In this shot, we’re seeing the premiere of 1946’s highest grossing motion picture, “The Best Years of Our Lives.” It took place at the Palace Theatre at 630 S. Broadway in downtown Los Angeles on December 25, 1946. I wouldn’t have thought Christmas Day would have been the best time for producer Sam Goldwyn to hold a premiere, but it didn’t hamper his movie’s success. It went on to become the highest grossing picture of 1946 and won most of the Academy Awards it was nominated for.
The Palace Theatre isn’t in the greatest shape, but it’s still with us. In fact, it’s one of the oldest theaters in LA (it opened in 1911) and is the oldest remaining original Orpheum theater in the U.S. This is how it looked in June 2024.
I’m amazed the signs are all still there, and Orpheum is still clearly visible on the building. And seventy-eight years later “The Best Years of Our Lives” is still one of the great films.
What a Great Movie! If I had been around in 1946; I would have welcomed This Movie as a very Wonderful Christmas Gift.
God Bless You Sam Goldwyn.
Thank you for your Masterpiece.