Bagdad Theatre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bagdad Theatre
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View from across Hawthorne Boulevard
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 Location in Portland, Oregon
Location in Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3708–26 SE Hawthorne Boulevard Portland, Oregon |
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| Built | 1927 |
| Architect | Thomas & Mercier |
| Architectural style | Mission Revival/Spanish Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 89000099 |
| Added to NRHP | March 8, 1989 |
The Bagdad Theatre is a famous movie theater located in the Hawthorne District of Portland, Oregon, United States. It first opened its doors in 1927. This theater was the special place for the first showings of two well-known movies: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in 1975 and My Own Private Idaho in 1991.
The Bagdad Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This means it's an important historical building. Today, the theater is owned by McMenamins, a company known for its unique brewpubs and hotels.
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What the Bagdad Theatre Looks Like
The Bagdad Theatre is a rectangular building that covers most of four lots. It sits on a strong concrete base. The building is mostly made of reinforced concrete covered with stucco, which is a type of plaster. The height of the building changes from three to five stories in different parts. It has red tile roofs in various styles, like shed and hip roofs.
Outside the Building
On the main floor, there are shops facing north and west. A glass entrance leads into the theater. The outside of the building has many cool features. These include windows with multiple panes, decorative molding, and fake rafters (which look like roof beams). You can also see wrought-iron balconets, which are small, decorative balconies. The outside of the Bagdad Theatre still looks very much like it did when it opened in 1927.
Inside the Building
When you enter, a long lobby leads you to the movie viewing areas. The hallways, ramps, and the main auditorium have concrete walls. These walls are decorated to make you feel like you are in a building near the Mediterranean Sea. You might see trompe-l'œil tiles, which are painted to look real. There are also fancy lights, arched doorways, and designs that feature animals and legendary creatures.
History of the Bagdad Theatre
Universal Studios spent a lot of money, $100,000, to build the Bagdad Theatre. A Portland architecture company called Thomas and Mercier designed it. The Christman and Otis Development Company built it. In the 1920s, the theater's unique look and its huge, bright marquee helped it stand out. It competed with other movie theaters and drive-in restaurants to get people's attention. Many movie houses in the city used designs inspired by Moorish, Egyptian, and Mayan styles. The Bagdad Theatre officially opened on January 14, 1927. The first movie shown was Her Big Night (1926), starring Laura La Plante.
Early Days and Famous Visitors
The inside of the theater used to have a large stage, a fountain, and decorations that looked like they were from the Middle-Eastern region. The female ushers (people who help you find your seat) even wore uniforms that looked Arabian. In its early years, the Bagdad showed silent films and talkies (movies with sound). It also hosted live stage shows, including vaudeville acts. Famous performers like Sammy Davis Jr. and the Will Mastin Trio once appeared here.
In 1975, famous actors Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher, along with producer Michael Douglas, came to the Bagdad. They were there for Oregon's first showing of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Later, in 1991, My Own Private Idaho opened at the Bagdad after McMenamins had updated the theater.
Modern Times and Renovations
In recent years, the Bagdad Theatre has continued to be a popular spot. It has hosted regular film series, like the "Midnight Movie" series. It has also held book tours organized by Powell's Books, a well-known bookstore. In 2013, McMenamins renovated the theater again. These updates included a larger screen, a digital projector for better picture quality, new seats, and an improved sound system.
See Also
