If they ever invent a time machine, I’ll be setting my destination for Hollywood’s greatest year, 1939, and this event is one I’d be trying to finagle my way into: the September 27 premiere of “The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex” at the Warner Bros. Theater, 9404 Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills. Not only would it be great to see this movie for the very first time, but perhaps also catch a glimpse of Bette Davis, who shaved two inches off her hairline to play Queen Elizabeth twice her actual age. I’d also love a chance to see inside Warner Bros.’ spectacular Art Deco Beverly Hills theater.

From Everett E: “The City of Beverly Hills made a stupid decision when they gave developer the OK to tear the theater down to build an office building. For years there was nothing but a hole in the ground. The developer used the usual excuses due to the poor economic situation, etc. Now just a parking lot. The Warner in San Pedro was designed by the same architect and is similar in design. The Beverly Hills version was bigger and more elaborate being a prime example of Art Deco. The architect was B. Marcus Priteca who also was the chief architect for the Pantages circuit and designed his crowning achievement, the Hollywood Pantages, in 1930-31.”

The theater is no longer around. This image is from March 2021: