I do understand the pro and the con of everyone’s concerns. However, the Cinema Treasures website does list many X rated movie houses that perhaps are NOW PORNO but were NOT PORNO when built of created or perhaps were PORNO for awhile – then stopped, went legit and then went back to porn etc. These however are “real” movie houses not converted storefronts, true. Then too, I have seen many converted building listed on this site – such as the CENTRAL CINEMA in Alameda CA. This was a funeral home that the new operator took over and managed to convert the chapel into a 42 seat auditorium. The projectors are in the choir loft. This is now on CINEMA TREASURES.
I don’t know how you can or cannot list all of these venues. They
are theatres of sorts – only on a technical level, but, legally, yep they are a defined theatre. Tough one guys/gals.
Yes – There have been old warehouses turned into movie screens in the past. I remember bac in Berkeley CA an old warehouse was slowly
turned into 4 movie screens – ranging from 24 seats to 50 seats each. They ran art films and repertory and did good bizness. This warehouse was not in the best neighborhood and very industrial-like but the operator hired a security guard to make sure all of the cars were not getting damaged and the mans business soared. I saw a double bill of GOLDIGGERS of 1933 with FOOTLIGHT PARADE and the place was SOLD OUT! Yup. Admission was in 1977 – $4 bucks.
IT CAN BE DONE! You can lease a space, cheap!
I know its a funny business we are in – thats for sure.
I book some movie houses where my clients (owners) have 50 seat
auditoriums and believe it or not – they are cute and cozy and
very very plush — grossing over $7000 in boxoffice receipts
in one week!
Don’t need as much cash as you think – depends on the location.
In Alameda CA – a littel 42 seater opened and is doing good money.
Its a converted chapel into a movie theater! Previously a funeral home! It works! The guy’s makin' money! Playing SIDEWAYS right now
and did good – running it all himself! One or Two man operation!
You can be very creative. I’ve done it all myself.
Interesting…BUT some of these bookings are incorrect as I remember seeing the following at a different Theatre…
DR. ZHIVAGO…….Orpheum (reserved seats)
MY FAIR LADY….. Coronet (reserved seats)
HELLO, DOLLY….. Cinema 21 (reserved seats)
2001; SPACE………Coronet (reserved seats)
TOWERING INFERNO..Parkside regular policy
Somebody gave someone the incorrect info….they may have played SUB RUN, but not first run because I remember buying the tickets in advance (to the reserved ones) and seeing them at the above mentioned Theatres.
Problem is that the main floor of the movie house is now offices
and the balcony needs to be remodeled. There could be asbestos as well and already the cost is exceeding the value of the property
ten-fold. I recommend leaving this one alone, sad to say!
I knew the original owner – it was completely remodeled 4 yrs ago and now an art deco palace. Worth the visit just to see the beautiful transformation.
Elaine I have been trying to send you an email and its getting returned each time. I work in the film / movie industry and am very interested in speaking to you regarding the possible purchase of this
movie house. Please email me at
Many Thanks!
Tried to send your email Elainemarie, but it keeps coming back to me. Please email me as soon as possible.
Thanks A Million! I am in the film industry and very interested
in your GRANADA THEATRE.
The owners make a tremendous amount of profit on the porn programs.
Yep. The cost is $50 bucks a week for 3 videos and its all video
projection. The place grosses over $8000 a week since it charges $10 a head admission. Sad but true. I don’t know if it will really
ever go legit. The parking around the cinema is all residential?
It would be a great discount theatre – live performing arts mixed in with move-over art and foreign films off the CineArts Palo Alto Square and Century Mountain View Complex along with the other Palo Alto / Menlo Park houses that are still running.
Please let me know if you have been able to realize your dream.
If I can be of any assistance let me know. I work in the exhibition industry and would like to help you out if I can.
Do you have property already with which to work with Gentlefawn?
I have contacts in the film industry that can help you figure out
whether this would work.
Dowser,
I am a film booker specializing in art, foreign and indie films
throughout the United States. I have clients in Northern CA
and would love to help you re-create this dream. I know the CREST
THEATRE very well – was in it before it became a churh back in
the early 90’s.
I’d be happy to help you out regarding this venture.
Give me an email.
Looking Forward To Hearing From You.
I recently went to see MEET ME IN ST LOUIS at THE CASTRO – and the house was almost empty! Never in all my years has this occured for a Judy Garland picture. The owners better ‘get with the program '
or sell/lease the movie palace to someone who truly cares for its audience and survival.
The name should be “grandfathered” into the preservation of the house. I am almost sure it will remain permanently.
Are there any FOR LEASE or FOR SALE signs on the building?
