SILENT MOVIE THEATER'S GHOSTS!

WHERE: The Silent Movie Theater
(611 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles) map

STATUS: Active (regular screenings)

THE GHOST(S):

In 1942, this art-deco theater opened its doors, and became the first (and only) venue dedicated solely to the preservation and presentation of "silent" films. For many decades, this was the only place in the world where one could see many of these forgotten relics on the big screen with live musical accompaniment as they were originally meant to be seen. Thus, this little building became a destination for true film buffs. However, among horror movies fans, the Silent Movie Theater is famous for another reason. It is known as the place that inspired one of the great moments of cinema history. Movie makers have tried to create truly interactive experiences to thrill their audiences, going back to 1909, when men were employed to rock the theater’s seats to correspond with the projected images aboard trains. Fifty years later, William Castle, took that idea one step further in THE TINGLER and famously wired theater seats to shock the audience during its climactic scene that takes place in a theater based on Los Angeles’s quirky Silent Movie Theater.

Today, patrons can experience a whole new level of interactivity when entering the door of this historic venue for silent films. The lobby is said to be haunted. A crimson-red blood stain has been known to appear and disappear in the approximate spot where a former owner, Laurence Austin, was gunned down by a hired hit man. Mr. Austin's ghost has also been seen (after hours) loitering in the lobby by employees over the years. It is also believed that the projection booth is also haunted by the ghost of the former projectionist (Austin’s lover) who contracted the killing. Although, its quite possible that this second ghost is John Hampton (the original owner), since he too has been seen roaming the second floor, where he once lived (not unlike the characters in the "Tingler"). Regardless, the whole scandalous affair between Austin and the former projectionist has forever psychically scared this theater. So,... are the tingling shivers one feels down one’s spine while seated in this eerie theater real or just mechanized movie magic? Go there and find out for yourself.

http://www.silentmovietheatre.com

If you know of another ghost story (or another version of a story mentioned), or if you have personally experienced something strange at this theater, please leave a comment.

(to read about another haunted theater in the L.A. area...)

NEW BEVERLY CINEMA'S GHOSTS!

WHERE: The New Beverly Cinema
(7165 West Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles) Map

STATUS: Active (regular screenings)

THE GHOST(S):

Despite its size and simple decor, this little theater has had a life of ups and downs more dramatic than most of the movies that have graced its screen. The New Beverly Cinema started as a night club and vaudeville theater with mob ties. It then graduated from this low-brow entertainment into L.A.'s first Art House movie theater that was so smart and sophisticated, it set the template for all of the art houses and revival theaters to follow decades later in this city. From there, it shifted away from it roots into just foreign fare, which lead it down a path of increasingly more risque films. Eventually, it hit rock bottom and became a local porno palace, until it was pulled out of the gutter and transformed into the local gem it is today.

However, having a spectacular life isn't enough for this cinema. It also apparently dabbles in the after-life. It seems this theater has two separate ghosts. Both of whom can be seen inside the theater, itself. From the seats, looking up through the little windows against the back wall, a phantom projectionist is seen walking back and forth, apparently busy completing some long forgotten task. The other apparition involves an elderly patron sleeping (or possibly dead) seated with his eyes closed and head tilted back. Although this is not an uncommon sight at the end of night for this theater, this patron (unlike the other elderly sleepers) does not stir when told to wake up and go home. Not only is there no reaction, but then he seems to vanish into thin air. It is impossible to know if these two spirits are connected to each other or even from the same time period or incarnation of the theater. But, just as this little theater keeps chugging along so do these two ghosts. One forever showing movies, and one forever not watching the movies shown. It seems that even in the after-life, everyone is a critic.

http://www.newbevcinema.com

If you know of another ghost story (or another version of a story mentioned), or if you have personally experienced something strange at this theater, please leave a comment.

(to read about another haunted theater in the L.A. area...)