Crunching The Numbers - October 16th and 17th, 2009

The control room at the good Doctor’s lab has been working overtime analyzing the reports from 3 adult theater hot spots from this past weekend (October 16th and 17th). Typically, Halloween weekend is possibly one of the busiest weekends at your local adult theater. However, last weekend must have been the warm-up, because ladies and gentlemen it was a crazy one.

City #1 – Portland, OR:

The Paris Theater in Portland posts on two Yahoo Groups when couples or single woman enter the building. Their “Flag System” is a very clever way of conveying the message (see “Brentstheatertails” in the recommended reading section for more detail). The numbers:


• Friday Night: 16 Couples, 1 Single Woman

• Saturday Night: 18 Couples, 3 Single Women
(You can pick yourself up off the floor now)


City #2 – Gastonia, NC
The personal ads on Craigslist announcing visits to CVE in Gastonia were off the charts this past weekend. Perhaps our correspondents from the Southeast (Alex and Lauren) can fill in the blanks for us.


City #3 – Chicago, IL

A party this past weekend at 15th Avenue Books and News (aka Melrose Playhouse) was reportedly a big success. Lots of couples, and a few lucky single guys from the reports coming in made it a fun evening. If you were there and would like to report, please e-mail the good Doctor at emiliolizardo1@gmail.com.


City #4 – Gary, IN

The CTS Yahoo Group reported 6 couples on Friday night, and 7 couples on Saturday night. A report on the festivities there would also be appreciated.


Do you have a report you’d like to share? Drop us a line.

Field Report: Gulf Coast Adult Theater, Biloxi, MS 10/10/09

Gulf Coast Adult Theater
222 Iberville Drive,
Biloxi, MS

Doc here...Bob in Biloxi is back with another report from The Gulf Coast Adult Theater:

Hi Doc,

Last week a few newbie's showed up. One lady that I've never seen doing anything, finally started giving blow jobs, so that was cool. One fine ass lady came in dressed in boots and a short skirt, I got to sit by her, eventually she loosened up and started playing, shaved little beaver, hot and tight little pussy. She took on guys for around 2hrs, but I was the first and that's always awesome in my book. Later on 3 couples showed up, two were playing the other looked like they were trying to decide but never did. I counted 9 couples all together on Sat nite.

"Blast From The Past - The Palm": by Donny Digital

Doc here with the second installment of "Blast From The Past".  Frequent contributor Donny Digital takes us down memory lane in his article about The Palm, in San Mateo, CA.

Take it away Donny...

***

Hi folks, Donny Digital here again.

After seeing the last report about a theater that closed recently, it brought to my mind the first theater I ever went into as a young lad (ok I was close to 27). It was called the Palm theater (sometimes called the Hairy Palm) located in San Mateo CA ...part of the SF bay area. This theater was unique in many ways. First it was located in a residential area of town off the main highway (El Camino Real) so finding it was not easy. The theater was built in 1949 showing mainstream, first run films with a capacity of 750 seats. This was quite large and was well decorated inside for that time period. In 1972 it began showing porn. In the front of the theater were dozen panes of etched glass, two framed prints -- one depicting W.C. Fields and Mae West -- and a couple of placards that read, in part: "Now showing X-rated film -- If you are easily offended, please do not attend!"

In the early 80s it was one of the first to convert to video projection using a very expensive Advent unit with VHS playback. The image size was large but somewhat fuzzy and dull especially by today's standards. There was plenty of seating so that one could find a spot to be alone or find someone that wanted company. There was 2 entries in the back and a 4 ft wall that was behind the last row of seats. This allowed one to stand there and be played with by someone with reasonable privacy. The place was fairly clean and felt very safe. Since it was in a residential area park was good and secure unlike downtown San Francisco. 

On my first trip there, a couple came in and sat down in the seats in front of me. She was much younger that the guy she was with. She had a skirt on and she raised it so he could play with her. Within a few minutes another guy came over and sat next to her. They said a few words back and forth and then he knelt down in front of her and started to lick her pussy. This being my first theater encounter, it really blew my mind not to mention my load. It was very dark but I still saw lots of action. Then the 3 of them got up and left...maybe for a motel? I was hooked and wanted to see more but had to cut my trip short. Since then I love to check out the local theaters to see what is happening.

I returned to the Palm several times in the next decade but sadly it was closed in 2005 to be replaced by condos. Even though it was considered a historic building, efforts failed to save it. At that time it was the only adult theater in the bay area. Its been quite some time since I have been back to SF so I don't know what the local porn has to offer. Maybe someone can comment on recent action in the bay area.

***
Great job as always Donny!  Those of us who have invested in "This thing of our's" have plenty of stories about theaters present and past.  What are your's?
 
Please send your stories (just like Donny Digital) to emiliolizardo1@gmail.com.  Consider it a public service for people like us... Yeah, that's the ticket.  A public service.

New Feature: "Blast from the Past - Atlanta" by JaxBchBum

The Belvedere Theater
(Closed)
Atlanta, GA


The good Doctor is pleased to present a new feature here at The Journal of Adult Theaters: Blast from the Past.  This forum will discuss the late, great adult theaters from the near or far past.

Kicking off this feature is an article by JaxBchBum, concerning the former scene in Atlanta, GA. 

Here is Jax with his report...

***
The Atlanta XXX theatre scene sure has been a rollercoaster the last 30 years. I remember in the mid-70s when there were dozens of adult bookstores / arcades and 5-6 standalone adult theatres. Then the Atlanta government establishment started a protracted effort to shut them all down and after many years, finally succeeded leaving only Buckhead Theatre. Development pressure as Buckhead became the "hot" upscale area killed the Buckhead Theatre. Belvedere and Buford Highway Twin Theater in the DeKalb County suburbs endured years of strong legal pressures and seemed to be holding their own until both closed within the last year. Interesting thing is the re-emergence of the adult "bookstores" and arcades with about a dozen of them in Atlanta area.


The Belvedere in Decatur was owned by the same lady who worked for years at the adult theatre that used be operate in the Buckhead entertainment area of Atlanta. Great lady who always looked after her customers in flashing the lights if someone came in that she thought might be police. DeKalb County made a concerted effort for years to shut the theatre down, but she fought and won. Even got to the point where she was having to constantly having to show soft porn due to police coming in; so she set up a secret location for her regular customers to go where we could see the "good" porn movies. The couples that would come in to the warehouse location would always provide a great time. Belvedere used to be a great couples spot as it was a formerly a regular twin theatre (like the Buford, but even bigger) and there was a swingers-friendly nightclub nearby. But then the neighborhood started to decline a little and couples thought the Buford was a bit safer, plus they got free admission, so they started gravitating to the BHTT. Just a real tragedy of what happened to Addie's son (Ed. note... The owners son was shot and killed during a hold-up of the owner after closing one night.  The theater closed for good shortly thereafter).


The big guy at BHTT (the manager) could be a real pain coming through with his flashlight. I was there once at BHTT when DeKalb Vice came in. Couple was playing in the general section and all these guys were sitting nearby. I was down across from the couples area and was about to move closer when I noticed all these guys coming in from both aisles which my gut instinct said that was odd, so I stayed where I was. 15 seconds later the lights come on and they announce themselves. They hauled off the couple, and about a dozen other guys. Just knew the TV stations were going to be outside, but they weren't, so dodged another bullet.


I hope to get to Pure Pleasures in J-Ville next Friday evening, and will send in a report of what I hope will be an action filled evening.


Jax
***
Doc here again...Great job Jax on your report.  Fast forward to today...There are new owners of the Buford Highway Twin Theater, and they are trying their best to re-open the theater.  The county is pushing back, and they are now involved in legal action.  The Journal will update the situation as new developments occur.

Do you have a story from the good old days of adult theaters from the 70's, 80's, 90's, or 00's?  Drop the good Doctor an e-mail at emiliolizardo1@gmail.com, and I will publish your story.

Thank you again for all the support.

Doc

Introducing JaxBchBum, The Good Dr.'s Newest Field Reporter - Florida and the Southeast Overview

Buford Twin Highway Theater

Doraville, GA

Circa 2006

The good Doctor here... Introducing our newest field reporter, JaxBchBum, with a terrific overview of the past and present adult theaters in Gainesville, FL, Atlanta/Doraville, GA, along with a eye-opening report on an event at The Lido in Dallas.

