Quote:
Originally Posted by BifRayRock
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Is something missing?
Wikipedia is a good resource yet its
current history of the New Beverly Cinema is either inaccurate or incomplete.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Beverly_Cinema It
currently states:
"The building began life as a vaudeville theater, hosting acts such as Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Jackie Gleason, Phil Silvers, and others. Later, the theater was converted into a nightclub called Slapsy Maxie's, named after the boxer and silent film actor Maxie Rosenbloom."
No mention of "
Colvin's Beverly Winery?"
There is little doubt the building spent the majority of its life as an entertainment venue, but this picture makes clear that wine sales was one of many hats it has worn. With its open air facade, it is a strong hunch that the building started out as a retail establishment and most probably a neighborhood bodega, like so many other open air markets in the vicinity. That is not to say several transformations were not possible, considering the nearby Cantor's and Bethel Presbyterian Church conversions from theaters. But a purpose-built middle-of-the-block small venue seems to have been bucking the trend of larger movie houses in the late 20's early 30's when, I am guessing, the building was erected. (the NB Cinema = 300 seats
http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/1156; Esquire Theater/Canter's = 500 seats
http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/2358 Fox La Brea/Bethel Church = 900 seats
http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/2293). Note the two distinct facades in the '34 picture, suggesting, at the time, it may have been intended to house two different business at the location, similar to today. (Colvin's appears to be using both addresses -
until the wine sells out.
) There are also a couple of interior photos, but it is not clear if they are of the structure know known as the NB Cinema or its neighbor to the east. The open beams
may suggest the building was finished more as a retail warehouse than a place for theatrical exhibition. Again, this is pure conjecture and given the economic climate in '34, there is probably a far more interesting back story to the building.
Interior shots show wooden beams above displays.
Makeshift storage support or display window dressing?
Is $1/barrel wine enough for a double feature at the Wiltern?
Muscatel or Port for Capra, Runyon, Warner Williams? Forget your troubles . . . get happy? 
Wrong movie.
http://img.rakuten.com/PIC/5407769/0/1/500/5407769.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNKhew5QhP...+For+a+Day.jpg