Los Angeles Theatres: Westside Theatres: an overview

Westside Theatres: an overview

Welcome to the Westside Theatre Tour!

"I used to like this town. A long time ago, there were trees along Wilshire Boulevard. Beverly Hills was a country town. Westwood was bare hills and lots offered at eleven hundred dollars and no takers."

-- Raymond Chandler's Phillip Marlowe, looking back from 1949

Prior to the 20s, the theatre business, other than small neighborhood theatres was all about downtown. In the mid 20s that changed with the blossoming of Hollywood as both a film and legitimate theatre destination.

But the big push west was Wilshire Boulevard. It was carved out in Los Angeles' amazing rush to suburbanize westward. By the time the twenties arrived, L.A. was the fastest growing city in the world. From a population of about 300,000 in 1910, Los Angeles mushroomed to 576,000 in 1920 and 1,250,000 by 1930.

As fashionable suburbs blossomed on the Westside, Wilshire Boulevard was the way to get there. From downtown to the beach in Santa Monica, the 16 mile drive along Wilshire became an architectural wonderland. Great department stores, churches, retail establishments, apartments and, of course, theatres.

Wilshire was named for newspaper publisher, socialist and land developer Henry Gaylord Wilshire (1861-1927) from Cincinnati who started the boulevard by clearing a roadway through his barley fields. In 1895 he subdivided his land around what later became MacArthur Park, originally Westlake Park. And, of course, neighborhoods started filling in both north and south of Wilshire.

By 1920 elegant residences and apartment houses were appearing. They first clustered around Lafayette and MacArthur Parks but then started spreading up and down the boulevard. The linear city that Wilshire would become gathered momentum in the late 20s with Bullocks Wilshire and other upscale merchants opening branches of their downtown stores for the affluent clientele in the area.

By the 50s and 60s it was no longer just branches of downtown stores but merchants who were leaving downtown and recognized the new suburban shopping patterns that were developing. As downtown deteriorated, Wilshire eventually became a magnet for new office towers as well.

Miracle Mile, between La Brea and Fairfax, was promoted in the 1930s as the toniest shopping district anywhere. Developer A.W. Ross saw the future of the area as an upscale shopping district with stores that would rival the best of those downtown. The difference was that the shoppers here would be attracted by the ease of car access and abundant parking rather than coming on foot.

Along with the stores, Miracle Mile eventually offered professional offices, theatres and restaurants to feed the hungry shoppers. Ross was a pioneer in adapting building design, signage and traffic control for the new age of the automobile. Everything had to look wonderful and inviting at 40 mph.

Downtown was still important to exhibition even into the 50s. But if you look at where the distributors wanted to play their films to reach a discriminating, affluent audience, it was all about the Westside. Whether it was a big roadshow or an artie film for a small audience, that was the place to be.

Note that there are separate sections broken out to survey the theatres in Hollywood, Westwood and Brentwood and Theatres Along the Coast. But even with all those listings pulled out, it's still a long list to scroll through. So at the top of the list are some links arranged by streets and neighborhoods.

Also see the list of Westside theatres: by street address and the Westside theatres: alphabetical list, which includes alternate names. You'll find some links to items relating to Wilshire Blvd. and Santa Monica history on the Theatre History Resources page.

Beverly Boulevard
| Beverly Center Cinemas | Fairfax Theatre | Laurel Theatre | New Beverly Cinema | Pan Pacific Auditorium | Pan Pacific Theatre |

Beverly Hills
| Beverly Theatre | Beverly Canon Theatre | Carthay Circle Theatre | Fine Arts Theatre | Samuel Goldwyn Theatre | Music Hall | Saban/Fox Wilshire Theatre | Warner Beverly Hills | Writers Guild Theater |

Brentwood
| Brentwood Theatre | Brentwood Twin | Brentwood Theatre - VA Campus | Wadsworth Theatre |

Century City
| AMC Century 14 / Century City 15 | Century Plaza Theatres | Shubert Theatre |

Culver City
| City Hall Theatre | Culver City Theatre 1917-23 | Culver Plaza 6 | Kirk Douglas/Culver Theatre | Meralta Theatre | Palms Theatre | Pacific 12/ArcLight/Amazon's Culver Theatre |

East Hollywood
| Apollo/Star Theatre | Assistance League Theatre | Campus Theatre | Cinema Theatre | Clinton Theatre | Hunley's / Century Theatre | Loma/Paramount Theatre | Ravenna Theatre | Studio Theatre | Vista Theatre | Sunset Theatre |

Echo Park
| Holly Theatre | Jensen's Melrose/Ukranian Cultural Center | Palms/Belmont Theatre | Ramona/Studio Theatre | Rampart Theatre |

Elysian Park / Griffith Park / Riverside

| Elysian Theatre | Village Theatre |

Ocean Park

Olympic Boulevard

| Olympic Drive-In | Uptown Theatre |

Rampart

| Rampart Theatre | Ravenna Theatre |

San Vicente Blvd.

| Carthay Circle Theatre | Old Time Movie Theatre |

Sawtelle

Note: There are many westside theatres not covered below. See the separate sections for Hollywood and Westwood and Brentwood. The Theatres Along the Coast survey page includes Santa Monica, Ocean Park and Venice as well as communities farther south.

77 Sunset Strip

8925 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood

This was a strip club formerly called the Rogues Gallery that started running movies in the mid-1970s. The photo dates from 1975. For more information see our page about Storefront Prono venues.

Academy Museum / Geffen and Mann Theatres

6067 Wilshire Blvd.

The AMPAS Museum of Motion Pictures opened in the 1939 vintage May Co. building at Wilshire and Fairfax in September 2021. The complex includes a spherical 1,000 seat theatre, the Geffen, as well as the smaller Ted Mann Theatre in the basement. Renzo Piano was the architect for the $300+ million project. For more information see the pages on the Academy Museum/Geffen and Mann Theatres.

Academy Theatre
4667 Melrose Ave.

This little legit operation associated with a drama school was running perhaps from 1939 until at least 1942. The location is a block and a half west of Normandie Ave. Some of the building that was used as a theatre may remain. At the location now is an Aamco Transmission shop with none of its theatrical past recognizable. For more information see the listing about the Academy Theatre.

Alvarado Theatre

710 S. Alvarado St.

The theatre opened in 1914, a design by John C. Austin and W.C. Pennell. S. Charles Lee came along and did a moderne remodel in 1936. It went to adult films in the 60s as the Park Theatre. The 750 seat house was twinned and returned to mainstream fare in the 70s and closed in 1986. The building has been gutted and is now being used for retail. For more information see the page on the Alvarado Theatre.

Amazon's Culver Theatre

9500 Culver Blvd. Culver City

It opened in 2003 as the Pacific Culver Stadium 12 and was later rebranded as an ArcLight. The complex closed in March 2020 due to Covid restrictions and the company decided a year later not to reopen. Amazon signed a lease for it in late 2021 and reopened as The Culver Theatre in December 2022 with six screens operating. For more information see the page about The Culver Theatre.

