Yep, I knew it had to do with piracy, which I think is an even bigger problem today than it was, say, twenty years ago. My favorite memories of the Syosset are, of course, girl-related. Sitting in the back row, just getting away with enough to not be considered indecent…heh, I loved growing up in Syosset during the 80s. Vito, you’d know this—there was this older woman who managed the theater. Do you know what happened to her? She seemed stern, but was really a sweetheart (she helped me when a car was blocking my car in the lot because the person didn’t set their emergency break).
Vito, from what I know, they STILL ship films with false names today, particularly the big blockbusters, ie “Star Wars”, “Superman Returns”, “Fantastic Four”, etc.
I miss this and the 150 everytime I drive by with my wife and son to see my parents. I guess it’s fitting that my folks are leaving Syosset now, because the Syosset that I knew is long gone (to quote another song lyric, “those days are gone forever, I should just let ‘em go…”).
I think I used to go here during the brief time I lived in Bedford. Saw “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” and “Popeye” here. there used to be a pizza place across from it, right?
I remember my Dad taking me here when I was about four to see “Jaws.” Oh, did I love that movie! Wasn’t scared at ALL and I remember being excited when we went to Universal Studios in California that year and saw ol' Bruce pop out of the water! I also remember going to see one of the “Pink Panther” movies (never laughed so hard at that time) and a double-feature of “Grease” and “Saturday Night Fever” (my Mom made sure that we left when “SNF” came on—I was six at the time).
Don’t remember too much about this theater, though—when did it close? I think towards the end of its life, it was a second-run house, right?
I HIGHLY recommend this movie theater. They play first-run movies and the admission is about $2 cheaper than the chain theaters. It is always clean and the staff (especially the owner) are wonderful. While the theaters aren’t the biggest, sound and picture quality are just as good if not better than any multiplex. It’s the movie theater my wife and I frequent, mainly because it makes me feel like I’m six years old again. I can’t wait until my own child is old enough so I can take him or her (I’ll find out in February) here, much like my mother used to when they’d play the Disney doublt-features.
Prior to moving back to Long Island (after living in Queens for four years), the last movie I saw here was “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” back in 1982. I remember the line stretched down to the other end of the strip mall.
The Candlelight Diner is still there, believe it or not, and still always busy. I can only imagine what kind of business they did when the RKO was open.
Oooohhhhh…NOW I get it. So it’s sort of like the “exclusive engagements” of the 70’s, right? Where one theater in the county would be playing a movie. Thanks Bill!
Bob, how could I have forgotten about that cinematic masterpiece that was Lou Ferrigno in “Hercules”? :–) “Superman III” was, I think, the last movie I saw there (although I sort of remember seeing the “Star Wars” trilogy there before it was converted into a triplex…but I could be mixed up).
Like I said this was a great place for a teen growing up in Syosset back in the 80’s. Your ‘rents would drop you off at the movie theater and you could pop into McDonald’s right next door for a pre- or post-movie meal. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could walk down to the diner or Carvel.
Bob—I went to high school with both Idina Menzel and Adam Pascal, but only knew Idina (did two plays with her in HS). And yeah, it would’ve been a fun homecoming.
As I said, I absolutely loved this theater. Once you were inside, it was really a throwback to the old movie palaces on the 40’s and 50’s. I still remember seeing “Roger Rabbit” here. In the opening sequence, there’s this quick pan around the kitchen when Roger is on fire (I think) and it looked absolutely amazing up on the huge screen. And, of course, this is where I saw “Tron.” Again, you haven’t seen a movie like that until you’ve seen it up on the 150 screen.
This was really one of the best theaters. The staff was ALWAYS courteous (even when they shouldn’t have been!) and helpful, and it was always kept up extremely well. It was always one of my favorite theaters to go to.
And you know what? I think I remember seeing that hole in the ticket booth from the flying gallon of milk. Never knew what happened until now!
