Golden Gate (Closed)
East L.A., CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
With Los Angeles in the midst of the Southern California entertainment
scene, the region that is known as the "Entertainment Capital of
the World" boasts of many theatres that are both notable and historical.
Some areas like the old Broadway District, Hollywood, and Westwood have Roadside Peek sections of their own. This area is dedicated to
the orphans of the venerable theatre lineage... the vagabonds that spot
neighborhoods at very unassuming areas of our neighborhoods.
Golden Gate Theatre 1998 (Closed) East Los Angeles, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
East Los Angeles is home to one of the remaining artifacts of the glamorous
movie houses of yesteryear. The shell of the Golden Gate Theatre on Whittier Boulevard only hints at what this theatre was like in its
heyday. The entire front facade of the theatre was demolished in the Whittier
earthquake of 1987. Only memories of those who saw and visited this theatre
in its heyday remain.
Port Theatre
Corona Del Mar, CA Photo courtesy Ron Pierce
The Port Theatre looks right at home along Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. Its boat-shaped front and projecting marquee bring a little nautical character to the roadside, giving this neighborhood movie house an entrance worth a second look.
Opened in 1949, the Port entertained generations of coastal moviegoers, later offering independent and foreign films. The screen went dark in 1998, leaving the familiar building waiting through years of redevelopment discussions and an uncertain future.
UPDATE: The historic Port Theatre was slated for demolition in March however now appears to have new life. Word is that the Port will be made into office buildings. 08-07
UPDATE: Good news, the theatre will reopen as the New Port Theatre. The theatre wil reopen during the Newport Beach Film Festival. 07-12
UPDATE: The Port reopened in 2012 following an extensive renovation. Now the New Port Theater, it combines movies and special events with lounge seating and food and drink service at 2905 E. Coast Highway. The experience inside has changed, but the nautical exterior keeps a welcome piece of old Corona del Mar along the highway. 10-26
Culver Theatre (Now Kirk Douglas Theatre)
Culver City, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Culver Theatre gave Washington Boulevard a familiar landmark with its streamlined tower and wraparound marquee. In a town closely tied to filmmaking, this was a place to buy a ticket and enjoy the finished picture.
Opened on August 13, 1947, the single-screen house was later divided into a triplex before closing in 1989. Earthquake damage in 1994 added to its troubles, leaving the vacant theatre awaiting another use.
Help from Culver City, Center Theatre Group, and Kirk and Anne Douglas brought a new act to the building. Its historic exterior was restored while the interior became an intimate live performance space, opening as the Kirk Douglas Theatre in 2004.
UPDATE: The Culver Theater wasn't originally
a triplex, as the theater went to three screens in the 70's. At the time,
it was a big deal being able to pick between 3 movies. Many
thanks to Chad Jones for update. 01-03
UPDATE: The Culver Theatre is now in its second season as the Kirk Douglas Theatre. The theatre is now a 317 seat live theatre location and opened its doors again in October 2004. 09-06
UPDATE: Center Theatre Group continues presenting live productions at 9820 Washington Boulevard. The restored tower and marquee preserve the old movie-house welcome, even though the entertainment now takes place onstage. Thankfully, this familiar Culver City entrance still leads to an evening’s show. 10-26
Wiltern Theatre
Mid-Wilshire District Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Wiltern Theatre makes quite an impression at Wilshire and Western, especially with its red neon glowing after dark. Above the marquee, the blue-green terra-cotta tower gives the intersection a landmark that’s hard to mistake. The name itself combines Wilshire and Western, putting its location right on the sign.
Opened in 1931 as the Warner Brothers Western Theatre, the complex pairs an exterior by Stiles O. Clements with an elaborate auditorium by G. Albert Lansburgh. Its Art Deco decoration makes the trip indoors worth a look, even before the performers take the stage.
Wiltern Theatre
Mid-Wilshire District Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Wiltern nearly disappeared during the late 1970s. Preservation efforts helped secure its future, and developer Wayne Ratkovich worked with architect Brenda Levin on an extensive restoration. The theatre reopened in 1985, bringing audiences back beneath the familiar marquee.
UPDATE: The Wiltern remains an active concert venue at 3790 Wilshire Boulevard, hosting touring musicians and special events. Its restored entrance continues welcoming crowds where moviegoers once lined up for the latest picture. Catch the neon on an evening visit and you’ll see why this corner remains one of Los Angeles’ great theatre sights. 10-26
Port Theatre
Culver Theatre (Now Kirk Douglas Theatre)
Wiltern Theatre
Wiltern Theatre
