I wonder if the 622 South Alvarado address was a misprint. Wilshire didn’t go through the lake yet and wasn’t it called Orange on the East side of Westlake Park? I don’t understand why these articles keep saying Alvarado and Sixth. Wouldn’t that be a block north?
(March 27, 1979)
The court file on a 1973 lewd conduct charge against the late Rev. Jim Jones was unsealed Monday, but it failed to answer the questions why the case was dismissed and why police records of the arrest were ordered destroyed. Among the 14 pages of documents made public was a police report that graphically described Jones' alleged actions on the afternoon of Dec. 13, 1973. Describing the incident that reportedly occurred in a restroom at the Westlake Theater, near MacArthur Park, the police report, in part, said: “The defendant (Jones) turned toward the officer…(while) masturbating and showing his penis to the officer.” A possible clue to the dismissal is contained in the file. It is a letter written by a San Francisco physician, Dr. Alex Finkle, who said he was treating Jones for urinary problems at the time. In the letter, Finkle, a urologist, stated that Jones had an “obstruction of the outlet of the urinary bladder due to strategic enlargement of the prostate gland. Moreover, there is chronic inflammation of the prostate…and these conditions cause urinary frequency.” Finkle went on, “Even prior to seeing me, Rev. Jones had learned that jogging or jumping in place afforded improved initiation of urination. I encouraged his continuing that technique.” The physician concluded his letter by stating, “I am stunned to learn of the preposterous allegations (about) Rev. Jones!”
It’s ironic that there are hundreds of listings for this theater almost from its opening for different Sunday church services and lectures and then a reverend was caught doing lewd behavior. I guess if the charges would have stuck all of those people might not have had the Kool-Aid death awaiting them.
(Sept. 24, 1926)
{Reprinted from yesterday’s late edition of The Times)
With the attendant crowds and blazing sun arcs of the typical Los Angeles premiere, the new West Coast Westlake Theater, at Alvarado and Sixth, had an auspicious opening last night. This latest unit of the ever-growing chain of West Coast neighborhood houses, follows closely in treatment the Spanish-Moorish architecture of early Califorina days. Its interior a pleasing symposium of golds and browns, and blue shading into deep purple, the Westlake Theater is one of the most charming of new Southern California showhouses. Reception rooms and promenade open into an upper loggia, overlooking the inner lobby below. Two thousand persons may be accommodated on the two floor of the house….
(Sept. 22, 1926)
The West Coast Westlake Theater, Alvarado at Sixth, opening in gala array tonight, will have an auspicious start-if officials of the West Coast Theaters, Inc., and the West Coast-Bernstein circuit are prophets. Under the direction of Gore Brothers and A.L. Bernstein this organization expects to lend every assistance for the premiere opening and dedication, but also the continued maintenance, operation and control along the lines of highest theatrical caliber.
(April 23, 1926)
Erection of the new $500,000 Westlake Theater building at 622 South Alvarado street is being rushed and, from present indications, it will be ready for its formal opening about June 1. It was announced yesterday by Richard M. Bates, architect. The building is of Class A construction with exterior facing of terra cotta, according to Mr. Bates, who added that Gladding, McBean & Co. provided the terra cotta. Built for the Westlake Theater Building Company, the structure is 115 by 180 feet in size, and sixty feet in height. It will have a seating capacity of 2000, it was said.
Is this advertisement referring to another theater on this site or was it there earlier than 1926?
LA Times
(March 13, 1914)
Westlake Theater
South Alvarado, near 7th St.
Now showing high class Mutual pictures and offers its patrons a programme of unusual excellence presenting the Best Pictures in the city. Nothing cheap but the price. 5 CENTS TO All.
(June 22, 1932)
Applications of Union Pacific Stages of California and E.W. Thompson for licenses to engage in the business of motor carrier transportation agents were granted yesterday by the State Railroad Commission. Union Pacific Stages was authorized to maintain a ticket office at 431 South Main street and branch offices in numerous cities throughout the State.
(Dec. 10, 1925)
…Slattery was arrested by Officer Hoy of the vice squad at 431 South Main street. Hoy told Judge Richardson the place was suspected of harboring bookmakers. In the account of the races the paper, Hoy said, had some notes about the condition of the horses and what he called “tips” on coming races.
(July 8, 1914)
The New Hotel Rosslyn is to have a hotel liquor permit. This was brought about through the action of the Police Commission yesterday. There was a circle of permit shifting to accomplish this result. The permit held by Hart Bros. for No. 431 South Main street was transferred to Berry & Belden for a saloon at the same location.
Here is a little bit about what I think is this theater before it was built:
(Feb. 9, 1927)
LA Times
This week will mark the beginning of building operations on the theater project on Whittier Boulevard in Golden Gate Square. The theater proper will seat about 1500 persons, it is declared and will contain thirteen stores. There will also be several apartment units. It is planned as a legitimate playhouse, but will be equipped for motion pictures as well.
You should see that corner now Joe. There is still a seedy element, but there are many galleries and a few nice restaurants. I was there at 10pm and felt perfectly safe. The Rosslyn Annex is still a flop house, but I’m sure not for much longer.
You’re right Joe. I looked at some lofts in the “new” Rosslyn Hotel a few weeks ago on the northwest corner. The southwest corner would be the Rosslyn Hotel Annex. Pretty nice lofts after they ripped out all the filth. They did a wonderful job with the lobby also. I’ve found many pictures of the first small Rosslyn Hotel, but I couldn’t figure out where it actually was. Are you saying that the Rosslyn Theater was the same theater as the Muse, or am I confused?
I don’t know if this is referring to this theater, but it’s all I could find:
(Jan. 19, 1931)
(Reprinted from Saturday’s late edition)
By Phillip K. Scheuer
Fashioned for the Joe E. Brown trade-and quite a sizeable trade it is, they tell me-“Going Wild” cut twin swathes across the screens at both Warner Brothers de luxe theaters yesterday. Joe E. Brown, it is almost unneccessary to add, is the happy-go-lucky fellow who, at a moment’s notice, can make his face disappeared simply by opening his
mouth. This phenomenon, demonstrated with complete success when an examining physician attempts to pry into Mr. Brown’s throat, is sufficiently startling to make the physician instead of the patient say “Ah!”
I don’t understand why I can’t find anything about the actual opening of this theater. It must have been a big deal. Is there a local paper in San Pedro that would have been around in 1930?
Here’s an article about the groundbreaking. It seems like the construction costs were on a yo-yo.
(June 18, 1930)
Warner Brothers will break ground today for their new $500,000 theater on Sixth street, near Pacific avenue, San Pedro. Jack Warner, son of the vice-president in charge of production, will wield the shovel and Leslie Mott, president of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, will speak for the community. A number of film folk will be introduced by M.A. Silver, general manager of Warner Brothers' Theater chain, including Loretta Young, Grant Withers, Claudia Dell, Irene Delroy, Walter Pidgeon and Leon Janney. The site runs 150 feet along Sixth street and extends back 125 feet. The building will have an auditorium seating 2000 persons, and will contain six stores and twelve offices. Lange & Bergstrom, Inc. of Los Angeles, is general contractor.
(May 4, 1930)
San Pedro theater for Warner Brothers to cost $250,000. Plans are being prepared by Marcus Priteca and construction work will begin shortly.
Here is the first mention of this theater I could find in the LA Times:
(Feb. 5, 1930)
Warner Brothers' San Pedro Theater will seat 2000 and will be built on Sixth street just east of Pacific Boulevard, occupying a frontage of 150 feet. There will also be six stories and twelve offices in the building, which will cost $600,000….B. Marcus Priteca is the architect for both (Huntington Park Theater) theaters. These houses will be the first to be placed under construction under the Warner expansion plan.
Boredom is a rare emotion for me. It’s not a pleasant emotion. Somehow it has reared its ugly head in this discussion and since I legally and morally cannot continue a discussion with a person who doesn’t realize the difference between ‘forth’ and ‘fourth’, I must bow out and retire. Some will be saddened, some will be relieved, some just won’t care. For my last dig at jnjeisen, I will quote from the great and glorious Carol Burnett show….“Eunice, you have cobwebs in the windmills of your mind; you’re playing with a warped puck.”
“Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo.” H.G. Wells
“Theologians are all alike, of whatever religion or country they may be; their aim is always to wield despotic authority over men’s consciences; they therefore persecute all of us who have the temerity to tell the truth.”
Frederick the Great, letter to Voltaire, 1736
“The whole religious complexion of the modern world is due to the absence from Jerusalem of a lunatic asylum.” Havelock Ellis
“Too much of a good thing is simply wonderful.” Mae West
On the way to see Metropolis at the Orpheum last night, I passed by the Tower and the side door was open on 8th street. I peeked in and it was pretty fabulous. Even though the ground floor seats have been removed, it still has what looks to be the original walls and ceiling. I think they were getting ready to film something there since it was full of workers painting and building a set on the stage.
I wonder if the 622 South Alvarado address was a misprint. Wilshire didn’t go through the lake yet and wasn’t it called Orange on the East side of Westlake Park? I don’t understand why these articles keep saying Alvarado and Sixth. Wouldn’t that be a block north?
(March 27, 1979)
The court file on a 1973 lewd conduct charge against the late Rev. Jim Jones was unsealed Monday, but it failed to answer the questions why the case was dismissed and why police records of the arrest were ordered destroyed. Among the 14 pages of documents made public was a police report that graphically described Jones' alleged actions on the afternoon of Dec. 13, 1973. Describing the incident that reportedly occurred in a restroom at the Westlake Theater, near MacArthur Park, the police report, in part, said: “The defendant (Jones) turned toward the officer…(while) masturbating and showing his penis to the officer.” A possible clue to the dismissal is contained in the file. It is a letter written by a San Francisco physician, Dr. Alex Finkle, who said he was treating Jones for urinary problems at the time. In the letter, Finkle, a urologist, stated that Jones had an “obstruction of the outlet of the urinary bladder due to strategic enlargement of the prostate gland. Moreover, there is chronic inflammation of the prostate…and these conditions cause urinary frequency.” Finkle went on, “Even prior to seeing me, Rev. Jones had learned that jogging or jumping in place afforded improved initiation of urination. I encouraged his continuing that technique.” The physician concluded his letter by stating, “I am stunned to learn of the preposterous allegations (about) Rev. Jones!”
Yeah….right.
It’s ironic that there are hundreds of listings for this theater almost from its opening for different Sunday church services and lectures and then a reverend was caught doing lewd behavior. I guess if the charges would have stuck all of those people might not have had the Kool-Aid death awaiting them.
(Sept. 24, 1926)
{Reprinted from yesterday’s late edition of The Times)
With the attendant crowds and blazing sun arcs of the typical Los Angeles premiere, the new West Coast Westlake Theater, at Alvarado and Sixth, had an auspicious opening last night. This latest unit of the ever-growing chain of West Coast neighborhood houses, follows closely in treatment the Spanish-Moorish architecture of early Califorina days. Its interior a pleasing symposium of golds and browns, and blue shading into deep purple, the Westlake Theater is one of the most charming of new Southern California showhouses. Reception rooms and promenade open into an upper loggia, overlooking the inner lobby below. Two thousand persons may be accommodated on the two floor of the house….
(Sept. 22, 1926)
The West Coast Westlake Theater, Alvarado at Sixth, opening in gala array tonight, will have an auspicious start-if officials of the West Coast Theaters, Inc., and the West Coast-Bernstein circuit are prophets. Under the direction of Gore Brothers and A.L. Bernstein this organization expects to lend every assistance for the premiere opening and dedication, but also the continued maintenance, operation and control along the lines of highest theatrical caliber.
(April 23, 1926)
Erection of the new $500,000 Westlake Theater building at 622 South Alvarado street is being rushed and, from present indications, it will be ready for its formal opening about June 1. It was announced yesterday by Richard M. Bates, architect. The building is of Class A construction with exterior facing of terra cotta, according to Mr. Bates, who added that Gladding, McBean & Co. provided the terra cotta. Built for the Westlake Theater Building Company, the structure is 115 by 180 feet in size, and sixty feet in height. It will have a seating capacity of 2000, it was said.
Is this advertisement referring to another theater on this site or was it there earlier than 1926?
LA Times
(March 13, 1914)
Westlake Theater
South Alvarado, near 7th St.
Now showing high class Mutual pictures and offers its patrons a programme of unusual excellence presenting the Best Pictures in the city. Nothing cheap but the price. 5 CENTS TO All.
I guess it was gone by this time:
(June 22, 1932)
Applications of Union Pacific Stages of California and E.W. Thompson for licenses to engage in the business of motor carrier transportation agents were granted yesterday by the State Railroad Commission. Union Pacific Stages was authorized to maintain a ticket office at 431 South Main street and branch offices in numerous cities throughout the State.
This is the one and only actual movie listing or mention of a theater at this address that I have been able to find:
(Sept. 5, 1926)
Rosslyn-431 So. Main St.
Sept. 6,7-“Miss Bluebeard;” Sept. 8,9, 10-“Tiger Love;” Sept. 11-“Say It Again.”
(Dec. 10, 1925)
…Slattery was arrested by Officer Hoy of the vice squad at 431 South Main street. Hoy told Judge Richardson the place was suspected of harboring bookmakers. In the account of the races the paper, Hoy said, had some notes about the condition of the horses and what he called “tips” on coming races.
(July 8, 1914)
The New Hotel Rosslyn is to have a hotel liquor permit. This was brought about through the action of the Police Commission yesterday. There was a circle of permit shifting to accomplish this result. The permit held by Hart Bros. for No. 431 South Main street was transferred to Berry & Belden for a saloon at the same location.
Wow, this is an elusive theater to search. Here is a little for 431 S. Main:
From 1903 until around 1906 the R.D. Bronson Desk Co. was here.
