of Paramount importance

I joined the Charming Drew and other Movie Bears Friday night for a showing of The Maltese Falcon at the historic Paramount Theater in Oakland. I had only been to the Paramount once before, over a decade ago, and never got the chance to look around.

It is an amazing theater. Just breathless in it's Art Deco splendor. It is an endless feast of visual richness, and an attention to detail and aesthetic I thought Americans and corporations were no longer capable of. Even the carpet, sofas, sconces, artwork, and table lamps are all period and design congruous. I can't wait to find a free day to attend one of their tours.

For example, even the area outside the restrooms are Deco lush.





The lobby is grand,





And the deco details and intricate wood and metal work is just astounding.











Gotta love.



This is Drew's favorite. He calls it the The Sweaty Girl.