Alhambra Theatre (Closed)
San Francisco, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

There’s more than an ordinary movie-house entrance outside the Alhambra Theatre in San Francisco. Its ornate Moorish styling gives the building a little movie-palace grandeur, with the marquee completing the greeting along Polk Street. Quite a place to arrive for an evening’s entertainment.

Designed by Miller and Pflueger, the Alhambra opened on November 5, 1926. Its elaborate interior and Wurlitzer organ belonged to an era when the surroundings could rival the attraction on the screen.

The auditorium was divided into two screens in 1974, then returned to a single-screen arrangement in 1988. Unfortunately, that return to its original format couldn’t keep the movie business going forever.

UPDATE: The Alhambra closed as a cinema on February 22, 1998. The landmark building survives as Crunch Fitness, with much of its theatrical character preserved. Moviegoing gave way to workouts, although the surroundings still offer considerably more scenery than the average gym. 10-26

State Theatre
Red Bluff, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

The familiar entrance at the State Theatre in Red Bluff gives downtown a little old-theatre personality. Its streamlined facade and marquee look ready to welcome another audience, carrying on a tradition that reaches well beyond the present building.

An earlier theatre occupied the site before a devastating fire in 1944. The replacement opened on May 24, 1946, bringing a fresh Moderne look and the welcome comfort of air conditioning. Apparently, a summer afternoon at the movies had more than one attraction.

Community preservation efforts eventually gave the State another role beyond regular movie screenings. The old auditorium became a place for concerts, performances, and gatherings.

UPDATE: The State remains open as the nonprofit State Theatre for the Arts. In 2026, it celebrated 80 years since the rebuilding, with live entertainment still filling the calendar. Fortunately, this downtown landmark continues to have a show to announce. 10-26

Cascade Theatre
Redding, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

The boarded-up appearance of the Cascade Theatre in Redding told only part of its story. Behind that quiet entrance was an Art Deco movie palace waiting for another chance, with a tall marquee that deserved something better than an empty attraction board.

The Cascade opened on August 9, 1935, amid considerable local excitement. Its decorative interior and prominent facade brought big movie-house showmanship to downtown Redding.

Years of decline eventually left the theatre dark, but preservation supporters worked toward a different ending. A major restoration repaired the historic surroundings while preparing the building for live performances.

UPDATE: The Cascade reopened on August 14, 2004, as a nonprofit performing arts center and remains active today. Concerts, theatrical productions, and other events have replaced those boarded-up days. Another old theatre brought back into the spotlight, with its restored entrance once again part of downtown’s evening scenery. 10-26

State Theatre (Closed)
Marysville, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The old State Theatre in Marysville has been waiting a long time for another coming attraction. Its classic facade recalls the days when an evening downtown could include a ticket, some popcorn, and a couple of hours in front of the big screen.

Opened in 1927 as the National Theatre, the building later took the State name. Its moviegoing run ended in 1999, leaving the familiar theatre vacant.

UPDATE: The State remains closed, but a conditional release of a roughly $47,000 city lien was reported in early 2026. That step could help clear the way for a sale and restoration. No opening night yet, although there’s at least a little movement after this very long intermission. 10-26

Cinedome (Demolished) Fremont, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo These circa 70's Cinedome Theaters run by (Century Theatres) are rumored to be poised for the wrecking ball. They're up in the Bay Area in the city of Fremont. Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for info. Check out the rounded roofs at Fremont’s Cinedome, where the buildings supplied a little space-age scenery before the movie started. These Century theatres stood apart from the usual shopping-center cinema. The domes were an attraction before anyone reached the ticket window.   Cinedome Fremont, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo Despite their 1970s appearance, the complex opened on December 18, 1981, as the Cinedome 7. Built by Syufy Enterprises and designed by Vincent G. Raney, it offered seven screens and approximately 2,400 seats. A later auditorium division brought the screen count to eight. The interior view shows another part of the appeal, with the auditorium ceiling curving overhead. Once the house lights came up, there was still something to admire beyond the screen. Apparently, the building wasn’t quite finished entertaining its audience.   Snack Bar Fremont, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo The snack bar carried that period atmosphere into the lobby, with decor that looked right at home in the disco era. Between the domes outside and the surroundings inside, even a stop for popcorn came with a little scenery. Demolition rumors were already following the complex when these photos were taken. For fans of Century’s rounded movie houses, that was an unwelcome coming attraction. UPDATE: The Cinedome closed on March 8, 2009, and was demolished in late 2012. The rumored wrecking ball became a reality, taking the domes and their distinctive interiors with it. Another memorable moviegoing stop left to photographs and recollections of evenings beneath those curved ceilings. 10-26     Cinedome Interior View Fremont, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo Movie Fremont, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo