Stanford Theatre — Local services in Palo Alto

I've been coming to the Stanford Theater for years - it was a lifesaver during medical school when I needed late-night movie escapes. Back then (2011-2015), Patty was the manager and had a wonderfully accommodating approach. She'd sell you a ticket even if you arrived quite late, understanding that sometimes life (or work) runs long. The theater itself remains a gem for classic film lovers, and I still appreciate what it offers the community. However, I've noticed the current management has implemented much stricter policies. Now they won't accept gift vouchers or allow entry even 10 minutes after the last feature starts. While I understand the need for some structure, this feels unnecessarily rigid compared to the flexibility that made this place so special. For a 4-hour film like "Gone with the Wind" (which even has an intermission), refusing entry just 20 minutes after start time seems excessive. A simple solution would be to allow gift voucher use for late arrivals (by hole-punching them just as they're hole-punched for on time arrivals). In addition, a running tally of late arrivals could be kept and attended to the attendance total at the end of the night or the next day - this would serve both customer service and operational needs. Currently, turning away patrons with pre-purchased vouchers creates negative experiences while missing opportunities to gather useful attendance data. A little more grace would go a long way toward maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that long-time patrons remember fondly. Still worth visiting for the classic films, just plan to arrive well...

For the summer, the wife and I fly in from Texas just to see movies here. I see about 20 movies here a year. Too bad Hollywood has forgotten how to make these kinds of terrific movies. Casablanca, The Day The Earth Stood Still, Three Smart Girls, Wizard of Oz, The Ten Commandments are just a few I have seen here.

I have a VERY nice Home Theater at my house (its Texas remember). The Stanford Theater is 10 times more more fun. Soft red velvet seats, and Carpeted floors. The art deco is fabulous. It was great to hear the organist play between movies. This is how to see a classic movie. Tickets are only $7, (I would happily pay $25.) If you want to continue your nostalgic experience with food, I strongly recommend the nearby Palo Alto Creamery Fountain Grill.

Thanks to David Packard for what he's accomplished with this marvelous time-capsule! (Rich people can be handy sometimes.) I have traveled the world, and never seen an equal to the Stanford Theater. If you live nearby then visit as often as you can. Don't sit at home and watch these movies on your TV. See them on the big screen, like they were meant to be seen!

I was shocked at some of the comments that admission is cash only. Folks, NEVER leave the house without at least $50 of REAL money in your pocket!

I do wish they would show more 1950s science fiction in the Summer.

Go to the Stanford Theater, you will rediscover the joy of going to the movies! On a scale of 1 to 10, this place is a 15. Not a fan of classic cinema? You will be........

Stanford Theatre is a live museum of movies. Classics from the "golden era" are constantly on rotation. The functional Mighty Wurlitzer is played live during intermissions, as well as on Wednesday silent films. In fact, you can visit a display museum before or between shows.

During the school year, I would bring my daughter here on some Wednesdays just for one show and experience the Wurlitzer. But if you have three hours between 5:50pm and 11pm, the theatre offers double feature every day on three show slots for only $7. (If you don't mind watching one film twice - or if that first one is particularly appealing, you can stay for all three shows.) Concession is also much, much cheaper than in any commercial theatre.

Yes, the theatre is now run by a nonprofit that also engages in preserving and restoring films. Come often and you may watch newly restored movies live that you cannot get anywhere else.

Located in the centre of downtown Palo Alto, easy nearby parking, and walking distance from Caltrain station all make it a very appealing place to visit. And revisit. And revisit. Oh, did I mention that the interior is meticulously preserved and maintained? A stroll inside the building is itself a rich experience. (Don't know what a Wurlitzer is or never heard one played? You owe yourself a...