Did you know the Olympic Theatre began its life not as a cinema but as a restaurant? Right here on West Eighth Street this building first opened its doors in 1917 as the Maison Marcell. The Olympic Theatre as we know it didn’t arrive until 1927. Architect Lewis A. Smith transformed the restaurant into a theatre. He was a prolific designer of Los Angeles theatres. He designed many theatres including other projects for West Coast Theatres. Lou Bard owned the theatre. He initially called it Bard’s 8th Street Theatre.
The Olympic Theatre opened its doors on April 2 1927. The inaugural film was Universal’s comedy Oh Baby starring Madge Kennedy and Creighton Hale. The theatre featured a unique Chinese-inspired interior a departure from Bard’s usual preference for Egyptian-themed designs. This initial interior was far from the last transformation for the Olympic Theatre.
Its name changed in 1932. The Olympic Theatre adopted its iconic moniker in honor of the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games. A second entrance was later added on Broadway. This entrance led to a larger lobby. It provided access to the main auditorium. This entrance was only used briefly. The Olympic Theatre’s programming was shaped by its patrons. In the 1940s the Olympic Theatre became known as the Olympic Request Theatre. People could write suggestions for films in a book. This meant audiences had a say in what played. The theatre even had a “ladies only” section.
The Olympic Theatre’s history is not without its ups and downs. It closed as a movie theatre in 1997. It served as storage space and later housed a furniture showroom. A major remodel occurred beginning in 2016. The interior was largely gutted. However the iconic blade sign dating back to 1934 was restored. This beautiful sign is a lasting reminder of the theatre’s history. Today a high-end clothing store occupies the space. The Olympic Theatre’s facade still stands. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of this historic Los Angeles landmark. This building has witnessed many changes over the years. It has always remained an integral part of the city’s landscape.