I do understand the pro and the con of everyone’s concerns. However, the Cinema Treasures website does list many X rated movie houses that perhaps are NOW PORNO but were NOT PORNO when built of created or perhaps were PORNO for awhile – then stopped, went legit and then went back to porn etc. These however are “real” movie houses not converted storefronts, true. Then too, I have seen many converted building listed on this site – such as the CENTRAL CINEMA in Alameda CA. This was a funeral home that the new operator took over and managed to convert the chapel into a 42 seat auditorium. The projectors are in the choir loft. This is now on CINEMA TREASURES.
I don’t know how you can or cannot list all of these venues. They
are theatres of sorts – only on a technical level, but, legally, yep they are a defined theatre. Tough one guys/gals.
Yes – There have been old warehouses turned into movie screens in the past. I remember bac in Berkeley CA an old warehouse was slowly
turned into 4 movie screens – ranging from 24 seats to 50 seats each. They ran art films and repertory and did good bizness. This warehouse was not in the best neighborhood and very industrial-like but the operator hired a security guard to make sure all of the cars were not getting damaged and the mans business soared. I saw a double bill of GOLDIGGERS of 1933 with FOOTLIGHT PARADE and the place was SOLD OUT! Yup. Admission was in 1977 – $4 bucks.
IT CAN BE DONE! You can lease a space, cheap!
I know its a funny business we are in – thats for sure.
I book some movie houses where my clients (owners) have 50 seat
auditoriums and believe it or not – they are cute and cozy and
very very plush — grossing over $7000 in boxoffice receipts
in one week!
Don’t need as much cash as you think – depends on the location.
In Alameda CA – a littel 42 seater opened and is doing good money.
Its a converted chapel into a movie theater! Previously a funeral home! It works! The guy’s makin' money! Playing SIDEWAYS right now
and did good – running it all himself! One or Two man operation!
You can be very creative. I’ve done it all myself.
Check out the Directories too! www.bigscreenbiz.com
Interesting…BUT some of these bookings are incorrect as I remember seeing the following at a different Theatre…
DR. ZHIVAGO…….Orpheum (reserved seats)
MY FAIR LADY….. Coronet (reserved seats)
HELLO, DOLLY….. Cinema 21 (reserved seats)
2001; SPACE………Coronet (reserved seats)
TOWERING INFERNO..Parkside regular policy
Somebody gave someone the incorrect info….they may have played SUB RUN, but not first run because I remember buying the tickets in advance (to the reserved ones) and seeing them at the above mentioned Theatres.
Problem is that the main floor of the movie house is now offices
and the balcony needs to be remodeled. There could be asbestos as well and already the cost is exceeding the value of the property
ten-fold. I recommend leaving this one alone, sad to say!
Does anyone know if this theater is availble for sale or lease?
I knew the original owner – it was completely remodeled 4 yrs ago and now an art deco palace. Worth the visit just to see the beautiful transformation.
Why is this theater closed now? Can it be equipped and made operable?
email me and i might be able to assist you …
Elaine I have been trying to send you an email and its getting returned each time. I work in the film / movie industry and am very interested in speaking to you regarding the possible purchase of this
movie house. Please email me at
Many Thanks!
Tried to send your email Elainemarie, but it keeps coming back to me. Please email me as soon as possible.
Thanks A Million! I am in the film industry and very interested
in your GRANADA THEATRE.
The owners make a tremendous amount of profit on the porn programs.
Yep. The cost is $50 bucks a week for 3 videos and its all video
projection. The place grosses over $8000 a week since it charges $10 a head admission. Sad but true. I don’t know if it will really
ever go legit. The parking around the cinema is all residential?
It would be a great discount theatre – live performing arts mixed in with move-over art and foreign films off the CineArts Palo Alto Square and Century Mountain View Complex along with the other Palo Alto / Menlo Park houses that are still running.
Please let me know if you have been able to realize your dream.
If I can be of any assistance let me know. I work in the exhibition industry and would like to help you out if I can.
Where did you purchase your one – screen ? I might be able to help you out.
I will be emailing you over the weekend. I am getting ready to leave the office right now. Thank You.
The physical construction, not including property for a 100 car
drive-in(and this is small) will probably run you between 25k
and 50k.
Do you have property already with which to work with Gentlefawn?
I have contacts in the film industry that can help you figure out
whether this would work.
Does anyone know if this theatre is available for LEASE or SALE?
Dowser,
I am a film booker specializing in art, foreign and indie films
throughout the United States. I have clients in Northern CA
and would love to help you re-create this dream. I know the CREST
THEATRE very well – was in it before it became a churh back in
the early 90’s.
I’d be happy to help you out regarding this venture.
Give me an email.
Looking Forward To Hearing From You.
I recently went to see MEET ME IN ST LOUIS at THE CASTRO – and the house was almost empty! Never in all my years has this occured for a Judy Garland picture. The owners better ‘get with the program '
or sell/lease the movie palace to someone who truly cares for its audience and survival.
Can someone get me a phone number of who to contact regarding this movie house being available for purchase?