I recently took a weekend trip to San Diego. While in San Diego I wanted to visited any historic theaters that were still left in the city. I was sadden to find out that Ken Cinema was the last single-screen theater in San Diego. of course I had to see film, “ Holy Rollers.” I am happy this theater at least remains.
I saw “Titanic” at the Grande 4-Plex. It wasn’t the most memorable theater but it served a purpose for a while that no other did; to bring first-run films to downtown Los Angeles.
The “4 screen ultra small tehater that was tucked away beneath a downtown hotel” was the Laemmle Grande 4 Plex. The hotel at one time was the Sheraton. It wasn’t the most memorable theater but it served a purpose for a while that no other did; to bring first-run films to downtown Los Angeles.
I saw “The Doors” here. This is the one and only film I ever saw here. In the 1980’s when Westwood was very popular and contained many theaters, I did frequent Westwood a lot, but I – and most of the pedestrians – usually stayed north of Wilshire in what is known as Westwood Village. I don’t remember much about the theater so I doubt it could have been truly memorable.
I was in Oxnard over the past summer. I happened to be walking near by the Vogue Theater when I noticed the building was obviously a former theater. I had to make a detour to explore. The signage on the tower in front that still reads “Vogue” is what especially caught my attention. The sign is about all that is left of any interest. The auditorium and lobby have been gutted and now house a swap meet.
This was always the most uneventful theater in Westwood even during Westwood’s heyday in the 1980’s. On the corner, just up the street from this theater was Malone’s, which was a very popular night spot. Even that place has changed names. The loss of Mann Westwood 4 was not quite lamentable, but the loss of other theaters in Westwood, i.e. National, is regrettable.
I recently went to the Lido Theater for the time to see “Brideshead Revisted.” I had never been to the theater before as I do not really live close to the theater. I had on occasion, when in Newport Beach in Orange County, driven by the theater, and had commented that at some point I would like to see a film here. Luckily the theater survived and I was able to do this. The interior is nice, but remodeled. However the bathrooms, while well kept, reveal the true age of the theater.
The surrounding area has seen better days. However the theater and the shopping area are kept up well. The opening of this theater precipitated the closing of the Americana Theater located up the street in Panorama City. The Americana Theater in turn had also helped bring about the eventual switch to Spanish language films for the Panorama Theatre, which was also further up the street in Panorama City.
I remember this theater often being quite crowded. Maybe because of this I did not frequent it and only saw a few films here even though I have lived in or near the San Fernando Valley for most of my life. A Best Buy, with a small parking structure behind the store, now occupies the site.
The theater never seems to be too crowded and it has ample free parking. Regardless of the smallness of the auditoriums and the closeness of the rows of seats, it is nice to still have theaters with balconies.
I recently went back to the Bruin after an almost twenty year hiatus. I remember well Westwood of the 1980’s. In high school and college I would travel down to Westwood with friends on the weekends to hang out and see films. At the time Westwood offered the best opportunity to see moves due to the large concentration of theaters, most single screen theaters. Now going on two decades later, Westwood lacks the nightlife and four theaters have closed. As I read the postings for the Bruin, I am concerned that the Bruin, penultimate to the Village in status in Westwood, may close along with the Village. I especially began to worry after the National Theater was demolished. For some years now I have been involved in the Los Angeles Conservancy and their efforts to rehabilitate and prevent the destruction of the historic theaters on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. Cannot a similar campaign be launched to preserve the theaters of Westwood?
UA Warner Center was one of several UA theaters in the San Fernando Valley that looked very much alike (the UA Granada Hills and the UA Valley Plaza being the others – all closed now). The UA Warner Theater resembled its sister theaters in being very boxy. In the late 1980’s I saw many films here because someone I knew then could get into the theater for free. I do not remember why. In its heyday the UA Warner Theater however was very busy. In particular I waited in very long lines to see “Batman” and “Waterworld.”
I recently went to the Mission Tiki Drive-In and saw “Sex and the City.” This was first time at this drive-in and my first visit to a drive-in in ten years since the last drive-in, the Winnetka Drive-In, closed in my area. I drove the hour to see a film here because I love drive-ins. And this drive-in was no disappointment. It reminded me of the Flamingo Drive-In in Larry Baker’s novel “Flamingo Rising” because of eccentric tiki decor.
