Layer 1
Painted 1939
Palace Newsreel Theatre
The Palace Theatre in Los Angeles has a storied history dating back to its grand opening on June 26, 1911. Designed by architect G. Albert Lansburgh, the theater showcased the opulent Beaux-Arts architectural style, featuring intricate detailing and a majestic marquee. During its early years, the Palace Theatre was a vibrant hub of vaudeville entertainment, hosting many acts, including comedy, music, dance, and magic shows.
The Palace Theatre underwent a fascinating transformation in 1939 due to the public's increasing interest in global events during times of war. It was converted into a newsreel venue and was known by several names, such as the "News Palace" and "Palace Newsreel Theatre." This change was marked by technological advancements, including state-of-the-art sound and sound-television equipment. The vertical signs on the theatre's exterior were temporarily altered to highlight its newsreel offerings. However, the newsreel policy was inconsistent, and by 1941, the theatre began showing feature films again, sometimes simply advertising as "The Palace."
Under different managements, such as Fox West Coast and Metropolitan Theatres, the Palace Theatre had a dynamic history, hosting newsreels, features, and a variety of other entertainment. After serving as a newsreel theatre and showcasing major first-run engagements like "The Best Years of Our Lives," it later transitioned into a grindhouse, marking another chapter in its storied legacy.
Palace facade c. 1945 from "Theatres in Los Angeles" by Suzanne Tarbell Cooper, Amy Ronnebeck Hall, and Marc Wanamaker.
Photo by Quimby Stewart for the Los Angeles Examiner via 1951.
Layer 2
Painted in 1947
The Best Years of Our Lives
"The Best Years of Our Lives" was shown at the Palace Theatre in Los Angeles shortly after its initial release. The film premiered in Hollywood on November 21, 1946, and had exclusive distribution at the Beverly in Beverly Hills until Friday, January 24, 1947 when it premiered at the Palace.
The Palace Theatre, like many other prominent theaters of the time, screened popular and critically acclaimed films as part of its regular programming. "The Best Years of Our Lives" was a significant film upon its release, and it received widespread attention and positive reviews. Its screening at theaters like the Palace contributed to its success and enduring legacy in American cinema.
