PREORDER: AVAILABLE TO SHIP OR PICK UP AFTER DECEMBER 15, 2025

Desert Dream to Silver Screen: The Story of the Historic Palm Springs Plaza Theatre

By Catherine Graham and Jim Cook

Discover the remarkable story of the historic Palm Springs Plaza Theatre, from its glamorous movie-house origins to decades of live performances. This richly illustrated book chronicles star-studded film premieres, beloved radio days, 23 seasons of The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, and the inspiring restoration that preserves a cornerstone of Palm Springs’ cultural history.

Desert Dream to Silver Screen: The Story of the Historic Palm Springs Plaza Theatre is the definitive chronicle of one of Palm Springs’ most iconic cultural landmarks. Richly detailed and beautifully illustrated, the book traces the Plaza Theatre’s journey from its dazzling 1936 debut as a glamorous Hollywood outpost to its central role in shaping the city’s artistic and social identity. Through archival photographs, vintage posters, and rare memorabilia, readers experience the theatre’s early years of movie premieres, celebrity appearances, and live radio broadcasts that helped put Palm Springs on the cultural map.

As the decades unfold, the book explores the Plaza Theatre’s evolution into a beloved community gathering place and premier performance venue. From mid-century film screenings to star-studded events and the legendary 23-season run of The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, the theatre’s story reflects the spirit, style, and creativity of Palm Springs itself. Vivid storytelling brings to life the people, performances, and cultural moments that defined generations of entertainment in the heart of downtown.

The book culminates in the remarkable modern-day restoration of the Plaza Theatre — a multi-year effort to preserve its historic character while transforming it into a state-of-the-art venue for future audiences. Desert Dream to Silver Screen celebrates not only the theatre’s past, but its renewal and return as a vibrant centerpiece of the Palm Springs arts community. Perfect for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and fans of Palm Springs, this book is a stunning tribute to a treasured landmark reborn.