Theater History

Since 1948, The Mission Theater was the heart of downtown Fallbrook. Most people who have lived in Fallbrook long enough to remember the theater have fond memories of their time there. 

During its lifetime, the theater hosted first run films such as Barbara Stanwyck starring in the 1954 film, Cattle Queen of Montana doubled billed with Loretta Young starring in The Farmer’s Daughter.  

In 1952 the theater boasted that it had air conditioning for first run comfort. The theater lasted for decades as the center of downtown Fallbrook.  But like most movie houses, it struggled to survive and eventually stopped showing films. 

In an effort to survive over the last three decades the theater has hosted: theatrical plays, musicals, theater classes, concerts, contests, and film festivals. Over the years, the theater felt its age and fell into disrepair and deferred maintenance.  

In 2018, it went on the market and its future was uncertain. Many small-town theaters cannot survive in today’s world and have just remained closed. Others have become venues that are no longer entertainment related. 

The theater has the potential to be many things to Fallbrook. It has the potential to be brought back to its former splendor. There have been several special events that have been happening at the theater, including: theatrical productions, live concerts,  classic films, musicals, 

comedy and private gatherings.

The challenges to make the theater successful as a positive addition to downtown are many, but with your help and support, the theater can and will become a community treasure once again.