La Paloma Theatre facts for kids
La Paloma Theatre is a really old and cool movie theater in Encinitas, California. It's built in a special style called Spanish Colonial Revival. This means it looks like old Spanish buildings with fancy details.
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How La Paloma Theatre Started
Building a Dream
The La Paloma Theatre was built a long time ago, between 1927 and 1928. A person named Frank E. Brown helped make it happen. When it first opened, it was a silent movie theater. This means the movies didn't have sound, and sometimes a live orchestra played music! The theater had 540 seats, with a main floor and small balcony areas. Edward J. Baum was the architect who designed this beautiful building.
Opening Night and Famous Visitors
The La Paloma Theatre officially opened its doors on February 11, 1928. The very first movie shown was "The Cohens and Kelleys in Paris." A famous actress named Mary Pickford even came to the opening event! Another very famous performer, Charlie Chaplin, also performed at the theater.
From Silent to "Talkies"
La Paloma was one of the first theaters to show "talkies." These were movies that had sound and speaking actors, which was a brand new invention back in 1927. In 1928, the theater quickly added special sound equipment so people could enjoy these new talking pictures.
Special Details
Look closely at the floor tiles inside the theater! They are handmade and hand-painted. These beautiful tiles were created by a company called Claycraft Potteries in Los Angeles.
What La Paloma Theatre Is Like Today
Still a Movie Hotspot
Even today, La Paloma Theatre is still a busy movie theater! It's especially famous for showing "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" with special live shows by a group called Crazed Imaginations.
More Than Just Movies
But it's not just for movies! La Paloma is also a popular place for live concerts and performances. Many amazing artists have performed there, like Loreena McKennitt, Nickel Creek, Ralph Stanley, Jerry Garcia, and Eddie Vedder.
Keeping It Beautiful
The theater is currently owned by Alan Largent. He made sure the theater got a big restoration in 2016 to keep it looking great for everyone to enjoy.
Find Out More
- Official La Paloma Theater website: http://www.lapalomatheatre.com/
- Official Crazed Imaginations website: https://www.crazedimaginations.net/
