And then there is a fabulous portrayal of an aging, die-hard projectionist portrayed by Peter Sellers in the 1957 B&W classic “The Smallest Show on Earth.” I never tire of it!
At last Fridays live New Orleans Jazz Band stage show, the non-profit Admiral Theatre was simply jumping with balcony and dinner guests seated below.
This historic place has class along with an interesting variety program of stage shows and classic movies. I also enjoy hosting as one of their volunteers.
On my way to the Admiral Theatre in Bremerton last Friday, I passed by the Charleston Cinema… and it was OPEN.
I also like the unusual old projector image above the marquee. Hey, good for them.
A nautical theme for cinemas and theaters up here seems to be quite popular.
Take a look at Bremerton’s historic and beautifully restored Admiral Theatre. This Navy town cares!
The pathetic state of show business, in today’s cinematic world, is controlled by nothing but a bunch of ill trained, yuppi, candy merchant, money grabbing extortionists who have absolutely NO IDEA as to what the hell real cinema presentation is all about.
That area of LB is getting too darned ‘grotty’ with an unsafe atmosphere for seniors and handicapped access which is out of view from security or cameras.
After purchasing your ticket, your elevator trip to the auditorium is some what creepy along several twists and turns which are out of sight of from cameras or security.
At night it’s NOT very safe for seniors or handicapped patrons, owing to the type of some individuals who want your valuables. The smell of urine also drove us away!
Hi raysson… The last time I recently saw Rita Moreno was in person at San Francisco’s Castro Theatre… as a paying patron (yes, paying!!!) and while briefly chatting she told me she lived in the Berkeley area. Nice lady.
The April 17, 2009 photo of the auditorium was fabulous… so good to the the “stars & stripes” on either side of the stage.
The theater owner needs to receive a medal for courage in using curtains and playing the organ… its what draws people in to see a movie!
Once, when I was a new ticket-taking doorman at San Francisco’s awesome Castro Thetre, a Hattie McDaniels look-alike bellowed out to me “Is that organ dude playing tonight?” I then replied with a positive answer which was promptly replied with “‘Cause if he ain’t, I ain’t comin’ in!"
Since then, my long-time friend and organist David Hegarty has affectionately been known as "organ dude” and I’m sure “miss Hattie” is still enjoying his twice-nightly musical interludes!
As to what’s showing reflects in the minimal information (attitude) on the beautiful marquee.
In other words, virtually NO effort was made by management to list who’s starring in what picture… nor any starting/ending dates and times, etc.
No wonder patronage was at a minimum, if any, and closure became part of the fact.
San Francisco’s Castro Theatre really knows how to get em' in!!!
Ah yes, the strong odors from film glue/cement seemed to make me feel soooooo happy… yes, those were the days.
I loved film projection, as it was, before the platter system took over and that was the start of the end… now were going digital… next is computer controlled and then satalite.
Isletababy; You need to pay a visit to your local Public Library, check newspaper offices for old “Microfish” files and maybe City Hall for historic photos and records.
Also check with any local Historical Society, Senior Center and maybe Genealogy listings to find your parents info, etc. Good luck!
It pleases me, to no end, that my late friend, Joseph Musil, is gone but NOT forgotten and his incredibly imaginative theater designs will live on for future generations to enjoy at the Village Theatre.
If you were fortunate enough, like I was, to know Joe and be associated with or even visit his magnificent “Salon of the Theatres” studio in Santa Ana, Ca., then you had the treat of a lifetime!
I volunteered with my cousin as ‘curtain walkers’ for the early 1960’s, two Beatles Concerts, at Southampton’s Gaumont Theatre, now beautifully restored as the Mayflower.
My ears are still ringing from the screaming girls!!!
Waaaaaay back in 1952, my grandmother treated me to a special twelfth birthday lunch at the “swanky” Polygon Hotel in Southampton, England.
While we were dining, Laurel and Hardy entered the grand dining room and were seated adjacent to our table. The packed room then warmly applauded their entry.
We waited until they finished their meal then politely asked them to autograph the menu. Big Stan looked at his companion and said “Now that’s a fine mess you’ve got us into.” Then Olly flipped out his tie, rubbed his head and started to cry. Then they each burst out laughing and shook my hand which held two “comp” front row tickets for their live show at the local Gaumont Theatre (now the Mayflower).
What a most memorable day for me, especially when they each waved to me from the stage. Now that’s big star quality!
That’s a lot of research and hard work to enter all of those movies.
If anyone has access to the cavernous 5,000 + seat San Francisco “fabulous & foolish” Fox (1929-1963) book by Preston Kaufman.
He pains-takingly listed of the theaters complete movie screenings along with attendance and income and Lord knows what else.
This book is an absolute MUST for all cinema/theater buffs!!!
Our original world of cinema, as we once knew it, has all gone to hell in a hand basket… and the devil now has us by the short and curlies!
Every city needs a ‘grindhouse’… they’re fun!
Vito… The screen for normal pictures is white, NOT silver, as millions of us keep on saying in a dreamy way.
Silver is for the 3D process and not as bright as the white screen reflection.
And then there is a fabulous portrayal of an aging, die-hard projectionist portrayed by Peter Sellers in the 1957 B&W classic “The Smallest Show on Earth.” I never tire of it!
