23 Stars on the Marquee at the Liberty Theatre, Long Beach

In the 1930s and 40s, MGM could boast of having "more stars than there are in heaven." Released, by the studio, on December 31, 1922, "The Stranger's Banquet" featured "23 well known stars," posing a problem to theatre marquees.

Exhibitor's Herald, September 30, 1922:

Exhibitors Trade Review, March 31, 1923:

"Starring 23 players would seem a big contract for the exhibitor who tried to do it all in one display until the idea was worked out, as it has been by the Goldwyn exploitation department and improved upon by showmen, as it is in this marquee display for 'The Stranger's Banquet' at the Liberty Theatre, Long Beach, Cal.

"The Stars made an effective border, showing up especially well at night when they were flooded with lights concealed on the canopy. The sign above was a painted imitation of the 24-sheet."

The Stranger's Banquet

Liberty Theatre

Cezar Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, chosen 2010 Best Book of the Year by the Theatre Historical Society.

He is available for theatre talks and walks in 2014-15, historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.   

Ask and Give Credit

Theatre Talks is currently searching for a solution to an ongoing problem.

Theatre Talks, Blogspot, March 25, 2011:

“It is annoying to discover one of your photos posted without credit on someone else’s page.
So it was recently on Facebook when I discovered—no name, no credit will be given —had downloaded a photo of my Flatbush walk for the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment. The image was by Betty who documents my theatre tours.  Another of her Flickr photos had also been used—once again no credit.”

Photo of the Liberty Theatre, California State  University Long Beach, giving credit  to source.

                                                                                                                                                                       
 The Brooklyn Theatre Index Facebook page, March 30, 2013:

“Once again I have surfed the net and found my theatre photos posted on some other site without credit. The latest guilty party is Tinseltoes at Cinema Treasures who has uploaded quite a few of my photos.

These individuals seem to believe that because an image is on the internet it is free for taking. This is especially true if the photo is of a certain date. They don’t give credit to source or collection.

After contacting one person about his use of my theatre photos on his blog, he reluctantly gave me credit and in a snippy email told me about the date of the image.

If it were not for certain sources various photos would not be available to view. An organization/collector has acquired and preserved an historic photo that otherwise might be lost. It is part of their collection and deserves credit.

My collection consists of over 1,000 theatre prints and photos dating to the 18th Century. I am giving careful thought to what will be posted in the future. Almost certainly cancelling Flickr.”

For a history of  the Liberty  Theatre visit Bill Counter’s excellent [more] Los Angeles Movie Palaces and notice how he gives proper credit to sources.

Cezar Del Valle is available for theatre walks and talks in 2013.

He is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, chosen 2010 Best Book of the year by the Theatre Historical Society.

Fatty Arbuckle at the Liberty Theatre, Long Beach

Comedian Fatty Arbuckle makes a guest appearance at the Liberty Theatre, 127 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, California. 

Motography, November 17, 1917: 

Manager Otis Hoyt presents Fatty Arbuckle with a special rattan chair

Mr. [Otis] Hoyt had been playing the Arbuckle-Paramount comedies and upon receiving the news that Arbuckle was on his way west, booked a return of 'Oh Doctor!' and arranged for the appearance of the star in person.

"With the stage braced for the occasion, Hoyt played to the largest house in the history of the theater. After addressing the audience for a few minutes the comedian introduced his jumping-jack relative Al St. John, and the village pest Buster Keaton. Arbuckle's canine pal and actor, 'Luke,' also horned in on the reception.

"Manager Hoyt sprung the surprise of the evening by presenting Arbuckle with a rattan chair of generous proportions which was built expressly for the star and announced to the audience that the chair would be placed in a box which would be reserved exclusively for the Arbuckle party during their stay.

"As box seats in the Liberty are thirty cents it will cost Hoyt eighteen cents every time the Arbuckle party attends his theater"   

Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle Liberty Theatre

Cezar Del Valle is available for theatre walks and talks in 2013. 

He is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, chosen 2010 Best Book of the Year by the Theatre Historical Society.