As reported on my
Cardinal Commercial page...
Bathroom Ghost
When I was still pre-SAG, I was booked on a commercial that would only air in Europe.
I never did get a copy as I should have.
It was filmed at the Broadway Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, a fabulous and opulent place, which I still recognize in various commercial spots.
Hair and the elaborate make-up were done in the cellars, considering the surreal nature of the beer commercial's somewhat comical storyline.
At lunch I spoke with some of the crew techs that, considering the age and dark splendour of the place, I would be surprised if it weren't haunted.
They assured me it was haunted: one of the cast was actually the theatre historian (an office of which was right in the theatre).
They told me she'd related to them how people have experienced Cold Spots, and such, and they showed me the creepy "day care area," containing a spooky/creepy wall mural worthy of the atmospheric ghost-story movie
The Innocents.
Some time after lunch and back on set, I realized I had to go to the bathroom.
I knew I wasn't going to be used on camera for some time, so I went to scoot down to the bottom halls where they'd had hair and make-up.
However, just off to the side I spotted a large archway, the area inside of which was well-lit.
To my accurate presumption, it was the public restroom the audience would use during a show's interval.
Entering the main archway was a wide common-area, to the left was a shoe-shine stand.
In front of me was now two archways into the main-use area.
Beyond the arches the two areas were still interlinked: stand up urinals to the left area (beyond the left arch) and on the other side of the wall (beyond the right arch).
There were no doors that could be closed.
There were only about seven [sit-down] stalls, all of which were empty, the doors to all of which were open.
Unlike most of the theatre, the floor here was small mosaic tile, causing well echoed clicks as one walked.
I chose the middle stall, closed the door and latched it, and sat down.
Just as I'd finished, much to my surprise the toilet in the stall next to mine (to my left) flushed.
I had heard no one enter the otherwise utterly silent room.
Automatically I leaned over and looked to my left (then to my right), but there were no feet to be seen in either direction.
I was alone.
I glanced behind me to verify that these weren't "automatic flush" toilets, when suddenly from the same stall to my left a very clear and very male voice gently but loudly sighed (as though in relief).
Again I quickly leaned way over and looked but there were still no feet: there was no (visible or corporeal) individuals in the bathroom with me.
To maintain the silence I held my breath and I put on my pants, listening for footsteps that never came (or rather, departed...).
I quickly went to the three stalls to my left, all of which were still empty (and no automatic toilet flushers).
I had indeed been "alone" the entire time I was in the bathroom.
Later, just as we were winding down, I spoke with the woman who worked with the theatre's historical society.
When I am researching or investigating something, I never ask Leading Questions, I always ask direct ones.
I asked her about what the techs had told me, that the place had a reputation for possible haunting.
"Oh yes," she said enthusiastically.
"There are cold spots and places you feel you're Being Watched..."
"Is there anything with that main public restroom?" I inquired casually.
"Oh yes," she replied.
"Toilets will flush themselves and you can hear voices..."
With that verification, I told her she could chalk up One More Person who'd experienced that very phenomenon.
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