I recently went back to the Village after an eleven year hiatus. And that trip eleven years ago was really my first trip since the late 1980’s. I remember well Westwood of the 1980’s. In high school and college I would travel down to Westwood with friends on the weekends to hang out and see films. At the time Westwood offered the best opportunity to see moves due to the large concentration of theaters, most single screen theaters. Now going on two decades later, Westwood lacks the nightlife and four theaters have closed. As I read the postings for the Village, I am concerned that even the Village is not safe. I especially began to worry after the National Theater was demolished. For some years now I have been involved in the Los Angeles Conservancy and their efforts to rehabilitate and prevent the destruction of the historic theaters on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. Cannot a similar campaign be launched to preserve the theaters of Westwood?
I just recently ventured to this theater for the first time specifically to see the theater. I found that the rooftop sign, the still visible Moorish architecture on the side of the building and the stairs that were roped off obviously leading to a former balcony, belie the current state of the theater. The auditorium was very dirty and, yes, you could hear the films from the neighboring auditoriums. And not to be forgotten, was the surly ticket seller. However, the price was amazingly cheap compared to the megaplexes. Indeed it is always refreshing to see theaters with history still in operation but the current state of this theater cannot help but make one sad.
The Regent Theatre was open during the Los Angeles Conservancy’s recent Mainly Main tour. The auditorium is completed gutted as is most of the lobby. However, no one seemed to have any answer as to what the theater will be used for in the future.
On my recent trip to Santa Barbara I was lucky enough to see a film at the nearby Arlington Theatre. On my way there I walked by the Granada Theater. The facade of the building is scafolded however the front of the building was open and the interior of the building was visible. It looked like much of the interior had been removed. I never went to the Granada Theater but I would have loved to have seen it in its hay day.
I have been to many of the old movie palaces in Los Angeles so I could not miss an opportunity on my recent trip to Santa Barbara to see a film at the Arlington Theatre. It is great that this theatre still runs first-run films so that I was able to see a film – “Hairspray” – without waiting for some special screening as is the case with the movie palaces that are still intact in Los Angeles. The auditorium of the Arlington Theatre is truly spectacular.
Northridge Cinemas expanded and remodeled after it was damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Before the earthquake, the restrooms were located upstairs. After the earthquake, the theater was reconfigured with the restrooms being located downstairs and the addition of several smaller auditoriums. In the early 1980s a dance club – Ozone – was located in the same complex. Slowly all the tenants left, with a sushi restaurant being the last to only recently close up shop. In addition to being a second run theater, in its last few years the Northridge Cinemas began to screen Bollywood films. I frequented this theater while I attended nearby California State University, Northridge in the late 1980s and early 1990s and even continued to see films here until it closed.
I do not remember this theater from when I lived in Chatsworth in the early 1970s, however at least until recently the marquee remained over the building. This had prompted me to inquire on my posting for the nearby former Holiday Theater as to the name of this theater. I am happy someone that knew of this theater at Mason and Devonshire posted. Thank you.
The theater is now a Steinmart. I remember well when this theater opened for at the time there was not another theater in Granada Hills. At the time the seven screens seemed like an enormous amount. Now it is puny compared to the nearby megaplezes.
One of the rare occasions when this theater was open was the Los Angeles Conservancy’s Last Remaining Seats a few years ago. This was the first and only time I had been in the theater since it closed in the early 1990s.
The one and only time I visited this theater was to see a collection of old pornographic silent film loops entitled “The Good Old Dirty Days.” The film was forgettable. The interior of the theater was not anything specially, most likely due to its remodeling. As well the parking in the area was not great. In any case I do hope this theater survives under some ownership as it is still worth preserving something with so much history.
This theater was part of the GCC chain. The Northridge Fashion Center â€" I worked at Sears in the Northridge Fashion Center from 1986 to 1987 – has undergone many renovations including the one after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. When the mall reopened the theater was gone (a large multiplex is now attached to the mall). A software store and an Old Navy occupy the space. I remember seeing “Octopussy” here on opening day after the last day of 9th grade. The only time I had to wait in a long line at this theater.
