Tis the season for festive garlands twinkling over Fair Oaks Avenue ... but last night I was more excited to see The Rialto lit up in all of her neon splendor. A film crew might be responsible for turning on the lights because I could find out nothing about the rather silly title on the marquis.As Jimmy Stewart said, "Merry Christmas movie house!"
22 comments:
Yay for neon! It looks great. What does the sign say "Hot for Dogs"???
Don't know what "Hot for Dogs" is, but there was a film crew there last evening. Since the sign is still up, maybe they'll be back again tonight.
Another great photo, Laurie, and proof that you were running around town last night, painting it red, no doubt.
The warmth of the lights on a cool winter night always feels and looks nice.
I want mine all the way with kraut and onions.
Rialto. Does anybody know anything about that name? I think they are in lots of cities.
V
Virginia, I was wondering the exact same thing, so I Googled the origin of Rialto and found something probable... when the city of Venice, Italy was settling in the ninth century, one district was named Rivoaltus, or "high bank." Eventually the name of the district was shortened to "Rialto." By 1097 it had become an important trade district, so a bridge was constructed across the Grand Canal for easier access... becoming the famous Rialto Bridge, since featured in literature, films, etc.
In the immediate vicinity, theaters, cafes, shops etc. were named "Rialto" to associate them with the district.
When I last visited Venice I stayed at a hotel adjacent to the Rialto Bridge, and crossed it countless times. It still thrives!
Hot Dogs, Oscar MYer WiEner WAgon, Sunny Trotta? Silly Title? I think not!
It's a dog thing, you humans wouldn't understand. That theatre was probably full of really intelligent and sneaky dogs, watching a cat snuff film.
We had a Rialto theatre in the little South Texas town where I grew up. Saturdays were cowboys and Indians movies and my little brother sat on the front row with his little six shooter so that he could participate. Bang! Bang! It was also famous for having rats. When I went I sat on my feet. This picture, depicted by Laurie, is much more glamourous as is the explanation by Yak. I love the bright neon and the weiner title, whatever it means. Thanks, Laurie, for making, "night owls" out of all of us with your meanderings.
Your mom is something else. I really like her.
What a coincidence you have a theatre pic up 2day, LA, in the dark of all times.
I have 1 4 U 2!
In fact, I'm back from L.A. w/your pics. It's more than I xpected! I gotta do some honest work 2day 1st, then tonite I should be able 2 get them 2 u.
You'll provide the narrative.
not for dogs? did ya see it. Nice shot?
Neon and Christmas lights, now that's a combination I wouldn't expect to look beautiful together but here it works!
Your photos of Pasadena so much fun to see! I lived there for a few years in high school just off of Colorado Blvd. and S. Bonnie across from the college. I lived in my grandmother's house that was built in the 1920s. It's gone now, replaced by student apartments. Pasadena always had a great mix of old and new side by side!
Thanks for stopping at my blog and leaving such nice comments!
Okay - time to get on board. I've enjoyed Laurie's blog for a few months but have never gotten around to posting a comment. I also think South Pasadena is a great little town and Laurie does a wonderful job of capturing the feel of this little oasis in the middle of LA. I know a bit of it's history, including the Rialto. It's a classic old movie house but is in a state of disrepair. It closed a couple of years ago. Before that Rocky Horror Picture Show was a regular event on Sat night at midnight. It's currently owned by Landmark Theaters, Mark Cuban's company. Locals want desperately to have it restored, but Landmark won't do it and won't sell it. And there's no money to get it done. So, this grand old lady sits vacant except for an occasional film shoot.
Hot for Dogs, Cold for Cuts?
Dixie Jane (Mom): Your town sounds like The Last Picture Show.
A note to altadenahiker. Thanks for the nice words. I really like you too!
Hello kids,
Welcome dbdubya! What took you so long to jump in? We're all friendly, I promise... :-)
And welcome to you, VanDerHoekArt! Thank you for such kind words.
I had to laugh when I saw Hot For Dogs on the marquis again this morning. Now I'm REALLLLLY curious about what movie was being filmed. There is a funny story about when a crew was filming a movie about the swinging 70s and the words Deep Throat were up there on our lovely, modest Rialto. Naturally, many residents did not know it was all part of a film -- and many were afraid that this was the trajectory of our once grand movie house.
Cafe? Pictures? Yay!
Yak, it's interesting about the name Rialto. I had no idea. Who cares about quadratic equations? We should learn this stuff in school. (Okay, actually quadratic equations are pretty good, too. But I draw the line at having to read Billy Budd.)
Thanks for being here, everyone. Until tomorrow!
Oh, and Tanya -- the new avatar picture is too cute!
I just realized... I think I got that Deep Throat story from Mister Earl!
Hee! I like the message. There was one on the Crystal Burger lately that advertised for "black anus burgers". I'm not sure if that was a crafty employee's trick or an ignorant mistake. You never know here in Mississippi!
I've solved the mystery of the title on the marquee of the Rialto. After doing some sniffing around (pun intended), I learned that they were filming a promo for a movie called Hotel for Dogs. That explains the crates filled with dogs that were on the old nursery site behind the Rialto. Coming soon to a theater near you, except for the Rialto, Hotel for Dogs.
Thanks, dbdubya! Hotel for Dogs is not nearly as silly as Hot for Dogs. Thanks for the sleuthing on our behalf!
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