I forgot to add that the house brass lobby “load” sign reads 999.
At last Fridays live New Orleans Jazz Band stage show, the non-profit Admiral Theatre was simply jumping with balcony and dinner guests seated below.
This historic place has class along with an interesting variety program of stage shows and classic movies. I also enjoy hosting as one of their volunteers.
On my way to the Admiral Theatre in Bremerton last Friday, I passed by the Charleston Cinema… and it was OPEN.
I also like the unusual old projector image above the marquee. Hey, good for them.
A nautical theme for cinemas and theaters up here seems to be quite popular.
Take a look at Bremerton’s historic and beautifully restored Admiral Theatre. This Navy town cares!
The pathetic state of show business, in today’s cinematic world, is controlled by nothing but a bunch of ill trained, yuppi, candy merchant, money grabbing extortionists who have absolutely NO IDEA as to what the hell real cinema presentation is all about.
May our beloved forefathers rest in peace!
That area of LB is getting too darned ‘grotty’ with an unsafe atmosphere for seniors and handicapped access which is out of view from security or cameras.
After purchasing your ticket, your elevator trip to the auditorium is some what creepy along several twists and turns which are out of sight of from cameras or security.
At night it’s NOT very safe for seniors or handicapped patrons, owing to the type of some individuals who want your valuables. The smell of urine also drove us away!
Any ‘before & after’ INTERIOR shots? I’ve got a zillion of the disgraceful facade!
If I still lived in Long Beach, I would enjoy going just to see the spectacular auditorium AND sitting in the balcony… it’s so much more exciting!
Hi raysson… The last time I recently saw Rita Moreno was in person at San Francisco’s Castro Theatre… as a paying patron (yes, paying!!!) and while briefly chatting she told me she lived in the Berkeley area. Nice lady.
The April 17, 2009 photo of the auditorium was fabulous… so good to the the “stars & stripes” on either side of the stage.
The theater owner needs to receive a medal for courage in using curtains and playing the organ… its what draws people in to see a movie!
Once, when I was a new ticket-taking doorman at San Francisco’s awesome Castro Thetre, a Hattie McDaniels look-alike bellowed out to me “Is that organ dude playing tonight?” I then replied with a positive answer which was promptly replied with “‘Cause if he ain’t, I ain’t comin’ in!"
Since then, my long-time friend and organist David Hegarty has affectionately been known as "organ dude” and I’m sure “miss Hattie” is still enjoying his twice-nightly musical interludes!
As to what’s showing reflects in the minimal information (attitude) on the beautiful marquee.
In other words, virtually NO effort was made by management to list who’s starring in what picture… nor any starting/ending dates and times, etc.
No wonder patronage was at a minimum, if any, and closure became part of the fact.
San Francisco’s Castro Theatre really knows how to get em' in!!!
Some “big-wig” probably wants that space for their own benefit!
There is a fabulous large and colorful art deco photo of the Westwood Village Fox on display at Denny’s,Market Street,Salem.
Ah yes, the strong odors from film glue/cement seemed to make me feel soooooo happy… yes, those were the days.
I loved film projection, as it was, before the platter system took over and that was the start of the end… now were going digital… next is computer controlled and then satalite.
Then, enter the robots and were all doooooomed!
Isletababy; You need to pay a visit to your local Public Library, check newspaper offices for old “Microfish” files and maybe City Hall for historic photos and records.
Also check with any local Historical Society, Senior Center and maybe Genealogy listings to find your parents info, etc. Good luck!
How about some INTERIOR photos… both historic and during the restoration… pretty PLEASE ?
It pleases me, to no end, that my late friend, Joseph Musil, is gone but NOT forgotten and his incredibly imaginative theater designs will live on for future generations to enjoy at the Village Theatre.
If you were fortunate enough, like I was, to know Joe and be associated with or even visit his magnificent “Salon of the Theatres” studio in Santa Ana, Ca., then you had the treat of a lifetime!
Thank you for the many fascinating pictures.
I volunteered with my cousin as ‘curtain walkers’ for the early 1960’s, two Beatles Concerts, at Southampton’s Gaumont Theatre, now beautifully restored as the Mayflower.
My ears are still ringing from the screaming girls!!!
Waaaaaay back in 1952, my grandmother treated me to a special twelfth birthday lunch at the “swanky” Polygon Hotel in Southampton, England.
While we were dining, Laurel and Hardy entered the grand dining room and were seated adjacent to our table. The packed room then warmly applauded their entry.
We waited until they finished their meal then politely asked them to autograph the menu. Big Stan looked at his companion and said “Now that’s a fine mess you’ve got us into.” Then Olly flipped out his tie, rubbed his head and started to cry. Then they each burst out laughing and shook my hand which held two “comp” front row tickets for their live show at the local Gaumont Theatre (now the Mayflower).
What a most memorable day for me, especially when they each waved to me from the stage. Now that’s big star quality!
That’s a lot of research and hard work to enter all of those movies.
If anyone has access to the cavernous 5,000 + seat San Francisco “fabulous & foolish” Fox (1929-1963) book by Preston Kaufman.
He pains-takingly listed of the theaters complete movie screenings along with attendance and income and Lord knows what else.
This book is an absolute MUST for all cinema/theater buffs!!!