In regard to the Hillsdale Cinema comments made by my self, I should clarify that compared to the theatres I was raised around, IE: Fox Stanford, Palo Alto, Fox, Redwood City, Carlos, San Carlos, Laurel, San Carlos, San Mateo Theatre, San Mateo, Fox, Burlingame, even the Fox Skyline, San Bruno, The Hillsdale Cinema was just a typical 70’s looking building that housed a movie theatre lacking any of the charm of the aformentioned REAL THEATRES.
In regard to the UA Redwood Theatre, I remember it opening in the late 80’s early 90’s. However it was not able to compete with the newly opened Century Theatres near Bayshore (old Redwood Drive-in site.) It was a pretty nice multiplex, 6 screens as I remember. It sure did not last long. It was closed in 94 if my memory serves me right. Also UA THEATRES was in a financial bind during that time period. A lot of UA Cinemas closed.
Now that I think about it, we bought some things at Montgomery Ward and had them sent to our Reno address BEFORE moving here in March if 95. So the mall was still in operation in 95. It must have been 96 0r 97 when it came down. I totally forgot about that. You say Red Robin is still operating? We were regulars at that place when it was at the original Fashion Island. There’s so much more retail going on there, than I realized.
Many thanks for the pictures of downtown Redwood City, the one shows the FOX THEATRE in the background. That was the theatre I worked at (along with other family members before me) that started my 12 year career with National General Theatres. I have so many wonderful memories of my “theatre days” with that company. Too bad Ted Mann had to come into the picture.
I understand there was problems with Syufy and Cinemark Theatres in regard to the continued operation of the original Century Theatre, after the new one opened on Broadway. Syufy must have sole ownership of the original Century, and does not want to let it go. It would seem counterproductive that there would be 2 Century Theatres in operation in the same town, and really not that far apart. Sorry to hear the tore down the UA on Veterans Blvd. That sure didn’t last very long. I think it had already closed in 95 be fore we came here.
Benl
Benl,
I was surprised that the ice rink was still there. After the mall came down, I was under the impression that it was all replaced with condos. You say there is also a Home Depot there now and a Target? That’s more retail than I expected.If Target still refers to itself as Fashion Island it must have been there during that time(or their just trying be clever by holding on to that old name.) We moved to Reno in 95, so you can imagine how out of touch I am now. My hometown is Redwood City and have no clue to what’s happening there! It great to hear from someone who’s somewhat in touch.
This theatre had to be the ugliest,functional use only building I have ever seen. It showed all the current films of the times, but lacked any “personality” of architecture. General Cinema seemed to always be on a ‘budget’ when it came to building theatres. With so many other peninsula theatres during the 60’s & 70’s to choose from I did my best to avoid that one.
Heath Ledger was an actor of today, and his own style. I certainly would not compare him to anyone else, who might be better or worse. Heath Ledger was his own person who will be greatly missed.
If you are talking about Cinemarks difference in theatre design, as in difference of architecture, it may partly come that company buying out other chains of theatres. Most recently, the Century/Syufy chain of theatres. Cinemark bought out the west coast brand of Century, however, the names of Centurys theatres did not change.
All info above is absolutley correct. I could never figure out why the theatre address was referred to as 200 Pacific Heights, as that was the name of the shopping center not the actual street name. When giving directions to patrons, we either told them Skyline Blvd. at Sharp Park Rd.,or top of Westborough Blvd. You could NOT miss the huge marquee that faced out on Skyline. Nobody ever complained about getting lost!! That was a very attractive theatre, by the way, but could never compare to my Fox in Redwood City. That shopping center became a huge apt complex, sitting on top of San Andreas Fault. Can’t imagine living there!
In speaking of Anderson TV/Video, it’s location would be the entire Redwood Theatre site, not the old Balestra Pontiac property. Just to clarify from above entry.
You are correct with theatre being located on the southwest corner, I should have mentioned that in my last entry. I also would agree that the address would be 42, but I’m not positive. It sure would make sense that it would be 42. That sure is a Pontiac logo. It looks like it could have been a garage for repairs. I also remember Balestra Pontiac being at 1039 El Camino. (we never referred to El Camino as being north or south in Redwood City, just EL Camino).I’m sure Andersons TV/Video store still takes up that whole block now. I remember the entrance to the store was on the El Camino side. I’ve been in Reno 14 years now so I’m not positive whats there now.
I notice picture dates on two photos of the marquee are not correct. One shows the old marquee with a date of 1946, and the newer marquee which protrudes out from the building as 1940. When the Fox name was added to the marquee they only remodeled the top of the real 1946 marquee to accomodated the taller FOX letters that replaced the “fitted Sequoia” letters. A lot of extra neon was also added to the FOX marquee.( green,white,pink). The same marquee is still in place, however except for the FOX letters there is no other neon, and it was painted a horrible solid gold color. The old verticle Sequoia sign came down when the name changed to FOX.
I am sure the Redwood Theatre had a California St. address, even though it was kitty corner to Winklebeck St. Winklebleck St ran into El Camino Real, (in fact, it ends at El Camino). If you look down Winklebleck in the photo, you will notice a lot of tall trees. That would be Sequoia High School, which was on the other side of El Camino. California St ran between James St and Broadway. Putting the Redwood Theatre in the middle of the block. I used to have my piano lessons in the California Building which was on the opposite corner from the theatre, but on the same side of the street.
To Gary Parks, The area in which you describe, which would be going south on Broadway, from the Fox was at on time an old, old bank I think I recall. At the time I was just a child, but it seems that B of A was on that site you describe ( has an open plaza next to it, right??) I remember my aunt doing banking there when she was Asst. Mgr at the Fox. She lived with us all 11 years she was Asst. Mgr. at the Fox. I used to be with her there at the theatre almost everyday. I was born and raised in RC. And I could swear that she did the theatre banking there. Correct me if I’m wrong……. Also, I forgot about this, There was an old live theatre on Main St. at the turn of the century called The Alhambra, it was later bought by a mens fraternity for their private use. BUT, that really was the only other theatre in RWC. Trust me, back then the Fox was “the place to go!”
Thanks to Joe Vogel I found 2 great pictures of the old Redwood Theatre located on California St. on the SMC photo website. Great pics of the Fox also!! Thanks Joe! Check out the Redwood Theatre listed under the FOX THEATRES CHAIN ON CINEMA TREASURES.
Montgomery St. in Redwood City was renamed Winklebleck St.That name change was probably in the late 50’s, when Southern Pacific Railroad converted the area to public parking for the commute trains. Since Southern Pacific no longer runs passenger trains, the commute trains are now referred to as CALTRAIN. It runs between San Jose and San Francisco.
In regard to Gary Parks comment that there was another theatre on Broadway in Redwood City… The only theatre ever there was the Fox Theatre located at 2215 Broadway. The only other theatre that was on Broadway is the new Cinemark Century Complex. Other than that there was never any other theatre there. The only other theatre in downtown Redwood City was the little Redwood Theatre on California St.That theatre closed around 1953.
.In regard to Simon Overtons comment on speaking with Bank of America and the preservation of the Redwood Theatre, I don’t know how that was possible; that old branch of BofA was closed in the early 80’s. Bank of America did not preserve the Redwood Theatre. After BofA closed it was later replaced with Andersons TV/Video store at the same location (Andersons configured they’re entrance on to El Camino, instead of California St. The entrance of the Redwood Theatre was on California). I do remember Montgomery St. It was on the south side of the theatre, however that steet name was changed when Southern Pacific Railroad made a parking lot for their depot.
Does anyone remember the Redwood Theatre located on California Ave. (bordered by El Camino)?? It later became Bank of America, later Andersons TV/Video store. It was owned and operated by Fox West Coast Theatres. It closed around 1953. Anyone with any history/info would sure be appreciated.
Those draperies were like that 20 years ago, but what you describe, (which is probably true) could have been left in place as they were. No one could see the “filth” from above the stage area.If they found the draperies “crumbling”, they should have left them alone. Even through the 60’s to mid 70’s (Still owned by Fox/National General Theatres,during this period) The theatre was even more beautiful than it is today. A total remodel was done in the very early 50’s,due to auditorium ceiling caving in due to vibration of trains. The Skouras style was then done. The company maintained everything very well through the years.
I’m sure that anyone living in the vicinity of a neighborhood theatre would be proud to have Vincent Miranda and his fine group of business partners open a Pussycat Theatre there. I’m sure the Loma Prieta earthquake in 89 was the “one brightside” for the area residents of that theatre.
This theatre may have had ties to 20th Century Fox Film Corp., but it was never owned or operated by the FOX/NATIONAL GENERAL CORP. chain of theatres. These are seperate co’s. Fox/ National General no longer exsist. 20th Century Fox is alive and well. But there is no connection between the two. Fox Theatres/National General Theatres never owned or operated movie theatres overseas.
This theatre may have been part of 20th Century Fox Film Corp. but it was never owned or operated by the FOX chain of theatres. At one time they operated several theatres in Canada ( under the National General Corp.) That is about as foreign as that chain ever got with movie theatres!
If I am remembering correctly, This was a drive-in near or within driving distance from Victor, Idaho. As a kid my uncles used to take me there, on our yearly visit to my family’s farm in Victor.
In regard to the Hillsdale Cinema comments made by my self, I should clarify that compared to the theatres I was raised around, IE: Fox Stanford, Palo Alto, Fox, Redwood City, Carlos, San Carlos, Laurel, San Carlos, San Mateo Theatre, San Mateo, Fox, Burlingame, even the Fox Skyline, San Bruno, The Hillsdale Cinema was just a typical 70’s looking building that housed a movie theatre lacking any of the charm of the aformentioned REAL THEATRES.
In regard to the UA Redwood Theatre, I remember it opening in the late 80’s early 90’s. However it was not able to compete with the newly opened Century Theatres near Bayshore (old Redwood Drive-in site.) It was a pretty nice multiplex, 6 screens as I remember. It sure did not last long. It was closed in 94 if my memory serves me right. Also UA THEATRES was in a financial bind during that time period. A lot of UA Cinemas closed.
Benl
Now that I think about it, we bought some things at Montgomery Ward and had them sent to our Reno address BEFORE moving here in March if 95. So the mall was still in operation in 95. It must have been 96 0r 97 when it came down. I totally forgot about that. You say Red Robin is still operating? We were regulars at that place when it was at the original Fashion Island. There’s so much more retail going on there, than I realized.
Many thanks for the pictures of downtown Redwood City, the one shows the FOX THEATRE in the background. That was the theatre I worked at (along with other family members before me) that started my 12 year career with National General Theatres. I have so many wonderful memories of my “theatre days” with that company. Too bad Ted Mann had to come into the picture.
I understand there was problems with Syufy and Cinemark Theatres in regard to the continued operation of the original Century Theatre, after the new one opened on Broadway. Syufy must have sole ownership of the original Century, and does not want to let it go. It would seem counterproductive that there would be 2 Century Theatres in operation in the same town, and really not that far apart. Sorry to hear the tore down the UA on Veterans Blvd. That sure didn’t last very long. I think it had already closed in 95 be fore we came here.
Benl
Benl,
I was surprised that the ice rink was still there. After the mall came down, I was under the impression that it was all replaced with condos. You say there is also a Home Depot there now and a Target? That’s more retail than I expected.If Target still refers to itself as Fashion Island it must have been there during that time(or their just trying be clever by holding on to that old name.) We moved to Reno in 95, so you can imagine how out of touch I am now. My hometown is Redwood City and have no clue to what’s happening there! It great to hear from someone who’s somewhat in touch.
Great pics and wonderful memories of Fashion Island when I lived in Redwood City. Thanks Benl!!! Your pics were great.
This theatre had to be the ugliest,functional use only building I have ever seen. It showed all the current films of the times, but lacked any “personality” of architecture. General Cinema seemed to always be on a ‘budget’ when it came to building theatres. With so many other peninsula theatres during the 60’s & 70’s to choose from I did my best to avoid that one.
Heath Ledger was an actor of today, and his own style. I certainly would not compare him to anyone else, who might be better or worse. Heath Ledger was his own person who will be greatly missed.
If you are talking about Cinemarks difference in theatre design, as in difference of architecture, it may partly come that company buying out other chains of theatres. Most recently, the Century/Syufy chain of theatres. Cinemark bought out the west coast brand of Century, however, the names of Centurys theatres did not change.
All info above is absolutley correct. I could never figure out why the theatre address was referred to as 200 Pacific Heights, as that was the name of the shopping center not the actual street name. When giving directions to patrons, we either told them Skyline Blvd. at Sharp Park Rd.,or top of Westborough Blvd. You could NOT miss the huge marquee that faced out on Skyline. Nobody ever complained about getting lost!! That was a very attractive theatre, by the way, but could never compare to my Fox in Redwood City. That shopping center became a huge apt complex, sitting on top of San Andreas Fault. Can’t imagine living there!
In speaking of Anderson TV/Video, it’s location would be the entire Redwood Theatre site, not the old Balestra Pontiac property. Just to clarify from above entry.
You are correct with theatre being located on the southwest corner, I should have mentioned that in my last entry. I also would agree that the address would be 42, but I’m not positive. It sure would make sense that it would be 42. That sure is a Pontiac logo. It looks like it could have been a garage for repairs. I also remember Balestra Pontiac being at 1039 El Camino. (we never referred to El Camino as being north or south in Redwood City, just EL Camino).I’m sure Andersons TV/Video store still takes up that whole block now. I remember the entrance to the store was on the El Camino side. I’ve been in Reno 14 years now so I’m not positive whats there now.
I notice picture dates on two photos of the marquee are not correct. One shows the old marquee with a date of 1946, and the newer marquee which protrudes out from the building as 1940. When the Fox name was added to the marquee they only remodeled the top of the real 1946 marquee to accomodated the taller FOX letters that replaced the “fitted Sequoia” letters. A lot of extra neon was also added to the FOX marquee.( green,white,pink). The same marquee is still in place, however except for the FOX letters there is no other neon, and it was painted a horrible solid gold color. The old verticle Sequoia sign came down when the name changed to FOX.
I am sure the Redwood Theatre had a California St. address, even though it was kitty corner to Winklebeck St. Winklebleck St ran into El Camino Real, (in fact, it ends at El Camino). If you look down Winklebleck in the photo, you will notice a lot of tall trees. That would be Sequoia High School, which was on the other side of El Camino. California St ran between James St and Broadway. Putting the Redwood Theatre in the middle of the block. I used to have my piano lessons in the California Building which was on the opposite corner from the theatre, but on the same side of the street.
To Gary Parks, The area in which you describe, which would be going south on Broadway, from the Fox was at on time an old, old bank I think I recall. At the time I was just a child, but it seems that B of A was on that site you describe ( has an open plaza next to it, right??) I remember my aunt doing banking there when she was Asst. Mgr at the Fox. She lived with us all 11 years she was Asst. Mgr. at the Fox. I used to be with her there at the theatre almost everyday. I was born and raised in RC. And I could swear that she did the theatre banking there. Correct me if I’m wrong……. Also, I forgot about this, There was an old live theatre on Main St. at the turn of the century called The Alhambra, it was later bought by a mens fraternity for their private use. BUT, that really was the only other theatre in RWC. Trust me, back then the Fox was “the place to go!”
Thanks to Joe Vogel I found 2 great pictures of the old Redwood Theatre located on California St. on the SMC photo website. Great pics of the Fox also!! Thanks Joe! Check out the Redwood Theatre listed under the FOX THEATRES CHAIN ON CINEMA TREASURES.
Montgomery St. in Redwood City was renamed Winklebleck St.That name change was probably in the late 50’s, when Southern Pacific Railroad converted the area to public parking for the commute trains. Since Southern Pacific no longer runs passenger trains, the commute trains are now referred to as CALTRAIN. It runs between San Jose and San Francisco.
In regard to Gary Parks comment that there was another theatre on Broadway in Redwood City… The only theatre ever there was the Fox Theatre located at 2215 Broadway. The only other theatre that was on Broadway is the new Cinemark Century Complex. Other than that there was never any other theatre there. The only other theatre in downtown Redwood City was the little Redwood Theatre on California St.That theatre closed around 1953.
.In regard to Simon Overtons comment on speaking with Bank of America and the preservation of the Redwood Theatre, I don’t know how that was possible; that old branch of BofA was closed in the early 80’s. Bank of America did not preserve the Redwood Theatre. After BofA closed it was later replaced with Andersons TV/Video store at the same location (Andersons configured they’re entrance on to El Camino, instead of California St. The entrance of the Redwood Theatre was on California). I do remember Montgomery St. It was on the south side of the theatre, however that steet name was changed when Southern Pacific Railroad made a parking lot for their depot.
Does anyone remember the Redwood Theatre located on California Ave. (bordered by El Camino)?? It later became Bank of America, later Andersons TV/Video store. It was owned and operated by Fox West Coast Theatres. It closed around 1953. Anyone with any history/info would sure be appreciated.
No matter what site your in, don’t even bother if “PHOTOBUCKET” is available for pictures……they’re never there, just deleted.
Those draperies were like that 20 years ago, but what you describe, (which is probably true) could have been left in place as they were. No one could see the “filth” from above the stage area.If they found the draperies “crumbling”, they should have left them alone. Even through the 60’s to mid 70’s (Still owned by Fox/National General Theatres,during this period) The theatre was even more beautiful than it is today. A total remodel was done in the very early 50’s,due to auditorium ceiling caving in due to vibration of trains. The Skouras style was then done. The company maintained everything very well through the years.
I’m sure that anyone living in the vicinity of a neighborhood theatre would be proud to have Vincent Miranda and his fine group of business partners open a Pussycat Theatre there. I’m sure the Loma Prieta earthquake in 89 was the “one brightside” for the area residents of that theatre.
This theatre may have had ties to 20th Century Fox Film Corp., but it was never owned or operated by the FOX/NATIONAL GENERAL CORP. chain of theatres. These are seperate co’s. Fox/ National General no longer exsist. 20th Century Fox is alive and well. But there is no connection between the two. Fox Theatres/National General Theatres never owned or operated movie theatres overseas.
This theatre may have been part of 20th Century Fox Film Corp. but it was never owned or operated by the FOX chain of theatres. At one time they operated several theatres in Canada ( under the National General Corp.) That is about as foreign as that chain ever got with movie theatres!
Cinema Treasures?? I’m Addicted!!!
If I am remembering correctly, This was a drive-in near or within driving distance from Victor, Idaho. As a kid my uncles used to take me there, on our yearly visit to my family’s farm in Victor.