Alex Theatre and Disney Grave

The Alex Theatre

213 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale
AAA Map: San Fernando Valley Area, Metropolitan LA
Map Reference: Q 30
Freeway Exit: Ventura Freeway, Brand Blvd. exit.

entrance: Alex Theatre

The Alex Theatre is one of the last remaining Movie Palaces in the Los Angeles area which is in regular use for presenting movies and other cultural events. It's a real Fantasia (pun intended) on Greek architecture done in classic '30s Deco design...brings to mind the Beethoven Pastoral Symphony sequence in the aforementioned movie.

The theatre is easy to spot because of its huge spire, topped with a starburst which is lighted at night. Currently most of the events there are live concerts and stage shows, but the Alex Film Society (Web Site: http://www.keyconnect.com/alexfilmsoc/, email: alexflmsoc@aol.com) is presenting classic movies there on an irregular but frequent basis.

The Alex Theatre has its place in animation history because Walt Disney Studios sneak-previewed several of its animated features there. Disney recently went full-circle and premiered their live-action movie "Flubber" there.

Other points of interest in the area: Glendale Galleria -- has Disney Store and Warner Bros. Studio Store.

Admission: Depends on ticket prices. Box Office phone number is (818) 249-2539.

Disney's Crypt at Glendale Forest Lawn

1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale
AAA Map: San Fernando Valley Area, Metropolitan LA
Map Reference: T 30, S 31, T 31
Freeway Exit: Ventura Freeway, Glendale Ave. exit.

Disney Crypt: marker

Walt Disney, according to urban legend, is interred in a cryogenic chamber somewhere on the grounds of Disneyland, but that legend and others like them surrounding Walt Disney and Walt Disney Studios are questionable, to say the least. In fact, there is an entire Web page devoted to Disney Urban Legends at: http://www2.best.com/~snopes/disney/disney.htmwhich is worth a look for two reasons: one, it has some fascinating information on it, and two, it has very detailed directions on how to get to Uncle Walt's final resting place at Glendale Forest Lawn. Print them out...they are very valuable if you want to go here.

It is kind of amusing to note that, while most evidence points to Disney's remains being exactly where they are advertised here, Forest Lawn gives off the vibe of being a Disneyland for the Dead...a necro-Disneyland complete with Genuine Tourist Attractions. There are museums and art reproductions galore, as well as some fairly outrageous-looking grave markers in places.

Disney Crypt: cherub

In fact, a person who came to the little garden enclosure which houses Disney's crypt before I did left an offering of the Disneyland parking lot ticket which the person got when visiting The Happiest Place On Earth®. Kind of poignant, kind of touching.

Although not a real Disney fan by any stretch, I couldn't help but feel I was in the presence of someone who, for good or for ill, shaped animation as an art form. Who was this guy? Was he the heel portrayed in that book by that Tabloid reporter, or the saint that Disneyphiles claim he was? Unfortunately, he can't speak anymore to set the record straight. Too bad.

Admission: Free.

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