The Alex Theater Neon Spire- Glendale California USA
Posted by: 
calgriz
N 34° 08.933 W 118° 15.289
11S E 384319 N 3779375
The Alex underwent renovation in 1993 which restored much of the original wall-painting and decorations, as well as the neon spire addeed by S. Charles Lee. The Alex Theatre is currently owned by the City of Glendale and operated by Glendale Arts.
Waymark Code: WMKK3V
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 04/24/2014
Views: 2
In 1940, notable theater architect S. Charles Lee was commissioned to redesign the exterior of the Alexander. Lee's portfolio included the Tower Theatre and the Los Angeles Theatre, both in Downtown Los Angeles, the Academy Theatre in Inglewood, as well as the Tujunga Theatre in Tujunga. His contributions included a 100-foot-tall art-deco column with neon lights, topped by a spiked, neon sphere that gave it a "starburst" appearance. A neon, angled marquee emblazoned the theater's new name, the Alex, which was shortened to fit the larger letters.
The Alexander officially opened its doors on September 4, 1925. It was operated by the West Coast-Langley Theatre Circuit and featured vaudeville performances, plays and silent movies on a single screen. It was named after Alexander Langley, the son of C.L. Langley, owner of the West Coast chain that included the Raymond Theater in Pasadena, and the Orange Theatre in the city of Orange. In addition to the lavish architecture, a huge Wurlitzer pipe organ was installed. A regular organist supplied improvised accompaniment during the silent picture era. Several movies had their preview screening at The Alex, inviting celebrities such as Alice Faye, Don Ameche, Elizabeth Taylor for National Velvet and Bing Crosby for Going My Way (both 1944). A backstage fire in 1948 caused $150,000 in damages. Starting in the 1950s, the Alex showed blockbuster films such as Ben-Hur (1959) and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984). A wide aspect ratio screen was installed in 1954, along with a surround sound system to accommodate the new Cinemascope pictures.
Name of business: 'The Alex' theater
Type of business: Cinema/Theater
Condition of Neon Sign: Hitsville - In good working order
Physical Location:
216 N Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA USA
91301
Web Address: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
One picture of sign will suffice. Additional shots - bonus.