit. 

The project was mentioned in "Beverly Hills Notes Growth," an article in the September 29, 1929 issue of the L.A. Times. Along with noting the other construction on the horizon for the city they included "The new Chotiner Theater Building at Hamilton and Wilshire, under Fox lease." 

 

On December 8 the Times reported on "Projects Of Section Surveyed." They noted "intensive construction work" in the area and included the theatre:

 

"It is expected that ground will be broken during the next week for the Fox Theater to be eight stories in highth [sic] and to seat 2500 persons. The building will provide space for a number of specialty shops."

A December 15, 1929 Times story optimistically forecast a June 1930 opening: 

 

Albert H. Chotiner was a lawyer. The 1930 L.A. city directory lists him in business with Jay Chotiner and Nat C. Recht as Chotiner, Recht & Chotiner. Albert had two sons, Jack and Murray, the latter becoming a political operative. See a Wikipedia page about Murray. The OTHER Chotiners were Max C. and Harry W., running the Chotiner theatre circuit that included the Hawthorne and Plaza in Hawthorne, the La Brea, the Lomita, the Melrose, the Roosevelt/Parisian and the Ravenna.

 

From a September 7, 1930 article in the Times: 

 

"FOX WILSHIRE TO OPEN SOON - 'Art is getting on a more solid basis,' according to Jack Shulze, art director of the Fox Studios, whose modern design in interior and furnishing of the new Fox Wilshire Theater, Beverly Hills, is said to establish a new note in theater decoration. It has only been during the last few years that the modern art has come into general use, and the new Fox Wilshire is said to be the first theater designed completely in the modern motif.

"The colors used in the interior of the new theater are coral, black and silver which are varied at will by a new three-way color system of lighting. One of the interesting departures in design in the new theater, which has its premiere the 19th inst., is its curtain. It opens in three or four phases, as an iris, developing various designs in the opening."

And in the Times on September 14:

"FOX WILSHIRE TO OPEN DOORS - Something new in the way of luxurious seating accommodations will be introduced to the picture-going public when the new Fox Wilshire Theater, Wilshire at Hamilton, Beverly Hills, has its gala opening Friday evening. The opening festivities of the theater are under the sponsorship and direction of the Chamber of Commerce of Beverly Hills, which organization is planning many unusual features.

"The opening screen piece will bring the Marx Brothers in 'Animal Crackers.' In the afternoon, a children’s premiere, which will be attended by child stars from the studios, will mark the initial showing of 'The Break Up,' Alaskan adventure-travel picture, featuring Capt. Jack Robertson and his pal 'Scooter.' Scores of reservations for the opening night of the new theater have been received from the Beverly Hills motion-picture colony."

The Times reportage continued on September 17:

EQUIPMENT AT FOX WILSHIRE HOUSE LAUDED -- The faintest note of Harp’s harp will sound clearly in every part of the new Fox Wilshire Theater, when the Marx Brothers' act, 'Animal Crackers,' comes to the screen at the gala premiere of the new house Friday evening, according to reports. This is the promise of sound experts, who, following extensive tests, pronounced the new theater one of the best in point of sound projection and design of auditorium for audience reception.
 

"The auditorium of the new theater, seating 2500 persons, was designed in the shape of a large horn, which begins at the stage and develops outward. The covering on the upholstered chairs is a new material which enhances the carrying of sound waves, it is said. With motion-picture celebrities participating, the opening program for the new theater will be under the direction of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce."

A September 18 ad. Thanks to Comfortably Cool for locating it for a post on Cinema Treasures. 

More Times coverage on September 19, 1930  -- the day of the opening:

"FOX WILSHIRE HOUSE TO HAVE GALA OPENING -- Leon Errol, stage and screen player, will be master of ceremonies at the gala opening program tonight of the new Fox Wilshire Theater on Wilshire Boulevard at Hamilton Drive, Beverly Hills. A civic event, the opening of the new house will be under the direction of the Chamber of Commerce of Beverly Hills. Leaders in civic and social life have made reservations, as well as several motion-picture notables..."

 

An ad in the opening night program. Thanks to Woody Wise for posting it on the Los Angeles Theatres Facebook page.

