OH, here is one other thing. Where else, but at a Pacific Drive-In Theater, could you get a pizza with its combination of mozarella AND cheddar cheeses? Now think back. Remember? There was white and orange cheeses on those pizzas. I remember them all too well because the projectionist could order a whole pizza for only ONE DOLLAR. Also, that is where I had first experienced not only pepperoni but also jalapenos as the toppings… gastrointestinal bliss…
And, of course, I was a relief projectionist there, as well. Old Man Foreman, the guy who started Pacific Theaters, was instrumental in the drive-ins era, even though it actually began in New Jersey. Sumner Redstone, the owner of National Amusement Theaters and Paramount Studios, started with a single drive-in here on Long Island and grew the business into the empire he has today. Redstone is still alive; Foreman is not. But Foreman really pushed drive-ins in California, and it seemed as though every populated city had its own drive-in. Today, Pacific Theaters Company is still in existance, but it only operates indoor theaters. Ironic, what put them on the map, the drive-ins, do not exist anymore.
Years ago, after a premiere or the Academy Awards, celebrities were always seen entering but not exiting the Chinese. Reason being, there was an underground tunnel that led accross the street to the Roosevelt Hotel (Sid Grauman had an interest in the hotel also). That way, celebrities could leave anonymously. The tunnel had not been used in the past 30 years. The tunnel is gone, and access to it from either the theatre or hotel was sealed up when the subway between the two building was built under Hollywood Blvd., a couple years ago.
Click on “Search the Database” on the bottom.
Allow it time to redirect.
Type in “Los Angeles Theater” in the space provided for the search.
On the “Keyword” drop-down menu, change it to “Subject Browse” and
click on the “Search” button.
Click on “Search the Database” on the bottom.
Allow it time to redirect.
Type in “Los Angeles Theater” in the space provided for the search.
On the “Keyword” drop-down menu, change it to “Subject Browse” and
click on the “Search” button.
These are gorgeous shoots; I love it, just the way I remember them. Hey guys, say the word. I will fire up the rectifiers, generators, whatever… It’s showtime… :)
Two days ago, I had to go peeking around the place again. I was back in theater #5, the area that used to be the stage area. It is so cool to check out the old dressing rooms on the first and second floors. I had managed to go below and snoop into what remains of the covered-up orchestra pit. I have seen at least a thousand similiar theaters across the country, and each and every one tells a story of what had to be such an incredible era. For the life of me, I cannot understand why these palaces are not being used for their original intentions today. I love Broadway in New York; Every city should have its own little Broadway. Why are these treasures not supported by their communities?
The first theater I had worked at in Los Angeles as a projectionist was the Million Dollar. The second theater was the Olympic. The year was 1978. I ended up marrying a cashier on-loan to the Million Dollar who was a permanent employee at the Olympic. Oddly enough, former Mayor Sam Yorty was a projectionist at the Olympic in his younger years.
I’ll be darn. I used to relieve at the Vogue years ago. When I left Hollywood in 2002, I was living on Las Palmas. Remember the crappy apartment Julia Roberts lived-in in the movie, “Pretty Woman?” That was my apartment, just two blocks East of the Chinese. I had to pass the Vogue to get to the Chinese. I used to work Universal City before I landed the Marina Marketplace in 1988 with Bob Seeling. Was Messy Jesse still at Universal when you were there last?
No way! Don’t you run a screening room? If so, Charles had mentioned to me that I should get in touch with you when I came here two years ago, but I just never got around to it because I have been so busy on Long Island.
Oh okay, off Sunset. I have since left Hollywood for Long Island. I work for United Artists (can you believe that?) at a six and twelve plex; and I work for Loews at an eight and ten plex. Before leaving L.A., I was free-lancing with a guy named Charles Massa at some of the stars' homes.
OH, here is one other thing. Where else, but at a Pacific Drive-In Theater, could you get a pizza with its combination of mozarella AND cheddar cheeses? Now think back. Remember? There was white and orange cheeses on those pizzas. I remember them all too well because the projectionist could order a whole pizza for only ONE DOLLAR. Also, that is where I had first experienced not only pepperoni but also jalapenos as the toppings… gastrointestinal bliss…
Hey William, do ya miss doing the screenings at Robert Evans' house? Do ya miss Michael, Jennifer and Alan? HA!!! I DO!!! :)
And, of course, I was a relief projectionist there, as well. Old Man Foreman, the guy who started Pacific Theaters, was instrumental in the drive-ins era, even though it actually began in New Jersey. Sumner Redstone, the owner of National Amusement Theaters and Paramount Studios, started with a single drive-in here on Long Island and grew the business into the empire he has today. Redstone is still alive; Foreman is not. But Foreman really pushed drive-ins in California, and it seemed as though every populated city had its own drive-in. Today, Pacific Theaters Company is still in existance, but it only operates indoor theaters. Ironic, what put them on the map, the drive-ins, do not exist anymore.
Years ago, after a premiere or the Academy Awards, celebrities were always seen entering but not exiting the Chinese. Reason being, there was an underground tunnel that led accross the street to the Roosevelt Hotel (Sid Grauman had an interest in the hotel also). That way, celebrities could leave anonymously. The tunnel had not been used in the past 30 years. The tunnel is gone, and access to it from either the theatre or hotel was sealed up when the subway between the two building was built under Hollywood Blvd., a couple years ago.
Scratch that address above.
Instead, click the link below.
http://catalog1.lapl.org/a_photo.html
Click on “Search the Database” on the bottom.
Allow it time to redirect.
Type in “Los Angeles Theater” in the space provided for the search.
On the “Keyword” drop-down menu, change it to “Subject Browse” and
click on the “Search” button.
Scratch that address above.
Instead, click the link below.
http://catalog1.lapl.org/a_photo.html
Click on “Search the Database” on the bottom.
Allow it time to redirect.
Type in “Los Angeles Theater” in the space provided for the search.
On the “Keyword” drop-down menu, change it to “Subject Browse” and
click on the “Search” button.
You can see historic photos of the theatre here.
View link
It is from the Los Angeles Public Library.
You can see historic photos of the theatre here.
View link
It is from the Los Angeles Public Library.
Good Question.
These are gorgeous shoots; I love it, just the way I remember them. Hey guys, say the word. I will fire up the rectifiers, generators, whatever… It’s showtime… :)
Two days ago, I had to go peeking around the place again. I was back in theater #5, the area that used to be the stage area. It is so cool to check out the old dressing rooms on the first and second floors. I had managed to go below and snoop into what remains of the covered-up orchestra pit. I have seen at least a thousand similiar theaters across the country, and each and every one tells a story of what had to be such an incredible era. For the life of me, I cannot understand why these palaces are not being used for their original intentions today. I love Broadway in New York; Every city should have its own little Broadway. Why are these treasures not supported by their communities?
The first theater I had worked at in Los Angeles as a projectionist was the Million Dollar. The second theater was the Olympic. The year was 1978. I ended up marrying a cashier on-loan to the Million Dollar who was a permanent employee at the Olympic. Oddly enough, former Mayor Sam Yorty was a projectionist at the Olympic in his younger years.
Talk with you later. Charles says, “hello.” He cancelled a date because he has a tummy-ache. See-ya!
I have worked with all those guys too, except Roger Matson. I got Charles on the phone right now.
What about Studio Bob?
I’ll be darn. I used to relieve at the Vogue years ago. When I left Hollywood in 2002, I was living on Las Palmas. Remember the crappy apartment Julia Roberts lived-in in the movie, “Pretty Woman?” That was my apartment, just two blocks East of the Chinese. I had to pass the Vogue to get to the Chinese. I used to work Universal City before I landed the Marina Marketplace in 1988 with Bob Seeling. Was Messy Jesse still at Universal when you were there last?
I just left a message on Charles' cell phone. This is too funny…
No way! Don’t you run a screening room? If so, Charles had mentioned to me that I should get in touch with you when I came here two years ago, but I just never got around to it because I have been so busy on Long Island.
Oh okay, off Sunset. I have since left Hollywood for Long Island. I work for United Artists (can you believe that?) at a six and twelve plex; and I work for Loews at an eight and ten plex. Before leaving L.A., I was free-lancing with a guy named Charles Massa at some of the stars' homes.
Is it through Local 150?
Are you still working in the biz today?
Oh, I think his name was Allan.
McClintook came in later, when Smith came into office. This was a tall, thin, blond guy who later went to San Diego.
It was all in the family back then.
Back when I came to L.A. from Chicago, in the office was Frank, Ralph, Ellen and… and… ah, what’s his name was the Secretary-Treasurer.