Take it away JaxBchBum...
***
EL,


Just discovered your website and have enjoyed your theatre posts / reports. As I travel frequently, I have seen the gradual demise of the adult theatres across this great country of ours. It is reassuring to see that some of the oldies but goodies are still in business as well as some new ones popping up from time to time. We used to have 2 good theatres in Atlanta GA area. Tragically, the Belvedere in Decatur closed after the female owner was accosted one evening in the parking lot by a robber trying to steal the night's receipts and when her adult son who was inside closing up saw what was happening ran out to help her, the robber shot and killed her son. The Buford Highway Twin which had become a couple's haven also shut down earlier this year. There are reports that a new owner is trying to reopen but having considerable problems with DeKalb County officials getting a permit.

I wanted to put you onto the Pure Pleasures Megacenter located east of Gainesville FL. Complex contains a DVD rental area, usual adult novelties, a small theatre and an arcade. Theatre is located at the intersection of FL 26 and US 301, about 8 miles east of downtown Gainesville FL. Complete address is 6810 NE US Highway 301, Hawthorne FL 32640 Phone number is 352-468-2746.


Theatre is $20 for single guys to get in and free for m/f couples. High admission price serves to keep out all but the serious players as the theatre can only seat about 30 people. Last two rows are 2-person couches, two couches across. Just put couches in again after earlier replacing them with chairs; but due to customer complaints was able to get some form of couches back in. The front two rows are standard meeting room type chairs. Most couple activity takes place on Saturday evenings, but like most any adult theatre, action can happen almost any time. I have been there on weekend nights when no couples came in to play; although some would look in out of curiosity and leave in a couple of minutes. Have been there other times when as many as 5 couples were in there and the place was rocking. Management is extremely couple friendly and in the 4 years they have been open, have never had any police action. Guys are generally well behaved and only pet peeve is that sometimes the guys that are cruising for other guys will come in and out so often it completely destroys the hot atmosphere that a couple might be developing. Once entering the theatre, there is a short walk past a partition to see into the theatre, so a little bit of privacy and warning time.


Complex also has an arcade of about a dozen booths, but understand there is a g/hole only between two of the booths. Have never seen any couples in there, but I am normally in the theatre waiting for a couple to come in and play.


So sad to hear about the enforcement action being taken over in Tampa. Used to get over there on business quite frequently and the Adult Video Center on N. Grady Ave. was the best place. Immaculate theatre with designated couples only area, but area could usually be viewed from other areas. On a weekend night, and even on a weekday night during the summer, would generally have numerous couples come in with about half putting on a good show and another 10% wanting some audience participation.

I was in the Lido Theatre in Dallas once when Vice officer made his appearance. Was in the upstairs theatre and there was a m/f couple where she was jacking him off and he had her shirt unbuttoned and was playing with her tits. A Hispanic guy was seated two seats down from the lady and was stroking. Tall, lean guy walks up pulls out a badge and hauls off the Hispanic guy and does nothing to the couple. New Fine Art, back when it was the original theatre with the stadium seating, was one of my first adult theatre voyeur experiences and hated to see it go.


Hope this informaiton is helpful and look forward to other reports.

Jax
***
JaxBchBum, very nice job on your first submission to The Journal.  Speaking for the group, we are looking forward to your next report.

Thank you,
Doc

Semper Fi - SoCal Round-Up by OldMarineCorpsGuy

 

Southern California Round-Up

Doc here again... OldMarineCorpsGuy has filed a terrific and detailed report regarding the Southern California adult theater scene.  Awesome stuff follows...

Take it away, OMCG...

***
I just thought some of you might like to have some info on what I found about the theaters in the So. California area. I went to the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego (golf during the day – theaters at night) and here's what I found.


I won't go into detail, but I found action at all locations (some better than others) except The Red Panty, Tiki, Gemini and Jolar.


Riverside/San Bernardino:


DéjàVu (Corner of Mission and Central in Upland). Strip club downstairs, bookstore, arcade and theater upstairs. Small, 10 x 30, only 7 seats but they are all recliners. Has a small "privacy" wall in the back. Electronic door buzzer to let people in (fairly good "warning"). Open until 3AM. $10.00 admission with no in and out privileges. 3 small screens on each side of the theater showing 3 different movies (1 gay, 2 straight) and 1 large screen showing str8 video.

