Theatres of Oakland (Images of America) [Paperback]

Jack Tillmany (Author), Jennifer Dowling (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2, 2006

Oakland has a rich theatre history, from the amusements of a gas-lit downtown light opera and vaudeville stage in the 1870s to the ornate cinematic escape portals of the Great Depression. Dozens of neighborhood theatres, once the site of family outings and first dates, remain cherished memories in the lives of Oaklanders. The city can still boast three fabulous movie palaces from the golden age of cinema: the incomparable art deco Paramount, which now offers live performances and films; the stately Grand Lake gracing the sinuous shores of Lake Merritt; and the magnificently eccentric Fox Oakland, with its imposing Hindu gods flanking the stage. The Paramount and Grand Lake still stir the heartstrings of patrons with showings preceded by interludes on their mighty Wurlitzer organs.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jack Tillmany, recognized authority on early cinema and author of the Images of America volume Theatres of San Francisco, draws from a personal archive gathered during a 30-year career in cinema management. Coauthor Jennifer Dowling collects movie-related ephemera, writes, and gives illustrated talks on the history of Oakland's commercial districts. Together they draw back the heavy curtain of time to rediscover Oakland's theatrical treasures.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (October 2, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 073854681X
• ISBN-13: 978-0738546810
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,167,518 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Big city, small town...the old theatres were truly magical., October 29, 2008

By 

Preston Allison "movie fan # 2,435,327,108" (Austin TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Theatres of Oakland (Images of America) (Paperback)

Mr. Tillmany, drumming up business for his books, put me onto this terrific book (and its companion volume regarding San Francisco theatres).

The book is well-balanced with knowledgeable text and many great photos of theatres, mostly from bygone days, and some from when those moviehouses hit the skids.

Although I've never been to Oakland or San Francisco, the bittersweet pang of nostalgia was undeniable. Ever since I watched my first theatrical movie ("Destination Moon") at the Ritz in Big Spring, TX, I've been a gluttonous movie fan.

So, thanks, Mr. Tillmany, for the loving preparation that you (and your cohort) gave to this book and the San Francisco book. I treasure both books.

--Preston Allison

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful trip back through theatre history, October 16, 2006

By 

Frederick M. Beall (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Theatres of Oakland (Images of America) (Paperback)

I just finished reading The Theatres of Oakland cover to cover. I had no idea that the authors had uncovered so many wonderful historical details about so many theatres that are now only dimly remembered. Most theatre books just dismiss these theatres with just a sentence or two, whereas they give a real glimpse of the period and history of the neighborhoods and theatres. Really makes me want to read more beyond the boundaries of Oakland. Berkeley, Alameda, Richmond and many other East Bay cities would be a great addition.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Old Oakland Movie Houses Revisited, March 3, 2010

By 

Norman G. Cox "OTR Research Specialist" (SF East Bay) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Theatres of Oakland (Images of America) (Paperback)

Enjoyed the pictures of the old movie houses of my younger years. I never thought I would ever see a picture of our 1940s West Oakland Star Theatre. There it was. . . A brief history of its origins and end fate. Similar treatment for tons of other neighborhood houses. Lots of historic details on the more lavish downtown movie houses like the Paramount and the Fox Oakland. (Both now fully restores to their past glories) Fun.