 The Times reviewed the opening in their September 20 issue:

"NEW HOUSE OF CINEMA DEDICATED -- Civic and Film Notables Attend Gala Opening of Fox Wilshire Theater -- Dedication of the Fox Wilshire Theater, newest temple of cinema art, was held last night, with klieg lights flashing, motion-picture stars, the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and other notables in attendance. The new theater is located on Wilshire Boulevard at Hamilton Drive, and is of modern design throughout, with decorations in varying shades of silver, coral and black-a magnificent edifice. 

"A throng welcomed the new house, and the type of brilliance usually attending a typical Southern California premiere made the occasion a memorable one. The event took on a civic aspect with the president of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor lending dignity to the proceedings. The film colony was represented by Leon Errol, Anita Page, Robert Montgomery, John Miljan, Joan Marsh, Jeanette MacDonald, Fay Wray, Racquel Torres and many others. Errol acted as master of ceremonies... "

Thanks to Vokoban/Jeff Bridges for locating the stories in the Times during September. The new theatre was featured in the October 25, 1930 issue of Exhibitors Herald-World in an article by Tom Hacker titled "The Modern Motif in Fantastic Mood." He comments: 

"... A new Fox theatre that challenges the theory that the modernist can't play make believe. The new Fox Wilshire in Beverly Hills, Cal., just opened, represents the ultimate in dazzling and daring treatment. Basing his design on modernistic principles, S. Charles Lee, the architect, employed a unique and highly imaginative motif, which is incorporated in both interior and exterior of the large edifice. The Wilshire seats 2,500 persons, making it the third largest motion picture theatre in Los Angeles.

"The Fox Wilshire was constructed around basic acoustical and projection plans. Beginning at the extreme rear of the stage, the auditorium is fashioned in the shape of a mammoth horn to attain perfect sound reception. The color scheme is silver and black and coral, with an elegant organ screen forming the proscenium arch. The organ console carries the same design and is flanked on either side by glass panels overlaid with bright silvery metal. Various colored lights are installed in the rear of the two panels. The electric lighting fixtures are multi-colored and the light is reflected in the silver, changing the entire color effect of the auditorium as the light dissolves from one shade into another.

"The extreme modern design of the house extends also to its individual furnishings and seats, all of which were especially created. The mammoth curtain is a distinct innovation. Opening like an iris, it develops from three to four phases of color and design as it unfolds. Coral shades, beginning in the carpets, are carried into the color scheme of the seats, blending gradually upward into the many shades of silver and black in the mural and ceiling decorations. In line with the advanced theory of construction, the Fox Wilshire has an oval foyer, with curving stairs on either side leading to the balcony. 

"Toilet facilities are located on a half-level of these stairs, as opposed to the usual basement location. This position affords these rooms an abundance of light and air. A cosmetic room adds to the facilities of the women's department. The treatment of the main foyer, like that of the balance of the house, is black, coral and silver, having black walls and a silver ceiling supported on silver columns. Of the dark shade, three tones are featured, including dull, medium and bright. Light cast on these tones gives an affect of red, silver and black.

"As extra insurance against casualty, the building was constructed of monolithic concrete, which is said to be both fire-proof and earthquake-proof. Fire exit facilities exceed by 25 percent those required by law. Special equipment for the hard-of-hearing is another of the refinements. The headphones are plugged in a socket near the seat by an usher. A volume control regulates the sound. The projection room has been developed to accommodate wide-film projectors or any new innovation that it might be necessary to install. 

 

"The stage has also been built with wide-screen in mind. Ventilating and cooling equipment balances the humidity of the air with the number of patrons present. The balance of the building is devoted to stores and offices, the managers' headquarters being located off the right stairway leading to the mezzanine and balcony. The exterior of the seven-story building is modernistically designed in a dull gray finish, with the theatre marquee in bright black tile. A revolving neon tube sign carrying the name of Fox has been installed on the tower."

Upstairs: The office tower had an opulent penthouse apartment for Howard Sheehan of 20th Century Fox.

A look into the penthouse dining room. It's a photo on Calisphere from the UCLA S. Charles Lee Papers Collection.

The fireplace in the penthouse. It's on Calisphere from the UCLA S. Charles Lee Papers Collection. It's one of ten views of the penthouse in the collection indexed as "Sheehan Apartments."

The Fox Wilshire as a Movie Theatre: The theatre was always a premier first run venue for Fox West Coast Theatres and its successor National General. Later it was operated by Mann Theatres after they took over the remnants of the Fox Circuit in 1973. 

