People who are unfamiliar with Los Angeles architecture might be excused for thinking this shot of the Pan Pacific Auditorium on Beverly Blvd was a still from a movie using a matte painting background. But for over 35 years (1935 to the early 1970s) this streamline moderne gem was the premier location for indoor public events in L.A. This particular shot was taken in October 1937 and those people are going to see the silver jubilee auto show.
This is the sort of show that greeted them. This shot was taken inside the Pan Pacific two years later at the 1939 auto show:
Susan M said: “After the Sports Arena opened in ’59, the Pan Pacific was not the big destination it had been for events. The ice shows, ice hockey, the circus and basketball all moved to the Sports Arena. The ’60 Democratic Convention was held at the new Sports Arena. We still had a lot of trade shows at the Pan Pacific after the Sports Arena opened however.”
See also: A collection of photos of the Pan Pacific Auditorium, 7600 West Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AYQuIx_XcJM/maxresdefault.jpg
This is the entrance to Disney’s hollywood studio!
I’d happily take any one of those beautiful cars.
I’d happily empty my bank account to go back and walk around there
for a couple days.
I think that Elvis played there in the 1950s or early 1960s.
I think you’re right, Stephen.
Speaking of Elvis, I once saw him in the late 1950’s driving down Hollywood Blvd. in a pink Cadillac.
Pink??? I wouldn’t have thought that!
Check this out about Elvis’s pink Cadillac.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley%27s_Pink_Cadillac#:~:text=Elvis%20Presley's%20iconic%20Pink,museum%2C%20in%20Memphis%2C%20Tennessee.
…and in the late 50’s “the Pan” was the home court of UCLA basketball.
Thanks, Skip. I didn’t know that!
I was at the Pan Pacific in 1966 or ’67 for the Auto Show. I met the stars of the TV show “The Green Hornet” – Van Williams and Bruce Lee (yes, that Bruce Lee!) in his first role in America. They were there with “Black Beauty,” the Green Hornet’s car. Bruce was dressed in his Kato outfit.
Wow, Jack, what a great memory you get to carry around. Thanks for sharing that with us.
XANADU, used in the 1980’s musical.