Why will they be in trouble if its a non-union hall?
Will the unions picket and do stink bombing to destroy the business
at THE PARADISE? This is why our country is in such bad shape.
No respect for any one elses desire to run and save a business like
this tired old movie house. Sad. How can it even attempt survival with a
union run operation? Whats your advice Warren? If it cannot be union … then it should'nt open at all, right? Thats a typical
closed minded union mentality thats ancient and antiquated.
If you can tell me how it can work otherwise – I will respect what
you have to say and apologize for my emotional online outburst.
I have heard the plans are to tear down the building and put in
a retail / cinema complex catering to the upscale clientele.
This may happen as soon as April 2005. Regal will not be the
operator of this cinema.
As Gus Portacalus said in the Big Fat Greek Wedding … “and there you GO!” That’s the information we’ve all been waiting for and now have been told! Thank You Peter!
I understand the entire building will be going soon.
A mall I was told – chinese restaurants and chinese
retail center will be erected. We must enjoy what little
is left of the classic single screens in our fair city.
That’s wonderful news – that Century’s proposal has been abandoned.
Hopefully – it will stay that way – as that theater chain cannot be
trusted. They’re building CINEARTS complexes all over Northern CA
in upscale markets. SAN RAFAEL fits the bill – and the owners live
in your own backyard. You all have worked too hard and long to re-establish the arts with your historic venue to have it injured financially by Century Theatres.
I forgot an interesting story. Another friend of mine – won a radio contest in the early 70’s. He got a pair of tickets to see the Joan Collins film TALES FROM THE CRYPT – at midnite – all by himself with
one guest – in THE WARFIELD THEATRE! Yup. He said it was the scariest and yet, most enjoyable experience of his life.
Yes Indeed – Mike Thomas, a dear friend of mine – operated The Warfield and The Crest (next to the Warfield) during the late 70’s.
Mike had a very tough time getting good grossing pictures for the
place and had to bid against the big circuits. I recall one title
that brought the house back to life, a moveover off the now
closed Plitt NORTHPOINT THEATRE – of “CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE 3RD
KIND.” The film did great downtown on Market Street and brought
in alot of folks who hadn’t been there in years. Unfortunately
it still cost Mike so much money in bidding fees that he had told me
a sale was eminent. Thus, Bill Graham took the house and its success
has been non-stop. I am so pleased THE WARFIELD stands protected and appreciated by many folks in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Sadly true – when United Artists operated and triplexed the
ALEX they never put even stereo in the 2 upstairs auditoriums.
They are one speaker mono sound only. UA (and I worked for them
back when this house was triplexed) spent next to nothing on
their older theaters. They kept them literally pieced together
with bubblegum and paperclips. I managed theaters for them in the
bay area and my best friend ran the ALEX after it was TriPlexed.
We used to say of UA when they would multiplex an existing cinema
a “hatchet job” was about to take place – and IT DID!
Still – those of us who love movie houses do just that – LOVE THEM NO MATTER WHAT! Its just a shame that UA
was able to run their company like this for so so many years at the
publics expense.
The Four Star is a poor excuse for a 1st Run Venue.
As a single screen years ago – it had class and was
a fine old gal. Since it was rehabbed and cut into 2
screens – its AWFUL! I understand even 1st Run films
do only a fraction of the business in this house as they
do elsewhere in the Bay Area let alone San Francisco.
The demographic makeup of the Richmond has contributed to
the downfall of the Alexandria – sad but true – no support.
The Balboa on the other hand, is a neat little place to see
great double bills of arty and commercial film.
I read in the SF Chronicle that the SYUFY CHAIN is at it again.
Planning to build downtown on Market Street with an upscale
9 screen CineArts Complex that will attempt to destroy SF's
classic art venues run by Landmark Theatres. So upsetting to
see this happen – as SYUFY is stomping all over the Bay Area.
A friend of mine who lives in that neighborhood said she hears
rumors that the ALEXANDRIA will be leveled for a large
3 level Chinese Restaurant/Parking Structure. What the heck
is going on here? Sad Sad Sad
With a prayer and an angel – maybe William the PACIFIC will rise again above the ashes of its current Hollywood location. I remember when the PACIFIC was the home of all NEW WORLD PICTURES early 1980
releases! I believe the film “ANGEL” premiered to a $20,000 opening week! “High School Student By Day, Hollywood Hooker By Night"
was the catchline. I know, because I worked for that studio!
I understand the landlords want a retail chain to come in and
rehab the space. Friends told me —– the property owner
wants a “TRADER JOES” operation to take over and no more
theater! Very Very Sad.
I saw the Premiere of THE TOWERING INFERNO at this house.
Wonderful! Such a tragedy as it will probably not be saved.
The land is so valuable where it sits – I am fearful it will
be razed. A landmark that should be preserved. God Help
The Alexandria!
You don’t have to worry, SYUFY is building a new 12plex in downtown Hayward w/Redevelopment. It’s slated to open in 2 years I heard.
BUT – Don’t forget the beautiful CHABOT THEATER in Downtown Castro Valley – its getting a whole make-over and is a very historic
landmark – still playing first run films! This house is a few
short minutes from the Hayward area and is a quaint neighborhood
1940’s experience!
The SeaVue closed as a result of the drop in attendance due to the
new Syufy Century 20 Megaplex built just 4 miles away from Pacifica,
CA. I know the previous owners of the house and it was a sad day
to see it close. There were nights where only 2 or 3 customers would
show up to see films. Of course, this drop in business was all thanks to the Syufy chain who is notorious for snuffing out small independents. They are now suffocating the entire San Francisco
Bay Area with their megaplexes. The following Bay Area
venues are now gone because of their conquests: Millbrae Theater,
Belmont Theater, UA 6 Colma, Fashion Island 6 San Mateo, Festival
9 Hayward, Southland Mall 5 Hayward, Town & Country San Jose, to
name but a few.
I heard this theater was triplexed and running first run films.
A friend of mine said the audience was very scary and that he
stopped frequenting the place a few years ago. Maybe someone else
can elaborate?
I visited this theater back in the mid-70’s. At the time United Artists booked the place with B movies week in and week out. On
their big screen was a recent exploitation picture called THE DEVILS RAIN
starring Ernest Borgnine. I recall seeing only about ten patrons
sitting in that big, beautiful house.
Just stopped by this movie house 2 weeks ago. Its running single features and charging $1.50 Before 6pm and $2.50 afterwards.
Very neat and clean looking from the outside looking into the lobby.
My very first movie theater job was at the Saratoga Vitaphone.
Operated by a mom & pop husband and wife team, Pat and Vi Moore
along with their son and daughter. I will never forget the marquee
that caught my eye the pre-Christmas before it reopened as
THE SARATOGA VITAPHONE THEATER. That marquee read …
“Coming Soon – Lots of Good Stuff.” I stopped my car and went
prowling around to the front door and found it opened. Inside
was a little old man and his wife
decorating the lobby with old movie posters … The Moore’s! Since then,
the movie bizness has been in my blood and I have never been
the same since. Oh, and I still work in the film industry …
30 years later!
I love the Rafael Theater – and am worried about what might happen
when the Century Circuit builds their new downtown 12plex which will
also be playing art films. Does anyone know the status of that construction?
I live 3 miles from this movie house. Wonderful work that
the Boroough of Phoenixville has done to preserve such a
treasure. Mary Foote must be complimented beyond recognition for her constant work and dedication to this classic motion picture theater. I saw THE STATION AGENT just after Christmas on a week
night, and the house was packed! Great sound and picture. So nice to see such a great
film in a classic theater – appreciated by so many folks in our community.
So very sad to see this happen to such a grand dame of a theater.
Is there any way this house can be saved? Maybe not given the condition – but – one never knows. All options should be exhausted
before it goes by way of the wrecking ball.
Its okay now – I finally called and got a voicemail.
3 days later I rec’d a phone call and message. Apparently
most of the locations for sale are based in Florida.
In the early 90’s I had the opportunity to visit the State Theater
with some theatrical distribution friends.
It was tri-plexed and yet a cavernous house. Big, time-worn,
and classic. I will never forget the feeling as we walked in and
introduced ourselves asking if we
could we take a little tour? The manager was most gracious and
let us walk thru the place for over 30 minutes!
A step back into time that I will never forget.
Why will they be in trouble if its a non-union hall?
