Glimpses of South Pasadena: There's a Light Over at the Frankenstein Place

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

There's a Light Over at the Frankenstein Place

Rocky Horror at the Rialto on Halloween? It's a time warp!

14 comments:

Cafe Pasadena said...: This brings a big smile to my face.; October 28, 2009 at 12:24 AM
Judy Williams said...: Let's Do the Time Warp Again!; October 28, 2009 at 5:36 AM
TheChieftess said...: Awwww....the Rialto...I love old theaters...they speak to me of Hollywood in the 40's...At last year's California Art's and So Pas Chamber combined art showing, my darlin' hubby bought me my favorite painting of the Rialto, by Dan Opaziano, a local artist. Pretty great birthday present, don't you think???

It makes me sad though, when I drive by, to see the Rialto in such a state of steady decline. Unfortunately, with the demise of the town center project, my hopes for the long term survival of this old theater have dwindled...; October 28, 2009 at 9:57 AM
Anonymous said...: Wonderful story-book spooky photo. I miss the Rialto, too. Loved the balcony.; October 28, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Anonymous said...: Last flick I saw there was the Madness of King George
with Mr V and my "passed on" best friend Vicki. I fell asleep.

(I left you an e-mail); October 28, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Dixie Jane said...: I wish I could share in the memories of your beloved Rialto Theatre. But I can remember a theatre by the same name in the little town where I grew up. It was the one with the Saturday morning Westerns and the ever present RATS!

I hope a restoration is in the offing for all of you.; October 28, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Yakpate said...: Great Photo!

I took two of my nieces to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show when they were 8 and 12, and after that single exposure, they became rebels.

I also taught them both to drive (in an empty parking lot) during that same visit... and now that they're grown and have children of their own, for some reason they won't let their kids visit me!; October 28, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Margaret said...: Tsk, tsk. Go to sleep.; October 28, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Shanna said...: Jim and I saw Shall We Dance there!

It is still one of my favorite films and The Rialto was a favorite place to see them.; October 28, 2009 at 1:27 PM
dbdubya said...: The one and only movie I've seen at the Rialto was "Whale Rider." I'll pass on the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The problem with the Rialto is that it's owned by a large family trust with a long term lease to Landmark Theaters. The family won't sell, and Landmark won't invest any money to renovate it. They also won't sell the lease. Because of its condition, it's not profitable so Landmark closed the doors except for the occasional Rocky Horror show. Most people in town would like to see it renovated and made into a performing arts theater. That would be a great asset to South Pasadena, but unfortunately there are no examples of renovated movie houses that have been turned into performing arts theaters that don't require a substantial subsidy from either the city or a non-profit. Glendale's Alex requires a several hundred thousand dollar a year grant from the City to keep open. The City doesn't own it and can't afford to purchase it. And, the City can't subsidize it. So, unless a very generous benefactor comes forward or a non-profit is created to save the Rialto, it will continue to slowly die a painful death. What a shame.; October 28, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Mister Earl said...: I used to go to the Rialto quite a bit back in the early 80s. That was when they had a different movie every few days and had a calendar each month to keep track of them. I've already mentioned here the great preview films: One with Fire Chief Dave "Hi Dave" telling us not to smoke and the other with Jimmy Stewart from It's a Wonderful Life tossing a basketful of money in the air and showing us how much money we'd save with a Rialto Discount Card.; October 28, 2009 at 5:32 PM
Scott Feldmann said...: Serendipity! I wuz posting a link to your fabulous blog on a new website . . . www.rialtosouthpasadena.com . . . and lo and behold, the featured photo was this one! We got a cosmic connection here, this time.; October 28, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Tash said...: Red hot! and green lights too.
I've never seen THE SHOW although all my HS buddies have gone there at least once. I'm sending a link of this one to Ken who is now in Japan. He'll love it.; October 28, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Laurie Allee said...: THanks, everyone!

And Scott, that is too cool. Thank you for the link!

Until tomorrow, gang.; October 29, 2009 at 12:10 AM