Lights Out: Sacramento’s Lost Movie Houses
Posted on January 8, 2012 – 9:25 PM | by Admin
Esquire
1219 K St. as it appeared in March of 1946. Here we see the Esquire Theatre with its impressive moderne design typical of the transition between Art-Deco and Streamline. It was operated by the Blumenfeld family, who also built the “new” Del Paso and Tower Theatre, which they still own. The Esquire opened in March 1940 and operated until 1982. During those years, one of the biggest attractions was the arrival of Cinerama on October 11, 1963, with its special curved screen and 3 projector system. I saw Jaws there first run, and was taken by the beautiful art-deco archer and milk glass disc situated behind the candy counter. I recall climbing the stair to the mezzanine, my feet sinking into 100% wool carpet with so much padding that you could almost not feel the step. In the balcony, I snuggled into the Heywood-Wakefield rocking loge seat and was entertained in proper fashion. The theatre building was demolished except for the façade and marquee. In 1999, the 22 storey Esquire Plaza Building was built behind, incorporating and surrounding the old theatre façade. IMAX Theatres installed an IMAX screen in the new building, which is accessed through the old theatre entrance. The newly constructed lobby of the IMAX Esquire was designed in the same shape as the original theatre lobby from 1940, and they even included the mezzanine!
7 Responses to “Lights Out: Sacramento’s Lost Movie Houses”
By John on Feb 7, 2012 | Reply
The Rio actually lasted longer than 1955. When I came to Sacramento in 1962 it was still open and showing Spanish language films. It closed sometime later afterwards but then re-opened under a new operator for a while showing “pin up” (nude model) adult films. Live burlesque was later added to the film programs. I believe that lasted to about 1965 when it was closed for good. On the Cinema Treasures website in the comments section for the Rio there is a link to a picture of the theatre in the early 1960’s (obvious from the cars on the street) with mexican film titles on the marquee.
Nice pictures and commentary Matias! Why don’t you do a book on the Theatres of our great city! I can’t think of anyone more qualified! Cheers!
By Theatre Historical Society of America on Mar 1, 2012 | Reply
Thanks, Matias, great info and photos. THS will be in your city June 26-30 touring about 28 theatres throughout the Central Valley during our annual Conclave / Theatre Tour. Perhaps we will get a chance to meet then !
By Gary Parks on Mar 1, 2012 | Reply
Wonderful collection of images, Matias. You solved the mystery of the names and dates of the theatre that I knew once occupied the space where Alejandro’s Taqueria is today.
A portion of the Alhambra’s auditorium wall decoration is in the Oakland Museum of California, and I have seen other portions of its plaster ornament for sale over the years at antique shows.
The neon marquee of the Capitol is identical to one still on the former Varsity Theatre in Palo Alto–Borders Books from 1996-2011. The Capitol’s pipe organ is still in use in a Winery in the Healdsburg area.
The Theatre Historical Society is looking forward very much to visiting Sacramento’s remaining vintage theatres this June, as well as other theatre treasures throughout the Central Valley on our Conclave tour.
By Wayne Zimmerman on Mar 2, 2012 | Reply
FABULOUS!! FABULOUS!!! FABULOUS!!!!
Many Thanks Matias!!!!!
By Mike Munson, DSP on Jan 11, 2014 | Reply
Matias… Read the Bee article and am thoroughly enjoying your input on “Lost Movie Houses”. As I am my 70th year, I recall many of the old venues. Remember taking the no.5 bus downtown and going to the Senator, Crest or Esquire, if finances permitted.. the California in Oak Park, Capitol or Roxie (World) if they didn’t. Entering in the bright late morning light and exiting in the evening darkness.. an adventure nary equalled in today’s movie-going! But I am fascinated by your recounting of seeing “Jaws” first-run at the Esquire. Wouldn’t you have been around 6 or 7? Envy your powers of recall!! ….. All the best, Mike
By Scott on Apr 28, 2016 | Reply
Wasn’t there a “Star Theater” on K Street not far away from Esquire Theater?