Comments from Simon Overton

Showing 376 - 400 of 586 comments

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Martin Theatre on Sep 25, 2008 at 9:19 pm

Why didn’t they build a protective shell OVER the theater to construct layered parking.

Now that makes good, common sense and would have saved another historic theater… just what they did for the old and huge Fox (now Copely Hall) in San Diego, CA.

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Biggest Non IMAX/Cinerama single theater screens ???? on Sep 6, 2008 at 5:24 am

Sorry, I almost forgot… they had the 3 Cinerama projections booths there and further more boys and girls… we had stadium seating in the post war days, just as good as what is now installed in these 21st century black shoe boxes they now show movies in!

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Biggest Non IMAX/Cinerama single theater screens ???? on Sep 6, 2008 at 5:20 am

It was a fantastic pleasure to see “Lord of the Rings” at Salt Lake City’s magnificent Villa Theatre.
Gracing the stage in this late 1940’s art moderne gem was a 93 foot curved screen AND traveler curtains, YES, 93 foot!!!
They don’t show movies anymore but have an excellent display of carpets for sale.

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Why purchase seats directly from China? on Sep 4, 2008 at 8:35 pm

And here’s my nickel’s worth… Is almost everyone fed up with constant monthly (or more) adds for “old or used cinema/theater wanted” by the same person(s)? I certainly am!

Perhaps CT could review all “wanted & for sale” entries BEFORE they are published and delete the profit racketeers or charge them a hefty fee.

A resounding YES to “42nd Street Memories” as to keeping CT for what it was designed for.

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Woodburn theater help on Sep 3, 2008 at 4:56 am

Have you seen the deep down condition of this dump… I mean REALLY looked at it thoroughly? Inside? Outside, Topside?

I, too, had the same notion some while back. The owner should be jailed for allowing this disgraceful state of affairs.

And have your researched the neighborhood of people? They would undo all of your hard work and big financial investment.

Why not hire an independent (NOT CITY) building inspector to give you the bottom line. And if you are still so keen, contact me: I live just up the road!

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Continental main screen stadium renovation on Sep 1, 2008 at 8:26 pm

I wonder if the corporate powers-to-be at AMC, Cinemark, Regal and other “candy merchants showing movies are aware of the fabulous Cinema Treasures forum of public comments?

They should be!!!

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Murray Theatre on Aug 29, 2008 at 6:01 am

Thank you, “Lost Memory” for the Oct ‘06 photo of the facade… but what happened to the marquee? Was it wanton damage or just neglect by the stupid owner who won’t lease the place for a fair price???

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Theaters wanted on Aug 26, 2008 at 5:24 pm

Cyndi… PLEASE try the San Francisco and Bay Area; there are some real “butes” available and in nice shape! Good Luck.

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Fresh plan for Regent Cinema proposed in Multiplex deal on Aug 26, 2008 at 5:07 pm

To save your beautiful theater, just copy what happened to the (former) Fox Theatre in San Diego, California… Build over it!

This saved the now Copley Hall with an office tower protecting the historic theater forever and they’ll never have to worry about roof repairs.

People of Brisbane… JUST DO IT… NOW… BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Gantry Arts Centre on Aug 15, 2008 at 9:34 pm

Notes from “100 Years of Cinema in Southampton” by Patrick Hayward; The Gantry is now demolished but with (hopeful) plans to be the site of a new development incorporating “rehearsal space and studio theater for the nearby and massive Mayflower (ex-Gaumont/Empire) Theatre.

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Stage Door Theatre on Aug 15, 2008 at 9:25 pm

More of Patrick Hayward’s notes; Noted entertainers to grace the (former) Forum’s stage from 1962 on were Helen Shapiro, Billy Fury & Marty Wilde, Cliff Richard, Billy J. Kramer, The Kinks, The Yard Birds, Cilla Black, The Bachelors and handsome American sensation Gene Pitney.
The final live stage show was The Walker Brothers in 1966. However, I personally remember attending an all-seats-sold, “New Year’s Eve Concert,” provided by England’s master Big-Band leader Ted Heath. I had a ringing sound in my ears for days but the music was the best!

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Classic Southampton on Aug 15, 2008 at 9:10 pm

Notes from “100 Years of Cinema in Southampton” by Patrick Hayward; Prior to the 1939 outbreak of WW2, this house was also known as the Cinenews Theatre being one of the final purpose built cinemas of the 1930’s including Swaythling’s Savoy Cinema.

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Stage Door Theatre on Aug 15, 2008 at 9:00 pm

Notes from “100 Years of Cinema in Southampton” by Patrick Hayward;
Best known as the Forum Cinema, they often shared films with their sister" ABC’S Broadway in Portswood.