I used to come here a lot with my aunt and grandfather when I was little (my aunt took my to see “The Muppet Movie” and “Superman” while my grandfather brought me to “Airplane!” without telling me parents—heh!). Years later, when my wife and I moved to Kew Gardens, we were here just about every weekend. Although it’s been ‘plexed, I do agree that it is in immaculate condition and is well-run and well-maintained. The facade of the theater is still quite a sight to behold, especially with the glowing “MIDWAY” sign on the side (you really don’t see that often anymore). Hope to get back here eventually.
I wish this were still open, since my wife and I just moved to Commack right off Commack Rd. near Jericho Turnpike. This would’ve been even closer than the Commack Multiplex.
Here’re some pictures of the RKO Twin back in the 70’s. The RKO always had hits galore. I don’t think I remember the Mayfair theater—was this located in the Mayfair shopping center? LongIslandMovies, do you know when the RKO opened/closed? What the last movie to play there was?
Also check out the drive-in page. Yes! “Freebie and the Bean!”
Ahhh….the RKO Commack Twin. I saw “Star Wars” for the first time here when I was six and it really changed my perception on how I saw movies from then on. I was watching “Superfriends” one rainy Saturday morning when my father asked me if I wanted to go see “Star Wars.” I didn’t really want to, because I thought it’d be like a World War II movie, so I reluctantly went. From the instant the fan-fare blared and I saw that giant Star Destroyer fill the screen, I was hooked. I made my Dad take me another three times.
I have really vague memories of this place—I remember the bathrooms were kind of shoddy and you could hear the movie next door playing. I also remember the theaters being kind of narrow, but really long. And I still remember those giant buckets of popcorn. My family and I also went to see “Grease” at the drive-in next door. I don’t think I made it past “Greased Lightning” as I fell asleep in the front seat of my Dad’s 1969 Chevy.
Until I came to this website, I always thought that the Commack Multiplex ran the RKO Twin out of business, but I recently discovered that it got closed down due to asbestos. For years, the Twin and the Drive-In (as well as the nearby Commack Arena) sat vacant, until four or five years ago, when the whole area was razed to put a big shopping center there.
This is where I saw “Superman” for the first (and certainly not the last— the last being two weeks ago at the Loews Jersey) time. I think it was the only time I was at this theater, but I haven’t forgotten it, considering that “Superman” is one of my two all-time favorite movies.
I used to wait for my two best friends to get off work on Saturdays and we’d head to the late show at the drive-in. There were usually six of us in the car, and two of us would hide in the trunk. It was just a drive-in tradition. We used to get out of the trunk and celebrate like we just crossed over the border. Went on a lot of dates here, too. Boy, I really miss this.
Now this is an idea I can get behind….I’m surprised that nobody thought about this before. NA’s exactly right—why should the movies only be a PART of a night out? It’s pretty much like going to a hotel. Finally, they’re putting atmosphere back into movie theaters! Here’s hoping that they build more of these on Long Island.
This theater has great sentimental value—this is where my wife and I went on our first date. We went to go see the Blair Witch Project and afterwards, went out to Classy Coffee. We try to get back there as much as possible. Needless to say it was the best date of my life….and why I proposed to my wife at a movie theater.
I think the York Theater was where my mother used to take me to see the Disney double features when I was four. We’d go every week, have lunch at McDonald’s. We’d always sit through the cartoon, but I never wanted to sit through the live-action movie.
I went to the screening of “Superman” this past Sunday and must say, it was probably the best movie-going experience I ever had since I was six years old (not including proposing to my wife at the Ziegfeld two years ago). I also left the place kicking myself for just discovering this buried treasure. When I saw the kind of movies that have played here recently—like “Forbidden Planet”, “A Night at the Opera”, “Dr. Who and the Daleks” and pretty much all incarnations of “Frankenstein,”—I couldn’t believe that I just found out about this place and now, it’s on the verge of being closed down.
Unfortunately, I don’t live in Jersey City (don’t even live in New Jersey), so I’m not sure what kind of weight my opinion would have with the city council or the mayor, but why can’t they see past their own arrogance and greed? The Loews Jersey isn’t just a movie theater, it has the potential to be a cultural center.
“Listen to reason for once, man, even if you are a politician!” —Jon Pertween in “The Day of the Daleks”.