For the second film released in Cinemascope, "How to Marry a Millionaire," 20th Century Fox took it to the Fox Wilshire. The premiere film in the process, "The Robe," had opened at the Chinese on September 24, 1953. See Michael Coate's "Looking Back at CinemaScope" article on the site Digital Bits.

The ad for the premiere engagement of "How To Marry a Millionaire" at the Fox Wilshire in 1953. Thanks to Ken McIntyre for sharing it as a post for the Photos of Los Angeles private Facebook group.

 

Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart attended the November 4, 1953 premiere of "How To Marry a Millionaire." Some Producers Library footage of the festivities is on YouTube.

 

An image from the center of the souvenir program for "How To Marry a Millionaire." Thanks to Jeffrey Nickora for sharing it. Also see the program cover. Their copy noted that CinemaScope had "revolutionized motion picture history... Conceivably, somewhere in the world one man may exist who has never heard of CinemaScope... he must be a hermit, cut off from society in a sealed cave..."

70mm at the Fox Wilshire: In 1959 the theatre was was equipped for 70mm with Simplex 35/70 projectors and hosted the exclusive premiere run of Walt Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" in 70mm Technirama and 6 channel stereo. The screen, with a shallow curve, was reported by Boxoffice to be about 28' x 60'. 

 

Thanks to Michael Coate for sharing this January 29, 1959 "Sleeping Beauty" ad from his collection. It was a post on the Friends of 70mm private Facebook group. 

 

 

 

The theatre had a run of "Solomon and Sheba" in 70mm beginning December 26, 1959. Thanks to Michael Coate for locating this ad that ran during the film's engagement touting the improvements at "The New Luxurious Fox Wilshire"

 

The 1959 renovations of the theatre were detailed in a three page article in the April 11, 1960 issue of Boxoffice. Thanks to Roland Lataille for sharing the article on the Fox Wilshire page of his site InCinerama:

 

 

 

 

"Patrons of the Fox Wilshire Theatre, Beverly Hills, Calif., are now enjoying their movie fare in this handsome setting. Draperies frame the curved widescreen, and new aisle entrances into the audirorium provide light-locks to extrude extraneous light. Seating was reduced by 200 seats, to 2,000 theatre chairs which are spaced on 42-inch centers. The front row was moved back 21 feet from the screen."
 

"Lobby walls are plain in the remodeled Fox Wilshire, with the exception of this curved area behind the concessions stand which is composed of ornamental grillwork. Carpeting is in a gold floral pattern on a blue ground. The semicircular concessions stand is 25 feet long."

"The former front of the theatre in the Fox Wilshire building is shown above. Now that the remodeling has been completed a revolving sign atop the tower section at right has been reactivated and can be seen for miles around."

"... the remodeled front, with a new marquee, new safety plate glass doors and massive showcases in the outer lobby, as well as the front display cases, for picture selling. The carpet extends outward from the inner lobby right out to the sidewalk, a notable new trend in theatre styling. Robert Bothwell is the new manager of the Wilshire, having been transferred from Detroit. He has been with National Theatres for 23 years."

 

 

"The floor of the old auditorium in the Fox Wilshire, shown above, was steeply sloped."

 

"In the remodeling, this slope was vastly reduced, creating much more comfortable seating and better viewing for the patrons, on both orchestra and balcony levels. A special loge section was created at the center rear of the orchestra floor. The ornate decorations on balcony fascia and rear walls have been painted a solid light color." 

 

 

"A closeup of the boxoffice and outer lobby shows a good view of one of the two massive showcase windows used for display of motion picture advertising material. The boxoffice remained in a central position, but it was enlarged and smartly designed in tile and glass. Notice the 'free parking' sign. It is available for 250 cars in a lighted area, and is patrolled. Also note the carpet which extends from the inner lobby to the sidewalk."

 

"Looking toward the doors to the outer lobby, before the remodeling, above."

"The decorated, wood-framed doors and the highly ornamental decorations above them, as well as the ornate light fixtures have been removed in the remodeled Fox Wilshire... The whole area is spacious and attractive."

"Before [right] and after [left] views of the men's lounge show the transformation achieved by modern fixtures, furniture and decor."

 

"This was the ladies' room before remodeling, a not unattractive area, but compare it with the present powder room..."

"The ladies' powder room in the Fox Wilshire as it appears today. Carpeted floors, wall-mounted tables and attractive, comfortable chairs are provided in a bright and cheerful atmosphere created by the shining mirrors, a patterned wallpaper and globe-like lighting fixtures. Spotlights are also directed over the powder bar to create good lighting at the mirrors." 

Thanks for sharing the Boxoffice article, Roland! 

The theatre played a number of long-run reserved seat 70mm engagements including "Exodus," opening December 21, 1960. "The Sound of Music" opened March 10, 1965 for what turned into a 94 week run. 

 

An ad for "The Sound of Music." Thanks to Mark Radley for including it with a post about the film for the Friends of 70mm private Facebook group. See Michael Coate's article "'The Sound of Music': The Roadshow and 70mm Engagements" on the site In70mm.com.

"Sand Pebbles" opened a 70mm reserved seat run on December 28, 1966. "Far From the Madding Crowd" opened for a 70mm roadshow run on October 19, 1967. "Star!" opened as a 70mm roadshow on October 31, 1968. "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" roadshowed in 70 beginning November 7, 1969. "Woodstock," which may or may not have been a 70mm blowup, opened March 26, 1970. "Fiddler on the Roof" began its 70mm roadshow engagement on November 5, 1971. "Man of La Mancha" opened as a roadshow on December 13, 1972.

70mm reissue, second run, return and move-over engagements included: "Ben-Hur" (March 26, 1969, reserved seats), "Sound Of Music" (1969), "South Pacific" (October 1, 1969), "My Fair Lady" (January 22, 1971), "2001: A Space Odyssey" (July 28, 1971).

 

 

An ad for the double feature run of "West Side Story" and "Around the World in 80 Days," opening September 15, 1971. Thanks to James Kroeper for sharing this on the Friends of 70mm private Facebook group. 

 

"MGM's Fabulous Three" played in 70mm in 1971: "Gone With the Wind" opened October 13, "Dr. Zhivago" opened October 20, "2001" opened on October 27. "Camelot" had another 70mm run in April 1973.

The 70mm version of "This Is Cinerama" opened May 23, 1973 - with a Cinerama-style curved screen. Thanks to Roland Lataille for sharing this ad on the Fox Wilshire page of his site InCinerama. This composite version of the three-strip film had opened at the Cinerama Dome on February 16.  

The 70mm double feature of "Fiddler On The Roof" and "Man Of La Mancha" played beginning October 24, 1973.

An October 30, 1974 ad for the 70mm run of "Camelot" and "Oliver." Thanks to James Stegall for the post on the Friends of 70mm private Facebook group. "Camelot" had played first-run at the Cinerama Dome. "Oliver" had been at the Beverly. 

Additional 70mm runs included: "2001," back again beginning November 26, 1974. "Hello, Dolly!" had a run beginning October 1, 1975 and was back September 8, 1976 and June 15, 1977. "Gone With The Wind" played starting June 9, 1976 and was back again on October 6, 1976. "Logan’s Run" opened August 4, 1976. The "Camelot" and "Oliver!" 70mm double feature was back again in both 1976 and 1977. "A Star Is Born" ran in 70 beginning February 18, 1977. Thanks to Michael Coate and William Kallay for the research. See the 70mm in Los Angeles year-by-year-lists.

Closing as a film venue: The Fox Wilshire closed as a film venue in 1978. Mann Theatres was still operating it early that year. 

Going Legit: It got a renovation in 1981 (with a muted color palette) by architect Richard McCann and reopened as a legit house under Nederlander Organization management as the Wilshire Theatre. Among other attractions, Liz and Dick appeared in 1983 with a touring production of "Private Lives."

After the Nederlanders stopped using the theatre, they rented it to a group called the Beverly Hills Performing Arts Center (aka Temple of the Arts). In the years following it had only sporadic bookings of Broadway plays, smaller musicals (the stage is only 26' deep), concerts, and religious events. The first film to play the theatre in years was the December 2006 premiere of "Dreamgirls." 

The group had been renting for over a decade and had made repeated offers to buy the building but were always rebuffed. Jimmy Nederlander reportedly told them "We buy theatres. We don't sell theatres." But with the closing of their competitive threat, the Shubert, things changed. The building was purchased from the Nederlander Organization in 2006.

At the time they were calling it the Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills. A program of restoration was begun. Early projects were new carpet, reupholstered seats and a repainting of the proscenium area. Tech work in recent years has also included lighting and sound upgrades.

SAS operated the theatre for the new owners beginning in 2006. Bobby Jones comments:  

"I worked/ran SAS for ten years from 2006 to 2016. SAS ran the Wilshire/Saban from 2006 to 2013? Or 14? I did a couple 40 hour days at that theater. Show up Friday, leave Sunday. Back when I was young."

