Aero Theatre, Santa Monicawww.americancinematheque.com
The Aero is a 1939 vintage theatre with 400 seats built by Donald Douglas so that the workers at his aircraft plant could have nearby entertainment. During the war, the Aero stayed open 24 hours a day. The theatre operated as a second-run neighborhood house for decades while Montana Avenue changed from scruffy and working-class to a trendy shopping street.
After a $1 million rehab the theatre is now run by American Cinematheque and offers almost daily changes of program including lots of classics. New projection and sound equipment includes 70mm capability.
Photo of the Aero from www.klipsch.com.
Click on the Google map for an interactive version.
More about the Aero is on cinematreasures.
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ArcLight Cinemas, Hollywood
The ArcLight complex adjoins the refurbished Cinerama Dome with all screens top notch projection and sound. There's a parking garage attached offering $2 parking with validation for the first 4 hours.
They've been running a series of classics in conjunction with the American Film Institute --typically something every week. See also www.afi.com for information.
Click on the Google map for an interactive version.
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Bay Theatre, Seal Beachwww.baytheatre.com
classics schedule other programming
The Bay Theatre has been operating since 1947 and isn't a movie palace by any stretch of the imagination. But the seats are comfortable, the projection and sound are good. And where else are you going to go for classic movies in Orange County?
The Bay features foreign films, new hits, occasional silent movies (with pipe organ accompaniment) and a weekly classic film series.
A vintage image from the Bay's website www.baytheatre.com.
Click on the Google map for an interactive version.
More about the Bay is on cinema treasures.
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Linwood Dunn Theatre
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Pickford Center 1313 Vine St. Los Angeles, CA 90028 (310) 247-3000 get directions
The Dunn is a state of the art 286 seat theatre that hosts a wide slate of lectures, screenings and other events. The events link also gets you to an online ticket order system (no service fee). Tickets are usually in the $6 range.
Complimentary parking is adjacent to the center. Enter off Homewood, 1 block north of fountain.
Click on the Google map for an interactive version.
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Bing Theatre
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Bing is a nicely equipped 600 seat theatre that shows lots of revivals, foreign films and more. Tickets are $9 for non-members and $6 for museum members. Parking is available in the $5-8 range or free on the street in the evenings.
Click on the Google map for an interactive version.
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Egyptian Theatre, Hollywoodwww.americancinematheque.com
A lot has changed since Sid Grauman opened the Egyptian in 1922. Both in Hollywood and at the Egyptian Theatre. Until Grauman opened the Chinese down the street, this venue was the location for the most elaborate premieres in Los Angeles. The theatre was a major first run venue for decades and in the 50's was equipped for TODD-AO and had long runs of 70mm roadshows like "Around the World in 80 Days", "Ben-Hur" and "Funny Girl".
A photo of forecourt of the Egyptian.
click to enlarge
In 1959 the theatre was re-equipped with a 90 foot screen for the D-150 process by then-operator United Artists. The theatre's fortunes declined along with the rest of Hollywood Blvd. in the 70's and 80's. United artists closed the house in 1992. Much of the decor at the proscenium was lost due to larger screen installation. The once lovely forecourt was a mess. Vandalism and a bit of earthquake damage its toll.
A photo of the original proscenium decor on www.answers.com.
The American Cinematheque reopened the theatre in 1998 after an expensive remodel. Not a restoration--more an adaptive reuse. Seating (originally 1771) is down to 616 with an additional 78 in the Speilberg Theatre, a second auditorium. Although most of the original decor and thrills are gone, the programming is an extraordinary mix of new independent releases, archival showings and more.
Click on the Google map for an interactive version.
More about the Egyptian is on cinema treasures and
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Samuel Goldwyn TheatreAcademy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
The Academy regularly offers screenings of classics and other special events. The 1,012 seat theatre is plush and exceptionally well equipped for every standard film format. Tickets to most events are in the $6 range and can be ordered from the Academy's website.
Free parking is available at 8920 Wilshire (enter off LaPeer) and at 9025 Wilshire (enter off Wetherly).
A photo of the Goldwyn Theatre on the AMPAS website www.oscars.org.
See their events page for current programs.
Click on the Google map for an interactive version.
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New Beverly Cinema
7165 Beverly Blvd
The New Beverly has been around for over 30 years and it is a survivor -- now the only revival theatre in Los Angeles.
The schedule typically has cult favorites, lots of classics and items that you just won't see screened anywhere else. Although the sound may be mono, the screen a little tired and the seats less than ArcLight plush we need to help keep this one alive.
The exterior of the New Beverly. click to enlarge
Click on the Google map for an interactive version.
More about the New Beverly is on cinema tour.
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Silent Movie Theatre
611 N Fairfax Ave
This 224 seat theatre opened in 1942 as a home for silent features and shorts. It's seen a rocky history but it's had a remodel under new owners and is off to a new start presenting silents and other revival programs.
Click on the Google map for an interactive version.
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USC Film School
3535 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90086
Lots of screenings and special programs with filmmakers.
USC film events---
film screenings--main USC calendar film screenings--Visions and Voices Arts & Humanities
Click on the Google map for an interactive version.
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Billy Wilder Theatre
Armand Hammer Museum, UCLA 10899 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90024 (310) 443-7000 map info and parking details
UCLA Film Archive screenings schedule
A great 295 seat theatre with state of the art equipment an an active schedule of arty new things, classics, UCLA restoration work and more. Hammer screenings are free. UCLA screenings are $9.
A photo of the Billy Wilder Theatre from www.flickr.com/photos/hammermuseum.
Click on the Google map for an interactive version.
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Warner Grand Theatre, San Pedro
478 W 6th St
The Warner is one of 3 deluxe deco neighborhood houses designed by B. Marcus Priteca for Warner Bros. inthe early 30's. After decades of decline, the Warner is on the way back up with an ongoing refurbishment program. The building is in good shape and the interior is stunning.
It's a treat so see any film here and fortunately the theatre runs a foreign film series, a classics series (usually on Sundays) plus occasional live performances.
An shot of the Warner from
Click on the Google map for an interactive version.
More on the Warner is on cinema treasures and cinema tour.
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