Linda Lea Theatre (Closed)
Los Angeles, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The "World Famous" Linda Lea Theatre on Main Street
in downtown Los Angeles is located almost directly across the street from
the equally respected St. Vibiana's Cathedral. In its heyday, the Linda
Lea drew throngs of visitors to its lavish accommodations and first-run
international movies. Today, visitors still gawk at the marquee and front
of this now deserted treasure of a bygone theatre era.
ImaginAsian Center
Los Angeles, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
UPDATE 04/08 : The Linda Lea Theatre was demolished and reborn as the ImaginAsian Center. According to the ImaginAsian website, the center is dedicated to showcasing Asian and Asian American cinema and culture. The theatre opened on December 1, 2007. 04-08
Edwards Cinema (Remodeled)
Costa Mesa, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
This single screen cinema features a real mid-century front facade. However,
the Edwards Cinema in Costa Mesa no longer shows first-run movies.
In fact, it shows no movies at all. The theatre was remodeled in 2000 and is no longer a theatre.
UPDATE 07/03 : The theater has been closed
for a few years now, though the center and theatre building remains. An
effort was made to preserve architectural lines by staying true to the
modern style the entire center was designed in. The theatre is now a Paul
Mitchell training center, and the gobs of glass and exterior supports
remain. Many thanks to Steven Gertsen for update. 07-03
UPDATE 07/10 : The old Cinema you used to be able to see off of Harbor Boulevard in
Costa Mesa was the marquee for the Edwards Cinemas. Unfortunately
this theatre has met the front of the bulldozer head-on. 07-10
Studio Theatre
San Bernardino, CA Photo courtesy Sal Garcia
The Studio Theatre in San Bernardino is a great example of the
types of old single-screen theatres that used to grace just about every
neighborhood. This theatre on Baseline Road appears to have closed fairly
recently, a fate bestowed upon numerous other venerable but lately, unprofitable
single-screeners. Theatres like these may reopen again some day... but
most likely become just another forgotten memory.
Wiltern Theatre
Mid-Wilshire District Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Another
theatre designed by Landsburgh, the Wiltern in the Mid-Wilshire area of Los Angeles is home to top current acts and stage shows. Also
along the "neon district", the Wiltern and its red neon signage
glowing on a clear and crisp night is a sight to behold. The building
towers over Wilshire Boulevard, one of the main arteries of the city.
(Far left) The marquee at the Wiltern Theatre along the Wilshire Miracle Mile