The theatre was renamed the Saban Theatre in 2009. Restoration work continues in various areas of the theatre, much of it funded by a $5 million donation from Haim Saban.

Status: Alive and well as a concert venue now booked by promoter Lance Sterling of Sterling Venue Ventures, a company with the slogan "Where Music Meets the Soul." They also operate music clubs in Agoura Hills, Santa Clarita and Montclair. The theatre occasionally hosts other events as well. 

 

More exterior views:

1930 - A February 27 construction view by Mason W. Shouler from the UCLA S. Charles Lee Papers Collection. 

 

 

 

1930 - A March 27 view by Mason W. Shouler that's in the UCLA S. Charles Lee Papers Collection.   

 

1930 - A May 8 construction view by Mason Schouler from the UCLA S. Charles Lee Papers Collection.

 

1930 - An opening night view. Photo: Mott Studios - California State Library. A version of the photo is also in the UCLA S. Charles Lee Papers Collection. 

 

 

1930 - The theatre with its opening attraction, "Animal Crackers," on the marquee. Photo: Mott Studios - California State Library 

1930 - A detail from the previous photo.

1930 - Running Jack London's "The Sea Wolf," a September release with Milton Sills and Jane Keithley. Photo: Mott Studios - California State Library

1930 - A "Sea Wolf" shot from the east. Photo: Mott Studios - California State Library

The California State Library photos: In addition to what's shown on these pages, there are many more 1930 Mott Studios photos in the collection. They are cataloged rather haphazardly in six sets -- each with a mix of shots from different areas of the theatre: # 001386306 - 17 views  | # 001386542 - 18 views | # 001386544 - 17 views | # 001443449 - 11 views |  # 001443782 - 2 views | # 001443784 - 8 views |

1930 - A photo from Kate Mercier's collection that she shared on a now-vanished Facebook post. It's unknown what the gathering of kids was all about. Her grandfather managed the theatre. Thanks, Kate!

1931 - A view of suburbia with lots of free parking at the Fox Wilshire. Playing the week of the photo was "Don't Bet on Women" with Edmund Lowe and Jeanette MacDonald. It's a Los Angeles Public Library photo.

1931 - The marquee with "Monkey Business" playing. It's a Los Angeles Public Library photo.  

1931 - A view of the theatre's entrance with a Packard "Eight Deluxe" out front. It's a Los Angeles Public Library photo.

1931 - Don't you wish you could see the "Wonder Picture of the Year"? It's a photo in the Los Angeles Public Library collection.

1932 - A lovely view looking east on Wilshire toward the Fox. It's one of several hundred photos taken by Anton Wagner while in L.A. working on his PhD thesis about the relationship of topology to character. It's on the website of the California Historical Society. Thanks to Noirish Los Angeles contributor BiRayRock for spotting this photo in the collection. He has it on his Noirish post #37501.

1932 - A detail from the Anton Wagner image above. You can browse the hundreds of photos in the full "Los Angeles: 1932-33" collection on the California Historical Society website.
 

1930s - A view east on Wilshire toward the theatre. In the foreground is the Wilshire Links, a miniature golf course owned by Mary Pickford. Thanks to Los Angeles transit historian Sean Ault for the photo.

1930s - An undated look at the east wall of the theatre. It's a photo from the Security Pacific National Bank collection at the Los Angeles Public Library. 

1934 - A view of the marquee from the Kate Mercier collection. The gentleman in the photo is her grandfather, Hall Baetz, who managed the Fox Wilshire in the 30s. Also see a photo of Hall in front of the boxoffice.

 

1934 - A traffic accident photo from the Marc Wanamaker collection. On the corner that's the Wilshire Links, a miniature golf course. See the Beverly Hills Heritage Fox Wilshire album on Facebook for more than 80 photos of the theatre from a variety of sources. This photo, along with other Wilshire Links views, can also be seen on BifRayRock's Noirish Los Angeles post #20496.

mid 1930s - A look east from Wilshire and La Cienega from the collection of Kate Mercier. 

1935 - A great shot of the Fox Wilshire running "China Seas" with Clark Gable, Jean Harlow and Wallace Beery. Thanks to Kate Mercier for sharing the photo from her collection. Also see an ad for "China Seas" from Kate's collection.