Ambassador Theatre

3400 Wilshire Blvd.

Myron Hunt designed both the hotel and this 542 seat theatre within it. Opening was 1921. While the theatre never became widely known the hotel's nightclub, the Cocoanut Grove, became world famous as a celebrity hangout. The building was mostly demolished in 2006. A small portion was saved to become part of a new high school. For more information see the page on the Ambassador Theatre.

AMC Century 14 / AMC Century City 15

10250 Santa Monica Blvd. Century City

The original 14 screen complex on Santa Monica Blvd. at the front of the mall opened in 1987. The replacement 15 screen theatre opened in 2005 at the back end of the mall. The original building was gutted and rebuilt for various retail tenants including the Container Store. For more information see our page about the AMC Century 14 / Century City 15.

Bay Theatre

15140 W. Sunset Blvd. Pacific Palisades

This design by S. Charles Lee opened in 1949 with 1,100 seats. Esther Williams was there selling tickets opening night. It got twinned in 1972 and closed in 1978. The building is now a hardware store. For more information see the page on the Bay Theatre. The page also has information on the new 5-plex Bay Theatre, located a bit west of the original theatre in the Palisades Village shopping center.

Beaux Arts Theatre

1709 W. 8th St.

This cute 559 seat legit house opened in 1927, a design of Stanton, Reed & Hibbard, who also did the Hotel Figueroa. This building erected by Charles Forve was billed as the "Carnegie Hall of the West." In addition to the theatre, there were 220 soundproof music studios. It's now senior housing. The theatre has been repurposed as a dining area and social center for the residents. For more information see the page on the Beaux Arts Theatre.

Bee Bee Theatre

Santa Monica Blvd. at Cotner Ave.

The project for a 900 seat house by Bourke and Baylis, operators of the nearby Nuart and Tivoli/Royal theatres, was announced in the May 4, 1939 issue of the Santa Monica Evening Outlook. Cotner Ave. is just east of where the 405 now is. Somehow it never happened. For more information see the page on the Bee Bee Theatre.

Belmont Theatre

126 S. Vermont Ave.

It opened in 1926 as a West Coast Theatres operation and by 1929 was called the Fox Belmont. The 1,680 seat house located five blocks north of Wilshire was a design of Lewis A. Smith. It got a major remodel in 1946 by Fox West Coast Theatres resulting in a Skouras-style interior. It closed in 1973 after a fire and was demolished the same year. For more information see the page for the Belmont Theatre.

Beverly Theatre

206 N. Beverly Dr. Beverly Hills

The Beverly opened in 1925, a Lewis A. Smith design feeling like an elaborate Chinese temple. The 1,270 seat theatre was operated by West Coast Theatres and its successor companies until the 50s then a whole series of other circuits. It was equipped for 70mm and was running roadshows in the 60's. It closed in 1977 with General Cinema the last operator. Much of the decor was still visible when it was converted to retail. A later banking tenant gutted it. It was demolished in 2005 for hotel construction. For more information see the page on the Beverly Theatre.

Beverly Canon Theatre

205 N. Canon Dr. Beverly Hills

It opened in 1946 as the Hitching Post Theatre. The opening was attended by Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Trigger among other celebrities. As the Beverly Canon the 500 seat theatre long operated as an art venue after interest in the westerns petered out in the late 40s. Starting in the mid 70s it was used as a legit playhouse, the Solari Theatre. It was demolished in 2005 for the same hotel project that took out the Beverly. For more information see the page on the Beverly Canon Theatre.

Beverly Center Cinemas

8522 Beverly Blvd.

Cineplex Odeon opened it as a 14 plex in 1982. Later it went down to 13 screens with three smaller ones closed and two larger houses added on the upper level. When Cineplex went down in 2006, Mann took over the 1,747 seat complex until 2009. After a brief run by Rave Entertainment, it closed for good in 2010. The space is now used for retail. For more information see the page on the Beverly Center Cinemas.

Leo S. Bing Theatre - LACMA

5905 Wilshire Blvd.

The Leo S. Bing Theatre was a nicely equipped 600 seat venue that showed lots of revivals, foreign films and more. It's been demolished. For more information see the page on the Bing Theatre.

Bundy Theatre

3414 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica

This was a 900 seat S. Charles Lee design that opened in 1941. The theatre's name came from the location just west of Bundy Blvd. In the 40s the theatre was open until 5 am to cater to late workers at the nearby aircraft plants. The Bundy was operated by Fox West Coast and its successor, National General Corporation. It closed in 1963 -- the site is now under the I-10. For more information see the page on the Bundy Theatre.

Campus Theatre

1020 N. Vermont Ave.

The theatre, at Vermont and Santa Monica Blvd., opened in 1939 near Los Angeles City College. Originally with 850 seats, it was perhaps 400 at the end. At some point the theatre lost its original moderne facade when the building was shortened. The Campus closed for films in 2006. Later it was a live theatre, Teatro Los Chuperamigos, and a nightclub, the Teatro Casablanca. At last report the owner wanted to remove the seats and level the floor for banquets and other events. For more information see the listing for the Campus Theatre.

Carthay Circle Theatre

6316 San Vicente Blvd.

This "Showplace of the Golden West" opened in 1926. It was initially under the management of Fred Miller, who had several theatres downtown including the California. Later it was run by West Coast Theatres, the firm that in 1929 became Fox West Coast. Dwight Gibbs was the architect for the 1,518 seat theatre. The Carthay Circle rivaled the Chinese in terms of the number and importance of the premieres it held. National General Corporation closed it in 1969. Demolition was in the early 70's so the company could erect office buildings on the site. For more information see the pages on the Carthay Circle Theatre: history + exterior views | interior views | projection and sound |

Carmel / Paris Theatre

8163 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood

The 1,098 seat theatre was a design by Lewis A. Smith. It opened in 1924 as the Carmel, a West Coast Theatres operation. It was later known as the Fox Carmel. By the early 60s it had gone to a porno policy and was renamed the Paris Theatre -- the "newly beautiful Paris." The theatre closed in 1976 -- it was destroyed by fire. For more information see the page on the Carmel/Paris Theatre.

Century Plaza Theatres

2040 Avenue of the Stars, Century City

It opened in 1972 as the ABC City Theatres, a twin cinema that was part of the ABC Entertainment Center. When ABC sold their theatre circuit it became the Plitt Century Plaza Theatres. Later, after a triplexing of the big house, it finished as the Cineplex Odeon Century Plaza 4. Initially it had 1,424 seats in the big house and 800 in the small one. It was demolished in 2004 with new office towers on the site of both this complex and the Shubert Theatre across the plaza. For more information see the page on the Century Plaza Theatres.

CGV Cinemas

621 S. Western Ave.

CGV at Madang was the first American branch of the South Korean multiplex chain, CJ CGV. The 580 seat triplex opened in 2010. They show Korean films and first run Hollywood product with Korean subtitles. For more information see the page on the CGV Cinemas.

Ciné-Cienega
755 N. La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood

It opened in 1949 as a small legit operation called the Century Theatre. In 1953 it became the Civic Playhouse and in 1964 the Warner Playhouse. In 1970 it was renamed the Ciné-Cienega, running first-run product plus occasional art and experimental films as well as revival bills. Later in the 70s it went to porno and was demolished in 1987. There's now a restaurant/nightclub on the site. For more information see the page about the Ciné-Cienega.