“The only exlusive dealers in Office Furniture in Los Angeles”
Here is a little bit about what I think is this theater before it was built:
(Feb. 9, 1927)
LA Times
This week will mark the beginning of building operations on the theater project on Whittier Boulevard in Golden Gate Square. The theater proper will seat about 1500 persons, it is declared and will contain thirteen stores. There will also be several apartment units. It is planned as a legitimate playhouse, but will be equipped for motion pictures as well.
You should see that corner now Joe. There is still a seedy element, but there are many galleries and a few nice restaurants. I was there at 10pm and felt perfectly safe. The Rosslyn Annex is still a flop house, but I’m sure not for much longer.
You’re right Joe. I looked at some lofts in the “new” Rosslyn Hotel a few weeks ago on the northwest corner. The southwest corner would be the Rosslyn Hotel Annex. Pretty nice lofts after they ripped out all the filth. They did a wonderful job with the lobby also. I’ve found many pictures of the first small Rosslyn Hotel, but I couldn’t figure out where it actually was. Are you saying that the Rosslyn Theater was the same theater as the Muse, or am I confused?
Would it have been next door to the Rosslyn Hotel Annex?
After a little more research, I believe the previous article I quoted refers to the Warner downtown and the Warner Hollywood.
I don’t know if this is referring to this theater, but it’s all I could find:
(Jan. 19, 1931)
(Reprinted from Saturday’s late edition)
By Phillip K. Scheuer
Fashioned for the Joe E. Brown trade-and quite a sizeable trade it is, they tell me-“Going Wild” cut twin swathes across the screens at both Warner Brothers de luxe theaters yesterday. Joe E. Brown, it is almost unneccessary to add, is the happy-go-lucky fellow who, at a moment’s notice, can make his face disappeared simply by opening his
mouth. This phenomenon, demonstrated with complete success when an examining physician attempts to pry into Mr. Brown’s throat, is sufficiently startling to make the physician instead of the patient say “Ah!”
Thanks William, at least I have a date and can narrow down my search.
I don’t understand why I can’t find anything about the actual opening of this theater. It must have been a big deal. Is there a local paper in San Pedro that would have been around in 1930?
Here’s an article about the groundbreaking. It seems like the construction costs were on a yo-yo.
(June 18, 1930)
Warner Brothers will break ground today for their new $500,000 theater on Sixth street, near Pacific avenue, San Pedro. Jack Warner, son of the vice-president in charge of production, will wield the shovel and Leslie Mott, president of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, will speak for the community. A number of film folk will be introduced by M.A. Silver, general manager of Warner Brothers' Theater chain, including Loretta Young, Grant Withers, Claudia Dell, Irene Delroy, Walter Pidgeon and Leon Janney. The site runs 150 feet along Sixth street and extends back 125 feet. The building will have an auditorium seating 2000 persons, and will contain six stores and twelve offices. Lange & Bergstrom, Inc. of Los Angeles, is general contractor.
(May 4, 1930)
San Pedro theater for Warner Brothers to cost $250,000. Plans are being prepared by Marcus Priteca and construction work will begin shortly.
Here is the first mention of this theater I could find in the LA Times:
(Feb. 5, 1930)
Warner Brothers' San Pedro Theater will seat 2000 and will be built on Sixth street just east of Pacific Boulevard, occupying a frontage of 150 feet. There will also be six stories and twelve offices in the building, which will cost $600,000….B. Marcus Priteca is the architect for both (Huntington Park Theater) theaters. These houses will be the first to be placed under construction under the Warner expansion plan.
Boredom is a rare emotion for me. It’s not a pleasant emotion. Somehow it has reared its ugly head in this discussion and since I legally and morally cannot continue a discussion with a person who doesn’t realize the difference between ‘forth’ and ‘fourth’, I must bow out and retire. Some will be saddened, some will be relieved, some just won’t care. For my last dig at jnjeisen, I will quote from the great and glorious Carol Burnett show….“Eunice, you have cobwebs in the windmills of your mind; you’re playing with a warped puck.”
“Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo.” H.G. Wells
“Theologians are all alike, of whatever religion or country they may be; their aim is always to wield despotic authority over men’s consciences; they therefore persecute all of us who have the temerity to tell the truth.”
Frederick the Great, letter to Voltaire, 1736
“The whole religious complexion of the modern world is due to the absence from Jerusalem of a lunatic asylum.” Havelock Ellis
“Too much of a good thing is simply wonderful.” Mae West
FIN
On the way to see Metropolis at the Orpheum last night, I passed by the Tower and the side door was open on 8th street. I peeked in and it was pretty fabulous. Even though the ground floor seats have been removed, it still has what looks to be the original walls and ceiling. I think they were getting ready to film something there since it was full of workers painting and building a set on the stage.