1936 - Thanks to Jerry Beck for this lovely 1936 view of the theatre, a post on the Facebook page Vintage Los Angeles.  

c.1937 - A Herman Schultheis photo looking east toward the Fox along Wilshire from La Cienega. It's in the Los Angeles Public Library collection.

late 1930s - An amazing look east toward the Fox Wilshire from Marc Wanamaker's Bison Archives and the Beverly Hills Heritage Facebook page. 

 

1939 - The press premiere for "Young Mr. Lincoln" with an appearance by Marian Anderson. Thanks to Ken McIntyre for locating the photo for a Facebook post on Ken's Movie Page. 

1940 - Looking west toward the Fox Wilshire from San Vicente. It's a Dick Whittington Studio photo, part of a set of 4 in the USC Digital Library collection. Thanks to Noirish Los Angeles contributor BifRayRock for including the set on his Noirish post #20227.

1940s - Looking east on Wilshire toward the theatre. It's a photo taken by Dennis Lewis that appeared on the now-vanished site Scenes of Los Angeles During WWII.

1945 - A fine view of the boxoffice that's in the Los Angeles Public Library collection. 

 

 

1947 - A shot showing off the new Skouras-style boxoffice. Also note the new patterns etched in the glass of the entrance doors and new etched aluminum panels above the doors. As you can see by the watermarks, it's a photo from Alamy. Thanks to Ken McIntyre for locating it for a post on the Photos of Los Angeles private Facebook group. 

 

 

1953 - "Little Boy Lost" was an October release with Bing Crosby. Thanks to Dallas Movie Theaters for locating the photo for a post on Cinema Treasures.

1953 - Thanks to Bruce Kimmel for sharing this great "How To Marry A Millionaire" photo on his L.A. Now and Then Facebook page. The film's premiere was November 4. Also see a shot taken across the street from Marc Wanamaker's collection that appears on the Hollywood Historic Photos site. See the footage of Lauren Bacall and Marilyn Monroe arriving for the premiere on YouTube.

 

 

1954 - The premiere of "Red Garters," a February release. Thanks to Moviesjs1944 for locating the photo for a post on Cinema Treasures.

1956 - The crowd for the premiere of "Trapeze." It's a Sid Avery photo in the Los Angeles Public Library collection.

1956 - A wider Sid Avery shot of the "Trapeze" ballyhoo. It's in the Los Angeles Public Library collection -- along with about 20 more from that night if you'd care to go looking. 

 

 

1959 - "Solomon and Sheba" was a Christmas Day release that played the Fox in 70mm. Thanks to Bill Gabel for sharing the photo for a post on Cinema Treasures. When it appeared in the April 11, 1960 issue of Boxoffice they noted: "...the remodeled front, with a new marquee, new safety plate glass doors and massive showcases in the outer lobby, as well as the front display cases, for picture selling. The carpet extends outward from the inner lobby right out to the sidewalk, a notable new trend in theatre styling."

 

 

 

1960 - The "Exodus" logo designed by Saul Bass as the copy on the marquee. The 70mm engagement opened December 21. Thanks to Jonathan Raines for spotting the image in the 2011 book "Saul Bass: A Life in Film and Design" by Jennifer Bass and Pat Kirkham. It's available on Amazon or from your local bookseller.

1962 - Headed west on Wilshire. Look at that Fox sign! It's a photo from the Richard Wojcik collection that appeared on the Facebook page Vintage Los Angeles. There was also an uncredited Facebook post of it by Dave Urov. 

 

 

1964 - Ballyhoo for the September release "Topkapi." Thanks to Dallas Movie Theaters for locating the trade magazine photo. 

 

1973 - A great facade view from the Sean Ault collection. 

 

c.1975 - A last look at the Fox roof sign. This view west is from the Adsausage Los Angeles Photo Archive. The "Hustler" building beyond the theatre dates from 1972. Thanks to Phillip Cutler for spotting the shot in the collection and sharing it on his Classic Hollywood/Los Angeles/SFV Facebook page.

1976 - The Fox Wilshire in 1976 for the premiere of "Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same." Thanks to Maurice Ideses for posting the shot on the Facebook page Vintage Los Angeles.

1978 - The closed theatre as seen in a photo by Anne Laskey in the Los Angeles Public Library collection.   

1978 - Looking east in an Anne Laskey photo from the Los Angeles Public Library collection. Also in the collection by Ms. Laskey from the same year: wall and neon detail | marquee detail | tower view | full height view from the west |

1981 - A photo in the Herald Examiner collection at the Los Angeles Public Library.

