Clinton Theatre
526 N. Western Avenue,
Los Angeles,
CA
90004
526 N. Western Avenue,
Los Angeles,
CA
90004
2 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Architects: Raphael A. Nicolais
Functions: Furniture Showroom
Styles: Art Deco
Nearby Theaters
The Clinton Theatre was opened in August 1938. It was still operating in the late-1980’s.
Contributed by
Ray Martinez
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Recent comments (view all 21 comments)
Here is an exterior image from ‘The Wizard Of Speed And Time":
View link
There are also scenes from the inside of the theater.
The Clinton was showing a Charlie Chaplin double bill in November 1976, so there may have been a period where they were showing revival films or classics.
As might be surmised from the various photos linked from comments above showing the Clinton’s simple, art moderne facade, the building dates from the late depression year of 1938, according to a report generated by the L.A. city planning department’s zoning information system.
I saw many movies here when I used to live in the n'hood when I first moved to LA. It often ran double bills for a cheap price. Very rundown by that time, but within walking distance and very affordable.
Here is a 1983 view of the Clinton:
http://tinyurl.com/db4dwg
Here’s the end of “Wizard of Speed and Time” showing the Clinton, both inside and outside. I have more than one friend who was an extra in that crowd scene.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vneirf2ayyw
I’ll make some screencaps later.
I had no idea there was ever a theater so close to me. I’m usually looking at the listings in my home state. I actually bought my mattress from one of the stores on that strip.
I actually worked at the Clinton Theater in the late 80’s when it was owned by Plaza Entertainment! I lived down the street. It was a bit run down by that time, but it was a great deal for a double feature.
The “Theaters Under Construction” column of the July 2, 1938, issue of The Film Daily listed the Clinton Theatre in Los Angeles as a 750-seat project for operator C. W. Blake. The $75,000 house was expected to be completed by August 1. It was designed by architect Raphael A. Nicolais.
Raphael Nicolais had earlier designed at least one theater in Fort Worth, Texas, but by 1929 he was practicing from an office on Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles.
Currently an Asian furniture store, “Joy Furniture”.