Will the unions picket and do stink bombing to destroy the business
at THE PARADISE? This is why our country is in such bad shape.
No respect for any one elses desire to run and save a business like
this tired old movie house. Sad. How can it even attempt survival with a
union run operation? Whats your advice Warren? If it cannot be union … then it should'nt open at all, right? Thats a typical
closed minded union mentality thats ancient and antiquated.
If you can tell me how it can work otherwise – I will respect what
you have to say and apologize for my emotional online outburst.
I have heard the plans are to tear down the building and put in
a retail / cinema complex catering to the upscale clientele.
This may happen as soon as April 2005. Regal will not be the
operator of this cinema.
As Gus Portacalus said in the Big Fat Greek Wedding … “and there you GO!” That’s the information we’ve all been waiting for and now have been told! Thank You Peter!
I understand the entire building will be going soon.
A mall I was told – chinese restaurants and chinese
retail center will be erected. We must enjoy what little
is left of the classic single screens in our fair city.
That’s wonderful news – that Century’s proposal has been abandoned.
Hopefully – it will stay that way – as that theater chain cannot be
trusted. They’re building CINEARTS complexes all over Northern CA
in upscale markets. SAN RAFAEL fits the bill – and the owners live
in your own backyard. You all have worked too hard and long to re-establish the arts with your historic venue to have it injured financially by Century Theatres.
I forgot an interesting story. Another friend of mine – won a radio contest in the early 70’s. He got a pair of tickets to see the Joan Collins film TALES FROM THE CRYPT – at midnite – all by himself with
one guest – in THE WARFIELD THEATRE! Yup. He said it was the scariest and yet, most enjoyable experience of his life.
Yes Indeed – Mike Thomas, a dear friend of mine – operated The Warfield and The Crest (next to the Warfield) during the late 70’s.
Mike had a very tough time getting good grossing pictures for the
place and had to bid against the big circuits. I recall one title
that brought the house back to life, a moveover off the now
closed Plitt NORTHPOINT THEATRE – of “CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE 3RD
KIND.” The film did great downtown on Market Street and brought
in alot of folks who hadn’t been there in years. Unfortunately
it still cost Mike so much money in bidding fees that he had told me
a sale was eminent. Thus, Bill Graham took the house and its success
has been non-stop. I am so pleased THE WARFIELD stands protected and appreciated by many folks in the San Francisco Bay Area.
My best friend grew up in New Rochelle in the 60’s and saw
many films in this house. He loved it – he fondly remember
The Proctor Theater.
Sadly true – when United Artists operated and triplexed the
ALEX they never put even stereo in the 2 upstairs auditoriums.
They are one speaker mono sound only. UA (and I worked for them
back when this house was triplexed) spent next to nothing on
their older theaters. They kept them literally pieced together
with bubblegum and paperclips. I managed theaters for them in the
bay area and my best friend ran the ALEX after it was TriPlexed.
We used to say of UA when they would multiplex an existing cinema
a “hatchet job” was about to take place – and IT DID!
Still – those of us who love movie houses do just that – LOVE THEM NO MATTER WHAT! Its just a shame that UA
was able to run their company like this for so so many years at the
publics expense.
The Four Star is a poor excuse for a 1st Run Venue.
As a single screen years ago – it had class and was
a fine old gal. Since it was rehabbed and cut into 2
screens – its AWFUL! I understand even 1st Run films
do only a fraction of the business in this house as they
do elsewhere in the Bay Area let alone San Francisco.
The demographic makeup of the Richmond has contributed to
the downfall of the Alexandria – sad but true – no support.
The Balboa on the other hand, is a neat little place to see
great double bills of arty and commercial film.
I read in the SF Chronicle that the SYUFY CHAIN is at it again.
Planning to build downtown on Market Street with an upscale
9 screen CineArts Complex that will attempt to destroy SF's
classic art venues run by Landmark Theatres. So upsetting to
see this happen – as SYUFY is stomping all over the Bay Area.
A friend of mine who lives in that neighborhood said she hears
rumors that the ALEXANDRIA will be leveled for a large
3 level Chinese Restaurant/Parking Structure. What the heck
is going on here? Sad Sad Sad
With a prayer and an angel – maybe William the PACIFIC will rise again above the ashes of its current Hollywood location. I remember when the PACIFIC was the home of all NEW WORLD PICTURES early 1980
releases! I believe the film “ANGEL” premiered to a $20,000 opening week! “High School Student By Day, Hollywood Hooker By Night"
was the catchline. I know, because I worked for that studio!