Cinema Theatre

1122 N. Western Ave.

S. Charles Lee did a conversion from what had been retail space into this 800 seat theatre in 1939. The theatre, just north of Santa Monica Blvd., was opened by Louis Berkoff who was also involved in the Coronet, the Esquire and the Midway. Later operators included Louis Federici and the Art Theatre Guild. By 1969 the theatre had gone to porno. It was still running into the mid 80s but is now a church. For more information see the page on the Cinema Theatre.

Cinematheque 16 / Sun Art / Orpheum

8816 1/2 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood

It opened in the mid 60s as a storefront 16mm operation running underground, experimental and cult films. It was also known as the Cinematheque 16 Moviehouse. By 1970 it had become a porno operation, later renamed the Sun Art. In 1976 it was taken over by Pavel Cerny to become the Orpheum Theatre, a venue for legit theatre as well as concerts, punk and otherwise. It's been demolished. For more information see the page on the Cinematheque 16 / Sun Art / Orpheum.

Cinematheque Club
9055 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood

It opened in spring 1971 as an 82 seat restaurant showing classic films. Seating evidently was more restaurant-style than theatre-style. It was also known as the D'Anton Cinematheque. It didn't last long as a classics venue, by fall of 1972 having morphed into David's Tom Cat Theatre & Lounge. It's now a Busy Body Home Fitness store. For more information see the page for the Cinematheque Club.

Cinematour
W. Pico Blvd. & Georgia

About all that is known is that it was running in 1923. It's been demolished. This area is now all part of the Convention Center. See the page on the Cinematour for more information -- but there isn't much.

City Hall Theatre

9770 Culver Blvd., Culver City

The auditorium of the 1928 vintage City Hall was pressed into service as a commercial movie theatre in 1943 following a fire at the Meralta Theatre. The 30s photo is from the Culver City Historical Society. The venue was known as the Meralta, the City Hall Theatre, the Culver City Theatre and the Fox Culver Theatre. It ran until the 1947 opening of the new Culver Theatre a block away. For more information see the page about the City Hall Theatre.

Clinton Theatre

526 N. Western Ave.

The 750 seat theatre opened in 1938, a design of Raphael Nicolais. The location is 1 1/2 blocks south of Melrose, between Clinton St. and Maplewood Ave. By the 60s it had turned into a foreign film theatre, later becoming a bargain house. Closure was in the late 80s. It's now a design establishment. For more information see the page about the Clinton Theatre.

Coast Playhouse

8325 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood

Beginning in the the 60s it was a legit operation called the Players' Ring Theatre. In the 70s as the Gary Theatre this was a twin screen revival house. Later as a porno operation it was the Gallery and the Quickie. By 1980 it was the Pan Andreas, a 99 seat Equity Waiver operation. Finally it ended up as the Coast Playhouse. It's now owned by the City of West Hollywood. For more information see the page about the Coast Playhouse.

Coronet Theatre
366 N. La Cienega Blvd.

It was opened in 1947 by Freida Berkoff, a member of a famous Russian dancing family. The Coronet has been mostly famous as a legit venue, hosting over 300 productions. Throughout the 50s it was a venue for independent and experimental film programmed by Raymond Rohauer, who later was involved in what is now the New Beverly. In addition to the theatre space, there were acting and dance studios upstairs. Since 2008 it's been the home of Largo at the Coronet, featuring comedy and music performances. For more information see the page about the Coronet Theatre.

Crown Theatre
11342 Santa Monica Blvd. Sawtelle

The Crown operated from about 1915 until 1924. On earlier numbering systems the address was at different times 504 and 342 Santa Monica Blvd. Until 1922, the Sawtelle district was a separate town east of Santa Monica. The theatre was in a building also with retail tenants and rooms for fraternal lodges. It's been demolished. For more information see the page on the Crown Theatre.

Culver / Kirk Douglas Theatre

9820 Washington Blvd. Culver City

It opened in 1947 as the Culver Theatre, a design of Albert R. Walker and Carl G. Moeller. The 1,091 seat house had the rear section in a stadium style configuration.The Culver was operated by Fox West Coast and its successor companies National General Corporation and Mann Theatres. It was later an independent operation after being dropped by Mann. The auditorium got triplexed in the early 80s. It closed in 1989 and was gutted in 1994. Interior remodeling began in 2002 for a 317 seat legit house operated by the Center Theatre Group. The venue reopened in 2004 as the Kirk Douglas Theatre. For more information see the page on the Culver/Kirk Douglas Theatre.

Culver City Theatre

Main St. south of Culver Blvd. Culver City

This first theatre in Culver City opened in 1915. Office space upstairs was used as the city's first City Hall beginning in 1917. The building was demolished when Harry Culver decided to construct the Culver Hotel on the site in 1924. The two ladies running the theatre at the time constructed the Meralta Theatre nearby as a replacement. For more information see the page about the Culver City Theatre.

Culver Plaza Theatres

9919 Washington Blvd. Culver City

This 6 plex opened in 1991 as the Mann 6 Theatres Culver Plaza. At least one house was 70mm equipped. Thanks to Bob Meza for the 2001 photo. After Mann left the 1,470 seat complex it was known as the Culver Plaza Theatres. It closed in 2011 and the building was demolished in 2012 for a new residential building. For more information see the page about the Culver Plaza Theatres.

Del Mar Theatre

5036 W. Pico Blvd.

This 600 seat house opened in 1939. It closed in the 80s. After a spell as a church, the building sat vacant for years. Later the floor was leveled and it got turned into a studio specializing in post production audio work. It's now a gallery/exhibition space run by the Parisian firm Perrotin. For more information see the page on the Del Mar Theatre.

El Rey Theatre

5515 Wilshire Blvd.

This Miracle Mile art deco gem opened in 1937 as part of the Pacific States chain. The 900 seat house was a design of Clifford Balch. It was long operated by Fox West Coast and later Mann Theatres. Mann pulled out in the late 70s during a time when they were dropping many of their older single screen theatres. It then ran as an independent and by the 80s it was a third run/revival venue. It's now a club offering concerts and other events. There's not much of interest left inside. All the fun is on the sidewalk: the terrazzo, the facade and the neon. For more information see the page on the El Rey Theatre.

Elysian Theatre

1944 Riverside Dr.

This house opened around 1927 as the Riverside. Later renamed the Elysian, it closed as a film house around 1951. Since the 60s it's been a legit venue as the Studio Theatre, the Colony Studio Playhouse and other names. Thanks to Don Solosan for this c.2010 photo taken when it was called the Knightsbridge. In 2021 under new owners it reopened as a comedy club and is back to using the Elysian name. For more information see the page about the Elysian Theatre.

Embassy Theatre

331 S. Western Ave.

It started as the Wilshire Theatre in 1921, operated by West Coast Theatres. Later it was renamed the Embassy and was also known as the Fox Embassy. It got a remodel in the 60s by National General Corp. Into the 80s it ran third run films, Indian movies, and Filipino movies. Lewis A. Smith designed the 900 seat theatre. The building is still there but rebuilt as retail space. For more information see the page on the Embassy Theatre.

