Last Sounds Fox Theater Organ S.F.

[breeze97760]

Sad...she was beautiful. I felt special as a girl in the 50's when I went there. The Emporium was also ruined by those who came to SF to change it. Born in the city, I no longer call her home...too embarrassed by those who now live there.

[MoviePalacesf]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. I find it hard to believe that the Fox is gone. I was never able to experience this wonder, as it was not part of my generation. But, I know that my generation was cheated and robbed of something wonderful. To those who had a part in its destruction, I hope they received some form of justice.

[FallonBill]

Thanks much for your comments, and welcome to You Tube. There was an outcry, and it took a few years for the demise to happen. I recall going to a George Wright concert during that time and he opened his remarks with "Welcome to the annual Farewell to the Fox Concert". As for those who advocated the demolition - life went on as normal. Makes me wonder if this were to come about today with Facebook and Twitter if the outcome would be any different.

[MoviePalacesf]

@FallonBillHow did the newspapers of the day characterize the possible demolition of the Fox? I would also like to know if City Hall was conflicted and not objective in its assessment of the Fox. Mostly concerning would be if money and/or promises were exchanged between publicly elected officials and developers. Where did all of the artifacts from the Fox end up? Sorry, I have so many questions, but I’m trying to write something credible for the papers to publish.

[FallonBill]

@MoviePalacesf Thanks much for your comments, and welcome to You Tube. There was an outcry, and it took a few years for the demise to happen. I recall going to a George Wright concert during that time and he opened his remarks with "Welcome to the annual Farewell to the Fox Concert". As for those who advocated the demolition - life went on as normal. Makes me wonder if this were to come about today with Facebook and Twitter if the outcome would be any different.

[MoviePalacesf]

@FallonBill Thanks for your reply! I’m in the process of researching the creation and destruction of the Fox with the intention of developing a thoughtful letter to the editor of the San Francisco Chronicle. At the moment, I’m trying to gather as many facts as possible. I recently walked by Fox Plaza, and did not find any memorial plate honoring the theatre. Is there one? Did I miss it on my walk? Can you explain why S.F. was so driven to pound this theater to dust?

[MoviePalacesf]

@FallonBill From what I gather, there were five “Fabulous Foxes” built by William Fox. Only the ones in Saint Louis, Detroit, and Atlanta survive. In order to erect lifeless monoliths of concrete, Foxes in San Francisco and Brooklyn were destroyed by man.

[MoviePalacesf]

@FallonBill I would like to also understand why Proposition I was rejected by the voters. If I recall from my reading, the passage of this proposition would have required the city to acquire the theatre and use it as a performing arts venue, which if how the three surviving Foxes are currently being used. Can you explain why this proposition failed?

[FallonBill]

@MoviePalacesf Well, I wish I could be more help. The video here was compiled from a tape/slide show I created many years ago - around the time of the construction of the Fox Plaza (nice of them to keep the Fox name!) My memory really isn't doing all that well from that far back. As I said, there was quite a bit of controversy about the demolition at the time - that's why it took so long from the first proposal to the wrecking ball. I really can't recall what the editorial opinions were.

[FallonBill]

@MoviePalacesf As to why the defeat of the proposition, obviously there were two sides - those that wanted to keep a treasure from the past, and those who felt the building was a derelict. Obviously the 2nd group prevailed - though vague memory tells me it was close. I can't even recall who was mayor at the time. As I said in the videos remarks, the organ went to a theater in L.A. But as to the disposition of the artifacts I have no idea.

[FallonBill]

@MoviePalacesf There are some who may know - but I don't know their status today, as quite a few years has passed. Jim Gabhart, who's voice was on the show, was head of KPEN (later KIOI) at the time, and I understand we went to manage channel 20 TV. Gary Gebhart (sp?) was also KPEN management, and Wayne Jordan was involved. You might try contacting these people if they are still alive, they may be able to help. Good luck on your research, and I'd be interested in reading the result. Bill.

[FallonBill]

@MoviePalacesf There are some who may know - but I don't know their status today, as quite a few years has passed. Jim Gabhart, who's voice was on the show, was head of KPEN (later KIOI) at the time, and I understand we went to manage channel 20 TV. Gary Gebhart (sp?) was also KPEN management, and Wayne Jordan was involved. You might try contacting these people if they are still alive, they may be able to help. Good luck on your research, and I'd be interested in reading the result. Bill.

