Opened in 1924, the Metro Theatre wasn’t always the Metro Theatre. It began as the grand Metropolitan Theatre, a jewel in Samuel H. Levin’s San Francisco Theatres Inc. crown. Picture this: opening night, April 23rd, 1924. The silent film “The Fighting Coward” flickered across the screen. The air buzzed with excitement. The Metropolitan Theatre, designed by the renowned Reid Brothers, showcased their signature Spanish Colonial Revival style. Levin, who also owned the Alexandria and Coliseum theaters, clearly had a taste for the dramatic.
The Metro Theatre, nestled in the Cow Hollow neighborhood, became a cornerstone of San Francisco’s cinematic scene. It started as a second-run theater. However, it wouldn’t stay in the shadows for long. Fast forward to 1941. The Metropolitan Theatre underwent a dramatic transformation, embracing the sleek lines of Art Deco thanks to architects Otto A. Deichmann and Timothy L. Pflueger. It was then that it became the Metro Theatre we know today. This renovation marked a turning point. The Metro Theatre became a first-run theater, showcasing the latest Hollywood releases.
The Metro Theatre hosted the first San Francisco International Film Festival in 1957. Imagine the excitement as films from around the world graced its screen. One notable film screened was “The Captain from Köpenick” (1956). The festival cemented the Metro Theatre’s reputation as a hub for cinematic artistry. It became a cultural landmark.
Not all was glitz and glamour. In 1992, the Metro Theatre became a focal point for protests during the release of “Basic Instinct.” Women’s groups and LGBTQ+ activists challenged the film’s depiction of women and queer relationships. The protests highlighted the power of film to spark dialogue and social change. Years later, in 1998, another renovation sought to restore the theater’s 1941 Art Deco glory, preserving the stunning murals by Anthony Heinsbergen.
Sadly, the Metro Theatre closed its doors in 2006. Its final film was the quirky indie hit “Little Miss Sunshine.” However, the building’s story didn’t end there. In 2009, a property developer committed to preserving the interior’s historic features. The Metro Theatre was reborn as a private gym. While its purpose changed, its legacy as a cultural landmark endures. The Metro Theatre’s journey reflects the ever-changing landscape of San Francisco. It reminds us that even in the face of transformation, the echoes of the past can still resonate.