Also see: Warner Beverly Hills - history + exterior views
A 1931 look at the ceiling of the Warner's lobby. Thanks to Bill Housos for sharing these gems from his collection. He notes that he purchased the photos from the Theatre Historical Society decades ago.
The photo also appears in the August 29, 1931 issue of Motion Picture Herald as part of an article titled "Modern Ceiling Designs." It's on Internet Archive. The article notes that the ceiling "...is in association with a wall treatment of stippled pastel shades, and a decorative theme featuring a gilded fountain and, above it, a golden plaque set in a black marble alcove. Inscribed within this frame is a modernistic modeling of a golden bird flying in front of a large, leafy branch (serving as a background). This feature (rendered in the water-gilding process) has the function of drawing the eye toward the elaborate ceiling above.
"The essential theme of the ceiling pattern is based on the sun-burst, which plays in a continuous design around a series of beams... Between the beams are panels laid entirely in silver leaf, executing a pattern in modern interpretation of Mexican flora growing out of two large leaves on a coral glazed background..."
The Warner lobby -- the auditorium is off to the right. A snack bar later ended up at the fountain location. Photo: Bill Housos collection
A closer look at the drinking fountain on the lobby's south wall. Photo: Bill Housos collection. Thanks, Bill!
A lounge view appearing in the November 21, 1931 issue of Motion Picture Herald. It's on Internet Archive.
A look at the balcony lobby from the September 26, 1931 "Better Theatres" section of the Motion Picture Herald. It was part of an ad for Mohawk Carpet. The issue is on Internet Archive. "Comfort and quiet for patrons of Warner Brothers' Theatre in Beverly Hills, California, is assured by the use of Mohawk Scotia carpeting."
A detail of an entrance up into the seating area from the balcony lobby. It's one of four photos of the theatre in the August 29, 1931 issue of Motion Picture Herald as part of an article titled "Modern Ceiling Designs." It's on Internet Archive.
Stanley Warner gave the lobby a remodel in 1961. This photo showing off the simplified decor and the new carpet at the Warner was featured on page 71 of the March 6, 1961 issue of Boxoffice.
A lobby railing detail from "Blood Theatre." See the Historic L.A. Theatres in Movies post for 26 more views of the theatre from the film.
In the auditorium:
An early look toward the house left organ grille. The photo from the Terry Helgesen collection was probably taken by Mott Studios. It appeared in the fourth quarter 1996 issue of Marquee, the publication of the Theatre Historical Society. Thanks to Kurt Wahlner for sharing the image from the issue in his collection. He curates the site about Grauman's Chinese: www.graumanschinese.org.
This photo of a balcony soffit fixture is one of four views featured in the August 29, 1931 issue of Motion Picture Herald with an article titled "Modern Ceiling Designs." They call the treatment "a modern interpretation of Mexican motifs." The issue is on Internet Archive.
Looking in from the stage end of the building toward a sidewall and the rear of the auditorium during demolition. Photo: Bill Gabel Collection - Cinema Treasures. Thanks for all these photos, Bill.
A view of a deco column capital during demolition. Photo: Bill Gabel Collection - Cinema Treasures
The booth during the 1988 demolition. The Norelco AAII 35/70s once in use had previously been removed. Photo: Bill Gabel Collection - Cinema Treasures. Thanks, Bill!
Pages on the Warner: back to top - interior views | history + exterior views
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