1983 - Thanks to the now-vanished American Classic Images website for this view. 

1986 - A Mike Mullen photo in the Herald Examiner collection at the Los Angeles Public Library.

2002 - A Betty Sword photo of the Fox Wilshire from the Theatre Talks collection of Brooklyn-based theatre historian Cezar Del Valle. The Nederlanders were running "Rent."  Thanks, Cezar!

c. 2005 - A photo that nicely shows off the office tower. It was a post on the Vintage Los Angeles Facebook page by Billy Vera.

2007 - The view west. Photo: Bill Counter

2010 - A lovely sunset shot by Don Solosan for the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation. The LAHTF is actively involved in the study and preservation of the vintage theatres in the L.A. area. The group frequently supports events and offers tours of various historic theatres. www.lahtf.org | LAHTF on Facebook

2010 - The new deco style marquee. The design work was by Fernando Duarte. Photo: Bill Counter

2010 - The new Saban Theatre marquee at night. Thanks to Don Solosan for the photo on the LAHTF Facebook page.

2010 - The ticket lobby. There was considerable restoration in this area in 2009 including reproduction of the original doors. Photo: Bill Counter

2010 - One of the display cases. Photo: Bill Counter

2010 - A facade detail. Photo: Bill Counter

2010 - The view along the west side of the building toward Wilshire. Photo: Bill Counter

2014 - A luscious view from the west. Thanks to Hunter Kerhart Architectural Photography for the photo. In addition to his website, there's also a Facebook page. His work is seen widely on many sites including Urbanize L.A and the the Facebook page DTLA Development.

2014 - A peek into the ticket lobby. Photo: Hunter Kerhart Architectural Photography 

 2014 - A fine look at the marquee soffit. Photo: Hunter Kerhart Architectural Photography

2014 - The view west along Wilshire. Photo: Hunter Kerhart Architectural Photography

2014 -  Another lovely evening view. Photo: Hunter Kerhart Architectural Photography. Thanks, Hunter!

2018 - Mike Hume checks out the neon. And the new digital readerboards. Visit the Saban Theatre page on his Historic Theatre Photography site for many terrific views of the theatre.

 

2018 - A closer look at the neon. Photo: Mike Hume. Thanks, Mike!

 

2021 - A view from the west.  Photo: Bill Counter

 

2021 - Ornament at the top. But no revolving "FOX" sign anymore. Photo: Bill Counter

 

2021 - Looking toward La Cienega. The Fine Arts is just a couple blocks down the street. Photo: Bill Counter

 

 

 

2023 - A January "Herman's Hermits" shot. Thanks to Claudia Mullins for sharing this as well as four interior views on a Facebook post. 

 

 

2024 - A rare film night at the Saban with Baz Luhrman's "The Great Gatsby" along with live music, Charleston lessons, and a costume contest. It was a Street Food Cinema event. Photo: Cat Whalen

 

 

 

2024 - A terrazzo detail. Thanks to Cat Whalen for sharing her photo. 

 

 

 

2025 - A ticket lobby shot from the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles. It's one of eight photos they shared in a February post on the ADSLA Facebook page.  

 

2025 - Ornament above several of the display cases. It's from a photo included in the February post on the ADSLA Facebook page.    

 

 

2025 - The aerial view courtesy of Google Earth. That single story structure on the bottom left of the image this side of the stage house is the dressing room wing.  

 

The Fox Wilshire in the Movies:

This shot is seen in George Cukor's "What Price Hollywood?" (RKO Pathe, 1932) starring Constance Bennett and Neil Hamilton. Thanks to Kurt Wahlner for figuring out that it's the Fox Wilshire. Mary Evans, the character played by Constance, gets turned into a star and we get a montage of houses playing different pictures as her stardom rises. See the Historic L.A. Theatres in Movies post for shots of the Wiltern and Warner Beverly Hills marquees plus several views of the Chinese from the film.  

  

The theatre is featured in Mel Brooks' "Silent Movie" (20th Century Fox, 1976) when Mel Funn uses the venue to preview his new film. In this boxoffice view view we get posters up for "Young Frankenstein." The film features Bernadette Peters, Marty Fekdman, Dom DeLuise, Sid Caesar, Harold Gould and Ron Carey. We get cameos by Burt Reynolds, Liza Minelli, Anne Bancroft, Marcel Marceau and Paul Newman. The cinematography was by Paul Lohmann. 

