Community Twin Theatre
215-32 Jamaica Avenue,
Queens Village,
NY
11428
215-32 Jamaica Avenue,
Queens Village,
NY
11428
6 people
favorited this theater
Showing 26 - 36 of 36 comments
My family came to QV in the 1920’s and as a kid growing up in the late 50’s through the 60’s I fondly remember the Community Theatre. From the slapstick of the Three Stooges to the Horror and Sci-Fi films that we used to see there, it was truly a great experience. At the Queens Theatre my fondest memory was when the Munsters came (Grand Pa, Eddie, Herman) for the opening of Munster Go Home. The only person that I remember who worked at the Queens was a guy by the name of Jan. He was actually a friend to Joe Duffy but got us in to see some movie back then. When I attended SSJA (1961-1969) we went to the Queens Theatre as a class a couple of times. AnnieA. says it was the Miracle of Marcelino; I had always thought that it was Francis of Assisi. No matter. But those were truly the good old days. I think both movie theatres eventually went over to XXX though…pity…QV could use a revival. I don’t even go to the theatres anymore. I’ll wait for the DVD and call it a day. I went to the theatre in Bellrose, right off from the Cross Island Parkway only once. That was in I think ‘73. I went there to see Love Story with my girl friend at the time, Collette. That was the only time I was in that theatre that I can remember, but it was pretty nice. Also the Argo on Hempstead, across from Belmont Park Race Track, I went there a couple of times with my parents back in the 60’s. QV still has a little magic left in it, if you know where to look.
The above link by Warren to the Community Theater is from 1934 according to the same photo seen in a book containing old Queens pictures by Seyfried (I believe that was the author)
The Community was in Queens Village.. I almost missed this thread because of the location..perhaps the powers that be can correct it.
Yes, warren I do recognze your photo of the comunity theatre and that was a bowling alley, remember bowling there in the40’s. Also next to the theatre was the community gardens where they had sun. afternoon tea dances great music @ great times, Any one remember them?
The address should be corrected to “Queens Village, Queens, NY” as this neighborhood is definitely not Springfield Gardens.
By the way, the word on the illuminated side of the marquee in the 1st photo I posted above is “Bethel.” I wonder if there is any affiliation with the church that took over the old Cambria Theater (in nearby Cambria Heights) back in the 1970’s. They also retained the original marquee with a blue backgroung and the name “Bethel.”
I took these shots of the Community’s exterior a few nights ago at dusk, so some of the facade ornamentation detail is dimly lit. The marquee looks like it could be the original as depicted in the photo Warren posted on October 16th, with some alterations. Note that all of the lightbulbs on the underside of the canopy have been concealed with flashing. As for the bowling alley, looks like the church that occupies the old theater space has also taken over the store fronts that run down the block. And you’ll notice that the 2nd story windows have been rather sloppily replaced by smaller units.
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I also have a shot of the theater (similar to the 1st photo but with more of a side view angle) taken back in 1993 which shows a few letters still hanging on the old marquee indicating what must have been the last films to play here. “White Man Can’t Jump” is definitely one of the titles. The other two films appear to be Bollywood productions. I’ll post that photo as soon as I digitize my 1993 batch of theater shots.
Still Century’s in 1973.
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There were many “ A Hard Days Night” viewings in 1964 where my life had been forever changed in this building. Not sure_ but I think it musta cost 90 cents for admission …the art work on the walls was remarkable … Giorgio
Even though the lobby was not that big, the Community had two concession stands when it was first twinned. This was one of the Diaz theatres then along with the Ridgewood, Colony, Jackson & Plaza. They also operated the Queens with XXX.
My fondest memory of the Community Theatre on Jamaica Avenue: the Queens Village School of Dance held it’s Recital there in 1950; whta a wonderful stage it was on which to tap !
Warren is right it was located on jamaica ave in Queens Village
I worked there in the late fourties Mr. Goldstein was the manager and Mr. Mueller was the assistant. At the time my official job was usherette but also was fill-in for the doorman,cashier and candy lady. I remember 2 other usherettes there at the time named Jenny and Marie.. Have good memories
I have many memories of seeing grind double bills here that only played 42nd Street. I remember seeing Zombie Island Masacre with Torchlight one time.