 The theater (second building from left) in 1906 | |
 Interactive map of Tally's Electric Theater | |
| Address | 262 SouthMain Street,Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34°02′59″N118°14′44″W / 34.04970°N 118.2456°W /34.04970; -118.2456 |
| Screens | 1 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | April 17, 1902 |
| Architect | Morgan & Walls |
Tally's Electric Theater, also known asLyric Theatre andGlockner's Automatic Theatre, was amovie theater located at 262 SouthMain Street indowntown Los Angeles. Opened in 1902, it was likely the world's first permanent theatre specifically designed for the exhibition of movies.
Thomas L. Tally opened Tally's Electric Theater opened on April 17, 1902,[1] making it likely the world's first permanent theatre specifically designed for movies.[2][3] The theater originally screened an hour's worth of material, including films such asCapture of the Biddle Brothers andNew York City in a Blizzard,[4] for $0.10 ($3.63 in2024). Following the theater's opening night success, it began showing child matinées at half-price admission the following day.[1]
In June 1903, the theater was renamed Lyric Theatre and started hostingvaudeville in addition to movies.[2][5]The Great Train Robbery also screened at the theater that year, and the film was so successful, it inspired Tally to sell the theater in order to travel with and exhibit the film.[4]
In 1910, the theater was advertised as Glockner’s Automatic Theatre.[2]
According to the memory of a local businessman, the theater was demolished before the advent oftalking pictures,[1] however the building housing the theater was not demolished until at least 1998.[2]
Tally's Electric Theater was designed byMorgan & Walls and built ofbrick.[6]