[BifRayRock]

Mystery Marquee?

Recently posted images of the "four" United Artists' sister theaters: Whittier, Pasadena, Long Beach and Mid-town/Miracle Mile Los Angeles. It is the last theater, the Four Star at 5112 Wilshire that piqued additional interest.

One photo, reposted below, contains a marquee that advertises another theater one block west at 5214 Wilshire: the Fox Ritz Theater. It is likely that this marquee caused two separate sources to confuse the two theaters and mislabel the Four Star as "the United Artists Ritz Theater." One of the sources includes an incorrect address (5600 Wilshire) that is very close to the El Rey (5515 Wilshire).

It seemed unusual for one theater to advertise its competitor. Since the Four Star was not yet operational - it could have rented marquee space to anyone willing to pay, or this may have been a common courtesy between "friendly" rivals. Looking at the 1940s aerial photo suggests that the theaters, had more of a connection than first thought.

"The Biggest Pictures, the Best Stars, the Finest Productions play at the Fox Ritz Theater."
"Three Shows Daily at Fox Ritz "
"See Pictures Sooner at Fox Ritz Theater"

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The former United Artists Four Star at 5112 Wilshire Blvd
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1932
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Fox RITZ Theater 1932



1956 The Movie "White Feather" released in '56