Liberty Theatre

The old theater is among the last World War II-era military base theaters still in use. When the base was a naval air station housing American forces waiting to be shipped overseas, it was felt that they needed to be entertained, so not only did the theater serve as a venue for military briefings, it also was the place to see movies and live USO shows.

Movie crews used the base as a backdrop since it was the military installation closest to Hollywood at the time. Actor Clark Gable, comedian Bob Hope and other entertainment stars performed at the base. Theater events have been attended by former presidents Bush, Nixon, Reagan and Clinton.

Today the theater seats 900 and is used for special performances and meetings.

The venue is said to be haunted by the spirit of a man dressed as a sailor, according to a 2008 Los Angeles Times story. The ghostly image is said to have touched and whispered to two actresses as they performed onstage, and one got so flustered that she flubbed a line.

“He seems to like buxom women,” theater director Jeff Hathcock told the Times.