Welcome

CRTOS is dedicated to theatre organ preservation and promotion of this uniquely American instrument. We sponsor theatre organ concerts, silent films screenings, music workshops and theatre organ restoration projects in Oregon and Southern Washington.

Upcoming Shows

  • March 23rd, 2024 – 2:00 pm

    7th Heaven (1927)

    The Hollywood Theatre
    4122 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR

    Hollywood organist Dean Lemire will be performing his original score on the mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ.

    In celebration of Feminist March – Women’s History Month, Pipe Organ Pictures is proud to present 7TH HEAVEN…..winner of 3 Academy Awards.

    This is the film that rocketed Janet Gaynor into a superstar of the golden silent film era.  Her performance in 7th Heaven won her the very 1st Academy award ever presented – for Best Actress. She also won Best Actress for her performance in SUNRISE filmed the same year. Gaynor co-stars with Charles Farrell, with whom she would make another 10 films with. Director Frank Borzage won the Academy Award for best director for 7TH HEAVEN as well.

    The film is set in Paris at the beginning of the 20th century, Chico (Farrell) a sewer worker, saves a young prostitute, Diane (Gaynor) , from being abused by her sister. Janet Gaynor’s performance as the film’s female lead was lauded as one of the most memorable and affecting performances of the era.

    “7TH HEAVEN can only be described as the eighth wonder of the movie world… inspiring from start to finish. Its gripping storyline, emotional depth, and the director’s excellent use of the camera bring the story to life. Director Borzage has given this film everything it needs to succeed…and indeed, has gripped the hearts of audiences.” — The N.Y. Evening Telegram

    Tomatometer 100% Score – Rotten Tomatoes

    WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE: YES

    RUNTIME: 118 MINS

    Purchase Tickets at: https://hollywoodtheatre.org/tickets/24830/

    If the direct ticket link above does not work for you, go to the Hollywood Theatre Splash Page and click on the 2:00 Showtime on the right.


Pipe Organ Pictures Series

Each of these films presented as they were meant to be experienced – with live organ accompaniment! Every film in this series is complemented by an original score, created and performed live by a professional musician.

The Hollywood organ is dedicated to the memory of Beverly Ruth Nelson and is the result of a partnership between the Hollywood Theatre and the nonprofit Columbia River Theatre Organ Society. It is the only such instrument in a public theatre in Portland.

Tickets are $12.00 at the door of the Hollywood Theatre.

About Our Instruments

The Hollywood Theatre

While previous events at the Hollywood have featured live organ accompaniment, the organ sound itself was digital, powered by large speakers backstage. Now, the sound will once again come from real pipes. The Columbia River Theatre Organ Society has spent thousands of volunteer hours meticulously refurbishing the theater organ, tracking down vintage organ parts and pipes, restoring the original Hollywood organ chamber, and installing electrical lines, wind lines, and a mammoth 15hp organ blower in the basement. Ours is the only pipe organ in a public theatre in Portland.

The Hollywood is located at: 4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212, two blocks from the Hollywood MAX station.

Donations for the ongoing maintenance and expansion of this instrument can be made using the Donate button below.

Cleveland High School

The Kimball pipe organ in the 1100 seat auditorium is maintained by CRTOS. The core of the instrument was originally from the Columbia theater in Longview, Washington. In 1936, it was moved to Benson high school in Portland where it resided until it was moved to Cleveland in 1990. The organ was enlarged and improved there and is one of the best sounding organs of its type in the Pacific northwest.

Disaster struck in 2016 when a steam pipe burst and over one half of the pipe wind chests and other wood components in the north (main) chamber were damaged beyond repair. The damaged items have been temporarily substituted with digital equivalents. Restoring the instrument to its original sound will cost thousands of dollars. If you would like to assist with this project, please make a tax deductible donation to the Columbia River Theatre Organ Society.

Cleveland High School is located at: 3400 SE 26th Ave., Portland, OR 97202

Donations for the maintenance and repair of this instrument can be made using the Donate button below.


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