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Alex Theatre: forecourt

216 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203 | map |

The Alex Theatre pages:  history + street views | forecourt | lobby areas | auditorium | booth + atticbackstage |


A c.1925 peek into the forecourt from the site Card Cow. It's one that appears on their Glendale Postcards page.



A happy threesome at the theatre in 1926 to see "Ranson's Folly," a May release with Richard Barthelmess and Dorothy Mackaill. The photo from the Alex collection is one that appears with the theatre's 1996 application for inclusion on the National Register. It's available on the National Archives website. Thanks to Mike Hume for locating a link to the document.



A 20s look at the forecourt's north wall. It's a Los Angeles Public Library photo.



A fine view into the forecourt while the theatre was playing "Only Saps Work," a December 1930 release. The photo appeared with "Special Event for Historic Birthday" - Crescenta Valley Weekly - 2017. Thanks to Mike Hume for locating the article.



A 1961 view of the forecourt, covered by a canopy since the S. Charles Lee renovations of 1940. They're running "Ben-Hur," a film that had its initial 98 week 70mm roadshow engagement at the Egyptian beginning November 24, 1959. The photo is one that appears with the theatre's National Register application that's on the National Archives website. 



A c.1991 view. It's a photo from the Glendale Arts collection that appeared on the Alex website when they were operating the theatre.



Looking toward the street in 1991. Mann had opened the Exchange 8 (now the Studio Movie Grill) in June of that year and closed the Alex in September. The photo appears with the National Register application, available on the National Archives website.



Even better in color. It's a 1991 view from the Walt Disney Co. Thanks to Mike Hume for locating it. 



A look back at the spire. Photo: Bill Counter - 2007



Theatre explorers loose on top of the marquee. Thanks to Maria Sahakian, managing director of the Alex, for her 2019 photo.  



The view to the street from the forecourt. Photo: Bill Counter - 2019



Looking back from the entrance doors. Photo: John Hough - OrnateTheatres.com - 2017



An evening look out. The 2014 photo by Ewasko appeared on the "Alex 90 Illuminate" crowdfunding appeal for tower restoration funds on the site Rockethub.



The vista toward the entrance at dusk. Photo: John Hough - OrnateTheatres.com - 2017. Thanks, John!



Party time in the forecourt. Photo: Mike Hume - Historic Theatre Photography - 2018



The base of the spire as seen from on top of the marquee. On the right that's Mike Hume headed for the edge. Photo: Bill Counter - 2019



The entrance from on top of the marquee. S. Charles Lee loved putting portholes in his designs. Photo: Bill Counter - 2019



Another view from the marquee. The photo appeared with "Glendale's Alex Theatre Is Ready For Its Closeup," a June 2014 story in Variety that discussed the $6 million backstage upgrades.



The theatre's entrance. Photo: Bill Counter - 2007



The pediment above the entrance. Photo: Alex Rojas - Photos of Los Angeles - 2013



A pediment detail. Photo: Mike Hume - Historic Theatre Photography - 2018



Looking out from behind the columns. Photo: Mike Hume - Historic Theatre Photography - 2018



The ceiling above the entrance. Photo: Mike Hume - Historic Theatre Photography - 2018



The north ticket windows at the entrance. Photo: Bill Counter - 2007



 A view toward the south ticket windows. Photo: Mike Hume - Historic Theatre Photography - 2018



A closer look at the south ticket windows. Photo: Alex Rojas - Photos of Los Angeles - 2013



The lights were on for Red Alert Day on September 1, 2020 to call attention to the plight of arts organizations that have been devastated by the effects of the Coronavirius shutdown. It's a photo that appeared on the Alex Facebook page when Glendale Arts was operating the theatre. The lighting design was by Brianna Pattillo.

The Alex Theatre pages:  history + street views | back to top - forecourt | lobby areas | auditorium | booth + attic | backstage |

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