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Odeon Southampton on Aug 15, 2008 at 8:57 pm

Notes from “100 Years of Cinema in Southampton” by Patrick Hayward;
The Odeon’s (former Regal) much popular cafe, situated at balcony level, was sorely missed when it closed in the 1970’s.
Interestingly, it was the last cinema cafe to close in England!

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Atherley Cinema on Aug 15, 2008 at 8:11 pm

Notes from “100 years of Cinema in Southampton” by Patrick Hayward;
The Atherly Cinema opened in a quiet way with 650 seats. With success came a 1919 extension which increased them to 1,130.

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Electric Theatre on Aug 15, 2008 at 8:01 pm

Notes from “100 Years of Cinema in Southampton” by Patrick Hayward; This place was also known as the Shirley Electric and the Cinema Hall were in the old Assembly Rooms.

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Picture Palace on Aug 15, 2008 at 7:58 pm

Notes from “!00 years of Cinema in Southampton” by Patrick Hayward; the Picture Palace was also known as the Standard Cinema and the Southampton Picture Palace.

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Question for the experts on Aug 15, 2008 at 7:11 pm

San Francisco’s Nasser family had several theaters from around the 1920’s on, namely; Castro (open), Royal (demolished), Alhambra (closed -now a gym), Fillmore (demolished) New Mission (closed).
The Alameda located in the East Bay has recently. reopened after restoration.

There are a few others which escape my cluttered cinema/theater brain at present… Good luck with your interesting project!

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Wednesday is the new Friday for movie openings on Aug 14, 2008 at 5:39 am

I’m bored to tears about “openings” that grossed so many millions of dollars… who cares except the greedy “flick-grinding” merchants!

It would be more interesting to learn as to HOW MANY PATRONS saw a certain movie on opening weekend. Do they ever include the “comps?”

Something else we have also lost total sight of is that cinemas in various areas of the vast USA have different admission prices; some are extremely high priced while others give it away. And I’ll bet more movie-goers have seen “Gone With The Wind”, “The Sound of Music”, “007” etc., than say “Star Wars”, “Iron Man” or “Batman.”!!!

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Brenkert c14 spot light circa 1930 on Aug 11, 2008 at 7:32 pm

You might try posting your request on E-Bay and Craig’s List… I’ve always had total success with the latter of the two!

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about New Port Theatre on Jul 22, 2008 at 5:53 am

Please see my letter of March 2007. Thanks!

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Alameda Theatre cuts corners with non-union workers on Jul 15, 2008 at 7:04 pm

My 8 years (1990’s) at San Francisco’s infamous Castro Theatre always had union projectionist’s; I recall Hal and John.

They were totally consummate professionals operating a very neat and clean booth. All shows started on time as did the lovely curtains at The End. I really miss that place!

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Seavue Twin Theater on Jul 9, 2008 at 6:40 am

Some comments from the KATHLEEN HUTLEY, formerly of Valley Mar; Saturday afternoon at the movies included 2 films, Movietone Newsreel and one or two cartoons in a single screen theater.
“Seascape” murals were painted on the walls and a traveler curtain was always used between programs. Smoking was permitted at the evening presentation in the side rows only!
The Seaview presented some live shows in the 1950’s featuring magicians on their small stage. Those were the days and fondly remembered by countless Pacificans!

As for organist ANTON LeVEY (RE: robXV notes of Aug 28, 2007)… Anton, was also known as “Tony.” He was the only Caliope player for the City of San Francisco parades. He had electrifying brown eyes, was a Hypnotist, had a pet tarantula spider plus a lion in his back yard. He gave me his black Cadillac and taught DON HUTLEY, my father, how to play the pipe organ. WHAT A MAN!!!

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about New Pink Panther promo on Jul 7, 2008 at 5:10 am

Many thanks, Gary & William, for the info-to-know. I’ll gladly order #14 when they open shop tomorrow!

Simon Overton
Simon Overton commented about Pagoda Theater completely gutted on Jul 7, 2008 at 4:59 am

Folks… the “fabulous, foolish” Fox Theatre 1929-1963 is strewn all over “the city that knows how” (to destroy 30+ theaters in 10 years).
Interestingly, there used to be a LITTLE FOX THEATRE with quite a few (big sister) Fox artifacts somewhere near the pyramid building!

The Foxs' lovely front doors were, last known, to be fronting a vegetable shop on Irving Street in the Sunset District. The ticket box was once at home in the Avenue Theatre in the mis 1980’s and the lobby chandeliers went south to someone’s home in L.A.
Of course, the “mighty” Wurlitzer now graces the stage in Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre and Joseph Musil’s Santa Ana, CA., American Museum of Theatrical Design has my preserved cherub in his magnificent SF, Fox display.
As for the Pagoda… it’s been totally stripped for about two decades. As for reopening and costs? I very much doubt it.