Hollywood Theatre: A Nostalgic Hub for German Cinema in the Kitsilano Community
The Hollywood Theatre was a cherished venue for German films, offering community and nostalgia for seniors, preserving cultural ties in Vancouver.
Hollywood Theatre
Vancouver, BC - January 8, 2025 - In the 1990s and most likely starting in the 1970's, the German Film Publications of Canada brought vibrant cultural experiences to Vancouver’s German-speaking community. One Sunday a month from September to May, the Hollywood Theatre became a cherished gathering spot for seniors who eagerly attended screenings of classic German films. This film tradition not only entertained but also fostered a sense of belonging, as families made it a routine to enjoy these cinematic gems together.
One memorable Sunday on January 23, 1994, the lineup featured "Heimat deine Lieder" and "Schlag auf Schlag," starring the beloved actor Peter Alexander. The atmosphere was electric as viewers relished in nostalgia and connected over shared memories of their homeland. In between the two shows, they would show the audience "news reels", which were also from the 1950's and 1960's.
The Hollywood Theatre, an architectural icon, added to the charm of these events. Designed by Harold Cullerne in the 1930s, the Art Deco theatre boasts exquisite features like a ticket booth adorned with black and gold tiles and unique hieroglyphic decorations. The deep red velvet curtains draped gracefully over the screen and even concealed the bathroom doors, reminiscent of visiting a grand theater in a bygone era, where going to the toilet was a secret mission—an elegant escape from the cinematic magic unfolding on screen.
Recognized as one of Vancouver's heritage landmarks, this theatre holds the title of the oldest family-owned cinema in Canada. The theatre was built at 3123 West Broadway in the middle of the Great Depression by Reginald Fairleigh, whose wife Margaret was apparently worried that their children wouldn’t be able to find work. When it opened, the papers carried ads for 26 movie theatres in Vancouver, three in Kitsilano alone. Now most of these are gone with the wind.
Community hubs like the Hollywood Theatre play a vital role in sustaining urban culture and connecting diverse histories. Preserving such venues is crucial; without them, the opportunity for future generations to share in similar cultural experiences diminishes. Efforts to retain these treasures enrich our community fabric and promote a vibrant and inclusive urban landscape where memories and traditions can thrive. The Hollywood Theatre was nevertheless sold in 2011 and was shut down.
“Sunday in May is the last day,” said manager Vince Fairleigh, whose family has owned and operated the 651-seat movie theatre since it opened in 1935.
Extensive renovations were completed in 2020, during the pandemic, while maintaining the style of the original structure. With a new audio/visual system, The Theatre now offers multi-dimensional programming for both local and international performers. Hollywood Theatre continues its legacy of strengthening community through artistic and cultural events on Vancouver’s West Side. You are invited to join them for movies, concerts, comedy, dancing, and "any other event you can dream up."
Now, the Kitsilano-based Hollywood Theatre has dramatically changed, yet each time I walk by, I am flooded with memories of the laughter and joy shared among the seniors who attended those Sunday screenings. Those delightful Heimatfilme—traditional German movies from the 1950s to 1970s—offered a comforting escape, helping many to mitigate their homesickness. The warmth and camaraderie that filled the theater during those screenings are a testament to the power of film to evoke nostalgia and foster connections. It’s heartening to reflect on how these cherished moments forged a lasting bond within the community, a reminder that while times may change, the love for shared experiences and cultural heritage remains timeless.
Elke Porter is the Editor of Westcoast German News Media, connecting you to the rich tapestry of German culture in the Pacific Northwest. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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