Loew's Jersey Theatre

You’re right, GDellaFa. I thank goodness every time I come in for one of their monthly film weekends. The Loews has been surviving for so many decades now and in so many incarnations (the “worst” being that tri-plexing around 1976)that one would hope that the political “wolves at the door” would back off and learn to appreciate the true landmark status of this wonderful film palace. My heart goes out to the FOL for putting up with this “let’s tear it down and put up an office building” mentality of some local politicians who want nothing more than to build up their own public persona.

It makes a lot of sense to keep a positive stance regarding the Loews because the alternative is just not acceptable. I’ve been attending their monthly film programs for nearly ten(!!!) years and it has almost become a second home. I feel quite upset to see all of the hard work and restoration efforts of the FOL be “batted” about every few years by these Jersey City politicos. It seems the Loews Jersey never stops being a “target”! It just seems that the Jersey City administration does not seem to realize what a true “gem” they have at Journal Square, attracting fans from New Jersey (I travel in from Wayne) and New York.

I am hoping that the grand Loews Landmark will survive this latest wave of political rhetoric and posturing. I guess in a very naieve sense I’ve been very heartened to see many huge crowds at the Loews monthly film weekends and their live presentations such as “Stage Craft” (not sure if that’s the correct name.) Aren’t these large audiences indicative of a positive response to what the Loew’s has been and is capable of doing for the community?

Any word as to what the April films might be? May?

Cagney really gave a spectacular performance in “One, Two, Three.” A wonderful swan song, his brief late-life cinematic resurrection notwithstanding. I absolutely love this movie.

The Christmas Spirit really found a home at the Landmark Loew’s this year, with the holiday concert and “Elf”. Looking forward to many great films and performances in 2013.

Happy and Healthy 2013, FOL. Bob

I agree with Bob, and also the earlier film “Stairway to Heaven” (US title) was shown in a gorgeous BW & Technicolor print. Wings had a very large audience.

I have been informed that Keir Dullea will not be appearing at the Loews Jersey this Sunday due to change in his schedule.

Don Murray will still be here to host The Hoodlum Priest and Bus Stop, as planned.

This coming weekend 11/17/2012 and 11/18/2012 at The Landmark Loews Jersey

I hear you Bob. Ive always cared too much also, and now look where it got me. A projectionist with 37 years expierience and digital puts me out of work. I miss running film.

Thanks, Mark. My problem is that I care too much. I became involved in the fight to save the theater when it was scheduled for demolition. The 16mm shows that I presented in the lobby were not only the most successful, they attracted the most New York press during that crucial time when Hartz Mountain wanted to level the theater for an office building. I spent literally thousands of hours on the project for over a decade and introduced the late Bob Eberenz to the project. It was through Bob and Steve Levy’s tireless efforts and donation of equipment that the 35mm projection capability was restored. When we began working on the booth, it was a stripped pigeon coup. To say that it was a challenge would be an understatement.

At that time, the building had no heat or running water. We worked in the winter with heavy coats and gloves, and had to go to C.H. Martin next door just to clean up. Bob and I were there nearly every Saturday for close to ten years. Bob was a wonderful man and a dear friend and he believed in putting on the best show possible. He had worked in the film industry since 1946.

We were all volunteers. Nobody made a penny. I once asked Bob what he would charge for his time involved. He laughed and said, “They couldn’t afford me.”

For two years between 2001 and 2003, our programs gave the audience their monies worth. We ran shorts, cartoons and trailers with every show. It was not just a movie, it was the Movie Palace Experience. That’s what we believed in and what we tried to present to the audience.

When I see a sloppy show, it really hurts. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Mr. Eberenz should have a plaque in his honor in the building. He did so much not just in the booth, but with the stage lighting, organ lift, the marquee, electrical system, etc. The theater would not be where it is today if it were not for his valuable input and countless hours of volunteer work.

In closing, I have to say that Mr. Eberenz would have really liked you, Rob. You speak the same language. I’m only sorry that you never got to know him.