Empire Theatre

2131 W. Pico Blvd.

It opened in 1914 or 1915. In the 60s the 650 seat theatre became the Empire Art and then the West Side Theatre. Later as the Fiesta Theatre it was running films and occasional live performances into the mid 80s. The venue later got religion with a church as the tenant. The building survives and is currently in use as a church with retail in the spaces on either side of the lobby. For more information see the page on the Empire Theatre.

Esquire Theatre

419 N. Fairfax Ave.

Clifford A. Balch did a remodel of an existing building. The 500 seat theatre opened in 1937 as an independent owned by Betty Berkoff. It was later an art house operated by Herb Rosener, who also had the Laurel, Sunset and Studio theatres. It's been Canter's Deli since 1953. The projection booth, second floor restrooms and a photo on the wall are the only remains from its theatre days. For more information see the page about the Esquire Theatre.

Fairfax Theatre

7907 Beverly Blvd.

Woodbury C. Pennell designed this 1,504 seat theatre that opened in 1930. After beginning as an independent, the Fairfax was operated for decades by Fox West Coast, National General and Mann Theatres. Mann got out in 1981 and the house was soon triplexed by independent operators. Cineplex Odeon took over in 1985. Laemmle got it in 2001. Regency Theatres was the final operator. It closed closed in 2010 after the owner, Alex Gorby, refused to make repairs on a damaged roof. In 2013, after a lengthy preservation battle, Gorby got approval to turn the site into retail and condos while saving the facade. For more information see the page on the Fairfax Theatre.

Fedora Theatre

2698 W. Pico Blvd.

The theatre opened in 1913 or earlier as the Pico Heights Theatre. In the early 20s it was the Fedora, named for the cross street where it was located. It's also been called the Family Theatre, the New Family, the Star and the New Star. Closing date is unknown -- perhaps the late 20s. The building, dating from 1905, still exists and has been converted to retail use. For more information see page about the Fedora Theatre.

Fine Arts Theatre

8556 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills

It opened as the Wilshire Regina Theatre in 1937, a design of B. Marcus Pritica. Originally with about 800 seats, now down to 433. It became the Fine Arts in 1948 after a renovation by Fox West Coast. It continued to be operated by Fox and its successor companies National General and Mann. Laemmle had bought the building in 1984 and ran it after Mann's lease was up in 1986. Later it was operated by Landmark Theatres and has had several more owners. Laemmle was operating it (again) from 2014 until 2019 under a new owner as the Arhya Fine Arts. It's now a private screening room and available for rentals. For more information see the page on the Fine Arts Theatre.

Forum Theatre

4050 W. Pico Blvd.

It opened in 1924 as an independent operation but soon became the Warner Bros. Forum Theatre. The building is a design of Edward J. Borgmeyer and sat 1,766 all on one level. It closed prior to 1955 but was later used as offices and a test house for Cinerama into the late 70s. It's now a Korean church. The original auditorium ceiling is obscured with a dropped ceiling and the murals have either been painted over or covered. For more information see the page on the Forum Theatre.

Four Star Theatre

5112 Wilshire Blvd.

It opened in the early 30's as a project of United Artists Theatre Circuit but was operated by Fox West Coast for them. Originally named the United Artists it was soon renamed the Four Star. The UA circuit eventually operated the house following consent decree provisions and hosted many major runs including a first run engagement of "The Graduate" in 1967 and some 70mm runs. Walker & Eisen along with Clifford A. Balch designed the 900 seat theatre. It became a church in 2001 and was later sold to a developer and demolished in 2014. For more information see the page for the Four Star Theatre.

Georgia Theatre
1002 W. 9th St.

It opened possibly as early as 1914. It's in the 1914 city directory as Gore's Theatre (with the address listed wrongly as 102 W. 9th). It was the Georgia from at least 1929 through 1936. In 1939 it's listed as the Capitol. The name Georgia comes from its location just west of Georgia St. The 385 seat theatre has been demolished. For more information see the page on the Georgia Theatre.

Gilmore Drive-In

6201 3rd St.

This 650 car facility opened in 1948. Initially it was an operation of Sero Amusements, later acquired by Pacific Theatres. The image is a shot from Allan Arkush and Joe Dante's 1976 film "Hollywood Boulevard." The theatre closed in late 1977 with the site being redeveloped for the Grove shopping mall. For more information see the page about the Gilmore Drive-In.

Samuel Goldwyn Theatre

8949 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills

This plush 1,012 seat theatre is in the headquarters building of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Academy regularly offers screenings of classics and other special events. The theatre is exceptionally well equipped for every standard film format. For more information see the page on the Goldwyn Theatre.

Granada Theatre

9000 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood

The 379 seat theatre opened in 1967 with "King of Hearts." It was a little art house operated by the Walter Reade circuit, who also had the Music Hall and Beverly Canon in Beverly Hills. It was located in an office building across the street from the Roxy nightclub. John Weidman did the interior which featured some Spanish architectural details purchased from the Hearst Estate at San Simeon. The building is still there but the theatre space is now a Wells Fargo branch. Closing was in the mid 70s. For more information see the page on the Granada Theatre.

Hayworth / Vagabond Theatre

2511 Wilshire Blvd.

It opened in 1926 as the Masque Theatre, a legitimate playhouse. Stiles O. Clements of Morgan, Walls & Clements was the architect. Dwight Gibbs (designer of the Carthay Circle Theatre) did the conversion into the Vagabond in 1950. The 190 seat theatre found a niche running British films and other artie releases and became a celebrated venue for revivals in the 70s. Closing was in 1993. After a spell as a church, it found new life as a legit playhouse (again). Currently the building houses 3 small auditoria (99 seats, 42 seats and 49 seats) as well as a 1500 s.f. ballroom, formerly used as a dance studio. For more information see the page on the Hayworth/Vagabond Theatre.

Holly Theatre

1624 W. Sunset Blvd. Echo Park

It opened in 1912 as the Globe #3, built for the short-lived Globe Amusement Co. by Henry Jensen, who later ended up running it. It was later known as Jensen's Theatorium, the Hollyway and the Holly. It's just a half block east from the 1924 vintage Jensen's Recreation Center. Jensen's holdings eventually included the Palace Grand in Glendale, the nearby Melrose Theatre and the Raymond in Pasadena. Seating capcity was 732 more or less. As a theatre it made it until 1951. It was converted into a branch bank, then a market. No trace of its theatrical past remains. For more information see the page on the Holly Theatre.

Keystone Theatre

3064 W. Pico Blvd.

Evidently the Keystone opened around 1915. It's not in that year's city directory but appears in the 1916 and 1917 editions. Perhaps by 1923 it was gone -- it's not in that city directory. Closing date as a theatre is unknown. It's been remodeled into retail space. For more information see the page on the Keystone Theatre.

La Brea Theatre

857 S. La Brea Ave.

Richard D. King designed the 1926 vintage building for West Coast Theatres. The 1,200 seat house was later known as the Fox La Brea. After a 1959 remodel it had a rebirth as a 640 seat art house called the Art La Brea. Later it was running Japanese product as the Toho La Brea. It closed around 1974 and is now a Korean church. For more information see the page for the La Brea Theatre.

