Lately, I find myself wanting that nostalgic Hollywood movie experience – that classic sophistication my local theatre lacks.  Not sure where the desire for nostalgia originates…maybe it’s the A&E movie classics I stumble upon when I channel surf?   In any case its apparent I’m searching for more from my neighborhood theatre – something more historically enriching.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my Cinepolis theater with reclining seats, and my vodka-soda delivered to me every 45min by my personal ninja server.  But every so often I crave that classic old-world theatre experience that transports me to another time.  Time travel to an era when theaters were decorated with ornate fixtures, uniform ushers assisted you, heavy red velvet curtain covered the screen.  When movie night was the highlight event of the month, and where movie-goers dressed up for the occasion .  So, when I look to capture that nostalgia here are my favorite old-world movie haunts in Los Angeles.

 

Grauman’s Chinese on Hollywood Blvd

The Chinese Theater is my sentimental favorite.    This grand dame of Hollywood movie palaces opened in 1927 and was arguably the most spectacular of its day.  This impressive landmark has all the class and charm of yesteryear with its gothic revival style architecture.  In the forecourt of the theater are the famous concrete blocks with signatures, hand & footprints of Hollywood’s legendary stars.

 

The Theatre at Ace Hotel on Broadway

Completely renovated and intricately restored to its original Spanish Gothic style, this beautiful palace retains much of the class and grace instilled by its iconic founders, namely Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin.   From the moment you enter the theater the experience is breathtaking…the three story grand lobby, the open balcony and vaulted ceiling with mirrors – timeless and stunning.

 

Disney’s El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Blvd

Thanks to some “Disney Magic” (and major cash) the El Cap is back with all the Disney flare and excitement.  The restored 1926 Spanish Colonial beauty (another Sid Grauman creation) is sprightly again, with beautiful ornate fixtures, equipped with a live Wurlitzer organ player.  The theatre also houses an exhibit of historical film costumes and props.  Next door is the Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store.  This Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument will not disappoint.

 

The Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Blvd

Another Sid Grauman design and theater classic is the famous Hollywood Egyptian Theatre.  This Egyptian Revival beauty captured the American public’s fascination of Egypt and archaeology at the time. The exterior and interior walls contain Egyptian-style paintings and hieroglyphs, while the expansive courtyard in front is highlighted with a fountain and queen palm trees.  Small Tidbit:  The Egyptian was the venue of the first-ever Hollywood premiere, Robin Hood, in 1922.

 

The Palace Theatre on Broadway

The Palace Theatre is one of the original grand dames of theaters in Los Angeles, opening in 1911.  Tastefully done in a French renaissance style, the façade features four figures representing the vaudeville muses: Dance, Drama, Music & Song.  Inside the Palace it is luxuriously decorated with antique paintings, marble walls and mosaic tiles.   Definitely one of my favorites…oozes with history and charm.