If this theater is torn down, does anyone know what’s going to happen to the neon signs in the lobby? I’d be willing to plunk down some cash for that “Rick’s Cafe Americain” sign.
Thanks for the info, longislandmovies. I always thought that the Multiplex ran it out of business. Do you know when it closed and what the last movie was?
I also remember seeing “Grease” and “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” there.
I’ve been to this theater once, to see Naked Gun 2 ½, with my girlfriend at the time, along with my best friend and his girlfriend. My best friend was dating his cousin’s best friend’s girlfriend, unbeknowest to my friend’s brother and cousin. The girls lived out in Southold and we lived in Syosset, so it was half-way. My friend’s cousin and brother actually tailed us to the theater where they caught us in the act! I have fond memories of this theater….and of the parking lot. :–)
That was like fifteen years ago. Now I’m blissfully married (not to the aforemention girl) and live in Commack. Nice to come (almost) full circle.
It was actually both, lostmemory. You’re thinking of the Commack RKO Twin and Drive-In Theater (right next to it). In fact, that was where my father took me to see “Star Wars” for the first time on a rainy Saturday afternoon. To say it blew my little six-year-old mind is an understatement. The funny thing was, I didn’t want to see it because I thought it was a war movie— with soldiers and tanks and stuff like that. I still remember every detail about that day. I was watching “Super Friends” and after the movie, my Dad lost his keys at King Kullen.
Both the RKO Twin and the Drive-In shut down sometime in the mid-80’s, a few years after the Commack Multiplex ran them out of business (and now THAT is rumored to be coming down as well). The buildings (and that of the Long Island Arena) stood vacant for well over a decade, until they were demolished and turned into a shopping center anchored by Target.
For pictures of the RKO Twin and Drive-In, check these out:
The Larkfield Theatre is now—surprise, surprise—an office building. My Dad took me there when I was five to see “Jaws” (which I LOVED—I was a fearless kid) and I remember seeing a double-bill of “Grease” and “Saturday Night Fever.” I pass by it now when I go to the train station in the morning. Does anyone know the status of the Northport?
Yep. I remember it used to be the only place in the area where we could get real New York-style pizza (we were New York transplants).
Yep, I knew it had to do with piracy, which I think is an even bigger problem today than it was, say, twenty years ago. My favorite memories of the Syosset are, of course, girl-related. Sitting in the back row, just getting away with enough to not be considered indecent…heh, I loved growing up in Syosset during the 80s. Vito, you’d know this—there was this older woman who managed the theater. Do you know what happened to her? She seemed stern, but was really a sweetheart (she helped me when a car was blocking my car in the lot because the person didn’t set their emergency break).
Vito, from what I know, they STILL ship films with false names today, particularly the big blockbusters, ie “Star Wars”, “Superman Returns”, “Fantastic Four”, etc.
I miss this and the 150 everytime I drive by with my wife and son to see my parents. I guess it’s fitting that my folks are leaving Syosset now, because the Syosset that I knew is long gone (to quote another song lyric, “those days are gone forever, I should just let ‘em go…”).
I think I used to go here during the brief time I lived in Bedford. Saw “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” and “Popeye” here. there used to be a pizza place across from it, right?
I remember my Dad taking me here when I was about four to see “Jaws.” Oh, did I love that movie! Wasn’t scared at ALL and I remember being excited when we went to Universal Studios in California that year and saw ol' Bruce pop out of the water! I also remember going to see one of the “Pink Panther” movies (never laughed so hard at that time) and a double-feature of “Grease” and “Saturday Night Fever” (my Mom made sure that we left when “SNF” came on—I was six at the time).
Don’t remember too much about this theater, though—when did it close? I think towards the end of its life, it was a second-run house, right?
I HIGHLY recommend this movie theater. They play first-run movies and the admission is about $2 cheaper than the chain theaters. It is always clean and the staff (especially the owner) are wonderful. While the theaters aren’t the biggest, sound and picture quality are just as good if not better than any multiplex. It’s the movie theater my wife and I frequent, mainly because it makes me feel like I’m six years old again. I can’t wait until my own child is old enough so I can take him or her (I’ll find out in February) here, much like my mother used to when they’d play the Disney doublt-features.
Prior to moving back to Long Island (after living in Queens for four years), the last movie I saw here was “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” back in 1982. I remember the line stretched down to the other end of the strip mall.
The Candlelight Diner is still there, believe it or not, and still always busy. I can only imagine what kind of business they did when the RKO was open.
Oooohhhhh…NOW I get it. So it’s sort of like the “exclusive engagements” of the 70’s, right? Where one theater in the county would be playing a movie. Thanks Bill!
Okay, I feel really stupid for asking this, but I’ve gotta know….
I grew up in the 70’s and (mainly) 80’s, so I’m not familiar with movie theater lingo. What, exactly, is a “roadshow”?
Again, I apologize for my ignorance! :)
Bob, how could I have forgotten about that cinematic masterpiece that was Lou Ferrigno in “Hercules”? :–) “Superman III” was, I think, the last movie I saw there (although I sort of remember seeing the “Star Wars” trilogy there before it was converted into a triplex…but I could be mixed up).
Like I said this was a great place for a teen growing up in Syosset back in the 80’s. Your ‘rents would drop you off at the movie theater and you could pop into McDonald’s right next door for a pre- or post-movie meal. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could walk down to the diner or Carvel.
Bob—I went to high school with both Idina Menzel and Adam Pascal, but only knew Idina (did two plays with her in HS). And yeah, it would’ve been a fun homecoming.
As I said, I absolutely loved this theater. Once you were inside, it was really a throwback to the old movie palaces on the 40’s and 50’s. I still remember seeing “Roger Rabbit” here. In the opening sequence, there’s this quick pan around the kitchen when Roger is on fire (I think) and it looked absolutely amazing up on the huge screen. And, of course, this is where I saw “Tron.” Again, you haven’t seen a movie like that until you’ve seen it up on the 150 screen.
This was really one of the best theaters. The staff was ALWAYS courteous (even when they shouldn’t have been!) and helpful, and it was always kept up extremely well. It was always one of my favorite theaters to go to.
And you know what? I think I remember seeing that hole in the ticket booth from the flying gallon of milk. Never knew what happened until now!
I used to come here a lot with my aunt and grandfather when I was little (my aunt took my to see “The Muppet Movie” and “Superman” while my grandfather brought me to “Airplane!” without telling me parents—heh!). Years later, when my wife and I moved to Kew Gardens, we were here just about every weekend. Although it’s been ‘plexed, I do agree that it is in immaculate condition and is well-run and well-maintained. The facade of the theater is still quite a sight to behold, especially with the glowing “MIDWAY” sign on the side (you really don’t see that often anymore). Hope to get back here eventually.
D'OH!!!! Sorry, RobertR. Here’s the link:
http://www.commackarena.com/gallery_movies.shtml
I wish this were still open, since my wife and I just moved to Commack right off Commack Rd. near Jericho Turnpike. This would’ve been even closer than the Commack Multiplex.
Here’re some pictures of the RKO Twin back in the 70’s. The RKO always had hits galore. I don’t think I remember the Mayfair theater—was this located in the Mayfair shopping center? LongIslandMovies, do you know when the RKO opened/closed? What the last movie to play there was?
Also check out the drive-in page. Yes! “Freebie and the Bean!”
Ahhh….the RKO Commack Twin. I saw “Star Wars” for the first time here when I was six and it really changed my perception on how I saw movies from then on. I was watching “Superfriends” one rainy Saturday morning when my father asked me if I wanted to go see “Star Wars.” I didn’t really want to, because I thought it’d be like a World War II movie, so I reluctantly went. From the instant the fan-fare blared and I saw that giant Star Destroyer fill the screen, I was hooked. I made my Dad take me another three times.
I have really vague memories of this place—I remember the bathrooms were kind of shoddy and you could hear the movie next door playing. I also remember the theaters being kind of narrow, but really long. And I still remember those giant buckets of popcorn. My family and I also went to see “Grease” at the drive-in next door. I don’t think I made it past “Greased Lightning” as I fell asleep in the front seat of my Dad’s 1969 Chevy.