Lake Theatre

2118 W. 7th St.

The 640 seat Lake opened in the early 20s. The building dates from 1923. The location is just a block south of Wilshire in the MacArthur Park area. It was running as late as the mid 60s. The building is still there with the theatre space used for retail. For more information see the page on the Lake Theatre.

The Landmark

10850 W. Pico Blvd.

This 12 screen complex at Pico and Westwood opened in 2007. It was a first run venue operated by Landmark Theatres. This 2,000 seat theatre replaced the Westside Pavilion Cinemas, an earlier four-plex in the other side of the mall. Landmark and the owner couldn't agree on terms for a new lease so May 22, 2022 was the last day of operation. For more information see the page on The Landmark.

Larchmont Theatre
149 N. Larchmont Blvd.

It opened in 1922 between Beverly and 1st in the Larchmont shopping district. The 835 seat theatre was built for investor J.J. La Bonte and was operated by silent film star Alice Calhoun. The Larchmont was later operated by Fox West Coast. It closed around 1952 and has been demolished. There's now a retail development on the site. For more information see the page about the Larchmont Theatre.

Laurel Theatre

8056 Beverly Blvd.

It opened in 1941 at Beverly and Laurel, four blocks west of Fairfax. The 850 seat Laurel was part of a small, local chain operated by Herb Rosener who also had the Vagabond, Esquire, Studio, and Sunset theatres. In the 50s it was run by the Edwards circuit. Closing date is unknown. It's been a synagogue for decades. For more information see the page on the Laurel Theatre.

Lido Theatre
8507 W. Pico Blvd.

Clifford Balch designed this 800 seat theatre just west of La Cienega Blvd. that opened in 1937. For years it was operated by Fox West Coast, National General and, later, Mann Theatres. It had a good run as an art venue, a revival house and, at the end, was a bargain theatre. It was demolished in 1979. It's now a parking lot for Bank of America. For more information see the page on the Lido Theatre.

Loma Theatre
5528 Santa Monica Blvd.

It opened in 1921 as the Paramount Theatre. Frank Rasche was the architect for the 900 seat house located at Santa Monica and Western. The initial operator was Turner, Dahnken & Langley, a firm that later became part of West Coast Theatres. Sometime in the early 40s it got renamed the Loma. Turned into retail space in the 50s, it was demolished after a fire in the 80s. For more information see the listing on the Loma Theatre.

Los Feliz Theatre
1822 N. Vermont Ave.

The 1935 vintage theatre is a design of Clifford Balch. It was a second run family oriented single screen theatre for decades. Later it was an art house under Laemmle management and at that time one of the premiere foreign film venues in Los Angeles. It was triplexed in the early 1990s after the Laemmle circuit lost their lease. As a single screen house it had 780 seats. The theatre continues to do well as a triplex offering first run releases. It's operated by Vintage Cinemas, who used to also have the Vista Theatre prior to its sale to Quentin Tarantino. For more information see the page on the Los Feliz Theatre.

Marquis/Academy Award Theatre

9038 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood

It opened in 1925 and was operated for decades by Fox West Coast. The 950 seat theatre was a design of Frank Rache. The building was sold to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in 1946 and was renamed the Academy Award Theatre. Several years after the Academy opened their Beverly Hills building this property was sold and demolished. It's now the site of an office building and parking. For more information see the page on the Marquis Theatre.

Melrose Theatre

4350 Melrose Ave.

All that is known is that this one was running in 1916 -- it's in that year's city directory. The building on the site dates from 1914 and is now a mini-mart. The location is just a block or so west of Jensen's Melrose. There's a listing started for this Melrose Theatre but there's not really any additional information at the moment.

Jensen's Melrose Theatre / Ukranian Cultural Center
4315 Melrose Ave.

It was opened in 1924 by Henry C. Jensen as Jensen's Melrose. He was a brick maker turned theatre operator who was also involved in other properties nearby as well as in Pasadena and Glendale. Elimar E.B. Meinardus designed the 880 seat house located two blocks west of Vermont Ave. It was later operated by Fox West Coast and closed in 1959. Since 1961 it's been the Ukranian Culture Center. Most of the interior detailing remains with an opulent new paint job. The main floor has been leveled and the upstairs is now a separate space. For more information see the page on the Melrose Theatre.

Meralta Theatre

9632 Culver Blvd. Culver City

The Meralta was opened in 1924 by two sisters, Pearl Merrill and Laura Peralta. They also had theatres in East LA and Downey. This was a replacement for an earlier theatre (and city hall) on Main St. on the site of the Culver Hotel. By the early 30s, the theatre was being operated by Fox West Coast. Originally 1,000 seats, it was perhaps 700 at the end. It closed in 1983. The site was redeveloped into "Meralta Plaza." For more information see the page on the Meralta Theatre.

Midway Theatre

3138 W. Pico Blvd.

It opened in 1939 as an independent house built by Louis Berkoff, owner of the La Tosca and other theatres. This stretch of Pico is part of the area known as Harvard Heights. The building for the 609 seat theatre is a block west of Western. It closed in 1965 and was then used as a warehouse. The marquee was removed but the inside was essentially unchanged for years. It was gutted in 2000 for retail space. For more information see the listing on the Midway Theatre.

Monica / Pussycat Theatre
7734 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood

This 638 seat theatre four blocks east of Fairfax opened in 1940 as the Monica Theatre running Hollywood product and then foreign films. As a porno house in the 60s it was the Left Bank Theatre and then became the Pussycat. Later as a gay porno venue it got rebranded as the Tomkat, Studs Theatre and then Studs at the Pussycat. It's still running, converted into a four screen operation in 2011. For more information see the page on the Monica/Pussycat Theatre.

MPark 4 Theatres

3240 Wilshire Blvd.

The theatres opened in 2006 upstairs in a shopping mall, the Wilshire Galleria, catering largely to Koreans. The MPark ran first run American movies with Korean subtitles and Korean movies with English subtitles. It closed sometime around 2011. For more information see the page on the MPark 4 Theatres.

Music Hall Theatre

9036 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills

It was called the Elite Theatre when it opened in 1936. It's a Wilfred P. Verity design that originally sat 824 as a single. It's now down to 499 as a triplex (142 + 98 + 259). Walter Reade operated it in the 60s and early 70s. The Laemmle circuit got the lease in 1974 and operated it until November 2019. Late that month it was reopened by a several Laemmle veterans as the Lumiere Music Hall. For more information see the page on the Music Hall Theatre.

National Theatre

1538 Sawtelle Blvd. Sawtelle

This movie house was running in 1913 and 1914 a block and a half north of Santa Monica Blvd. with what was then a 208 N. 4th St. address. Foster Jackson was the manager. Upstairs was Thayer's Hall, for lodge meetings and events. Evidently the theatre only ran a couple of years but the building survives as the West End Hotel. Thanks to Samuel de la Torre Dórame for the photo. For more information see the page about the National Theatre.

