Ticket Booth
The ticket booth at The Fox Theater in Bakersfield California first opened on December 25, 1930. The feature was "Just Imagine", starring El Brendel in a futuristic film about what life would be like in 1980. Also on the bill was a Mickey Mouse feature. The world's most famous cartoon character was only in his second year on the silver screen at the time. The Theater, originally called the Tower Theater, was designed by the famous architect Charles S. Lee in the California Mission style which was very popular in California at the time. William Fox of Fox Theaters oversaw its construction in 1930. The result is one of the finest and most elaborate "movie palaces" of its size built in California.
The Fox is one of a kind and unparalleled in design and acoustics. From vaudeville through the age of the silver screen, the Fox Theater has been, and is, a work of art to be enjoyed again and again. The theater's architecture is ornate, as benefits a 1930's "movie palace", but there was clearly an attempt here to avoid the more frivolous atmosphere of some other theaters. It was built to be a serious center of civic life. The elaborate lobby is far larger than that which would normally be required for this size of theater. It was obviously built as a community-gathering place. The atmosphere the theater itself created was part of any event. It became part of the performance. For a low admission price audiences, during the theater's heyday, would be treated to a combined movie and live performances. These "vaudeville" performances attracted some famous and serious performers as well as the comedians for whom they are now often remembered.
The Bakersfield Fox is an excellent practical auditorium building. Because acoustics were a primary consideration when it was constructed, the Fox has outstanding sound qualities. There were lavish paintings in the auditorium. These artworks were covered over with paint after the earthquake of 1952 but are being restored. Not only was the auditorium interior ornate but the exceptionally large multilevel lobby area was magnificently appointed and has been carefully restored.
In 1977 the big screen went dark as The Fox closed its doors after 47 years in show business. Except for a brief period from 1983-84, The Fox sat silent until June 28, 1994, when The Fox Theater Foundation, a non-profit organization, officially saved it from the wrecking ball. Over 380 "Save The Fox" donations help make the down payment. The restoration began July 1, 1994. It is the contributions from hundreds of Bakersfield area residents that continue to restore the Fox to her former glory. The Fox Theater Foundation's goal is to complete a five star restoration making the Fox Theater the heart of downtown's cultural district.
Ticket Booth
The ticket booth at The Fox Theater in Bakersfield California first opened on December 25, 1930. The feature was "Just Imagine", starring El Brendel in a futuristic film about what life would be like in 1980. Also on the bill was a Mickey Mouse feature. The world's most famous cartoon character was only in his second year on the silver screen at the time. The Theater, originally called the Tower Theater, was designed by the famous architect Charles S. Lee in the California Mission style which was very popular in California at the time. William Fox of Fox Theaters oversaw its construction in 1930. The result is one of the finest and most elaborate "movie palaces" of its size built in California.
The Fox is one of a kind and unparalleled in design and acoustics. From vaudeville through the age of the silver screen, the Fox Theater has been, and is, a work of art to be enjoyed again and again. The theater's architecture is ornate, as benefits a 1930's "movie palace", but there was clearly an attempt here to avoid the more frivolous atmosphere of some other theaters. It was built to be a serious center of civic life. The elaborate lobby is far larger than that which would normally be required for this size of theater. It was obviously built as a community-gathering place. The atmosphere the theater itself created was part of any event. It became part of the performance. For a low admission price audiences, during the theater's heyday, would be treated to a combined movie and live performances. These "vaudeville" performances attracted some famous and serious performers as well as the comedians for whom they are now often remembered.
The Bakersfield Fox is an excellent practical auditorium building. Because acoustics were a primary consideration when it was constructed, the Fox has outstanding sound qualities. There were lavish paintings in the auditorium. These artworks were covered over with paint after the earthquake of 1952 but are being restored. Not only was the auditorium interior ornate but the exceptionally large multilevel lobby area was magnificently appointed and has been carefully restored.
In 1977 the big screen went dark as The Fox closed its doors after 47 years in show business. Except for a brief period from 1983-84, The Fox sat silent until June 28, 1994, when The Fox Theater Foundation, a non-profit organization, officially saved it from the wrecking ball. Over 380 "Save The Fox" donations help make the down payment. The restoration began July 1, 1994. It is the contributions from hundreds of Bakersfield area residents that continue to restore the Fox to her former glory. The Fox Theater Foundation's goal is to complete a five star restoration making the Fox Theater the heart of downtown's cultural district.