Larchmont Chronicle Story Archive

Larchmont Chronicle Neighborhood newspaper representing Hancock Park, Larchmont Village
Miracle Mile, Park La Brea Fremont Place in the Wilshire center area of Los Angeles. Local News and
stories about the local Los Angeles Scene. Historical informattion regarding the Larchmont Chronicle and
Hancock Park area. Founded in 1963 on Larchmont Bouelvard, Los Angeles, CA, California

July 1, 2010

DOUBLE FEATURES A BARGAIN AT BEVERLY CINEMA

Laura Eversz

MOVIE DIRECTOR Quentin Tarantino saved New Beverly Cinema from turning into a hair salon.

When Sherman Torgan, long-time owner of the New Beverly Cinema died suddenly of a heart attack in 2007, it looked like curtains for the historic movie theater at 7165 Beverly Blvd.

The building started as a vaudeville theater in the 1920s, hosting acts such as Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Jackie Gleason and Phil Silvers. It was later converted into a nightclub, then an x-rated movie house, a live nude dance venue and, in the late 50s, became a movie theater.

Torgan bought it in 1977, debuting a format of double features shown on 35mm film that continue to this day.

Even before his death, business was falling at the New Beverly. In fact, the only thing keeping it alive was the $5,000 a month director Quentin Tarantino, who had been coming to the theater since he was a child, donated each month to keep it open.

But when Torgan died, the landlord reportedly wanted to turn the property into a Supercuts hair salon. Tarantino continued to pay the rent, and bought the building in February.

Torgan’s son runs the business, with Tarantino making occasional programming suggestions.

“As long as I’m alive, and as long as I’m rich, the New Beverly will be there, showing double features in 35mm,” the director, known for movies such as “Pulp Fiction,” “Kill Bill” and last year’s “Inglorious Basterds,” was quoted as saying.

Daily doubles include ndependent, foreign and classic movies., plus occasional midnight screenings. For a schedule, go to newbevcinema.com

Larchmont Chronicle
542½ North Larchmont Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90004

Editor & Publisher: Jane Gilman
Associate Publisher: Irwin Gilman

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Information about the Larchmont Village, Hancock Park, Miracle Mile, Park LaBrea areas of Los Angeles, california. The larchmont Chronicle provides information, news stories, local events, advertising, real estate information, real estate listing advertisings, Los Angeles area demographics and other neighborhood news.