[FallonBill]

@MoviePalacesf Just notice a typo in my last message - "we went on to manage channel 20" should have read "he went on to manage channel 20". Didn't want you to get the wrong idea.

[MoviePalacesf]

@FallonBill Thanks! I hope I can track down Jim or Wayne. If you ever recall anything else, please let me know!! THX!

[commodoregeorge]

To Danny zad17. if you look on google you will find a treasure of photos taken in that cinema before it was knocked down. The song is the one from the film made in the 30's starring Jannette mcDonald ,Clark Gable and a host of other actors from the silver screen.. If you are American , its interesting to see SF rising again at the end of the film. It shows a modern city and they are actually building the Golden Gate Bridge., Good luck in your search for the song....it shouldnt be too difficult.

[tregnier279]

Do you have the full radio broadcast? I cannot find the LP or CD recordings of it anywhere (or if I can, they are prohibitively expensive) and it's rather frustrating.

[FallonBill]

@tregnier279 I do have the complete broadcast on open reel tape - but afraid I don't have authority to release or sell it, as I believe it is copywrited.

[tregnier279]

@FallonBill Oh, alright. Would it be possible to post the final Aud Lang Syne/San Francisco, Open Your Golden Gate sequence without the narration by Robert Apple (if I'm not wrong about who that is)?

[dannyzad17]

Fallon Bill,

I was wondering if you could help me one more time. Ev Nourse is playing a piece called "San Francisco" during the last part of this video. I have not been able to find the sheet music for it online or anywhere. Can you help?? Or do you know someone who can?? Thanks very much for your help ! !

[FallonBill]

Again, you need to check the remarks section to the right - (you have to click "more info" to get to where) I have added the url for a source of the sheet music, (again, comment section here wouldn't accept it).

[dannyzad17]

I was wondering, does anyone out there have photo's of the Fox they'd be willing to share? Especially pics that were used in this video?? I am putting togethe a phto album and report for school on the FOX.

[FallonBill]

I have posted some of the pics on WEBshots. Tried to put the url here, but the comment wouldn't take, so I added it to the remarks section to the right of the video. Copy and paste the URL to get to the pictures which you can download for your use. Hope this helps.

[GAK62]

The same thing almost happened to the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA back in the 70's! The Fox was literally three days from the wrecking ball! They were gonna turn it into a parking lot for Bell South! But fortunately, the citizens of Atlanta rose up and saved the Fox Theatre! It was lovingly restored to its original condition with its giant organ that rises up from the orchestra pit. I'm sorry to see the Fox Theatre in S.F. go, but if you're ever in Atlanta check out our Fox Theatre!

[FallonBill]

Thanks for your note - Looks like S.F. can take a lesson from Atlanta - glad to see all is not lost on these great palaces. (Sorry 'bout the delay in answering - just got back from hospital and therapy - broken leg - what a Christmas!)

[seaquestatari]

Look at this!!! Pitifull!!! We will tear down a treasure like this one day and the next day we will change our minds and wish we kept it. Sadly the damage has been done. If only we could realize what is truly important. Now the fox can only be remembered in videos such as this.

[seaquestatari]

Where has our society society gone to? It reached one of its lowest points when that organ Decended into the pit.

[Cipher1928]

And what will become of the SF Munciple organ? (Originally built for the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, then installed in the Civic Auditorium.) It's been 20 years since the Loma Prieta Earthquake, and the whole thing sits in pieces in boxes collecting dust and rotting away. There's a good video about this here on YouTube.

[FallonBill]

I checked out the video you mentioned - well worth it, though sad in the apparent lack of interest in the city fathers of the importance of reinstalling the civic auditorium organ.

[MANTLEBERG]

THANKS FALLONBILL FOR YOUR REPLY.

[MANTLEBERG]

Oh yes... what was the screen size ?

[FallonBill]

The theater had 4651 seats. It was a single screen theater - it showed standard and "wide screen" movies, though I don't recall it showing Cinerama (3 projector) movies. If you Google San Francisco Fox Theater there are some articles there you might check.

[MANTLEBERG]

Does any one know what projection gear was used? and who operated it ? are there any photographs ? how many seats were installed? cumon guys someone must know?

[prausch65]

What a remarkable sound the Mighty Wurlitzer had. It is very sad that this fine example of American culture and architecture was allowed to to be destroyed.

[hartnell114]

i know that voice...

[alefroemming]

Where did this Organ end up??? a good home i hope-

[FallonBill]

El Capitan Theater in Los Angeles

[Karlfalcon]

"Progress"

God I hate that word...

[FallonBill]

Sorry, guess we're stuck with it. If only it could be combined with "common sense" or "sense of history".

[MANTLEBERG]

In england we are saving places like this, these belong to another time, from a cynical piont of view, we say when the pakistanis finally take over after the second holloucost, they will turn them into mosques, or markets, or get rid of evry trace of what went before, the organ and its music are truly remarckable examples of western evoulutuon, this will be forgotten, replaced by banging tin cans, and screaming...what a prospect, glad i wont be here.

[USAPianoTrucker]

I'm gonna teach myself that "Auld Lang Syne" "San Francisco" medley at the end. It would be a terrific "console down" piece. Sounds like simple harmony too. . . Great vid.

[RobertKarlBerta]

I bought three records of the last "concert" on this organ years ago. The first two were reissued on one CD which I also bought about 5 years ago. As far as I know the third record was never reissued on CD. I lived in SF up to 4 years ago but moved to Michigan. SF had a history of loosing wonderful landmarks to developers or lack of respect for what they had. Sutro baths, Fleishacker pool, and of course the Fox. I used to work in the building next door to where the Fox stood...sad memories.

[Marantzguy]

Nice video / film, but was the announcer on drugs?

What a boring commentary and a dreadfully dull delivery.

Jeeeez.

[Hamaround]

This is a wonderful video and a sad comment of what we call progress. Preservation of the past is the only way to ensure our future. At least the organ was saved. I would hate to think that years from now the only sound produced by these magnificent organs would come from recordings or digital sampling.

[RobertKarlBerta]

Luckily the Paramount and its famous organ in Oakland were saved. I used to play a couple of theatre pipe organs at Pizza and Pipes in the SF Bay Area...sadly those are gone too although they were there and played to enthusiastic audiences up to the late 80s. For a while I was hoping the nostalgia craze would bring back these wonderful organs for new generations...but it looks like once again people have let real historical treasures slip through their fingers.

[FallonBill]

I enjoyed many an evening at Pizza & Pipes in Redwood City - maybe before your time. The organists I recall were Tom Hazelton and Johnny Seng (& 1 other I can't remember the name - he was on his 2nd heart transplant, I recall). A highlight one night was when a music group from the high school came in and performed an impromptu version of "Music Man" with Hazelton. Will never forget that.

[RobertKarlBerta]

yep....I was there too around 1968 and later. John Seng and Tom Hazelton were good organists...I always enjoyed when the guy you mentioned played "I Left My Heart In San Francisco"...which he did twice!

One of the neat concerts I attended was when the recently retired Korla Pandit gave a concert at the Seramonte Store...and may have also played in Redwood City. He was outstanding.

[pmzephyr22]

OMG! I can't believe someone remembers John Seng. Thanks for mentioning him. That brings back many memories. He was a real virtuoso. It was funny to see people munching pizza while he tore into the organ so masterfully, The patrons mostly didn't even realize WHAT they were hearing. Now I will be nostalgic all day, thanks.

[shelea128]

Some patrons did! My two kids and I made a point of going to P&P every Friday he played there. He was just stunning!

[ncguy27713]

Demolishing this theater was absolutely a SIN. This was theater was a piece or art in it's purest form. What about the murals that were painted? Were they saved also along with the FAB organ?

[joeocho88]

The DAMNED developers destroy our historical landmarks and RAPE our communities this!

THE FOX SHOULD HAVE BEEN DECLARED A HISTORICAL LANDMARK!

But then. they would have hired some torch to burn it.

If these people had loved tradition they would have SAVED this!

THE BASTARDS!

[HarborGuy]

The organ was saved I believe and is still being enjoyed........I cried when they took the fox down. Also the Paramont in LA.

