Tower Theatre by Angelika

The Tower is a lovely place that is in “critical condition.” If the current management is listening, please make an investment in repairing this deteriorating local treasure. If you want to “Save the Tower,” start by restoring some of it’s splendor. The bathrooms, fixtures and general cleanliness of the theatre have been neglected for far too long. Start the shows on time, and train your staff to be informed about the current and upcoming films, friendly and interested. As a former independent classic/arthouse theatre employee, I can tell you that the details count to your patrons. The presentation IS your product (including the experience of attending the theatre itself). Give the people what they want…a quality experience.

It is sad to see the old girl in such disrepair. I worked at the Tower, and managed it under Landmark Theatre corp. for some time. It was like pulling teeth to get things restored or even repaired. I actually did things on my own, with money out of pocket at times as did many of us over the years. At one time, I had art students from Calif. university at S.F. willing to come and restore the art deco murals that hide behind the curtains in the main theatre for FREE (I would pay for paint and supplies), but the company (landmark) would not allow it. I fear Sacramento will lose another treasure. The Tower would be best if restored to ONE screen as intended, and maybe allow live shows on occasion, like its sister venue, the Colonial, or nearby Crest theare.

Some of the film premier parties we had at the Tower wil go down in local history. With the ever delightful assistance of Matias Bombal, emcee extraordenare, genious of show, and the fabulous, talented, and lovely Pamela Williams, we did some really neat stuff. Period carbon arch search lights often bathed the spire, and staff would dress to the nines in period attire, aboard classic automobiles on loan from the Towe Ford museum, rumbling about the parking lot. Big bands would strut there musical stuff in the lobby, and “King Kong” even climbed the Tower one night, Fay Ray in hand as search lights, amused patrons, and the news media looked on. I will always remember fondly, and miss my days at the Tower Theatre.

Jo Babbitt
Sacramento, ca.

The Tower is owned by the son of the man who built it, and he does not want to sell it. The building will not be demolished, it is the viability of the theatre operation that is in question.

I put these pictures on here years ago, recently a freind Googled me and this site came up. I am glad to see this site has grown.

You’re telling us about a gathering that happened April 4 now that it’s April 27? I’m assuming you mean May 4..

The Sacramento Tower Theatre Opened on Noveber 11, 1938, not 1940. The program was “Freshman Year” and “Algiers”, a sub run and a “B” picture. The Manager at the opening and for 1 year was Charlie Holtz.
-Matias Bombal

This theatre is a disgrace in its current state. The two auditoriums on the bottom still have only mono sound, and they get a lot of exclusive engagements of good movies! It was closed for several months but virtually nothing was done to improve it, in fact I hear it’s now even worse than it was when Landmark owned it. Someone needs to restore this back to the original single-screen it was.