Susanville’s Sierra Theater

Sierra Theater. Courtesy of Hank Martinez
Sierra Theater. Courtesy of Hank Martinez

On August 7, 1934 during a special session of the Susanville City Council they condemned the Liberty Theater, after state inspectors stated it was unsafe. Two day’s later the theater would close, and it was only fitting the film shown that day was “The Party’s Over.” It should be noted that the Liberty was built in 1921 and in 1924 it was purchased by T & D Enterprises.

In late September, demolition began on the Liberty Theater and it was announced a new theater would be built on the site of the old one, to be named Sierra Theater. Construction on the concrete re-inforced theater began in October, and the owners noted it was earthquake proof, the first of its kind in Susanville. On Friday, March 8, 1935 a grand opening was held for $75,000 theater. The first showing was appropriately a film named, “The Whole Town’s Talking.”

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5 thoughts on “Susanville’s Sierra Theater”

  1. Thank you very much. I’m curious if there are any pictures of the liberty theatre. Susanvillestuff posted one a while back but it doesn’t show the whole front of the building. Many years ago an older gentleman came in to see the theatre. He said he worked there when it was remodeled and the lower balcony was added. He led us to believe that was in 1935. We found an old film reel and the building looks like the Sierra but it says Liberty.

  2. I worked for Sierra Theater for 10 years. My boss was John Russell. It was about 1968. Wonderful people.

  3. I was going through some old suite cases from my great grandma and found the orginal program from thr opening. It is in great condition. I then began looking for information on the theatre and found your website.

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