New Beverly Cinema

7165 Beverly Blvd.

The building was constructed in 1929 as retail space. Later it was an outlet for a winery and then long succession of restaurants and clubs including a stint as Slapsie Maxie's. As a theatre it's also been known as the Dahl Theatre, the New Globe, the Capri/Riviera (a twin), New Yorker Theatre, the Europa, the Eros and the Beverly Cinema. They run a mix of cult favorites, classics and indie releases. In 2007 Quentin Tarantino purchased the building to preserve it as a repertory cinema. For more information see the page on the New Beverly Cinema.

Nuart Theatre

11272 Santa Monica Blvd.

The Nuart opened in 1930. It ran for decades as a typical sub run neighborhood theatre under Fox West Coast management. It's been operated by Landmark Theatres since 1974. In the early decades of Landmark management it was a renowned repertory house with changes of double bills daily. Programming is now a mix of first run indie, foreign and art releases along with occasional revival programs. Cult films are offered at midnights on weekends. For more information see the page on the Nuart Theatre.

Old Time Movie Theatre

484 S. San Vicente Blvd.

This was a 16mm operation running silent movies in 1945. It had opened advertising itself as Old Movies and later the name morphed a bit. The location was on the east side of the street five blocks north of Wilshire. For more information see our survey page about 16mm revival houses.

Olympic Drive-In

12109 W. Olympic Blvd.

It opened in 1945 at Olympic and Bundy with the screen tower getting moved over from what had been the Pico Drive-In. Initially it was an independent but was later taken over by Pacific Theatres. This one operated until 1973. Thanks to Robert Juzefski for his photo taken after the closing. For more information see the page about the Olympic Drive-In.

Palms / Belmont Theatre
1703 Temple St.

All we know is that there was Palms Theatre at 1703 Temple St. listed in the 1914 city directory. The block, bordered by Union and Belmont Avenues on the east and Burlington Ave. on the west,
is now the site of the Silverlake Medical Center. In the 1913 directory there was a Belmont Theatre listed as Temple near Belmont. It's unknown if this was the same theatre or not. Neither name shows up in the 1912 or 1915 directories. There's a page started for the Palms/Belmont Theatre but there's not really any more information.

Palms Theatre

3751 Motor Ave.

It opened around 1928. In its later years it was an independent neighborhood sub-run house with many loyal customers. Nearby were the Culver Theatre and the Meralta. The 599 seat theatre was demolished in the late 50s. There's now a post office on the site. For more information see the page on the Palms Theatre.

Pan Pacific Auditorium

7600 Beverly Blvd.

The 6,000 person capacity building opened in 1935 with its initial attraction a model home show. Walter C. Wurdeman and Welton Becket designed the wood frame streamline moderne structure that was intended to be temporary. Initially a private enterprise, it ended up owned by the City of Los Angeles. It was closed in 1972 and was allowed to decay. The end was a fire in 1989. For more information see the page on the Pan Pacific Auditorium.

Pan Pacific Theatre

7554 Beverly Blvd.

The theatre opened in 1942, a design of William L. Periera. The building it was in fronted on Beverly Blvd. and also housed a cafe, ice rink and bowling alley. It was a structure separate from the Pan Pacific Auditorium, which was behind the theatre building. The 850 seat theatre closed in 1984 was soon demolished. For more information see the page on the Pan Pacific Theatre.

Parisian Theatre

803 S. Vermont Ave.

This one opened in 1922 as the Roosevelt Theatre, a design of Walker & Eisen. After a deco remodel the 800 seat theatre was rebranded as Chotiner's Parisian. Later it was operated by Fox West Coast as the Fox Parisian. It closed around 1958 and was later demolished. For more information see the page for the Parisian Theatre.

Picfair Theatre

5879 W. Pico Blvd.

The 750 seat theatre opened in 1941 as an an independent house. Statewide Theatres, Century, Loew's and General Cinema later operated the theatre in the 60s and 70s. In the early 80s it was running Indian films. By 1985 it had closed to become an appliance store. It got torched in the 1992 riots and was finally demolished in 1995. For more information see the page for the Picfair Theatre.

Pico Theatre

736 W. Pico Blvd.

This 525 seat theatre opened around 1912. The location was just west of Figueroa on the south side of the street. It's listed in the city directories as the Navarro Theatre from 1914 through 1918. By 1922 it had become the Pico Theatre. In 1925 it was listed as the New West Pico Theatre. In 1926 it's the New Pico Theatre. Then it was back to being the Pico Theatre. It had a rebirth in the 40s with a mix of exploitation films and imports, largely Russian. It closed in 1951 and has been demolished. The site is now part of the Los Angeles Convention Center. For more information see the listing for the Pico Theatre.

Pico Drive-In

10850 W. Pico Blvd.

It opened in 1934 at Pico and Westwood and was California's first drive-in. In the 40s the operation moved to Olympic Blvd. and was renamed the Olympic Drive-In. It's long gone -- the Westside Pavilions shopping mall is on the site. For more information see the listing for the Pico Drive-In.

Picwood Theatre

10872 W. Pico Blvd.

It was a 1948 design of S. Charles Lee that opened as an independent house. The Picwood had 1,100 seats originally, later reseated for 950. It was run until 1985 by Pacific Theatres, often with exclusive engagements. It was demolished in 1985 to make way for the Westside Pavilions Mall. For more information see the page for the Picwood Theatre.

Ramona Theatre

2139 W. Sunset Blvd. Echo Park

This 500 seat theatre was built in 1914, a design by Alfred Grayson. In 1915 it was called the Creation Theatre. Later it was Mitchell's Theatre, the Garden Theatre and the Ramona Theatre. It became the Studio 1 in 1966 with the intent of showing German films -- "Die Fledermaus" was the opener. In the early 70s it was the HK Studio Theatre. By the 80s it had become Estudio 1 with Spanish language product. It was later gutted for retail use and now houses a restaurant. For more information see the listing about the Ramona Theatre.

Rampart Theatre
2625 W. Temple St.

It opened in 1924 with Constance Talmadge in “Her Night of Romance." The 900 seat theatre is located a block west of Rampart Blvd. The owners boasted of "the only completely square auditorium in the West" as well as an advanced bowl shape for the rake of the floor. Lewellyn J. Smith was architect, builder and a partner in owning the building. Decoration was by the Robert E. Power Studios. The building is still there -- it's now used as a church. In the 60s it had been used as a movie studio for making commercials. Closing date as a theatre is not known. For more information see the page about the Rampart Theatre.

Ravenna Theatre

233 N. Vermont Ave.

It opened in 1925 as Chotiner's Ravenna, also advertised as Chotiner's Hollywood Ravenna. The location was just south of Beverly Blvd. The Max Chotiner circuit also included the Parisian. Closing date as a theatre is unknown -- evidently running into the 60s. Richard D. King, who also designed the Fox La Brea and Hermosa theatres, was the architect of the 798 seat venue. It was demolished around 1985. There's a parking lot there now. For more information see the listing about the Ravenna Theatre.

Ritz Theatre

5214 Wilshire Blvd.

The Ritz opened in 1926, a design by Lewis A. Smith that originally had 1,660 seats. It was operated for years by Fox West Coast Theatres. Later it was briefly known as the Lindy Opera House, a venue for legit dramas, musicals and revues. In 1976 it was renamed the American Theatre with grand plans for a bi-centennial revue that had only a short run. It was demolished in 1977 for a parking lot. For more information see the page for the Ritz Theatre.

