Comments from GaryLee64

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GaryLee64
GaryLee64 commented about Regent Showcase Theater on Jan 1, 2004 at 12:14 pm

I lived around the corner and in the 60’s and 70’s went once a week. It was a wonderful second run theater. Many times I would see celebrities there in the back just enjoying a show. Saw Peter Bagnovitch there at times.

GaryLee64
GaryLee64 commented about Jewel Theater on Jan 1, 2004 at 11:35 am

My family’s business was across the street. I saw “Johhn Belinda” there as a child. The area had a lot of Italians there in 20’s and thirties. It was a small theatre but always packed with people. My mother used to talk about it. I will look for a picture and send it along.

GaryLee64
GaryLee64 commented about Strand Theatre on Jan 1, 2004 at 11:30 am

My parents business was near there and in the 30’s and 40’s The Strand was a big venue. My mother talked about vaudeville there as a child. My mother graduated in 1937 so that gives you a time frame. As a child she saw shows there. The R Streetcar made its turn there and that made it a busy place. In front of the theatre was footprints of Trigger and Roy Rogers and other Western Stars. In the late 50’s I used to go and look at them. I was told by my Uncle that they were removed during the night. The Strand became a button factory. My mother said it was always packed as a child. I remember a sign the last time films were shown. The Marquee said A Streetcar Named Desire and Viva Zapata. Under that sign it said CLOSED HOME WATCHING TELEVISION TOO. It was the early 50’s. I believe 1950? In the late 20’s it was a big Italian section and they loved live shows. My mother was Will Rogers there.

GaryLee64
GaryLee64 commented about Golden Gate Theatre on Jan 1, 2004 at 11:18 am

I lived In East LA and my families business was there. In the last 40’s 50’s and early 60’s I lived in that theatre. I worked there and I loved it. It had beautiful lighting. The consession bar was a hugh clam shell. The first film I ever saw there was “So Dear To My Heart” and the last was “A Raisen in the Sun” In front of the theater in the courtyard was a wonderful drug store and apartments on top. My friends lived there. The Center was down the street along with the United Artist and Boulevard but the Golden Gate was the one we wanted to go to. I went back recently to see it. Just the theatre was there and not the Courtyard. It was sad but it brought back wonderful memories.