Fox Theater (Westwood Village)

Fox Theater (Westwood Village). The Fox Theater is a historic movie palace located in the heart of Westwood, Los Angeles, adjacent to the University of California, Los Angeles campus. Opened in 1931 during the golden age of cinema, it was one of the flagship theaters for the Fox Film Corporation and remains a prominent example of Art Deco architecture in Southern California. For decades, it has served as a major venue for film premieres, concerts, and cultural events, cementing its status as a landmark within the Los Angeles entertainment landscape.

History

The Fox Theater was developed as part of the rapid expansion of Westwood Village, a commercial district planned by developers like Harold Janss to serve the growing University of California, Los Angeles community. It was constructed for the Fox West Coast Theatres chain, a subsidiary of the powerful Fox Film Corporation led by William Fox. The theater opened on September 19, 1931, with a premiere of the film The Man Who Came Back starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. Its opening was a significant social event, attracting Hollywood elites and marking Westwood's arrival as a sophisticated destination. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, it operated as a first-run house for major 20th Century Fox releases, thriving despite the challenges of the Great Depression and later World War II. The theater's management and programming were later influenced by the Paramount Decree, which changed the studio-exhibitor relationship.

Architecture and design

Designed by renowned theater architect S. Charles Lee, the Fox Theater is celebrated as a prime example of the Art Deco style adapted for a cinematic setting. The exterior facade features a striking vertical sign and marquee, with intricate geometric patterns and streamlined forms characteristic of the period. The interior lobby showcases a grand staircase, terrazzo floors, and decorative metalwork, while the auditorium is designed in a modified atmospheric theatre style. The ceiling originally simulated a night sky, a common feature in theaters designed by Lee, who also created the nearby Bruin Theatre. The design incorporated advanced technology for its time, including a sophisticated Wurlitzer organ and a large proscenium stage to accommodate live performances preceding film screenings.

Notable events and performances

The Fox Theater has hosted countless significant events since its opening. It was a regular site for film premieres for 20th Century Fox productions, including major releases like The Sound of Music and Star Wars. The venue has also been a key location for concerts by legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, and Prince. In the 1980s, it gained fame as the venue for the annual UCLA student film festival, often featuring appearances by notable alumni like Francis Ford Coppola and James Dean. The theater frequently appears in films and television shows, including scenes in Pretty Woman and Beverly Hills, 90210, further embedding it in popular culture.

Cultural impact and legacy

As a cornerstone of Westwood Village, the Fox Theater has profoundly influenced the cultural and social life of the surrounding community, particularly for generations of UCLA students and faculty. Its presence helped establish the village as a premier entertainment district rivaling Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles. The theater is remembered as the site of the 1991 premiere of The Doors, a major event attended by Oliver Stone and surviving members of The Doors. It symbolizes the enduring glamour of the classic movie palace era and remains a touchstone for Los Angeles history, often cited in studies of S. Charles Lee and Art Deco architecture.

Renovations and preservation

The Fox Theater has undergone several major renovations to adapt to changing exhibition trends and preserve its architectural integrity. In the 1970s, it was subdivided into a twin cinema to compete with the rise of multiplex theaters, a project that altered some interior spaces. A significant restoration effort in the late 1990s, led by new owners Regal Cinemas, focused on repairing the historic facade and marquee and restoring original Art Deco details in the lobby. The theater was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1991, ensuring protection for its exterior. Ongoing preservation work addresses the challenges of maintaining a historic structure while operating as a modern commercial cinema, balancing its legacy with contemporary use.

Category:Movie palaces in Los Angeles Category:Art Deco architecture in Los Angeles Category:Westwood, Los Angeles Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1931 Category:Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments