History of the Alician Court (FOX Fullerton) Theatre

The Fox Fullerton Theatre has a pedigree. Her Hollywood sisters are the better known Egyptian Theatre and perhaps the most famous movie theatre in the world, The Chinese Theatre. All three were designed by Raymond M. Kennedy working for Meyer and Holler and share the “court theatre” design concept.

Meyer and Holler completed the Fox in 1925. Although they built hundreds of structures, it was primarily their 1920's Hollywood buildings that established Meyer and Holler’s fame; buildings such as Grauman's Egyptian and Chinese Theatres, the Hollywood Athletic Club, and the Cafe' Montmarte. Having also built many movie studios, it can be said that Meyer and Holler may have been the firm most responsible for giving architectural form to the early entertainment industry in southern California. The Fox Fullerton remains the firm’s major architectural contribution to Orange County.

THEATRE

Built as a vaudeville and silent movie house by prominent local businessman C. Stanley Chapman, the Fox was originally named Chapman’s Alician Court Theatre in honor of his wife, Alice Ellen.

When it opened, the Italian Renaissance-inspired Theatre was the show place of Orange County, a movie palace representing the height of Hollywood glamour and sophistication. It was the largest structure of its kind in northern Orange County, and was an integral element in the social fabric of downtown life, where people gathered for news, entertainment, and socializing. In addition to its shows, the Alician Court offered a unique atmosphere – from its courtyard “lobby” to its lavish interior. The open courtyard was an innovation in theatre design that took advantage of outdoor spaces and their visibility to the street, creating a sense of excitement as passers-by witnessed large crowds gathering for a show or premiere.

Another special feature of the theatre is six large murals created by Anthony Heinsbergen and Company, one of the foremost building decor firms of the era. The firm’s work includes art at Los Angeles City Hall, the Biltmore Hotel, and the Wiltern Theatre. (Interestingly, Fullerton is becoming known as a destination for mural art due to its unique historic and contemporary mural works. When restored, the Fox murals will pre-date all others in the city.)

The decorative painter for the theatre was John Gabriel Beckman, who was then working for Meyer and Holler. He was responsible for the elaborate artwork in both the main and mezzanine lobbies, and the design for the original curtains. He went on to design the extensive mural work at the Avalon Casino, and later became a set designer for Paramount Pictures.

Other special features of the theatre are the large, handcrafted wrought-iron chandeliers, dimensional plasterwork, and hand-stenciled artwork throughout the building. Unlike many theatres built during the 20’s and later remodeled, the original proscenium (stage opening) is intact, protected by the mid 50’s addition of a wide movie screen and masking drapery. Original dressing rooms and an orchestra pit are also in place, as well as lofts for a pipe organ that was part of the building until sound motion pictures made it obsolete. The outdoor rooftop scaffolding sign is unique as it was originally lit, not by neon, but by dozens of incandescent light bulbs.

Through the years, the theatre changed owners and names several times. After a 62-year run, the Fox Fullerton closed in 1987.

TEA ROOM

The Tea Room is a two-story structure adjoining the theatre proper creating the northern wall of the courtyard. It opened as a café that featured a veranda terrace and special loge entrance for customers to enter the theatre auditorium. The original café was the Fullerton branch of the very popular Mary Louise Tea Room headquartered at the Barker Bros. Department Store in downtown Los Angeles. The Mary Louise operation was run by Dolla Harris, C. Stanley Chapman’s aunt. While this facility changed hands many times over the years, its most frequent use was as a restaurant, last as the former location of Angelo’s and Vinci’s Ristorante owned and operated by Stephen Peck along with his dance school and cabaret theatre.

FIRESTONE BUILDING

The Firestone Building, attached to the theatre on its south side, was built in 1929 by C. Stanley Chapman’s father, C.C. Chapman, who was famous as the “father” of the Valencia orange industry in southern California. He was also Fullerton’s first mayor, and founder of Chapman College (now Chapman University).

Mr. Chapman contracted the well-known Los Angeles architectural firm of Morgan, Walls & Clements to design and construct this project. The firm was responsible for hundreds of landmark buildings including the Mayan and the El Capitan Theatres, as well as the ziggurat-style Samson Tyre & Rubber Company now known as the Citadel Shopping Center.

The Firestone Building was planned as an automotive garage, and retained that use until 1978 when it was converted to a multi-space retail venue.

The Firestone Building is in Spanish Colonial Revival style, although the conversion to retail space obscured much of its style and charm. A unique feature of this building is that it is one of the first examples of on-site parking in southern California. Previously, most buildings were built right up to the sidewalk. This building is one of only two remaining Morgan, Walls & Clements structures in Orange County, and the only one in north Orange County.