I recently took a weekend trip to San Diego. While in San Diego I wanted to visited any historic theaters that were still left in the city. I was sadden to find out that Ken Cinema was the last single-screen theater in San Diego. of course I had to see film, “ Holy Rollers.” I am happy this theater at least remains.
I saw “Titanic” at the Grande 4-Plex. It wasn’t the most memorable theater but it served a purpose for a while that no other did; to bring first-run films to downtown Los Angeles.
The “4 screen ultra small tehater that was tucked away beneath a downtown hotel” was the Laemmle Grande 4 Plex. The hotel at one time was the Sheraton. It wasn’t the most memorable theater but it served a purpose for a while that no other did; to bring first-run films to downtown Los Angeles.
I saw “The Doors” here. This is the one and only film I ever saw here. In the 1980’s when Westwood was very popular and contained many theaters, I did frequent Westwood a lot, but I – and most of the pedestrians – usually stayed north of Wilshire in what is known as Westwood Village. I don’t remember much about the theater so I doubt it could have been truly memorable.
I was in Oxnard over the past summer. I happened to be walking near by the Vogue Theater when I noticed the building was obviously a former theater. I had to make a detour to explore. The signage on the tower in front that still reads “Vogue” is what especially caught my attention. The sign is about all that is left of any interest. The auditorium and lobby have been gutted and now house a swap meet.
This was always the most uneventful theater in Westwood even during Westwood’s heyday in the 1980’s. On the corner, just up the street from this theater was Malone’s, which was a very popular night spot. Even that place has changed names. The loss of Mann Westwood 4 was not quite lamentable, but the loss of other theaters in Westwood, i.e. National, is regrettable.
I recently went to the Lido Theater for the time to see “Brideshead Revisted.” I had never been to the theater before as I do not really live close to the theater. I had on occasion, when in Newport Beach in Orange County, driven by the theater, and had commented that at some point I would like to see a film here. Luckily the theater survived and I was able to do this. The interior is nice, but remodeled. However the bathrooms, while well kept, reveal the true age of the theater.
The surrounding area has seen better days. However the theater and the shopping area are kept up well. The opening of this theater precipitated the closing of the Americana Theater located up the street in Panorama City. The Americana Theater in turn had also helped bring about the eventual switch to Spanish language films for the Panorama Theatre, which was also further up the street in Panorama City.
I remember this theater often being quite crowded. Maybe because of this I did not frequent it and only saw a few films here even though I have lived in or near the San Fernando Valley for most of my life. A Best Buy, with a small parking structure behind the store, now occupies the site.
The theater never seems to be too crowded and it has ample free parking. Regardless of the smallness of the auditoriums and the closeness of the rows of seats, it is nice to still have theaters with balconies.
I recently went back to the Bruin after an almost twenty year hiatus. I remember well Westwood of the 1980’s. In high school and college I would travel down to Westwood with friends on the weekends to hang out and see films. At the time Westwood offered the best opportunity to see moves due to the large concentration of theaters, most single screen theaters. Now going on two decades later, Westwood lacks the nightlife and four theaters have closed. As I read the postings for the Bruin, I am concerned that the Bruin, penultimate to the Village in status in Westwood, may close along with the Village. I especially began to worry after the National Theater was demolished. For some years now I have been involved in the Los Angeles Conservancy and their efforts to rehabilitate and prevent the destruction of the historic theaters on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. Cannot a similar campaign be launched to preserve the theaters of Westwood?
UA Warner Center was one of several UA theaters in the San Fernando Valley that looked very much alike (the UA Granada Hills and the UA Valley Plaza being the others – all closed now). The UA Warner Theater resembled its sister theaters in being very boxy. In the late 1980’s I saw many films here because someone I knew then could get into the theater for free. I do not remember why. In its heyday the UA Warner Theater however was very busy. In particular I waited in very long lines to see “Batman” and “Waterworld.”
I recently went to the Mission Tiki Drive-In and saw “Sex and the City.” This was first time at this drive-in and my first visit to a drive-in in ten years since the last drive-in, the Winnetka Drive-In, closed in my area. I drove the hour to see a film here because I love drive-ins. And this drive-in was no disappointment. It reminded me of the Flamingo Drive-In in Larry Baker’s novel “Flamingo Rising” because of eccentric tiki decor.
