Star Theatre
145 N. 1st Street,
La Puente,
CA
91744
145 N. 1st Street,
La Puente,
CA
91744
4 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Architects: Simeon Charles Lee
Styles: Quonset Hut
Previous Names: Puente Theatre
Nearby Theaters
This theatre was designed by S. Charles Lee in the Quonset Hut style and opened as the Puente Theatre in late-1947.
It was renamed the Star Theatre and during its later years, it ran adult films before being used for live Mexican performances.
It became once again used as a first-run movie theatre, operated by an independent operator, but was closed in 2007. It was demolished on June 17, 2019.
Contributed by
William Gabel
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Recent comments (view all 39 comments)
Joe Vogel…if you look in the photo section, there is a black and white photo of the Bing Crosby Picture “Road to Rio”—if you look very closely above it, it spells out P U E N T E !!!
I remember as a kid seeing a movie there called “Dime with a Halo” It was a local movie about kids winning on a horse bet – they stole a dime from the poor box at Church to make the bet. And they had to get this old guy to get their winnings. He dies on the way to cash in the ticket. Very depressing for a kid.
I live in Old Town and pass this theatre everyday. It was always the ‘adult theatre’ since i was a kid. But as an adult, I am now wondering how we can put this building back into use? showing movies that have been out for a while at a lesser cost? Or maybe a comedy venue. Does anyone know how to get this started or make this happen? If the City couldn’t get paid for it, they should be willing to make money off of it and bring in some revenue and a few jobs into the City, right? Our little city, is coming up in the Arts…why not add the theatre back? Anyone out there that can direct me????
very quaint theater, still has the old classic marquee, it went from general audience films in the 60s, to Spanish speaking movies in the 70’s to adult films in the late70s-early 80s.. always hoped and dreamed someone would buy it and show cool old classic b&w films there for car shows and cruise nites..
Who owns this now??? is it currently open?
Sassyrey1: The Star Theatre is currently closed. As of November, 2012, it was owned by a bank which had foreclosed on it, according to posts on this weblog.
I went to my first movie, Pinocchio, at the Puente Theater. That was over 60 years ago. It is such a shame that a piece of history such as this can’t be saved. I remember standing in line waiting to go in and being so amazed by the paintings on the walls and how grand it seemed to a six year old at his first movie. And my mother let me go alone. If only I were rich….
Article about plans to demolish the Star Theatre.
http://www.sgvtribune.com/general-news/20170508/la-puentes-star-theatre-could-be-headed-for-demolition-heres-why-activists-are-trying-to-save-it
Here is the latest news on the Star Theatre. The current owner has proposed tearing down the Star to build 22 condo units on the property and adjoining parking lot. The Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation has submitted comments and case studies and spoken at the 2 most recent hearings. We found multiple errors and faulty assumptions in the Draft EIR. Last night, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to approve without any debate or discussion. Public comment was evenly split, 4-4.
Here is our advocacy page on the Star, it will be updated with all the information we have: www.lahtf.org/star-theatre/
Detailed project documents are available here on the City of La Puente’s website: http://lapuente.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=3&event_id=455
The theatre was operated by Carlos Tobalina during its' adult film years. A former car salesman and spanish language radio announcer, Tobalina carved out a highly lucrative career producing and directing adult films in the 70’s and 80’s. In addition to the Star, he was also the long time operator of the Mayan Theater in Los Angeles and the X Theater on Hollywood Blvd.