Monday, 4/14/97
Living with the Past
Something has survived: From the age of glamorous movie houses,
a few theaters have maintained a classic Hollywood ambience, and
some are thriving in Westwood.
By Ricky Herzog and Aimee Phan
Daily Bruin Contributors
With all the new multiplexes popping up everywhere offering
audiences over 10 choices of films to see, the idea of the
single-screen movie theater seems to belong in the past. But in
Westwood, some of these older theaters continue to thrive,
attracting students and locals alike with their old Hollywood
charm.
The single-screen theater still brings in business with students
who are seeking a touch of nostalgia for the golden age of
Hollywood. "It makes you feel like you’re part of the old days in
Hollywood," says Luis Pauli, a third- year English student. "It
gives Westwood its own unique flavor and it makes it part of
Tinseltown."
Only showing one film per theater, these movie theaters offer a
giant screen, state-of-the-art sound and beautiful decor, allowing
the audience to enjoy the film not just as a movie but as an
event.
The Mann Bruin and Mann Village, both built in the 1930s, not
only showcase the most popular movies to students and Westwood
residents, but they also capture the Tinseltown atmosphere by
hosting Hollywood premieres. The Pacific Crest, which usually
feature Disney produced films, offers audiences a beautiful
interior, including a black lit three-dimensional mural of Westwood
and a ceiling filled with twinkling stars.
Originally built for the vaudeville shows that were popular in
the 1930s, most of the single-screen theaters have little stages
built in to accommodate these stage acts. But when the movies
became more popular throughout the country, these theaters were
soon converted into motion picture cinemas.
Bob Baron, manager of the Pacific Crest Theater on Westwood
Boulevard, believes that while the single-screen theaters may not
be as popular as they once were, they still offer a refreshing
alternative to the multiplexes.
"I think that the environment that single-screen theaters offer
is very different from multiplexes," Baron says. "What’s special
about our theaters is the excitement. I think that you’ll find in
any of the single screens in Westwood that we have a more personal
feel. We have a more relaxed staff and a warmer environment."
Many students agree with Baron, relishing the majestic
atmosphere that has been enjoyed by audiences for over 60
years.
"I love going to the single screens because they’ve got a lot
more character," says Rayna Khaitan, a second-year English student.
"They have an old theater-type feel, and it’s nice to actually feel
like you’re escaping to the movies rather than feeling like you’re
trapped in some cheesy mall."
"It makes going to the movies more exciting," agrees Robin
Phinney, a first-year undeclared student. "There’s a lot of people
there and a lot of energy in the room. The decorations are kind of
cheesy, but they give it a lot more character. It gives it a unique
old Hollywood feel."
Some students, though, do not enjoy the old-fashioned Hollywood
style, preferring the convenience of the multiplexes, which offer
numerous screenings of a more diverse selection.
"I don’t like the single-screen theaters," admits Arvin Chen, a
first-year undeclared student. "If you’re late for the movie, it
sucks because there’s no other options. With the multiplexes, you
can catch a movie at almost every half-hour."
But Baron believes while the multiplexes might provide more
variety, they cannot offer the personalized service that the single
screens have been offering for years now. And while multiplexes may
be the new phenomenon, their giant selection and overcrowded
atmosphere does not allow them to possess much character or
personality.
"Multiplexes are the thing of the future and are more of a
supermarket of theaters," Baron says. "The little theaters inside
those multiplexes are really small and I think they’re really
sterile."
Despite the growing popularity of the multiplexes, which are now
building up to 15 or 20 screens per cinema, the single-screen
theaters still continue to thrive due to a renaissance of
renovation and refurbishing. Six years ago, Disney invested 4.5
million dollars into the remodeling of the Pacific Crest
Theater.
"They painted the walls with murals with old Hollywood landmarks
and installed black lights into the theater for a three-dimensional
effect," Baron recalls. "But they tried to keep it as original to
the core, so the theater looks just like it did 50 years ago."
Now, the Pacific Crest has become popular for their frequent
Disney motion picture premieres. The Village and the Bruin are
equally famous for hosting many splashy, star-studded Hollywood
premieres, such as the "Ransom" premiere last fall. Many students
screamed at the sight of such celebrities as Mel Gibson, Ron Howard
and Rene Russo. Students often enjoy coming out to Westwood to take
a peek at the many famous celebrities who attend these gala
events.
"I had never seen so many stars in my life," says Vanessa
Rodriguez, a second-year psychology student who fondly recalls
attending the "Ransom" premiere. "All of my friends and I were just
standing out there, waiting for each limo to open up and wondering
who would come out next."
With such a strong reaction from fans, these star sighting
events clearly continue to keep the classic theaters popular. So as
long audiences continue to show a nostalgic affection for these
theaters, many believe they will continue to thrive alongside the
new frenzy of modern multiplexes.
"(Single-screen theaters) may be a thing of the past, but I
think, also for the future," Baron says. "People want the choice of
seeing a movie with comfort and atmosphere, which are what we
offer."
FILM: The Village Theater (208-5576) is located at 961 Broxton
Ave., the Bruin (239-6266) is located at 948 Broxton Ave. and the
Crest (474-7866) is located at 1262 Westwood Blvd.
Photos by CHARLES KUO/Daily Bruin
The Mann Village (above) has been a Westwood landmark for 67
years. The Crest (below) attracts movie audiences with its classic
vaudeville stage and decorations.
The Mann Bruin movie theater is one of three remaining theaters
from the 1930s in Westwood.