WHERE: The Warner Grand Theater
(478 W 6th St., San Pedro, CA ) map
STATUS: Dormant (occasional screenings)
GHOST(S):
In the days before pesky anti-trust laws prevented studios from owning the theaters that showed their movies, Warner Brothers (specifically a very hands-on Jack Warner) commissioned a handful of impressive movie theaters in the greater Los Angeles Area. Not only were these buildings beautiful pieces of architecture, but they also represented the cutting edge of technology. The Warner Theaters were the first theaters to be outfitted with special sound equipment to exhibit "talking pictures," which showcased their own studio's "vitaphone" technology. Sadly, the Warner Grand (built in 1931) is the only one of the Warner theaters that still shows movies on a regular basis. The others have either been torn down, altered, or abandoned.
Although the term "movie palace" has come to describe the luxurious romanticised cinemas of that era, this particular "palace" was actually intended to be a "castle" (or "The Castle to Your Dreams" as Jack Warner called it). The castle analogy almost makes more sense given the celluloid treasures found inside these walls, as well as the Hollywood royalty connected to these giant structures that like real castles are mostly in ruins today. And, just as every castle has a resident ghost, so too does the Warner Grand.
A (seemingly male) figure has often been seen sitting in the back row of the theater in the darkness as a movie plays. For some unknown reason, it is thought that this apparition is the spirit of a former projectionist. Why a projection would haunt the seats and not the projection booth is a mystery. Perhaps, in death, he finally gets to relax and enjoy the movies without the clatter of the projectors. Or maybe, it is the ghost of a another man that spent as much time in the projection booth making sure everything worked properly, as he did in the audience enjoying the movies. Could it be that this ghost is actually Jack Warner? Does this "king" watch over his castle from the after-life? Come and find out. If you Dare.
http://www.warnergrand.org/
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...)
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
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...)
(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...)
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
NEW BEVERLY CINEMA'S GHOSTS!
WHERE: The New Beverly Cinema
(7165 West Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles) Map
STATUS: Active (regular screenings)
THE GHOST(S):
(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...)
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...)
Monday, January 1, 2007
GHOSTBUSTERS' L.A. TOUR
Before seeing GHOSTBUSTERS again, take a moment to virtually tour Los Angeles, and reflect on L.A.'s influence on this classic ghost-hunting movie.
Although the exteriors used for the Ghostbusters' headquarters were shot in New York, all of the interiors of that abandoned fire station (including the containment area in the basement) were from Los Angeles’ very own decommissioned station house #23. said to be haunted by a former controversial fire chie, who penthouse luxurious apartment was on the top floor People hear his pacing footsteps. map
The fictitious “Sedgewick Hotel's” lobby and ballroom (where the Ghostbusters first encounter "Slimer") were actually inside the Biltmore Hotel located in downtown Los Angeles, which in real life is said to be haunted by a phantom nun, the "Black Dahlia," a little girl, a man in a tuxedo, as well as other ghosts. The stairwell in the Biltmore were also used as endless flight of stairs in Dana’s Apt. Building near the climax of the movie. map
The New York Library “stacks,” where the Ghostbusters come face-to-face with their first ghost (the scary librari-an) was actually filmed at this city’s central library also in downtown Los Angeles. Although this library's stacks are said to be ghost-free, the upstairs reading rooms (according to the security staff) are haunted by a woman that walks down the aisles between the reading tables. map
The “rooftop” set (one of the largest indoor sets ever built in Los Angeles) for the movie's climax, as well as many other sets, including Dana’s Apt. and the halls of the “Sedgewick Hotel” were filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank (formerly known as the "The Burbank Studios" since its shared the lot with Columbia Pictures). A full-scale recreation of the exterior of Dana’s Apt. Building was constructed (with the torn street in front) on the back lot Incidentally, like most movie studios in the area, this one is also said to be haunted. map
