Can you believe this is the same theatre where “The Sound of Music” played for over a year. When it was the United Artists it was one of the premiere reserved seat roadshow houses in the Bay Area. brucec
Mann theatres is toying with the idea of making the National the largest Stadium seating screen in the country. It would cost 5 million for this renovation.Make sure you keep the huge screen. brucec
The restoration of this theatre doesn’t even come close to what this theatre looked like even in the 60’s. The earthquake is no excuse on how this theatre looks today. The theatre looks the way it looks because American Cinematheque thought this would be hip and the cutting edge in cinema presentation and sound. They got what they wanted because the presentation and sound is excellent but the auditorium is boring. I believe 6 million was spent on both The Chinese restoration and The El Capitan. The Pantages cost between 10-12 million. The Downtown Orpheum according to sources cost around 4 million for its restoration. I have been told the Egyptian could be returned to its original state. I love the programing and I love what American Cinematheque stands for but I am not in love with the way the theatre looks it was a major letdown. brucec
This is a fantastic Theatre as both a film palace and legitimate theatre. In 1975 I saw the film :The Wind and the Lion". In 2000 I saw the stage musical “The Beauty and The Beast. brucec
I saw one of the opening movies at this theatre “For Petes Sake” in 1974.Times Square at this time still had Loews State Twin, Cinerama and Penthouse,Criterion,Rivoli,Embassy,National, and the DeMille theatres. Its a shame that NYC did not save one of there Motion Picture Palaces in Times Sqaure. I know there are few theatres in the area that showed movies but they have been legitimate theatres for most of there lives. I think the studios should preserve both the Astor Plaza and Ziegfeld for premieres and other industry events.brucec
The Warfield was always a first run house. The Warfield was given a beautiful renovation by National General in 1969. This is my favorite remaining movie palace in San Francisco.
At one time it was the Loews Warfield and the Fox Warfield. brucec
I saw Cat Ballou in the Pix theatre in 1965. I remember the Pix for its spectacular Neon Marquee. I wish the new owners will restore neon to the marquee of this theatre. A tacky plastic vertical marquee was put up for one of our greatest actors Henry Fonda who deserved better. Brucec
I attended a film at the Empire in 1975 and thought it was a lovely modern film theatre with a huge screen and great sound. I was dissapointed in the 1990’s on what was done in the last renovation. I think it would be lovely if this theatre was restored and used in the same way the large Odeon in the West End is used.It could be used for premieres and the large epic films Hollywood is again producing. I believe this house is jointly owned by Paramount and Universal. brucec
There is a severe shortage of musical theatres of this size in the theatre district. It would be nice if this theatre could be brought back on line and a new and larger home found for the church who have taken such good care of it.I heard a rumor that Disney was very interested in this theatre. brucec
Why doesn’t the Radio City Christmas Spectacular play the Chicago instead of that theatre who’s name escapes me at the moment. It pulled in huge numbers at the Detroit Fox.brucec
The last reserved seat exclusive run to play the Bismrak was in the early 1970’s.The picture was called “Nicolas and Alexandra”. I took my own tour of the theatre in the late 90’s before it was restored. It was in pretty good condition since it had been a banquet facility for the Bismark Hotel for a number of years. brucec
I love the vertical marquee and the lobby of the Portland. I was very dissapointed in the auditorium. It was painted one color and not the original colors. This theatre was renovated and not restored. This is the last picture palace left in downtown Portland. Three movie theatres were torn down in the 1990’s including the Fox. Portland has the nerve to call it a theatre disrict. brucec
In 1967 I saw “Thorouly Modern Millie” in its road show engagement. The last film I saw at the Pacific was “Back to the Future 111”. I wish Warner Bros would do with this house what Disney did with the El Capitan. This would give Warners a prestige showcase in a revitalized Hollywood Blvd. It would also be a tribute to the Warner Bros who built the theatre. brucec
The 5th Avenue is more ornate than the Chinese in Hollywood. I love both theatres. I wish someone would give this theatre a proper marquee. This theatre needs both a vertical and canopy marquee lit in neon. The front of this theatre is so boring without a proper marquee. The interior of the theatre is breathtaking. brucec
The 5th Avenue is more ornate than the Chinese in Hollywood. I love both theatres. I wish someone would give this theatre a proper marquee. This theatre needs both a vertical and canopy marquee lit in neon. The front of this theatre is so boring with a proper marquee. The interior of the theatre is breath taking. brucec
The Fox was my favorite theatre I saw movies in during the 1960’s. I took a tour of the theatre when Mrs Duluchi purchased it at an auction. The theatre did not cease operation in 1965. The last major exclusive run film to play the Fox was “Rosemary’s Baby” in 1968. The Fox then played soft porn with “I Am Curious Yellow” which had a very long run. This theatre deserves a complete restoration and would compliment the Paramount. I don’t think its necessary at this time to equip the theatre to be a broadway house do to San Francisco.I do think the theatre should be equipped for film, stage and concerts. The “Fox” and the “Paramount” are the largest film palaces still standing in the State of California.I believe the auditoriums may be the largest west of the Mississippi. Its amazing that both of these theatres are located in Oakland along with the “Grand Lake”. The City has three major assets in which to boast and use as a marketing tool. San Francisco tore down both the “Fox” and “Paramount” in the 1960’s. brucec
I love the marquee of the Woods and the United Artists theatres in Chicago. Would love to see pictures of Randolph St in the late 50’s and early 60’s of the marquees on the street at that time. brucec
I would like to see the BF Keith name be used after the restoration. Naming rights of historic theatres should include the historic name. A compromise could be made such as the case in Chicago with the “Ford Center Oriental” and in New York with the “Cadillac Winter Garden”. Brucec
My father was from Buffalo. We went back every few years to visit relatives. I saw the 1967 James Bond film at a midnight showing of “You Only Live Twice” at the Shea’s Buffalo.The theatre was in beautiful condition. Down the street at the Loews Tech was “Taming of the Shrew” and across the street at the Cinema was “Barefoot in the Park” and down the street at the Century Theatre was a Disney feature and the Paramount was closed. Buffalo truly had a theatre distict then. Bruce
I saw many films at the Egyptian through the years. Im glad the theatre has been preserved but I am dissapointed in the renovation for the amount of money spent. The renovation at the Chinese is far superior. The best seat in the house is in the new balcony. I have been around the world and have seen restoration where new meets old done with more sensitivity and a lot less money. I am happy with the programming that has been brought to the Egyptian. Bruce
I have always been very dissapointed in the renovation of the Golden Gate. The Curran and the Orpheum are lovely but the Golden Gate needs some work. It would be nice if the current owners would even bother to put the neon back on the two vertical signs. More RESTORATION WAS DONE IN THE lobby than the auditorium. It would be nice if at least an attempt was made to make the auditorium more pleasing.Its been this way for many years. Bruce
The Grand Lake was one of two Roadshow houses in the East BAy during the 1960’s. I Saw Ben Hur, How The West Was Won, Dr. Zhivago, The SandPebbles, Magnificient Men in There Flying Machines, Camelot, Grand Prix during there reserved seat engagements. The theatre had a major renovation by National General During the engagement of The Sand Pebbles. When the exclusive Runs dissapreared the Grand Lake showed all ist Run Disney product in the 1970’s. The theatre was in excellent shape . I return to the Grand Lake and see many films over the years but I still miss the balcony. It is my favorite theatre in the Bay Area to see a film.
Can you believe this is the same theatre where “The Sound of Music” played for over a year. When it was the United Artists it was one of the premiere reserved seat roadshow houses in the Bay Area. brucec
Mann theatres is toying with the idea of making the National the largest Stadium seating screen in the country. It would cost 5 million for this renovation.Make sure you keep the huge screen. brucec
The restoration of this theatre doesn’t even come close to what this theatre looked like even in the 60’s. The earthquake is no excuse on how this theatre looks today. The theatre looks the way it looks because American Cinematheque thought this would be hip and the cutting edge in cinema presentation and sound. They got what they wanted because the presentation and sound is excellent but the auditorium is boring. I believe 6 million was spent on both The Chinese restoration and The El Capitan. The Pantages cost between 10-12 million. The Downtown Orpheum according to sources cost around 4 million for its restoration. I have been told the Egyptian could be returned to its original state. I love the programing and I love what American Cinematheque stands for but I am not in love with the way the theatre looks it was a major letdown. brucec
This is a fantastic Theatre as both a film palace and legitimate theatre. In 1975 I saw the film :The Wind and the Lion". In 2000 I saw the stage musical “The Beauty and The Beast. brucec
I saw one of the opening movies at this theatre “For Petes Sake” in 1974.Times Square at this time still had Loews State Twin, Cinerama and Penthouse,Criterion,Rivoli,Embassy,National, and the DeMille theatres. Its a shame that NYC did not save one of there Motion Picture Palaces in Times Sqaure. I know there are few theatres in the area that showed movies but they have been legitimate theatres for most of there lives. I think the studios should preserve both the Astor Plaza and Ziegfeld for premieres and other industry events.brucec
The Warfield was always a first run house. The Warfield was given a beautiful renovation by National General in 1969. This is my favorite remaining movie palace in San Francisco.
