Hollywood Theater History

The Haunted Movie Theaters of Hollywood

It seems that spirits or ghosts seem to enjoy not only the theater but also watching movies. It appears that many of these ghosts have chosen to haunt Hollywood movie theaters. They can be former actors or actresses or even staff members of the theaters.

Mann’s Chinese Theater

One of the best recognized landmarks all over the world and especially in Hollywood is the building formerly known as Graumann’s Chinese Theater located on Hollywood Boulevard. Showman Sid Graumann built the theater in 1927 to host the premiere of the epic film “King of Kings” directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The building was designed in an Oriental style and actresses and actors could leave behind their foot and hand prints in

Four Warner brothers, Harry, Albert, Sam and Jack risked everything in the late 1920s for the first talkie film “The Jazz Singer”. It was an iconic moment because now movie theaters would have to be equipped with sound. The brothers were hoping to have the theater ready for the premier of the movie. Sam Warner was the one supervising the installation of the sound system. When Sam realized that the theater would not be ready for the premier he stood in the lobby and cursed the place. Because of this “The Jazz Singer” had its premiere in New York City on October 6, 1927. None of the Warner brothers could attend and 24 hours before the premier Sam Warner suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died in Los Angeles. Finally six months later the Warner Pacific Theater opened its doors showing a long forgotten film called “The Glorious Betsy” starring Conrad Nagel. Al Jolson was the emcee that night and a plaque honoring Sam Warner was placed in the theater

It was purchased in 1949 by eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes as part of his national theater chain when he bought RKO Pictures. After purchasing the theater Hughes set up two offices on the second floor and would use them whenever he was in Hollywood. In the mid-1950s he sold all of his RKO stock and abandoned the offices. Pacific Theaters bought the Pantages in 1967, restoring the theater to its original splendor. While working on the second floor staff members have reported feeling a presence especially in the conference room which was once Howard Hughes’ office. There has been a certain coldness in the room and a wind has whipped through. Banging and bumping sounds could be heard and when a wind goes through the room one can smell cigar smoke. An apparition of a tall man has been seen thought to be Howard