As a former US Navy Color Guard member, it is always nice to see the American flag on show (see the opening photo) but your theater display needs to be rearranged in the correct manner, as prescribed by the US Government.
1, The US flag should always be positioned on the far left of a stage (especially when other flags are displayed) with the field of “stars” positioned in the upper left portion of the flag. #2, This is then followed by State, County, City and organization in that order to the right. #3, No other flag, including those of foreign countries are to be positioned any higher or ahead of the US flag.
This common problem is so often created by people who mean well but have never been properly informed. FYI, any American veterans facility or flag shop will gladly supply you with an official printout with pictures.
One of my favorites and best ‘indie’ cinemas around San Francisco. They certainly know how to book the right flicks. As for a booze license?… I’ll drink to that… hick!
Yes, cafe79, I also noted the curtains were still in the ‘open’ position. Terrible waste, eh? They could have been sold/given to another cinema in need of dressing their bare screen -something I loathe to see!
That staggeringly awesome facade would look even more so with a few shafts of colored floodlights carefully hidden on top of the marquee. It’s “color” that catches the eye of the passersby.
Sorry chaps… after three attempts to find “PORT ORCHARD, WASHINGTON 98366” (which is listed in your US directory) I drew a blank. The Dragonfly Cinema, as well as Regal are out there and have been for decades… seriously!
A very BIG “thank you” to Little Caesars Pizza for such generous foresight in preserving this cavernous movie palace. And if only someone in San Francisco had saved their awesome Fox, if only!
What a shame that the final note jammed after a catchy tune from such a talented artist. I have often smilingly commented, when an actual live presentation falters… “Well everything went right at rehearsal!!!”.
Many thanks, Ross, for this wonderful excerpt from the awesome (30 minute) Fox video. I had the pleasure of meeting Les Thomsen, the cinematographer who shot this historic film. My wife, a native of San Francisco, often cut school just to absorb the stage and its cavernous 5,000 seat auditorium. Many years later, we were given a gold leafed Cherub which was rescued from the ruins. This was originally located over the center front main lobby door and is clearly shown in Preston Kaufman’s wonderful book “The Fabulous, Foolish Fox”.
Nowadays, to see and hear live, that magnificent Wurlitzer organ, one needs to visit Disney’s glorious El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. It’s played before each show. Finally, I was thrilled to once be an usher at the “ElCap”… ah, what memories!
It pleases me to no end that my friend, Joseph Musil, has been recognized for his invaluable talented theater re-design efforts at the Village. My only regret is that he was not able to live long enough to physically see his final accomplishments… but his vivid imaginations will live on, in countless theaters across America, for patrons to enjoy!
I do hope someone will provide photographs for CT members?
Sleep well, sweet prince, we miss you so much -Simon
Everyone living in or visiting southern California should take the “Los Angeles Conservancy” historic theater tours along Broadway. Its cheap, informative, fun and memorable. Please, remember take your camera!
The actual opening of the Cinerama introduction trailer gave and still gives me goosebumps. Then, to experience the curtains and picture, sweeping wider and wider and wider is pure showbiz at its zenith. The awesome 91-foot screen and glorious sound in Salt Lake City’s Villa Theatre left one breathless!
My personal synopsis of “silent” cinema organists is that they must have the brain capacity of a “rocket scientist”. Remembering all of the organ settings, watching the picture, reading sheet music and working the foot pedals is pure magic for all to enjoy AND remember!
Although Mr. Carter has passed on, we still have the incomparable genius of organist Dennis James to savor.
As an avid movie patron in the 50’s/60’s in England, I recall that “Lyons” products were exclusive in the Associated British Cinema chain and “Walls” were in Rank’s Odeon and Gaumont circuits.
They always had the best “healthy” looking sales girls who wore a neck-tray loaded with ice creams and drinks. A typical example was portrayed in the Peter Sellers classic 1957 comedy picture “The Smallest Show On Earth”.
The Grand Lake really is GRAND… just drink-in the beautiful marque, amazing roof sign, the incomparable Wurlitzer organ and the glorious “jeweled” curtain from the long-gone (1963) San Francisco Fox.
Oh what HAPPY memories of my ABC Minors Club on Saturday mornings in the 1950’s, at the still standing ABC Broadway Cinema, Portswood, Southampton.
P.S. I seemed to have more than ONE birthday so as to be able to go onstage and wave to my school chums.
When visiting friends in Islington, I’d often see an afternoon movie at the ABC, then catch some boxing and finish the day off with a couple of pints before returning to my ship in Pompey.
Great days and even greater memories of the 1960’s.
We were seated in the balcony for the opening of “The Lord Of The Rings” #2. A full house cheered, whistled and rose to applauded their approval of the magnificent opening audio test. I cannot ever recall being surrounded by such enthusiastic applause -It was deafening and memorable to say the least!
As a former US Navy Color Guard member, it is always nice to see the American flag on show (see the opening photo) but your theater display needs to be rearranged in the correct manner, as prescribed by the US Government.
1, The US flag should always be positioned on the far left of a stage (especially when other flags are displayed) with the field of “stars” positioned in the upper left portion of the flag. #2, This is then followed by State, County, City and organization in that order to the right. #3, No other flag, including those of foreign countries are to be positioned any higher or ahead of the US flag.
This common problem is so often created by people who mean well but have never been properly informed. FYI, any American veterans facility or flag shop will gladly supply you with an official printout with pictures.
One of my favorites and best ‘indie’ cinemas around San Francisco. They certainly know how to book the right flicks. As for a booze license?… I’ll drink to that… hick!
Yes, cafe79, I also noted the curtains were still in the ‘open’ position. Terrible waste, eh? They could have been sold/given to another cinema in need of dressing their bare screen -something I loathe to see!
Reel-to-reel… the REAL way… and don’t forget to open the curtains!
There’s probably a McDonalds across the street or at the other end of the block… we mustn’t stress patrons must we? So why not nail parlor instead?
That staggeringly awesome facade would look even more so with a few shafts of colored floodlights carefully hidden on top of the marquee. It’s “color” that catches the eye of the passersby.
Sorry chaps… after three attempts to find “PORT ORCHARD, WASHINGTON 98366” (which is listed in your US directory) I drew a blank. The Dragonfly Cinema, as well as Regal are out there and have been for decades… seriously!
A very BIG “thank you” to Little Caesars Pizza for such generous foresight in preserving this cavernous movie palace. And if only someone in San Francisco had saved their awesome Fox, if only!
What a shame that the final note jammed after a catchy tune from such a talented artist. I have often smilingly commented, when an actual live presentation falters… “Well everything went right at rehearsal!!!”.
Viewing this wonderful instrument, with its glorious sound, made me feel that I was back in the days gone by and dancing on the ceiling!
Many thanks, Ross, for this wonderful excerpt from the awesome (30 minute) Fox video. I had the pleasure of meeting Les Thomsen, the cinematographer who shot this historic film. My wife, a native of San Francisco, often cut school just to absorb the stage and its cavernous 5,000 seat auditorium. Many years later, we were given a gold leafed Cherub which was rescued from the ruins. This was originally located over the center front main lobby door and is clearly shown in Preston Kaufman’s wonderful book “The Fabulous, Foolish Fox”. Nowadays, to see and hear live, that magnificent Wurlitzer organ, one needs to visit Disney’s glorious El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. It’s played before each show. Finally, I was thrilled to once be an usher at the “ElCap”… ah, what memories!
“Please Sir… can I have some more please?”
It pleases me to no end that my friend, Joseph Musil, has been recognized for his invaluable talented theater re-design efforts at the Village. My only regret is that he was not able to live long enough to physically see his final accomplishments… but his vivid imaginations will live on, in countless theaters across America, for patrons to enjoy! I do hope someone will provide photographs for CT members? Sleep well, sweet prince, we miss you so much -Simon
Everyone living in or visiting southern California should take the “Los Angeles Conservancy” historic theater tours along Broadway. Its cheap, informative, fun and memorable. Please, remember take your camera!
The actual opening of the Cinerama introduction trailer gave and still gives me goosebumps. Then, to experience the curtains and picture, sweeping wider and wider and wider is pure showbiz at its zenith. The awesome 91-foot screen and glorious sound in Salt Lake City’s Villa Theatre left one breathless!
My personal synopsis of “silent” cinema organists is that they must have the brain capacity of a “rocket scientist”. Remembering all of the organ settings, watching the picture, reading sheet music and working the foot pedals is pure magic for all to enjoy AND remember! Although Mr. Carter has passed on, we still have the incomparable genius of organist Dennis James to savor.
As an avid movie patron in the 50’s/60’s in England, I recall that “Lyons” products were exclusive in the Associated British Cinema chain and “Walls” were in Rank’s Odeon and Gaumont circuits. They always had the best “healthy” looking sales girls who wore a neck-tray loaded with ice creams and drinks. A typical example was portrayed in the Peter Sellers classic 1957 comedy picture “The Smallest Show On Earth”.
The Grand Lake really is GRAND… just drink-in the beautiful marque, amazing roof sign, the incomparable Wurlitzer organ and the glorious “jeweled” curtain from the long-gone (1963) San Francisco Fox.
Oh what HAPPY memories of my ABC Minors Club on Saturday mornings in the 1950’s, at the still standing ABC Broadway Cinema, Portswood, Southampton. P.S. I seemed to have more than ONE birthday so as to be able to go onstage and wave to my school chums.
At least Long Beach patrons still have the recent and beautifully restored Art Cinema on 4th Avenue to enjoy.
Simply unique in every art deco way
When visiting friends in Islington, I’d often see an afternoon movie at the ABC, then catch some boxing and finish the day off with a couple of pints before returning to my ship in Pompey. Great days and even greater memories of the 1960’s.
What a fabulous Wurlitzer console… if only Rob Richards would use the original ornate bench… this photograph would be enhanced, as designed!
I can still quietly hear the echoing ghostly soundtracks bouncing off the walls… how sad!
We were seated in the balcony for the opening of “The Lord Of The Rings” #2. A full house cheered, whistled and rose to applauded their approval of the magnificent opening audio test. I cannot ever recall being surrounded by such enthusiastic applause -It was deafening and memorable to say the least!