Then
Originally a 1500 seat venue, the Hollywood theatre has experienced many transformations during the last 76 years. The Hollywood was the last venue in Portland built both as a vaudeville house and as a movie theatre, and the first film show was the silent picture More Pay--Less Work, by producer Peter B. Keyne. General admission was just 25 cents and children's tickets were only a dime. For Portland's big spenders, loge seating was available for 40 cents. Because sound did not come to the big screen until well in 1927, there was an eight-piece orchestra and an organist to accompany the silent films, and a variety of live acts filled out the evening's entertainment.

In the 1950's the Hollywood was transformed into the first Cinerama theatre in the Pacific Northwest. This ultra-wide screen film format required the addition of two projection booths and a huge wrap-around screen. After the novelty of Cinerama had dissipated and more cost effective wide screen formats were developed, more changes occurred. In 1975 walls were installed in the Theatre's balcony, and projection booths were installed to create three separate auditorium spaces. The Theatre currently includes a 468-seat main auditorium (the original orchestra), a 180-seat venue (one-half of the original balcony), and a 190-seat venue (the other half of the original balcony. All three venues are capable of screening films.

Now
In 1997, Film Action Oregon (FAO) recognized the opportunity to preserve an important part of Oregon's cultural history by purchasing the Hollywood Theatre. FAO quickly realized the Theatre's essential role in the surrounding Northeast Portland community. In the fall of 1997, Film Action Oregon's small staff began to transform the neglected second-run theatre into the thriving community treasure it once was.

In addition to showing independent films, the Theatre returned to hosting live events as it had from its vaudeville years until the 1950s. Scores of arts and community organizations have used the Theatre for theatrical performances, concerts, lectures, fundraising events and other gatherings. The Hollywood Theatre is now a primary location for Oregon filmmakers to show their work, including more than 400 premieres since 1998.

Interested in getting involved?
Help preserve and restore The Hollywood Theatre-Portland's largest antique!

Make a tax-deductible donation to The Hollywood Theatre Project of Film Action Oregon.
Volunteer at the Hollyood Theatre.