Over the years, Fox Theatres have been well known for their spacious
lobbies, fantastic architecture, and large screens. But like just about
everything else from the mid-century, Fox theaters have superceded by
modern tastes and whims. In this case, the multiplex has taken over the
theater landscape, and many of the old Fox theaters are now either churches,
lightly-attended entertainment houses, or demolished altogether.
Mann Village
Westwood, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Fox Village in Westwood Village near the UCLA campus still shows first
run movies to large crowds. A classic single-screener, the Village is
sometimes visited by actors/actresses attending their opening premiere.
Fox Theatre
Banning, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Fox
Theatre in Banning is a classic small movie house.
The neon still looks spectacular at night.
Fox Theatre
Bakersfield, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Fox
Theatre in Bakersfield exhibits the familiar architecture of its lineage,
including clock tower and circular front facade. This theater is still
in great shape externally from the looks of things.
The Fox Bakersfield opened on Christmas Day in 1930 and featured both talk movies and live performances. The theatre closed don in 1977 and for the most part stayed that way until 1994 when the Fox Theater Foundation saved it from demolition. More information can be found at the Fox Theatre Bakersfield website.
Fox Theatre
Covina, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Fox
Theatre of Covina was once one of the central points of new
blockbuster hits in the San Gabriel Valley. But alas, the standing room
only crowds dwindled and by the late 80's, the Fox Covina became better
known as a good place to throw popcorn at empty seats. This theater began
showing Indian movies in the early 90's, but its recent status is closed
and fate unknown.
UPDATE 01/11 : The Fox Theatre was demolished several years ago from its location on Azusa Avenue in Covina. An empty dirt lot remains where the theatres once stood. 01-11
Fox Oakland
Oakland, CA Photo courtesy Kallisti
Here's a shot of the outside marquee of the Fox
Oakland Theatre. The good news is the marquee was lit up for the first
time in years recently. Hopefully we'll see this theatre up and running
again someday like it did in its heyday.
Fox California Theatre
Salinas, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Fox California name was quite popular among theaters. Check out the Fox
California Theatre, this one located in downtown Salinas, CA. Originally
opening in the early 1920's, the Fox theatre has been closed for quite
some time. Not sure what the fate is of this old treasure.