Additionally, all the special effects for the movie were created at the now defunct Boss Film Studios in Marina Del Rey. This was the birth place, so to speak, of "Onion Head" (better known as Slimer), the Demon Dogs, and all the other spooky and kooky creations. map
Although Dan Ackroyd was always interested in the paranormal, 7708 Woodrow Wilson Drive is said to be the haunted house that Ackroyd was living in when he was inspired to write the script for GHOSTBUSTERS. Former residents (and possible sources for the haunting) of the house include “Mama" Cass Elliot and Natalie Wood. map
Ackroyd has also been quoted as saying that the movie "Poltergeist" (set locally) was another strong influence on the Ghostbuster script in terms of that film's treatment of ghosts (both in story and in special effects). It is worth noting that that film has since been associated with a "poltergeist curse," where by cast members have died tragically. Also, the original case that inspired the movie "Poltergeist" even supplied the name "Gozer" which appears in GHOSTBUSTERS as the villain's name. map
John Belushi was originally supposed to star in Ghostbusters along side his friend, Dan Ackroyd, as they had done in the 1980 comedy "The Blues Brothers." Unfortunately for the movie (and the world), Belushi passed away to the after-life before Ghostbusters went into production. In an interview about "The Real Ghostbusters" animated TV show, Ackroyd says about the Slimer character that, in many ways, it embodies the spirit of Belushi with its playful lust for life, and enormous appetite for food and drink. So, maybe in some small way Belushi did made it into the film posthumously. Incidentally, the room at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, where Belushi died is said to be haunted by his ghost. (map)
Speaking of "The Real Ghostbusters," the animated TV version of the movie, the entire series (including the renamed version, "Slimer!") was produced at DIC Entertainment, which is directly across the street from Warner Bros. Studios, where much of the movie was shot. (map)
The reason for the use of the word "Real" in the title of this movie's cartoon spin-off was because Columbia licensed the term "Ghost Buster" for the movie's title from the now defunct Filmation Associates (based out of Receda in the San Fernando Valley), which produced a live-action children's show in the 1970's with that title that was set and filmed in Los Angeles. In a convoluted mess, when Columbia rejected Filmation's bid to produce a cartoon show based on the movie, they just made their own show based on their original 1970's show, changing the name from "The Ghost Busters" to "Ghostbusters" (known later as "The Original Ghostbusters"), which prompted DIC to title their version "The Real Ghostbusters." (map)
The Doheny Mansion in Beverly Hills, which has been used in many movies and TV shows over the years, also claims to have been used for GHOSTBUSTERS on their website. Although, not readily visible in the movie, the building does appear in the sequel, GHOSTBUSTERS II. It should also be noted, that this mansion is also said to be haunted by the restless spirit of Ned Doheny, who walks the halls late at night waiting for someone to solve the riddle of his murder (or suicide). map
It should be no surprise that the "Ectomobile" (Ecto-1) was created here in the "custom car capital of the world." The original vehicle is supposedly still on the Sony Lot (in storage) and has not been moved since it was used in GHOSTBUSTERS II. Several other "ectomobile" production cars have been built locally over the years as needed. The Petersen Museum has one of these vehicles as part of its “star cars” collection. Sometimes, it is even on display. Ask, before paying the admission price. map
Then, there's always The Ghost buster Disposal Service (map)
Finally, go to Hollywood Toys and Costume (map) and get your very own “Ghostbusters” costume, or just a “ghost” costume, so you will be appropriately attired for the GHOSTBUSTERS screening tonight at the "almost free" outdoor screening at the Circuit City Lot. map
For an overall map of these locations click here.