[Yaledmot]

The organ is in the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood and is played regularly. There are some You Tube postings with the organ in the El Cap.

[Yellowcorrado]

The organ was DEFINATELY saved. If someone wants me to track it down (and pipes) I can.. just send me an email.

[RobertKarlBerta]

The last thing I heard is that the console was saved but not the pipes...the El Cap's are a collection of ranks from other organs.

[robertchambers9]

no matter how hard the battle is there will be no modern organ that will beat the wurlitzer.

[bradhorn14]

WRONG (sory that was a bit rude) i feel that wurlitzers are an organ of their own type, the organ at Wanamaker is 4,852 pipes larger than the largest wurlizter kimbal combined theatre organ built. Yes the wurlizter may be mighty, but its of it own league. Not to mention, now we have the ability to combine organs, through wave grain sampling , we can (unrealistically) combine the largest organs in the world together, through speakers and thousands of pipes, to create the worlds largest organs

[octave4]

U R correct that Wurlitzers, Kimball & Robert Mortons are very special. However, digitising organs and playing them through speakers, no mmatter how good, are still nothing more than electronic reproductions. They can never copy the natural reverb of the building as pipes are played. You can't combine sounds of different buildings either, change is noticeable. There is no sympathetic vibration of pipes. Any simulation of natural sound of organs is just that - artificial simulation.

[Yaledmot]

The Fox may have "been loved by most San Franciscans" but, the corrupt mayor at the time saw to it developers got what they wanted. It is wonderful to hear Ev Nourse play that magnificent Wurlitzer again!

Long may it live in the El Cap Hollywood.

[278371]

I am thankful this this beautiful organ lives on in a new home, and didn't pass into history as the Fox did. I remember seeing one of these glorious movie "palaces" many years ago when I lived in Denver. To demolish one of these wonderful buildings only to replace it with an ugly skyscraper is sinful. Thanks for the links to photos of the Fox.

[YMark1966]

These old theaters are cool, very glitzy... I'm from Chicago where many have been demolished. I watched them destroy the Granada around 1990. But, as I told a friend at the time who was lamenting the Granada, these magnificent theaters were originally built for the very same crass, commercial reasons that they were eventually torn down. Don't lament it too much.

[octave4]

They were made for public entertainment. Yes, to make money for the movie industry as well. But they were in themselves, works of are, even without the organs. For that reason, they should be preserved as timepieces of an era gone by. Theaters are being built today, for the same purpose, but compare the quality.

[ns9987]

I felt like lost a friend while this. It's very sad...

I love that song last song played, but what it is called?

[rwm21tube]

The song is called "San Francisco" It was sung in the movie "San Francisco" with Clark Gable, by Jeanette McDonald. If you haven't seen it, this is a great movie! I was listening to KPEN and James Gabbert in this last broadcast from the Fox with tears. The happy news is that this organ has been installed in the fabulously restored El Capitan Theater in Hollywood and although maybe not as grand as the Fox it's back!!!

[paulbrockenhagen]

REally?? A Beutifull, Grand Theatre torn down to make way for some lame shitty-ass plaza...Thats what I call progress..

[paranormaalutrecht]

I hope the new building stays much shorter than the old. Who on eart can do such things. Only haters. And hate brings no good................ tasteless who has done this. In Utrecht, HOlland whe had also a beautiful grand movie/theater in art nouveau style. what have we know. a little, and where is the theatre organ? It has its demolition in the 40's... a great, great shame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Strength for the lovers of this great instruments!

Bert

[FallonBill]

My understanding is the organ was installed in the El Capitan theater on Los Angeles.

[jfrize03]

never mind the first part of my last comment. sorry

[jfrize03]

I take it that the wurlitzer was not saved before the demolition. i think the same way, it is such a shame how many of these great instruments were destroyed and it's only now that people are starting to save them, even today it's a fighting battle with modern instruments and popularity.

[m4dan]

I think Auld Lang Syne is sadly very fitting because many have forgotten the theatre organ.

[m4dan]

This is such a shame that theatres like these were destroyed and many organs with them because many people looked at them as "not cool." I am not happy with my generation-almost no other people I know appreciate the theatre organ.