If you love movies on the big screen, love art deco, or love historic Hollywood, you would love the American Cinematheque. The organization operates two historic theatres, the Egyptian in Hollywood and the Aero Theatre in the north of Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. These landmarks are a big part of Hollywood film history, and the AC offers outstanding programming including many genres of films from the past and present, movie premiers, film festivals, foreign language films, independent screenings, documentary, short film & speaker events. Some of the more recognizable showings are Golden Globe foreign nomination series, holiday series featuring “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Elf”, and many, many more. If interested check their website often for updated offerings. Some screenings sell out, so planning ahead accordingly.
The Egyptian theatre built by Sid Grauman in 1922, was named after the discovery of the King Tutankhamoun tomb in Cairo, Egypt built in the same theme as the great pyramids of Giza. Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre premiered “Robin Hood” starring Douglas Fairbanks on October 18, 1922. When Cecil DeMille’s “Ten Commandments”, came out in 1923, the prologue featuring 100 performers from the movie in full regalia to wow the audience.
The theatre fell into disrepair in the 1980’s when the economy slumped. Eventually the theatre was sold to American Cinematheque for one dollar with the caveat that the non-profit would rehab the theatre to its original glory. The rehabilitation project cost $12.9 million in 1998 and won the 2000 National Preservation Honor Award.
The Egyptian Theatre history
The other theatre American Cinematheque operates is the Aero on upscale Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Contrary its posh location, it is a simple, single theatre originally built in 1934 by the Donald Douglas Company in 1934 and showed movies 24/7 for the enjoyment and delight of defense factory workers after their shift during WW2. Later in 2002, Robert Redford planned to take it over as Sundance Cinema, but the deal did not go through.
The restoration project in 2008, spent $1 million to upkeep the building, update theatre seating, put in a new screen and projection equipment. Now just six years later, the theatre is still need of further repairs. But don’t let the esthetics fool you, the theatre equipment and movie going experience is still suburb.
Historical info on the Aero
If you go the movies a few times each year like most Angelenos, the American Cinematheque membership is great value for the buck. A student or senior membership costs $55/year, and for an individual coats $65/year. Included in member benefits are discounted tickets for $7 per show (otherwise $10, still really inexpensive). Yearly you receive 2 complementary admission tickets during the month of your birthday, as well as discounts on Cinematheque merchandise, and invitations to numerous private screening, independent movies, various festivals, movie premiers and receptions. In addition to the movie discounts, there are participating restaurants, museums, retail clothing stores, video stores, and bookstores that give member discounts.
Whether you patronize the theatres, become a member or make a donation, your coming is greatly appreciated. Ticket sales and memberships only cover a small portion of the costs, so please consider making a donation. American Cinematheque is a 501(c)3 non-profit, and a registered charity for employer matching.
AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE
Sue Helmy has plenty of tricks up her sleeve. She is currently providing superb concierge duties at the Building and Safety Division of the City of Beverly Hills. She is active in countless church and civic organizations and spends every minute she can spare dancing to the zumba beat.
-cw
CityWatch
Vol 12 Issue 105
Pub: Dec 30, 2014