Although the exteriors used for the Ghostbusters' headquarters were shot in New York, all of the interiors of that abandoned fire station (including the containment area in the basement) were from Los Angeles’ very own decommissioned station house #23. said to be haunted by a former controversial fire chie, who penthouse luxurious apartment was on the top floor People hear his pacing footsteps. map
The fictitious “Sedgewick Hotel's” lobby and ballroom (where the Ghostbusters first encounter "Slimer") were actually inside the Biltmore Hotel located in downtown Los Angeles, which in real life is said to be haunted by a phantom nun, the "Black Dahlia," a little girl, a man in a tuxedo, as well as other ghosts. The stairwell in the Biltmore were also used as endless flight of stairs in Dana’s Apt. Building near the climax of the movie. map
The New York Library “stacks,” where the Ghostbusters come face-to-face with their first ghost (the scary librari-an) was actually filmed at this city’s central library also in downtown Los Angeles. Although this library's stacks are said to be ghost-free, the upstairs reading rooms (according to the security staff) are haunted by a woman that walks down the aisles between the reading tables. map
The “rooftop” set (one of the largest indoor sets ever built in Los Angeles) for the movie's climax, as well as many other sets, including Dana’s Apt. and the halls of the “Sedgewick Hotel” were filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank (formerly known as the "The Burbank Studios" since its shared the lot with Columbia Pictures). A full-scale recreation of the exterior of Dana’s Apt. Building was constructed (with the torn street in front) on the back lot Incidentally, like most movie studios in the area, this one is also said to be haunted. map
Additionally, all the special effects for the movie were created at the now defunct Boss Film Studios in Marina Del Rey. This was the birth place, so to speak, of "Onion Head" (better known as Slimer), the Demon Dogs, and all the other spooky and kooky creations. map
Although Dan Ackroyd was always interested in the paranormal, 7708 Woodrow Wilson Drive is said to be the haunted house that Ackroyd was living in when he was inspired to write the script for GHOSTBUSTERS. Former residents (and possible sources for the haunting) of the house include “Mama" Cass Elliot and Natalie Wood. map
Ackroyd has also been quoted as saying that the movie "Poltergeist" (set locally) was another strong influence on the Ghostbuster script in terms of that film's treatment of ghosts (both in story and in special effects). It is worth noting that that film has since been associated with a "poltergeist curse," where by cast members have died tragically. Also, the original case that inspired the movie "Poltergeist" even supplied the name "Gozer" which appears in GHOSTBUSTERS as the villain's name. map
John Belushi was originally supposed to star in Ghostbusters along side his friend, Dan Ackroyd, as they had done in the 1980 comedy "The Blues Brothers." Unfortunately for the movie (and the world), Belushi passed away to the after-life before Ghostbusters went into production. In an interview about "The Real Ghostbusters" animated TV show, Ackroyd says about the Slimer character that, in many ways, it embodies the spirit of Belushi with its playful lust for life, and enormous appetite for food and drink. So, maybe in some small way Belushi did made it into the film posthumously. Incidentally, the room at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, where Belushi died is said to be haunted by his ghost. (map)
Speaking of "The Real Ghostbusters," the animated TV version of the movie, the entire series (including the renamed version, "Slimer!") was produced at DIC Entertainment, which is directly across the street from Warner Bros. Studios, where much of the movie was shot. (map)
The reason for the use of the word "Real" in the title of this movie's cartoon spin-off was because Columbia licensed the term "Ghost Buster" for the movie's title from the now defunct Filmation Associates (based out of Receda in the San Fernando Valley), which produced a live-action children's show in the 1970's with that title that was set and filmed in Los Angeles. In a convoluted mess, when Columbia rejected Filmation's bid to produce a cartoon show based on the movie, they just made their own show based on their original 1970's show, changing the name from "The Ghost Busters" to "Ghostbusters" (known later as "The Original Ghostbusters"), which prompted DIC to title their version "The Real Ghostbusters." (map)
The Doheny Mansion in Beverly Hills, which has been used in many movies and TV shows over the years, also claims to have been used for GHOSTBUSTERS on their website. Although, not readily visible in the movie, the building does appear in the sequel, GHOSTBUSTERS II. It should also be noted, that this mansion is also said to be haunted by the restless spirit of Ned Doheny, who walks the halls late at night waiting for someone to solve the riddle of his murder (or suicide). map
It should be no surprise that the "Ectomobile" (Ecto-1) was created here in the "custom car capital of the world." The original vehicle is supposedly still on the Sony Lot (in storage) and has not been moved since it was used in GHOSTBUSTERS II. Several other "ectomobile" production cars have been built locally over the years as needed. The Petersen Museum has one of these vehicles as part of its “star cars” collection. Sometimes, it is even on display. Ask, before paying the admission price. map
Then, there's always The Ghost buster Disposal Service (map)
Finally, go to Hollywood Toys and Costume (map) and get your very own “Ghostbusters” costume, or just a “ghost” costume, so you will be appropriately attired for the GHOSTBUSTERS screening tonight at the "almost free" outdoor screening at the Circuit City Lot. map
For an overall map of these locations click here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)