If you missed the premiere screenings of the “Remembering Playland” documentary at the Balboa, beginning April 23 you’ll have another chance to see it on the big screen.
The full length documentary tells the history of San Francisco’s famous 10-acre seaside amusement park, Playland at the Beach. Located next to Ocean Beach, it was torn down in 1972 to make way for a condominium development. Gone now for more than 3 decades, it remains one of the city’s lost treasures.
Go back in time to see Laffing Sal, the Fun House, the Carousel, the Big Dipper, the Diving Bell, Dark Mystery, Limbo, Fun-tier Town, and much, much more, all through the eyes of the people who were there. The first and only documentary ever made about Playland, it features 12 interviews, 20 minutes of archival footage, 187 photographs and original music.
A large lobby display of Playland at the Beach photographs, posters, articles, and other memorabilia will be on exhibit during the one week engagement. Also on display will be original Playland items, like a “Dark Mystery” ride car, Playland tickets, signs, and a few surprises. BONUS: The famous ice cream sandwiches created at Playland, IT’S IT, will be for sale at the Balboa snack bar.
“Remembering Playland” will only run for one week starting April 23 at the Balboa Theater. Visit the Balboa’s website for showtimes or call 221-8184.
The DVD is still not available for sale online, but go here to sign up to be emailed once it’s available.
Sarah B.