I understand the landlords want a retail chain to come in and
rehab the space. Friends told me —– the property owner
wants a “TRADER JOES” operation to take over and no more
theater! Very Very Sad.
I saw the Premiere of THE TOWERING INFERNO at this house.
Wonderful! Such a tragedy as it will probably not be saved.
The land is so valuable where it sits – I am fearful it will
be razed. A landmark that should be preserved. God Help
The Alexandria!
You don’t have to worry, SYUFY is building a new 12plex in downtown Hayward w/Redevelopment. It’s slated to open in 2 years I heard.
BUT – Don’t forget the beautiful CHABOT THEATER in Downtown Castro Valley – its getting a whole make-over and is a very historic
landmark – still playing first run films! This house is a few
short minutes from the Hayward area and is a quaint neighborhood
1940’s experience!
The SeaVue closed as a result of the drop in attendance due to the
new Syufy Century 20 Megaplex built just 4 miles away from Pacifica,
CA. I know the previous owners of the house and it was a sad day
to see it close. There were nights where only 2 or 3 customers would
show up to see films. Of course, this drop in business was all thanks to the Syufy chain who is notorious for snuffing out small independents. They are now suffocating the entire San Francisco
Bay Area with their megaplexes. The following Bay Area
venues are now gone because of their conquests: Millbrae Theater,
Belmont Theater, UA 6 Colma, Fashion Island 6 San Mateo, Festival
9 Hayward, Southland Mall 5 Hayward, Town & Country San Jose, to
name but a few.
I heard this theater was triplexed and running first run films.
A friend of mine said the audience was very scary and that he
stopped frequenting the place a few years ago. Maybe someone else
can elaborate?
I visited this theater back in the mid-70’s. At the time United Artists booked the place with B movies week in and week out. On
their big screen was a recent exploitation picture called THE DEVILS RAIN
starring Ernest Borgnine. I recall seeing only about ten patrons
sitting in that big, beautiful house.
Just stopped by this movie house 2 weeks ago. Its running single features and charging $1.50 Before 6pm and $2.50 afterwards.
Very neat and clean looking from the outside looking into the lobby.
My very first movie theater job was at the Saratoga Vitaphone.
Operated by a mom & pop husband and wife team, Pat and Vi Moore
along with their son and daughter. I will never forget the marquee
that caught my eye the pre-Christmas before it reopened as
THE SARATOGA VITAPHONE THEATER. That marquee read …
“Coming Soon – Lots of Good Stuff.” I stopped my car and went
prowling around to the front door and found it opened. Inside
was a little old man and his wife
decorating the lobby with old movie posters … The Moore’s! Since then,
the movie bizness has been in my blood and I have never been
the same since. Oh, and I still work in the film industry …
30 years later!
I love the Rafael Theater – and am worried about what might happen
when the Century Circuit builds their new downtown 12plex which will
also be playing art films. Does anyone know the status of that construction?
I live 3 miles from this movie house. Wonderful work that
the Boroough of Phoenixville has done to preserve such a
treasure. Mary Foote must be complimented beyond recognition for her constant work and dedication to this classic motion picture theater. I saw THE STATION AGENT just after Christmas on a week
night, and the house was packed! Great sound and picture. So nice to see such a great
film in a classic theater – appreciated by so many folks in our community.
So very sad to see this happen to such a grand dame of a theater.
Is there any way this house can be saved? Maybe not given the condition – but – one never knows. All options should be exhausted
before it goes by way of the wrecking ball.
Its okay now – I finally called and got a voicemail.
3 days later I rec’d a phone call and message. Apparently
most of the locations for sale are based in Florida.
In the early 90’s I had the opportunity to visit the State Theater
with some theatrical distribution friends.
It was tri-plexed and yet a cavernous house. Big, time-worn,
and classic. I will never forget the feeling as we walked in and
introduced ourselves asking if we
could we take a little tour? The manager was most gracious and
let us walk thru the place for over 30 minutes!
A step back into time that I will never forget.