Orange Daily News
Orange, California

May 23, 1929
Pages 1 & 5

Orange Theatre Opening Is Outstanding Success

Bright lights, lilting music, gorgeous drapings, beautiful color blendings, flowers and crowds, crowds, crowds -

These were the ingredients blended with a master's touch, that marked the grand opening of Orange's new cinema palace, the Orange theater last night.

Dedicated to the advancement of the cinema art in the Orange community, the motion picture temple stands as a credit to the city, the county and to its creators-M. Eltiste, the owner, C L Langley, lessee, and A. B Crawford, resident manager.

The finest equipment to be had from the projection room to backstage; from the basement dressing rooms to the dome fixtures and from the lobby to the orchestra rostrum-has been installed to give Orange a theatre which truly glorifies the celluloid drama and which compares with anything to be found outside much larger metropolitan centers.

It was fitting last night that two packed houses should greet the opening performances as theatergoers reveled in the gorgeous setting to be found inside: the soft tread of rugs, the comfortable seats, the harmonious colorings, the soft lights, and the rich trappings to be found on every side.

The cozy lounging room upstairs equipped with rich furnishings, hangings and subdued lights,: added its charm to the gorgeous setting.

Down stairs, the attractive lobby was banked lavishly with floral offerings, the tributes of Orange businessmen, citizens and all who had a part in the success of the theatre undertaking.

In a brief address, officially opening the playhouse, Senator N. T. Edwards expressed admiration of the wonderful enterprise shown in giving Orange such a splendid institution. He praised Eltiste, Langley, Crawford and their associates for their successful efforts in making the playhouse possible.

"Orange is indeed to be proud of its new theatre and it justly merits the loyalty of the entire community," he stated.

Crawford was introduced as resident manager and declared it would be the policy of the house to show only the best that could be obtained in screen and stage entertainment.

Arthur Cannon, theatre organist, then presented a musical novelty and made an auspicious debut as one of Orange county's leading theatre organists. Cannon comes to Orange after six years in West Coast houses in Long Beach. He is a former Anaheim man, who has risen to a lofty place in theatrical musical circles.

The program was featured by the first-run, all talking picture "Molly and Me," co-starring Belle Bennett and Joe E. Brown. Screen vaudeville, featuring Ruth Etting, record star, added spice to the program.

A specialty banjo act was presented by Joe Kozina, popular local banjoist, who recently returned from a trip to Europe where he appeared in musical comedy.

The sound equipment won general approbation from the audience, comments being heard on all sides that it was the best to be heard outside the large cities.