Royal Theatre

11523 Santa Monica Blvd.

It opened in 1924 as the Tivoli Theatre. Long operated by Laemmle Theatres, the Royal remains one of the premiere venues for foreign films in Los Angeles. Seating was 600 when it was a single screen operation. With a 2012 triplexing, the total seat count is down to 300. For more information see the page about the Royal Theatre.

Saban / Fox Wilshire Theatre

8440 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills

The opening of S. Charles Lee's deco masterpiece was in 1930 as the Fox Wilshire. Originally with 2,295 seats, it's now down to about 1,900. The Fox Wilshire was always a premier first run venue for Fox West Coast Theatres. Later it was operated by Mann Theatres after they took over the remnants of the Fox circuit. It closed as a film venue around 1977. There was a renovation in 1981 and it reopened as a legit house under Nederlander management as the Wilshire Theatre. The building was sold in 2006 and then known as the Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills and later renamed the Saban. Upgrading and restoration work is ongoing. It's open for legit theatre, concerts and various rentals. For more information see the pages on the Fox Wilshire/SabanTheatre: history + exterior views | lobby areas | recent auditorium views | vintage auditorium views | stage | booth |

Sherman Theatre
8938 Keith Ave. / 812 N. Robertson

This 360 seat neighborhood house was running in 1924 as the Polly-K Theatre. In 1926 it was briefly the home of the Photoplay League, an attempt to exhibit films with high artistic standards that had lacked mass appeal or run into censorship issues. The closing date is unknown. The building survives, now the home of Annapurna Pictures. For more information see the page about the Sherman Theatre.

Showcase Theatre

412 N. La Brea Ave.

This 750 seat deco gem opened in 1938 as the Gordon, a design of Clifford A. Balch. It was later the Cineplex Odeon Showcase, then the Regent Showcase. It closed as a regular film venue in 2008 and is now used as a church with occasional rentals for special events. For more information see the page on the Showcase Theatre.

Shubert Theatre

2020 Avenue of the Stars Century City

The Shubert opened in 1972 across the plaza from the twin Century Plaza film theatres, then known as the ABC City Theatres. It was operated by NYC's Shubert Organization. Henry George Greene was the architect of the 1,830 seat theatre. It was demolished in 2004. New office towers are now on the site. For more information see the page on the Shubert Theatre.

Silent Movie / Fairfax / Brain Dead

611 N. Fairfax Ave.

The 224 seat theatre was opened in 1942 by John Hampton and his wife Dorothy as a venue for silent films. With gradually dwindling audiences over the years, they closed the theatre in 1980. After several later owners, the theatre was operated by Cinefamily from 2007 until 2017. After renovations it reopened in late 2019 as the Fairfax Cinema. Since October 2020 it's been called Brain Dead Studios. For more information see the page on the Silent Movie Theatre.

Stadium Theatre

8906 W. Pico Blvd.

The 1,172 seat deco style theatre is a Boller Bros. design that opened in 1931. Built for and operated by Fox West Coast Theatres, it was usually advertised as the Fox Stadium. The rear of the auditorium was with stadium-style seating, a rarity at the time. It's been a synagogue since 1964. For more information see the page on the Stadium Theatre.

Studio Theatre

1715 N. Vermont Ave.

This 430 seat theatre opened in 1939 as the Regal Theatre. The location is just north of Hollywood Blvd. Sometime around 1945 it was renamed the Studio. It closed in 1960 and has been demolished -- there's a Bank of America branch now on the site. For more information see the page about the Studio Theatre.

Sunbeam Theatre

1408 W. Pico Blvd.

The 423 seat theatre opened in 1912 or 1913 as the Pico Grand. The location is two blocks west of the 110. By 1915 it had become the Sunbeam Theatre. By 1927 that had been shortened to become the Sun Theatre. It closed in the early 50s. The building, which dates from 1912, still exists but has been remodeled. It's now used as a church. For more information see the listing for the Sunbeam Theatre.

Sunset Theatre

1508 N. Western Ave.

It was located at Western and Sunset and opened in 1929 or earlier. As part of the Rosener circuit in the 40s and 50s (and up at least to 1960) the 535 seat house ran foreign films and revivals. Then it started running adult product under new management and became a Pussycat Theatre in 1966. It closed in 2003 and was demolished for housing and a Walgreen's parking lot. For more information see the listing for the Sunset Theatre.

Sunset 5
8000 Sunset Blvd.

Opened: 1992 as a 5-plex running mainstream and arty product. It was the Laemmle Sunset 5 through 2011. It was taken over by Sundance Cinemas and became the Sundance Sunset in 2012. In 2017 it became part of the AMC circuit. Landmark Theatres got the lease in June 2023. The drive-by photo of the complex is from 2011. More Information: See the page about the Sunset 5.

Teragram Ballroom / Playhouse Theatre

1234 W. 7th St.

Possibly the theatre opened as early as 1913. In the 30s it was McKinney's Playhouse. The 490 seat theatre is known to have been operating as late as 1939, listed usually as just The Playhouse. It had a long spell as a violin store (among other things) in front with a church in the auditorium. The venue was back in business in 2015 as the Teragram Ballroom, the west coast outpost of people previously involved with New York's famed Bowery Ballroom. For more information see the page on the Teragram Ballroom/Playhouse Theatre.

Theatre De Luxe
656 S. Alvarado St.

It's listed in the 1914 and 1915 city directories as the Theatre De Luxe. The theatre appears in a 1923 Paramount ad as the Deluxe Theatre. In 1927 it was called the Romola Theatre when it was rented to run films promoting a real estate scheme. The location is now retail space. For more information see the page on the Theatre De Luxe.

Theatre Mart
605 N. Juanita Ave. / 600 N. Vermont Ave.

The building's beginning as a theatre was in 1928 under the auspices of noted theatre patron Alice Pike Barney. The location is a block east of Vermont and a block south of Melrose. In 1933 it reopened as a 340 seat dinner theatre with a view toward doing a season of classics. The opening attraction, "The Drunkard," sold too well to continue with the rest of the series. It ran 36 years. After it closing as a theatre it became the Los Angeles Press Club and was later a vocal studio and restaurant. It's now for sale. For more information see the page on the Theatre Mart.

Theatre Theatre

5041 W. Pico Blvd.

This is a small legit venue two and a half blocks west of La Brea in a building that used to be a grocery store. For more information see the listing for Theatre Theatre.

Tiffany Theatre

8534 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood

The 400 seat theatre just west of La Cienega was opened in 1966 by producer/exhibitor Robert Lippert and veteran exhibitor Harold Goldman. It soon gained fame as a repertory cinema. It was remodeled in the mid 1980s into two 99 seat legit houses. They closed in 2004 and the building sat vacant for years awaiting redevelopment plans. It was demolished in 2013. For more information see the listing on the Tiffany Theatre.

Turnabout / Court Theatre

716 / 722 N. La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood

The 180 seat theatre was open between 1941 and 1956 in a building four blocks north of Melrose. The first half of a show was an adult marionette comic drama, usually revolving around themes of current interest. The seats flipped around for the second half facing the other end of the room where there was a stage for a musical revue. Part of the complex it's in was used as the Court Theatre in the 1990s and early 2000s. The building is still there, although now with non-theatrical tenants. For more information see the listing on the Turnabout Theatre.

Uptown Theatre

1008 S. Western Ave.

Norma Talmadge's "Graustark" was the opening feature here in 1925. The stage show featured Charlie Nelson and his Playboys. The Uptown was initially operated by West Coast Theatres, who called it the Fox Uptown after they became Fox West Coast in 1929. Lewis A. Smith, who did lots of work for the chain, was the designer. Seating estimates vary from 1,600 to 1,715. It was last operated by National General Corporation, the successor to Fox West Coast. The Uptown was demolished in the early 60s. For more information see the page for the Uptown.

Victoria Theatre

2570 W. Pico Blvd.

This 700 seat theatre opened in 1913. The location is two blocks west of Vermont Ave. It's unknown when it closed as a movie theatre. It's in the 1942 city directory but not the 1956 edition. In the 60s or so it got an extensive remodel when it was turned into a ballroom and meeting hall. It was used for occasional concerts as late as 1981. The Victoria has now been gutted for use as retail space. It was a mattress store for years. It's now a market. For more information see the page about the Victoria Theatre.

Village Theatre

5500 Riverside Dr.

This film house on the edge of Griffith Park was running by 1947 and closed sometime around 1950. The site is now under the I-5. For more information see the page about the Village Theatre.

Vista Theatre

4473 Sunset Dr.

It opened in 1923 as Bard's Hollywood Theatre. Lou Bard also operated theatres downtown and in Glendale and Pasadena. It's a cute neighborhood house with an Egyptian flavored interior. Lewis A. Smith designed the 638 seat theatre. It's now owned by Quentin Tarantino and reopened in November 2023 after a lengthy renovation. For more information see the pages about the Vista Theatre.

Warner Beverly Hills

9404 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills

It opened in 1931, a design of B. Marcus Priteca who also did the theatres for Warner Bros. in San Pedro and Huntington Park. After the consent decrees of the 50s, the theatre was operated by the Stanley Warner Corporation as the Stanley Warner Beverly Hills and, starting in 1968, by Pacific Theatres as Pacific's Warner. The 1,500 seat theatre had a glorious career as a deluxe venue for prestige films. It had one of the few horizontal VistaVision installations in the country and was later equipped for 70mm presentations. It finished its movie days in the late 80s as a 99 cent house and concert venue. Sadly, it was demolished in 1988 for a parking lot. For more information see the pages on the Warner Bros. Beverly Hills: history + exterior views | interior views

Westlake Theatre

638 S. Alvarado St.

It opened in 1926 as an operation of West Coast Theatres. The 1,949 seat theatre is a design theatre architect of Richard M. Bates, Jr. After the theatre days were over it became a flat-floored swap meet which left most of the decor intact. That closed in 2011. The City of Los Angeles sold the building in 2018 to Dr. David Lee of Jamison Services. After sitting for several years with no tenant or purchaser in sight it was reopened as a swap meet in early 2022. For more information see the page on the Westlake Theatre: history and exterior views | interior views

Westlake Theatre
680 Alvarado St.

This venue appears in the 1912 city directory. It also shows up in a 1914 ad as being on "S. Alvarado near 7th St." A page has been started on this Westlake Theatre but there's no additional information yet.

Westland Twins

10754 W. Pico Blvd.

This twin opened in the mid-70s, a conversion from what had been a restaurant. The decor was drapes all around. The location was two blocks east of Westwood Blvd. Originally a second run operation, it later evolved into an art house after Laemmle Theatres took it over in 1976. Thanks to Laemmle for this c.1979 photo, one hanging in the lobby of their Royal Theatre. The Westland closed around 1984 and was demolished for the construction of the Westside Pavilions mall. For more information see the page about the Westland Twins.

Westside Pavilion Cinemas
10800 W. Pico Blvd.

This was a four screen complex operated by Landmark Theatres that opened in 1985 as the Samuel Goldwyn Cinemas. It was gutted after the 2007 opening of its replacement, The Landmark, a 12-screen complex in a new section the mall. That one closed in 2022. See the page about the Westside Pavilion Cinemas.

Wilshire Ebell Theatre

4400 Wilshire Blvd. & 4401 W. 8th St.

The 1,270 seat theatre opened in 1927 with a production of Sigmund Romberg's "Desert Song." Sumner P. Hunt designed the building for the Ebell of Los Angeles Women's Club. It's also been called the Windsor Square Theatre. The club is still thriving and the theatre as well as other ballrooms and meeting spaces are rented out for a variety of events. For more information see the page on the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.

Wilshire Theatre
143 S. Western Ave.

This theatre five and a half blocks north of Wilshire was listed in the 1915 and 1916 city directories. Evidently it didn't last long. It's been demolished. For more information see the page on the Wilshire Theatre.

Wiltern Theatre

3790 Wilshire Blvd.

It opened in 1931 as the Warner Bros. Western Theatre with 2,344 seats. G. Albert Lansburgh designed the theatre with Morgan, Walls & Clements doing the retail spaces and office tower. Warners soon bailed on their lease and it ran as an independent for a few years called the Wil-Tern (later turned into one word, Wiltern) before the circuit took it over again. It was later operated by Stanley Warner and Pacific Theatres. After closing in 1979 it was stripped and scheduled for demolition by Franklin Life, the owner at the time. It was rescued and restored by developer Wayne Ratkovitch and his partners for a 1985 reopening. It's now a music venue operated by Live Nation. Main floor seating was removed in a 2002 remodel. For more information see the pages on the Wiltern Theatre: history + exterior views | lobby areas | auditorium | backstage | house basement areas | booth and attic |

Windsor Theatre
221 S. Western Ave.

It was listed in the 1918 through 1922 city directories. There's a page started for the Windsor Theatre, but nothing more is known at this time.

Writers Guild Theater
135 S. Doheny Dr. Beverly Hills

It was the Doheny Plaza Theatre when it opened in 1970, a single screen theatre operated by Metropolitan Theatres. It's on the ground floor of a parking garage for the Doheny Plaza office complex. George T. Nowark designed the 541 seat theatre. It's now operated by the WGA as a members-only venue with lots of film screenings. For more information see the page on the Writers Guild Theater.

Art Deco treasures along Wilshire: Saban / Fox Wilshire Theatre | Wiltern Theatre | runner up: El Rey Theatre -- nice facade but nothing of interest left inside |

Historic theatres running movies: Aero Theatre | Bruin Theatre | Fine Arts Theatre | Los Feliz Theatre | Music Hall | New Beverly Cinema | Nuart Theatre | Royal Theatre | Fox Westwood/Village Theatre | Vista Theatre |

Tragic Westside losses: Beverly Theatre | Carthay Circle Theatre | Warner Beverly Hills |

Hopes for future restoration: Westlake Theatre

| back to top - Westside theatres overview | 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 |

Los Angeles Theatres

Westside Theatres: an overview

No comments:

Post a Comment