At one time it was the Loews Warfield and the Fox Warfield. brucec
I saw Cat Ballou in the Pix theatre in 1965. I remember the Pix for its spectacular Neon Marquee. I wish the new owners will restore neon to the marquee of this theatre. A tacky plastic vertical marquee was put up for one of our greatest actors Henry Fonda who deserved better. Brucec
The Crest is no longer owned by Pacific theatres. It was sold to a theatre buff for 3.5 Million. Brucec
I attended a film at the Empire in 1975 and thought it was a lovely modern film theatre with a huge screen and great sound. I was dissapointed in the 1990’s on what was done in the last renovation. I think it would be lovely if this theatre was restored and used in the same way the large Odeon in the West End is used.It could be used for premieres and the large epic films Hollywood is again producing. I believe this house is jointly owned by Paramount and Universal. brucec
There is a severe shortage of musical theatres of this size in the theatre district. It would be nice if this theatre could be brought back on line and a new and larger home found for the church who have taken such good care of it.I heard a rumor that Disney was very interested in this theatre. brucec
Why doesn’t the Radio City Christmas Spectacular play the Chicago instead of that theatre who’s name escapes me at the moment. It pulled in huge numbers at the Detroit Fox.brucec
The last reserved seat exclusive run to play the Bismrak was in the early 1970’s.The picture was called “Nicolas and Alexandra”. I took my own tour of the theatre in the late 90’s before it was restored. It was in pretty good condition since it had been a banquet facility for the Bismark Hotel for a number of years. brucec
I love the vertical marquee and the lobby of the Portland. I was very dissapointed in the auditorium. It was painted one color and not the original colors. This theatre was renovated and not restored. This is the last picture palace left in downtown Portland. Three movie theatres were torn down in the 1990’s including the Fox. Portland has the nerve to call it a theatre disrict. brucec
In 1967 I saw “Thorouly Modern Millie” in its road show engagement. The last film I saw at the Pacific was “Back to the Future 111”. I wish Warner Bros would do with this house what Disney did with the El Capitan. This would give Warners a prestige showcase in a revitalized Hollywood Blvd. It would also be a tribute to the Warner Bros who built the theatre. brucec
The 5th Avenue is more ornate than the Chinese in Hollywood. I love both theatres. I wish someone would give this theatre a proper marquee. This theatre needs both a vertical and canopy marquee lit in neon. The front of this theatre is so boring without a proper marquee. The interior of the theatre is breathtaking. brucec
The 5th Avenue is more ornate than the Chinese in Hollywood. I love both theatres. I wish someone would give this theatre a proper marquee. This theatre needs both a vertical and canopy marquee lit in neon. The front of this theatre is so boring with a proper marquee. The interior of the theatre is breath taking. brucec
The Fox was my favorite theatre I saw movies in during the 1960’s. I took a tour of the theatre when Mrs Duluchi purchased it at an auction. The theatre did not cease operation in 1965. The last major exclusive run film to play the Fox was “Rosemary’s Baby” in 1968. The Fox then played soft porn with “I Am Curious Yellow” which had a very long run. This theatre deserves a complete restoration and would compliment the Paramount. I don’t think its necessary at this time to equip the theatre to be a broadway house do to San Francisco.I do think the theatre should be equipped for film, stage and concerts. The “Fox” and the “Paramount” are the largest film palaces still standing in the State of California.I believe the auditoriums may be the largest west of the Mississippi. Its amazing that both of these theatres are located in Oakland along with the “Grand Lake”. The City has three major assets in which to boast and use as a marketing tool. San Francisco tore down both the “Fox” and “Paramount” in the 1960’s. brucec
I love the marquee of the Woods and the United Artists theatres in Chicago. Would love to see pictures of Randolph St in the late 50’s and early 60’s of the marquees on the street at that time. brucec
I would like to see the BF Keith name be used after the restoration. Naming rights of historic theatres should include the historic name. A compromise could be made such as the case in Chicago with the “Ford Center Oriental” and in New York with the “Cadillac Winter Garden”. Brucec
My father was from Buffalo. We went back every few years to visit relatives. I saw the 1967 James Bond film at a midnight showing of “You Only Live Twice” at the Shea’s Buffalo.The theatre was in beautiful condition. Down the street at the Loews Tech was “Taming of the Shrew” and across the street at the Cinema was “Barefoot in the Park” and down the street at the Century Theatre was a Disney feature and the Paramount was closed. Buffalo truly had a theatre distict then. Bruce
I saw many films at the Egyptian through the years. Im glad the theatre has been preserved but I am dissapointed in the renovation for the amount of money spent. The renovation at the Chinese is far superior. The best seat in the house is in the new balcony. I have been around the world and have seen restoration where new meets old done with more sensitivity and a lot less money. I am happy with the programming that has been brought to the Egyptian. Bruce
I have always been very dissapointed in the renovation of the Golden Gate. The Curran and the Orpheum are lovely but the Golden Gate needs some work. It would be nice if the current owners would even bother to put the neon back on the two vertical signs. More RESTORATION WAS DONE IN THE lobby than the auditorium. It would be nice if at least an attempt was made to make the auditorium more pleasing.Its been this way for many years. Bruce
The Grand Lake was one of two Roadshow houses in the East BAy during the 1960’s. I Saw Ben Hur, How The West Was Won, Dr. Zhivago, The SandPebbles, Magnificient Men in There Flying Machines, Camelot, Grand Prix during there reserved seat engagements. The theatre had a major renovation by National General During the engagement of The Sand Pebbles. When the exclusive Runs dissapreared the Grand Lake showed all ist Run Disney product in the 1970’s. The theatre was in excellent shape . I return to the Grand Lake and see many films over the years but I still miss the balcony. It is my favorite theatre in the Bay Area to see a film.