I recently went back to the Village after an eleven year hiatus. And that trip eleven years ago was really my first trip since the late 1980’s. I remember well Westwood of the 1980’s. In high school and college I would travel down to Westwood with friends on the weekends to hang out and see films. At the time Westwood offered the best opportunity to see moves due to the large concentration of theaters, most single screen theaters. Now going on two decades later, Westwood lacks the nightlife and four theaters have closed. As I read the postings for the Village, I am concerned that even the Village is not safe. I especially began to worry after the National Theater was demolished. For some years now I have been involved in the Los Angeles Conservancy and their efforts to rehabilitate and prevent the destruction of the historic theaters on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. Cannot a similar campaign be launched to preserve the theaters of Westwood?
I just recently ventured to this theater for the first time specifically to see the theater. I found that the rooftop sign, the still visible Moorish architecture on the side of the building and the stairs that were roped off obviously leading to a former balcony, belie the current state of the theater. The auditorium was very dirty and, yes, you could hear the films from the neighboring auditoriums. And not to be forgotten, was the surly ticket seller. However, the price was amazingly cheap compared to the megaplexes. Indeed it is always refreshing to see theaters with history still in operation but the current state of this theater cannot help but make one sad.
The Regent Theatre was open during the Los Angeles Conservancy’s recent Mainly Main tour. The auditorium is completed gutted as is most of the lobby. However, no one seemed to have any answer as to what the theater will be used for in the future.
I had not seen a film here in a decade (the film was “Delta of Venus”) but I would have liked to have seen one last film here.
On my recent trip to Santa Barbara I was lucky enough to see a film at the nearby Arlington Theatre. On my way there I walked by the Granada Theater. The facade of the building is scafolded however the front of the building was open and the interior of the building was visible. It looked like much of the interior had been removed. I never went to the Granada Theater but I would have loved to have seen it in its hay day.
I have been to many of the old movie palaces in Los Angeles so I could not miss an opportunity on my recent trip to Santa Barbara to see a film at the Arlington Theatre. It is great that this theatre still runs first-run films so that I was able to see a film – “Hairspray” – without waiting for some special screening as is the case with the movie palaces that are still intact in Los Angeles. The auditorium of the Arlington Theatre is truly spectacular.
Northridge Cinemas expanded and remodeled after it was damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Before the earthquake, the restrooms were located upstairs. After the earthquake, the theater was reconfigured with the restrooms being located downstairs and the addition of several smaller auditoriums. In the early 1980s a dance club – Ozone – was located in the same complex. Slowly all the tenants left, with a sushi restaurant being the last to only recently close up shop. In addition to being a second run theater, in its last few years the Northridge Cinemas began to screen Bollywood films. I frequented this theater while I attended nearby California State University, Northridge in the late 1980s and early 1990s and even continued to see films here until it closed.
I do not remember this theater from when I lived in Chatsworth in the early 1970s, however at least until recently the marquee remained over the building. This had prompted me to inquire on my posting for the nearby former Holiday Theater as to the name of this theater. I am happy someone that knew of this theater at Mason and Devonshire posted. Thank you.
The theater is now a Steinmart. I remember well when this theater opened for at the time there was not another theater in Granada Hills. At the time the seven screens seemed like an enormous amount. Now it is puny compared to the nearby megaplezes.
One of the rare occasions when this theater was open was the Los Angeles Conservancy’s Last Remaining Seats a few years ago. This was the first and only time I had been in the theater since it closed in the early 1990s.
The one and only time I visited this theater was to see a collection of old pornographic silent film loops entitled “The Good Old Dirty Days.” The film was forgettable. The interior of the theater was not anything specially, most likely due to its remodeling. As well the parking in the area was not great. In any case I do hope this theater survives under some ownership as it is still worth preserving something with so much history.
This theater was part of the GCC chain. The Northridge Fashion Center â€" I worked at Sears in the Northridge Fashion Center from 1986 to 1987 – has undergone many renovations including the one after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. When the mall reopened the theater was gone (a large multiplex is now attached to the mall). A software store and an Old Navy occupy the space. I remember seeing “Octopussy” here on opening day after the last day of 9th grade. The only time I had to wait in a long line at this theater.