Red Panty (530 S. Citrus, Azuza) Bookstore and theater. Probably the WORST example of a porn theater I've been to in over 40 years of "playing". 2 small theaters (5x10 each) conjoined by an open doorway (one straight one gay). Enter through sliding door with no warning system. 5 plastic patio chairs in each theater (no room for any more). $12.00 admission with 6 hour in-and-out privileges. NO PUBLIC RESTROOM. Open 24/7

Los Angeles


Tiki Theater (5462 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood). Theater only, $12.00 admission with no in-and-out privileges. About 30 very comfortable (doctors waiting room type) seats. VERY loud entryway noise for someone coming in, so there is a good "warning" system. Parking in the rear. Be careful….NOT a good area. Open 24/7

Studs (7734 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood) Theater only, $18.00 admission with all day in-and-out privileges from 8:30AM opening until closing (3AM on weekdays, 5AM on weekends). Main theater shows gay movies with about 100 comfortable theater type seats. 3 small theaters. One shows transvestite movies with 15 to 20 seats, one shows straight movies with 15 to 20 seats, one shows gay with couches.

Orange County


Hate to say it, but no porn theaters anywhere in the county.


San Diego


Gemini Theater (5265 University Blvd. San Diego) Bookstore and theater. $7.00 admission, no in-and-out privileges. Open 8AM to 11PM weekdays, 1AM on weekends. 2 theaters for one admission. Main theater has only about 15 VERY torn up seats and has a chest high "privacy" wall in the back. Other is a "smoking" theater is about 5 or 6 plastic lawn chairs. Best word to describe this place is "skuzzy".


Jolar Theater (6321 University Blvd., San Diego) Bookstore, arcade, live "showgirls" in private booths and a "twin" theater. VERY comfortable "theater" type reclining seats. Each theater shows 1 gay and 1 straight movie. $10.00 admission, 4 hour in-and-out privileges. Saturday nights couples 2-for 1. VERY clean. Electronic door buzzer to let people in. Good warning system. 24/7

Barnett Super Store (Southeast corner of Barnett and Midway, San Diego) Bookstore, live "showgirls" in private booths and a "twin" theater. Each theater has about 25 reclining seats and shows 1 straight and 1 gay movie. $10.00 admission with 4 hour in-and-out privileges or $20.00 for 24 hour pass. 24/7


Adult Depot (3489 Kurtz St., San Diego) Bookstore, arcade and "twin" theater. Each theater shows straight movies only. $7.00 admission with 4 hour in-and-out privileges. 20 theater seats in each theater. 24/7

***
Thank-you OMCG for a terrific regional rundown. Great stuff!

New Report from Oldbeatnik! Manor Adult Motel/Bookstore/Theater, Louisville, KY October 2 & 3rd, 2009

 

Manor Adult Motel, Bookstore, & Theater, 4600 Dixie Highway, Louisville KY

 
Doc here with another field report by the prolific Oldbeatnik (now with his own logo!).  Enjoy!

Another dead weekend for your faithful reporter, but the place is nice. The motel charges $52 a night for a singles room, I forgot to ask how much for couples, I beg your pardon. There is a $20 deposit for remotes(too many thefts) that you get back on check out. One remote controls TV the other gets you to the adult channels, 60-70 of them. The peep booths in the bookstore show the same ones. Clean rooms, minimal amenities. Small bookstore holds the regular toys, DVDs etc. $10 for entrance to theater for both couples and singles, only light is from the screen, but not too bad, would be able to see any action if there ever is any. Three rows of theater seats, holding 10, 8 and 7 seats each. All are in good shape and relatively comfortable. Against opposite wall to entrance is a 3 seat couch, comfortable for 3, could hold 5 or 6, for play. No bathroom in theater, but one can leave and re-enter for that purpose in the bookstore. Otherwise no re-entry. Peeps cost $3, again, same price single or couple, also no re-entry. Eight rooms, a few of which are very roomy, 2 set aside for couples, one with glory hole, maybe. There was a glory hole, but there also was a board that covers it that someone had removed. No other glory holes in the booths. No smoking in either theater or peeps.

Overall, nice place, clean, I reccommend it, but again, it was dead, with no couples visiting either Fri or Sat nights(Oct 2-3) So for single men it will be hit or miss.

Onward and upward, Excelsior!

Oldbeatnik