The Studio Theater opened at 6523 Hollywood Blvd on July 31, 1931, billing itself as “the world’s most unique theater.” It was unique because it was an “automatic theatre” which meant that there were no ticket takers or ushers—just a ticket seller out front and vending machines in the lobby. This was a project of Howard Hughes’ Hughes-Franklin circuit. The circuit didn’t last long but the theatre survived. In 1936 the theatre got a remodel and was renamed the Colony. It was known in the 40s and 50s as the Hollywood Music Hall and, later, as the Academy. In the 1960s it got another name, the Holly. The building is still there, but it’s just a nondescript shop front.
Hi – this is fascinating in that I have no recollection of it at all! Bless you for adding to my collection of memories. Love always.
wonderfully evocative photos of bygone Hollywood.There is tangible “time travel “feel to the images.
Dear Martin: I just watched a silent film – “Underworld” (1927, Paramount, Joe Von Sternberg) and the production is by Hector Turnbull – is he a relative of yours? I found it on Amazon Prime Silent films. Your forever friend, L