Standing proudly as a long-standing Route 66 icon, the Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena, California, holds a rich history intertwined with cinematic grandeur and persistent whispers of the supernatural. This majestic edifice, once a bustling hub for entertainment, continues to captivate imaginations not only with its architectural beauty and storied past but also with the spectral tales that have become an integral part of its legacy.
A Legacy of Grandeur: The Rialto Theatre’s Early Years
Opened on October 17, 1925, the Rialto Theatre immediately established itself as a beacon of cultural sophistication. Designed in a captivating Spanish Baroque style with distinctive Egyptian influences, this architectural marvel boasted a seating capacity of 1,200 patrons. Beyond its main auditorium, the theatre featured ten well-appointed dressing rooms, a scenic loft, an orchestra pit, and a deep stage, providing ample space for elaborate productions. The interior décor was a feast for the eyes, adorned with intricate picture tiles, vibrant stenciling, and exquisite plaster ornaments, including mythical gargoyles and the intriguing harpies—half-woman, half-vulture figures that hinted at the theatre’s unique charm.
Opening night was a grand affair, featuring an organist masterfully playing the theatre’s impressive Wurlitzer organ, accompanied by the esteemed Rialto orchestra. The evening culminated in the world premiere of the picture “What Happened To Jones?”, preceded by enthralling Vaudeville acts and daring trapeze artists. With admission priced at a mere .30 cents, the historic theatre quickly became a cherished community cornerstone. Even the onset of the Great Depression couldn’t deter its spirit; the Rialto ingeniously survived those challenging times by enticing audiences with compelling prizes, a testament to its resilience.
Transformations Through the Decades: Adapting to Change
As the 1930s unfolded, the appeal of Vaudeville began to wane, prompting the Rialto to adapt by presenting three-act prologues before its feature films. This decade also brought a significant setback when a backstage fire forced the theatre to temporarily close its doors. Although it reopened, live theatre productions never again graced its stage. Over the subsequent years, several of the theatre’s original fixtures, including its iconic Wurlitzer organ, were gradually sold off, marking an evolving identity for the venue.
By the 1960s, the single-screen cinema shifted its programming to include more niche movies, notably embracing the charm of silent films. The Rialto Theatre faced another fiery challenge in 1968, yet again, it was meticulously restored and continued to operate, a testament to its enduring spirit. A defining moment in its later history began in 1975 with the release of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This cult classic initiated an extraordinary three-decade run at the Rialto, originally shown every Saturday night at midnight, later transitioning to monthly screenings as its fervent popularity gradually subsided.
In July 1976, the Landmark Corporation assumed operations under a remarkable 100-year lease. However, the theatre’s future soon faced an existential threat from redevelopment plans in South Pasadena that proposed its demolition. Local residents rallied in passionate protest, recognizing the historic Rialto Theatre as an irreplaceable landmark. Their efforts bore fruit when the theatre was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, safeguarding it from imminent destruction.
The Decline and Closure of a Movie Palace
Despite its historic designation and a brief resurgence in the 1970s and 1980s, which saw the Rialto host concerts and screen more mainstream movies, the theatre began to struggle against changing cinematic landscapes. The proliferation of modern multiplex theaters throughout the area presented formidable competition, gradually eroding the Rialto’s customer base. Concurrently, the grand old movie house itself continued to deteriorate; its once-luxurious carpets became frayed, paint chipped from its walls, and velvet seats faded with time and use.
Discussions for a comprehensive renovation emerged in the 1990s, exploring options ranging from restoring the theatre to its original splendor to reconfiguring it as a multiplex. However, these ambitious plans were thwarted in 2000 when Landmark’s parent company, Silver Cinemas, declared bankruptcy, leaving no funds for the much-needed revitalization. Although acknowledged as one of the finest and least adulterated theaters in the greater Los Angeles area, patrons increasingly opted for newer cinemas that offered spacious parking, enhanced comfort, and a wider selection of films.
The Rialto Theatre had heroically weathered the decline of vaudeville, survived two devastating fires, and successfully fended off threats of demolition and even conversion into a parking lot. Yet, it ultimately succumbed to the insurmountable challenge of dwindling ticket sales, sadly closing its doors on August 19, 2007. While its future as an operational theatre remains uncertain, its status on the National Register of Historic Places ensures its structural preservation, standing as a silent testament to a bygone era.
Echoes from the Past: The Hauntings of the Rialto Theatre
Beyond its tangible history, the Rialto Theatre is equally renowned for its pervasive tales of the supernatural, with rumors of hauntings circulating consistently throughout its long existence. Among the most chilling accounts is the story of a young girl who allegedly committed suicide by slitting her wrists in the women’s bathroom, making her way up to the balcony where she tragically bled to death. Another unnerving tale speaks of a man driven to madness within the confines of the projector booth, his spirit perhaps eternally bound to the shadows of the cinema.
Numerous staff members and visitors have reported inexplicable occurrences. In the girl’s bathroom, stalls have been observed to shake violently of their own accord, a phenomenon often attributed to the tragic spirit said to linger there. Within the theatre itself, the spectral apparition of an older man is frequently seen, calmly occupying various seats or mysteriously gliding up and down the balcony stairs. Many speculate this to be the restless spirit of the projector booth operator, forever watching over his domain.
Adding to the theatre’s ghostly menagerie is the alleged haunting by a cat. In its vibrant early days, a beloved cat served as the theatre’s mascot, playfully weaving through patrons’ legs and occasionally making a grand entrance across the movie screen. According to local lore, this feline spirit continues its stealthy patrols through the theatre, sometimes manifesting as an eerie red light that glides across the screen. Other paranormal events reported include unexplained abnormalities in photographs, widespread feelings of unease in specific areas (particularly the women’s restroom), and disembodied whispers that echo through the quiet halls. Multiple paranormal investigation groups have explored the premises and largely concur that the Rialto Theatre is indeed haunted, solidifying its reputation as a nexus of spectral occurrences.
Conclusion
The Rialto Theatre stands as a multifaceted monument in South Pasadena, California—a vibrant symbol of architectural beauty, cinematic history, and enduring local pride. From its opulent opening night to its challenging struggle against modernization, it has carved an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Today, while its silver screen may be dark, the legacy of the Rialto Theatre continues to shine brightly, not only through its designation as a historic landmark on old Route 66 but also through the compelling, spine-tingling ghost stories that ensure its mystique will captivate generations to come. It remains a powerful reminder of both cinematic heritage and the unseen dimensions that some believe reside within its hallowed walls.
