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
- July 10th, 2026 – 7:30pm
More Pay – Less Work (1926)
Celebrating 100 Years of the Hollywood Theatre
The Hollywood Theatre
4122 North East Sandy Portland, OR 97212
Step back to 1926 for a one-night-only celebration with Pipe Organ Pictures!
In honor of the theatre’s 100th anniversary, the COLUMBIA RIVER THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY and Pipe Organ Pictures present an incredibly rare 35mm screening of MORE PAY-LESS WORK, the very first film ever shown at the Hollywood on opening day, July 17, 1926,
Featuring Hollywood organist, DEAN LEMIRE, performing his original score LIVE on the Mightly Wurlitzer organ
An evening of entertainment awaits including a retro dance performance, a special presentation on the history of the Hollywood Theatre, short films, as well as some other surprises! Plus vintage Old Hollywood style carbon-arc gas searchlights on Sandy Blvd!
Guests are encouraged to arrive in their finest formal wear or 1920s-inspired attire for the chance to win prizes.
Proceeds benefit the Columbia River Theater Organ Society for the continued preservation and maintenance of the Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ at the Hollywood Theatre.
35mm print courtesy of the UCLA Film & Television Archive.
Cast: Buddy Rogers and Mary Brian
Director: Albert Ray
Format: 35mm
Purchase Tickets at: The Hollywood Theatre
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 Instrument
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.
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