An interior view of the Victory Theatre in Holyoke, Massachusetts from MassLive.com:

RIDGEWOOD, QUEENS, NY — The hopes of preservationists for the return of the Ridgewood as an operating cinema may be realized in the second half of 2010. Having succeeded in getting landmark status declared for the theater’s exterior, the Friends of the Ridgewood Theatre, Inc. is hoping to to the same for the interior. The theater’s owner is reported to be committed to preserving interior details.

Perlman said he views the Ridgewood Theatre landmark project as “a case study in terms of teamwork.” The coalition included members of the Queens Preservation Council, of which Perlman is director, Rego-Forest Preservation Council, 4 Boro Preservation Alliance Corp, and Central Queens Historical Association, among others.

“Community and cultural groups were shocked by the [theater’s] sudden closure,” he said. “I was proud to see such a diverse coalition of supporters."

There is more at BushwickBK.com.

ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND — Many locals have firmly embraced the re-opening of St. Albans Odeon which closed in 1995. With the help of James Hannaway (captain of the Rex Berkhamsted!) they’re just 43k gbp away from the purchase price.

Read more in All About St. Albans

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Wilshire, now known as the Saban Theatre will be the next “All About” docu-tour hosted by the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation on Saturday, March 20th at 10:30 am.

The tour will include a presentation of the history of the theatre as well as a basement to booth tour of areas not usually seen by the general public.

For more info please visit the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation.

(Thanks to Don Solosan for providing the photo.)

TIGARD, OR — As part of my on-going effort to support the shrinking number of single screen cinemas, I’ve just called the Joy Cinema to see what they are playing.

I was greeted by a live voice. After explaining that their website was down, hence the call, his information was brief “We are under new management and showing only Bollywood films.”

Interestingly, the Joy Cinema was purchased last year and very nicely redecorated and updated with equipment, continuing the same film format. It is not clear if they sold the house again or that the Bollywood films have taken over under the direction?  

Wildeye Releasing is currently producing a documentary on the cinemas of 42nd St, NY during the 1970s and 80s. We are looking to interview any projectionist, ticket taker or candy stand attendee who worked any of the theaters on 42nd St located between 7th and 8th Avenue.

We are slowly putting this documentary together, three major interviews with filmmakers and an actor who’s work was shown on the Deuce are already in the can.

You can contact keithjc@wildeyereleasing.com or robjh@wildeyereleasing.com if you’re interested in telling your story or sharing your memories. Feel free to visit our website www.wildeyereleasing.com.

(Thanks to rmlgonzales for providing the photo.)

What ever happened years back with Warner Brothers join theater chain venture with Gulf and Western known as Cineamerica? Did it ever get off the ground?

Many people have asked where is the gorgeous Art Moderne cinema shown in “Inglorious Basterds”? In Paris? A cinema that could be visited? Here’s the answer.

Hi all you theater buffs, anyone here interested in two old carbon rod arc projectors plus the power unit? I dont know the make or model, the theater was built around the 40’s. They are super heavy, I dont know if they work. I heard they could be converted to lamp style projectors. They are located in South Texas.

Please email for more info or if you are interested.

savetherialto@gmail.com

Dominion Theater

100 seat cabaret theater in NYC. Fully equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound.
Doubles as a 100 seat screening room. High definition video projection, 5.1 surround sound.
Beautiful bar room.

Looking for partner--active or passive.

See almost complete web site at http://www.DominionNY.com

Contact me at RobertOgdenUSA@aol.com
posted by RobertOgden on March 4, 2010