This night view shows the power of the illuminated image to draw customers into the theatre. The indirect illumination of the pylon creates a glowing tower that can be seen from afar. Glass block walls make the building glow from within.
The Academy Theatre was Leeýs most fully realized design in the Streamline Moderne mode. The extensive use of glass block, stainless steel, curved forms and modern graphics gave the building an image of modernity that suited the transitory commercial building type of the motion picture theatre, but was not often attempted in residential architecture or most commercial architecture.
Note on back of photograph: Carved glass panel depicting the Academy of Motion Pictures (from which the Theatre takes its name) and the Arts of the Theatre. At main entrance to auditorium. Panel is 10' [feet] high.
Main entrance to the auditorium. No matter what aisle one is to be accommodated at, he enters thru this main portal. All ushers' resistance has been overcome by this mode of entrance. This feature has been protected in the Note on back of photograph: Patent Office by the Architec
The overlapping wall and ceiling surfaces, illuminated by indirect lighting, create a powerful perspective that focuses on the screen. The floor plan (2070001) and ceiling plan (2070001) show how the effect was achieved. Oversize leaf forms decorate the walls. Dark borders edging the ceiling panels accentuate the perspective.