Lights Out: Sacramento’s Lost Movie Houses
Posted on January 8, 2012 – 9:25 PM | by Admin
Newsreel
In the era before TV, internet, and cell phones, we read about news in the paper the next day, and heard about it on the radio, as it was happening. We had to wait a whole week, however, before we could view pictures taken by daring newsreel cameramen in the theatres as one of the “units” that made up a programme. Never was the desire for real moving images of actual events greater than during the second world war. At 909 K St., the Sequoia Hotel building (still standing and used for offices) housed The Sequoia Theatre on the first floor beginning in 1910. That business lasted until 1931. It became the Sierra Theatre from 1931-1941. With the start of WWII, the demand for the latest images from the war gave birth to the concept of newsreel theatres all over the country. These ran a policy of 24 hour operation of short news subjects, 7-20 min each in length that repeated all day and night. 30 cents got you in and you stayed as long as you liked, or ducked in long enough for the big stories that were re-screened about every 75 minutes. The 542 seat Newsreel Theatre of Sacramento, seen here, lasted as long as WWII, closing at the end of the war in 1946. War was over, and the theatre became The State Theatre (no connection to the other earlier theatre with the same name) through 1955 and closed. The theatre was torn out of the first floor, and the space converted to retail use. Today the space houses Alejandro’s Taqueria.
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?