The only movie theater in Laguna Beach closes Sunday, Aug. 30, due to a lease dispute between the owner and theater operator, according to the manager.
Patrons exiting South Coast Cinema on Friday night stopped to take photos of the marquee of what is likely to be final showings, “The Gift” and “The Man from Uncle.”
Theater operator Lyndon Golin had wanted to make internal improvements to the historic building, including switching to a digital format, but was unable to make the investment without a long-term lease, which the owner would not grant, said 10-year manager Bob Smiley.
Look for more details in the Sept. 4 edition.
I took the blue trolley up the coast to watch a film at this cinema just the other night,seeing The Man From Uncle. I started my own cinema in 1993 inspired by the Italian film Cinema Paradiso. My free traveling picture show exhibits films in small towns throughout North America that have no cinema of their own. I guess I’ll be adding Laguna Beach to my list of towns. Thanks to this old cinema for lasting this long. Sad to see digital “cinema” replacing true cinema, which is light projected through celluloid. Laguna Cinema… may your marquee remain in our hearts.
Hunter Mann,
founder Highway Cinema
[…] council. “So far, we haven’t succeeded.” South Coast Cinema, the city’s only movie house, closed in August. If unsuccessful, Blumberg will likely sell the theater building that’s been owned by […]