A look at the rear of the main floor in "Silent Movie." All draped except you get a view of some decorative plaster on one of the beams. At the time of the filming, the front of the house was also draped -- with a waterfall curtain. See the Historic L.A. Theatres in Movies post for a lobby view.

In Paul Schrader's "American Gigolo" (Paramount, 1980) Richard Gere visits a bar that used to be on the corner of the Fox Wilshire building. See the Historic L.A. Theatres In Movies post for that shot and views of several other theatres. 

 

 

The lobby and auditorium are used as the Memphis Civic in Taylor Hackford's "The Idolmaker" (United Artists, 1980). The Trinity Auditorium stands in for the exterior. The auditorium is also seen earlier as the Brooklyn Paramount. The film, based on the life of rock promoter and record producer Bob Marcucci, features Peter Gallagher, Ray Sharkey, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Land, Maureen McCormick and Joe Pantoliano. The cinematography was by Adam Holender. Thanks to David L. Snyder, the film's art director, for noting that they used the Fox Wilshire. See the Historic L.A. Theatres in Movies post for eighteen more shots from the film.

More information: See the Cinema Treasures page for lots of data and stories about the theatre. Of particular interest are a number of posts by Vokoban reproducing articles about the theatre's construction and opening. The information about 70mm roadshow runs at the Fox Wilshire comes from Michael Coate's list on Cinema Treasures. Also check out the Cinema Tour page on the Saban.

Beverly Hills Heritage's page on Facebook has a Fox Wilshire album. At last look it had 83 photos. For a great compilation of information about 70mm engagements in Los Angeles, see Michael Coate's 70mm in Los Angeles page on the website FromScriptToDVD.com. Also see the site's Fox Wilshire page.

Visit the Saban Theatre page on Mike Hume's Historic Theatre Photography site for many terrific views of the theatre.  

See "Ed Kelsey on the Saban" a great 10 minute visit to the theatre. The clip features Mr. Kelsey, a noted Los Angeles theatre historian, discussing the 2008 restoration work on the proscenium by Evergreene Architectural Arts along with other aspects of the ongoing restoration including seating, carpet and lobby work. The video is by Don Solosan and appears on the LAHTF YouTube channnel.

Almost all of the Fox Wilshire items in the UCLA S. Charles Lee Papers Collection are linked either on this page, the lobby page, or the page of vintage auditorium views. If you'd like to browse the whole collection head to it on the UCLA Library website or on Calisphere. 

Beverly Hills Patch had a September 2013 story about a city pilot program for historic buildings allowing a reduction in property taxes if the amount saved will be put toward historic restoration. The Saban's projects included upgrading their readerboard with a black and white LED display, more seating upgrades, restoration work in the lobby, as well as other projects.
 
A 2014 story in the Hollywood Reporter discussed the creation of the Steve Tisch Cinema Center at the Saban with the venue upgrading its digital projection gear and going after more premieres and film festival events.

The L.A. Times ran a March 2014 profile of Lance Sterling, who also has the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills and books another Canyon Club in Las Vegas. Mr. Sterling was also profiled in a November 2013 Huffington Post article saying at the time that he hoped to book 150 shows, mostly classic rock bands, into the theatre yearly beginning in 2014.

A July 2019 Beverly Press/Park LaBrea News story "Saban Theatre claims subway damage" discussed issues the theatre attributed to tunneling for the Metro Purple Line extension. 

Trivia item: John Cassavettes had an office in the building and his 1976 film "Killing of a Chinese Bookie" had a run at the theatre.  

While this project was under construction Fox planned another big theatre in Beverly Hills. This article appeared in the January 13, 1930 issue of the Times:

The  proposed location at the northwest corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Beverly Dr. put it across the street from the Beverly Theatre, 206 N. Beverly Dr., a theatre also operated by Fox at the time. The new project was shelved.  

Pages about the Fox Wilshire/Saban Theatre: back to top - history + exterior views | lobby areas | recent auditorium views | vintage auditorium views | stage | booth |

| Westside theatres | Hollywood | Westwood and Brentwood | Along the Coast | Westside theatres: alphabetical list | Westside theatres: by street address | Downtown theatres | [more] Los Angeles movie palaces | Los Angeles theatres - the main alphabetical list | theatre history resources | film and theatre tech resources | contact info | welcome and site navigation guide |