Genre: Architectural photographs / Subject: Entertainment - UCLA Library Digital Collections Search Results

Description:: This view of the screen shows the typical drive-in parking lot and speaker stanchions. The wings flanking the projection screen were built to deflect light from passing cars and also to obstruct the view of the screen from non-paying viewers outside the parking lot.
Date:: April 10, 1948
Resource Type:: still image
Collection:: S. Charles Lee Papers, 1919-1962

Description:: The auditorium walls curve towards the screen, interrupted in each side by a scalloped wall edge where the screen curtain, lit by indirect lighting begins. The effect is further enhanced by the continuation of a vine pattern on the walls in cut-out form over the front exit openings. Globes of light at the center of grilles concealing the ceiling fans neatly combine two functions. The ceiling is further decorated by a scalloped design painted around the light and ventilation fixtures.
Date:: 1948-49
Resource Type:: still image
Photographer:: Todd, L. A.
Collection:: S. Charles Lee Papers, 1919-1962

Description:: Lee designed his theatres to be most effective at night. The tall neon sign seems to hang in the air above the building. A grid of round lights underneath the canopy forms a high marquee and illuminates the entrance. Translucent panels on the lobby walls glow invitingly and the aluminum frames reflect the light. The poster cases are illuminated internally and outlined by neon strips.
Date:: 1948-49
Resource Type:: still image
Collection:: S. Charles Lee Papers, 1919-1962

Description:: The design evolved into a storefront remodel using every device to capture attention from the passerby. The strong diamond pattern applied to the upper story, the series of vertical posts applied at street and the paneled entry doors draw attention to the centerpiece, the curving neon-outlined marquee. A curved box office at the sidewalk and poster cases framed in wavey edged box frames are overwhelmed by the other design elements. Here the chief purpose of the design is to draw attention to the storefront, using a variety of cheap applied elements without regard for design integration.
Date:: 1947-48
Resource Type:: still image
Photographer:: Lee, S. Charles, 1899-1990
Collection:: S. Charles Lee Papers, 1919-1962

Description:: The auditorium interior reveals Lee's use of the inexpensive Quonset hut truss system, also used in the Puente Theatre (51101-51110) and the Garmar Theatre ((30301-30305) from the same period. In the immediate post-war period the system was used to build housing, commercial and factory buildings to satisfy the pent-up demand for new construction.
Date:: 1946-49
Resource Type:: still image
Collection:: S. Charles Lee Papers, 1919-1962

Browse items