Dark Mystery

(early 40's-1972)

Dark Mystery had quite a history! It changed themes more than once and moved from one block to another.... 

Originally built on the Safeway Back Lot, squeezed between a Dodger Building and Original Diving Bell, the ride was in good company.  Originally themed as 'the Mysteries of Africa' which included scantily clad dancing women. I think, the Dark Mystery had promise of something more revealing inside. The racial connotation may have been tongue-n-cheek for it's day, but even then didn't fly well with the public when it opened in the 40's. 

Dark Mystery was a Pretzel ride, built by the Pretzel Corporation.  Pretzel struggled for years with the duality of having a great running attraction that had poor gags and lighting. That would all change in their future. In the early days, Laff in the Dark was preferred over Dark Mystery. Not only was Laff longer, but the gags where better...  Dark Mystery originally had poor static props that lite up during ride. A few buzzers, bells and rim shot effects. Pretzel soon updated their rides with better props and effects. they became the first to use Black Light effects in the 50's.

Speaking of 50's... Dark Mystery left Africa and the Safeway lot in the early 50's and moved to the Chutes Block, post Chutes Demo. Dark Mystery was themed with a dark vision of Pacific Island Tiki's and a Salvador Dali bizzaro facade. The interior was larger and the gags dramatically improved!  Flying Death Angels, moving props, new lighting and sound effects. Black light would be added later in the decade.

Want some Dark Ride History with a little Playland thrown. Click on link below.

A Dark Past: A History of the Dark Ride