The Silent Movie Theatre, located on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles, California is not only a cultural relic of movie history but also a place with a haunting past. With its rich history and the tragic events that unfolded within its walls, the theater has become known for its paranormal activity and ghostly encounters.
The history of the Silent Movie Theatre in LA:
Originally opened in 1942 by John Hampton, the Silent Movie Theatre aimed to preserve the art of silent films. Hampton showcased movies featuring iconic actors like Rudolph Valentino, Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and Mary Pickford, giving audiences a glimpse into the golden era of cinema. However, Hampton’s passion for preserving these films came at a cost. He used toxic chemicals to preserve the films, which eventually led to his development of cancer. Hampton passed away in 1990, leaving behind a legacy of silent film appreciation.
Tragedy struck the theater once again in 1997 when Laurence Austin, the subsequent owner, was fatally shot in the theater’s lobby during an apparent robbery. It was later revealed that Austin’s partner, James Van Sickle, had orchestrated the murder to inherit Austin’s wealth. This disturbing event further added to the theater’s dark history.
Is the Silent Movie Theatre haunted?
After Charlie Lustman purchased the theater in 1999 and restored some of its features, he and his staff soon realized that the building had an eerie atmosphere. They began to experience strange occurrences that they attributed to the spirits of the theater’s past owners.
Many believe that John Hampton’s spirit lingers in the apartment upstairs, where he resided with his wife, Dorothy, for 45 years. Hampton’s presence seems to thwart any attempts to modernize or deviate from his original vision of the silent theater. For instance, when Lustman attempted to organize a 3D-movie festival, the projector mysteriously broke down, and Lustman himself received an unexplained black eye after tripping. These incidents were seen as Hampton’s way of expressing his disapproval.
The theater’s lobby, the site of Laurence Austin’s tragic death, also harbors paranormal activity. Witnesses have reported hearing the sound of jingling keys, which was Austin’s nervous habit. The presence of both Austin and Hampton has been witnessed during the theater’s closed hours, further fueling the belief that the theater is haunted by its ill-fated owners.
Throughout the years, the Silent Movie Theatre, later renamed Cinefamily, has become synonymous with rumors of ghostly encounters and paranormal activity. Visitors and staff members have reported unexplained phenomena and eerie experiences, perpetuating the haunted reputation of the theater.
Location: 611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Sources:
1. Cinema Treasures – Silent Movie Theatre: http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/4935
2. Atlas Obscura – Silent Movie Theatre: https://www.atlasobscura.com
3. LA Weekly – Silent Movie Theatre: http://www.laweekly.com
4. Haunted Places – Silent Movie Theatre: https://www.hauntedplaces.org/item/silent-movie-theater/
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