The Aladdin Theater was the victim of a major arson fire in approx.1958/59. The auditorium was completely gutted and was rebuilt a few months later. The theater managers were a couple with the last name of Van Gortel. The theater (along with the Desert Theater, and the Indio Drive-In) was owned by Robt. L. Lippert Theaters. My father owned a pharmacy in the Aladdin bldg. at the time. If I remember correctly, the projectionist was Ralph King. The theater was equiped with Motiograph projectors rather than Simplex.
The Aladdin Theater was the victim of a major arson fire in approx.1958/59. The auditorium was completely gutted and was rebuilt a few months later. The theater managers were a couple with the last name of Van Gortel. The theater (along with the Desert Theater, and the Indio Drive-In) was owned by Robt. L. Lippert Theaters. My father owned a pharmacy in the Aladdin bldg. at the time. If I remember correctly, the projectionist was Ralph King. The theater was equiped with Motiograph projectors rather than Simplex.