Cine 7 Theatre
3814 MacArthur Boulevard,
Oakland,
CA
94619
3814 MacArthur Boulevard,
Oakland,
CA
94619
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This reopened as Cine'7 (Ciné 7) on July 7th, 1962. Grand opening ad in the photo section.
Opened March 16th, 1939
Laurel theatre opening Thu, Mar 16, 1939 – Page 20 · Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) · Newspapers.com
So sad this great little Laurel Theatre has been taken down. This was my neighborhood theatre as a kid along with the Fairfax in Oakland. Golden State Theatres/United California Theatres ran some great kid shows with KARTOONASCOPE. The Laurel was a church the last few years. I missed going over and taking some photos on It’s last days. They always had nice curtains and blue lights on them. UA wanted more cash with the art films and changed the name to Cine 7. The local Catholic church St Laurence O' Tools sent out notes to protest the change I remember. They brought back reg films after a few months. The city of Oakland could care less about these old classic movie buildings that could have re born as a new entertainment place.
I am sorry to report that the Laurel/Cine 7 is undergoing demolition as of this writing.
When I was at Mills College (1962-66), this was the closest theater. We could walk to it.
I saw “The Girl Can’t Help It” at the Laurel in 1957. I think the co-feature was “Dino” with Sal Mineo. Does anyone remember that? A nice neighborhood theater.
I just moved into the Maxwell Park area, attending Fremont High in the 50’s and a neighbor asked me if I wanted to go to the movies with him and the rest of the guys. That was the first time I went to the Laurel Theater. It was around 1953. We moved around Oakland a lot. From downtown to East Oakland.
Victory Outreach has left the former Cine 7; the new occupant is called the Dominion Christian Center.
Here is an April 1964 ad from the Oakland Tribune:
http://tinyurl.com/arkn4u
Someone needs to bring back the Laurel Theatre. The area doesn’t have any movie theatres. Bring in the guys that run the El Cerrito and have food,drinks and movies. Across the streets sits the old Hopkins, another old Oakland neighborhood house that has been many things since it’s movie days. Bring back Mrs A to manage the New Laurel. Is she still around. A real class manager for the UA circuit. Always had a flower in her hair, says my friend Ed Jacklich who worked for her in the late 60’s.
Just went on the market today for $1,999,999 Still used as “Victory Outreach” church. Sq ft of building is 10,376 # of parking spaces is 27. Listing agent is Benjamin Mohr at (925) 820-9911
A recent photo of the building as the Victory Outreach:
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A recent photo of the building as the Victory Outreach:
View link
One note of trivia about the Laurel’s vertical: When it became the Cine 7, the reel of film was replaced by an asterisk.
Speaking of Crawford’s Coffee Shop, I remember there was a clock to the left of the proscenium around which the words “CRAWFORD’S COFFEE SHOP” were boldly displayed.
I remember the Cine 7 when it was called the Laurel. Saw “town without pity” there. When it was changed to the Cine 7, in the beginning showed runs that just left Downtown Oakland, then went to porn for about a year, then to a b movie house. You were able to buy membership cards, and get in for 50 cents. Candy counter was on main floor and stairs on both sides took you up to the restrooms and entrances to the balcony. The balcony was full of marijuana and lovemaking. It didn’t have any murals in it that i can remember. The marquee was cool, the vertical on the top was a black and white shaped reel of film, and when lit, would flash and look like it was rotating. You could see it all the way down MacArthur Blvd. When it first became the love center church, the marquee was removed. Crawfords coffee shop across the street had the best shakes!
I lived and grew up in the Laurel District in Oakland, before moving away in the late eighties. The stories are vast and numerous for me to mention specific shows, but the theater was dark and dank and on a weekend night you had your share of Marijauna, fights and making out. I saw a double feature Led Zepplin/Pink Floyd, not to mention, the scare of my life movie, “The Exorcist” yikes. All in all many good make out sessions. Ah the old Cine7
The Laurel opened on March 17, 1939. The opening features were “The Great Waltz” and “Service De Luxe.”
I attended Mills College in the early sixties. This was the only theater we could walk to. I have a vague memory that it wasn’t first run at that time. This was possible during the art films stage.
I saw the house of dark shadows there and remember the smell of pop corn and marijauna in the air.
Cine 7’s status should be “Closed” rather than “Open.”
The Cine 7 briefly operated in the mid 1990’s as the Laurel Community Theatre.
The Laurel’s architect was Alexander Aimwel Cantin.
WOW Hello Dolly and Darling Lily did you bring lunch and dinner? :)
you, can call me at 510-895-8711, dan.