To my mind, at least, there’s always something rather mesmerizing about a photo of a well-lit theater at night. It’s not just about the lights, but the shadows they create. It gives the image a sense of texture. This is the United Artists Theatre at 606 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, in 1931. Playing at the time was Fox feature called “The Yellow Ticket” starring Lionel Barrymore. Interestingly, it also starred Laurence Olivier in one of his first film roles. I didn’t know he was in Hollywood that early in his career.
The good news is that the building is still there and in glorious condition. It is currently a Sweetgreen restaurant. This image is from June 2022.
It looks to be the theater my Grandmother took me to see Walt Disney’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea the year it premiered, 1954. I was eight but set such a lasting impression with that huge auditorium and big screen, that it has been a favorite movie ever since. First on DVD and now on Blu-ray and with a 2:40 – 1 aspect ratio on our 4K UHD TV, I relive the 1954 experience once a year. So enamored with the film and the Disney Nautilus, a beautiful 48-inch EFX scale model is on display in the hall between the foyer and the family room. Thank you Grandma for a wonderful experience lovingly recalled with each viewing of the film and enjoying the beautifully crafted scale model of the Nautilus.
Gotta love those Grand Parents hey Richard? Such a beautiful building I am so happy it was not destroyed like so many others.
Such thought was put into the designs of these old movie houses. They should never be torn down. Perhaps repurposed such as this Grand old building but never torn down.
Incidentally, this UA theatre was saved, and repurposed as a school supply store from the 1990s until a few years ago. I appreciate the retail store’s role in keeping that deco edifice standing, but repurposed as a restaurant is a little more en par (dignified?) RE: the original function.
Incidentally, this UA theatre was saved, and repurposed as a school supply store from the 1990s until a few years ago. I appreciate the retail store’s role in keeping that deco edifice standing, but repurposed as a restaurant is a little more en par (dignified?) RE: the original function.
In a perfect world, it would be nice if this building was still used for its intended purpose. But honestly, in a city that has torn down so much, I’m just glad it’s still there and in such good condition.