I found the information originally in an old theatre directory at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences library, and am still researching locations of about 50 more mystery theatres in Los Angeles. Sorry about missing you in Los Angeles, Ken – looks like you followed up on a lot of mysteries yourself!
An interesting fact unveiled in the documentary “Inside Deep Throat” (2005) was that, by 1990, the amount of porn theatres in America had dwindled from 1500 to 250.
What isn’t often admitted is that churches and pornography – ironically working together on this one – have kept little neighborhood theatres from being destroyed for many years. They’re just “keeping the seat warm”, as it were.
Was just there this weekend to see “Assault on Precinct 13” – it’s a huge place but the chairs were comfortable, the sound was good and the audience was involved in the film yet well-behaved.
Did you take the Broadway theatre tour on the weekends? Thanks for the offer of help – let me know your email address and I’ll shoot you some names.
I found the information originally in an old theatre directory at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences library, and am still researching locations of about 50 more mystery theatres in Los Angeles. Sorry about missing you in Los Angeles, Ken – looks like you followed up on a lot of mysteries yourself!
The day the porn drive-ins in Texas close will be a sad day indeed.
An interesting fact unveiled in the documentary “Inside Deep Throat” (2005) was that, by 1990, the amount of porn theatres in America had dwindled from 1500 to 250.
This theatre was located at 518 South Main Street, actually.
Yes, this is a rather extensive segment of “Inside Deep Throat” (2005) – highly recommended for fans of old theatres and their marquees in the 1970s.
What isn’t often admitted is that churches and pornography – ironically working together on this one – have kept little neighborhood theatres from being destroyed for many years. They’re just “keeping the seat warm”, as it were.
Likely this was the Cinema West 4 (1968 – 1969, single screen; 1974 – 1975, fourplex) later renamed Mall Cinemas 4 (1979 â€" 1990).
This theatre was located at 125 West Huntington Drive (at Parsons).
This is the site for showtimes:
View link
Thus, it should be listed as Open.
The former Coronet Theatre was located at 130 West Main.
Was there ever a Capri Theatre in Alhambra in the 1960s?
There’s a few shots of this theatre showing “Deep Throat” in the very recent “Inside Deep Throat” documentary.
Any relation to the Rosslyn Hotel down the road a piece?
This theatre is now for rent as a “restaurant / juice bar” (!).
Iglesia Universal has moved out and the theatre is now empty and for rent / lease; the real estate agency sign notes that it’s “for church”.
There’s some footage of this closed theatre in the recent documentary, “Inside Deep Throat” (2005).
Its address was 7901 Trask Avenue.
Lost in a big fire in 1949.
Was this known as the Centinela Theatre at some point?
Hope the restoration goes well – it’s in kind of a dodgy neighborhood, though.
Was just there this weekend to see “Assault on Precinct 13” – it’s a huge place but the chairs were comfortable, the sound was good and the audience was involved in the film yet well-behaved.
The lobby, bathrooms, marquee and auditorium of this theatre can be seen in the opening scenes of “He Knows You’re Alone” (1980).
Currently showing films.
A photograph of this theatre can be found here: http://www.yesterdayla.com/Graphics/lakewood2.jpg