From the desk of our Curator, David Boysel. Historical tidbits about our beloved Paramount Theatre, a national historic landmark in the heart of downtown Oakland.
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Oakland Heritage Alliance - 50th Anniversary of Paramout Theatre Restoration
Article written for the Oakland Heritage Alliance, Spring 2024 Newsletter. Oakland Heritage Alliance is a non-profit membership organization which advocates the protection, preservation, and revitalization of Oakland's architectural, historic, cultural and natural resources through publications, education, and direct action. -Posted February 2024
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Celebrating 50 Years
50th Anniversay of Paramount Theatre's restoration and reopening in 1973. -Posted April 2023
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Spartacus Is Coming!
The star-studded sneak preview of Spartacus at the Paramount Theatre. -Posted February 2023
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Meet the detective who keeps Oakland's Paramount Theatre in mint condition
Our very own curator, David Boysel, is featured in this wonderfual article for SFGATE.-Posted November 2022
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Sleeping Beauty
SLEEPING BEAUTY is a Disney animated feature, released January 29, 1959. It opened at the Paramount Friday, June 19, 1959. -Posted October 2022
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Elvis Riot
Here is an Elvis incident at the Oakland Paramount. -Posted October 2022
Paramount Theatre Reopening Event (1973)
From the Bay Area Television Archive at San Francisco State University
KRON-TV News footage from September 22nd 1973 featuring brief scenes from the official reopening event for the Paramount Theatre. There is also a glimpse of Mayor John H. Reading speaking.
Paramount Theatre Event (1973)
From the Bay Area Television Archive at San Francisco State University
KRON-TV Newsfilm dated September 5th 1973 featuring scenes from a preview benefit event for the reopening of the Paramount Theatre. Includes views of crowds watching a couple dancing to vintage band tunes, played by a live orchestra (conducted by Jack Bethards) and also listening to a singer. Note there is a banner visible which reads: "The Paramount Plays Again: Paramount Theatre of the Arts Premiere Benefit Sept 22nd."