Until I came to this website, I always thought that the Commack Multiplex ran the RKO Twin out of business, but I recently discovered that it got closed down due to asbestos. For years, the Twin and the Drive-In (as well as the nearby Commack Arena) sat vacant, until four or five years ago, when the whole area was razed to put a big shopping center there.
This is where I saw “Superman” for the first (and certainly not the last— the last being two weeks ago at the Loews Jersey) time. I think it was the only time I was at this theater, but I haven’t forgotten it, considering that “Superman” is one of my two all-time favorite movies.
I used to wait for my two best friends to get off work on Saturdays and we’d head to the late show at the drive-in. There were usually six of us in the car, and two of us would hide in the trunk. It was just a drive-in tradition. We used to get out of the trunk and celebrate like we just crossed over the border. Went on a lot of dates here, too. Boy, I really miss this.
Now this is an idea I can get behind….I’m surprised that nobody thought about this before. NA’s exactly right—why should the movies only be a PART of a night out? It’s pretty much like going to a hotel. Finally, they’re putting atmosphere back into movie theaters! Here’s hoping that they build more of these on Long Island.
This theater has great sentimental value—this is where my wife and I went on our first date. We went to go see the Blair Witch Project and afterwards, went out to Classy Coffee. We try to get back there as much as possible. Needless to say it was the best date of my life….and why I proposed to my wife at a movie theater.
I think the York Theater was where my mother used to take me to see the Disney double features when I was four. We’d go every week, have lunch at McDonald’s. We’d always sit through the cartoon, but I never wanted to sit through the live-action movie.
I went to the screening of “Superman” this past Sunday and must say, it was probably the best movie-going experience I ever had since I was six years old (not including proposing to my wife at the Ziegfeld two years ago). I also left the place kicking myself for just discovering this buried treasure. When I saw the kind of movies that have played here recently—like “Forbidden Planet”, “A Night at the Opera”, “Dr. Who and the Daleks” and pretty much all incarnations of “Frankenstein,”—I couldn’t believe that I just found out about this place and now, it’s on the verge of being closed down.
Unfortunately, I don’t live in Jersey City (don’t even live in New Jersey), so I’m not sure what kind of weight my opinion would have with the city council or the mayor, but why can’t they see past their own arrogance and greed? The Loews Jersey isn’t just a movie theater, it has the potential to be a cultural center.
“Listen to reason for once, man, even if you are a politician!” —Jon Pertween in “The Day of the Daleks”.
If this theater is torn down, does anyone know what’s going to happen to the neon signs in the lobby? I’d be willing to plunk down some cash for that “Rick’s Cafe Americain” sign.
Thanks for the info, longislandmovies. I always thought that the Multiplex ran it out of business. Do you know when it closed and what the last movie was?
I also remember seeing “Grease” and “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” there.
I’ve been to this theater once, to see Naked Gun 2 ½, with my girlfriend at the time, along with my best friend and his girlfriend. My best friend was dating his cousin’s best friend’s girlfriend, unbeknowest to my friend’s brother and cousin. The girls lived out in Southold and we lived in Syosset, so it was half-way. My friend’s cousin and brother actually tailed us to the theater where they caught us in the act! I have fond memories of this theater….and of the parking lot. :–)
That was like fifteen years ago. Now I’m blissfully married (not to the aforemention girl) and live in Commack. Nice to come (almost) full circle.
It was actually both, lostmemory. You’re thinking of the Commack RKO Twin and Drive-In Theater (right next to it). In fact, that was where my father took me to see “Star Wars” for the first time on a rainy Saturday afternoon. To say it blew my little six-year-old mind is an understatement. The funny thing was, I didn’t want to see it because I thought it was a war movie— with soldiers and tanks and stuff like that. I still remember every detail about that day. I was watching “Super Friends” and after the movie, my Dad lost his keys at King Kullen.
Both the RKO Twin and the Drive-In shut down sometime in the mid-80’s, a few years after the Commack Multiplex ran them out of business (and now THAT is rumored to be coming down as well). The buildings (and that of the Long Island Arena) stood vacant for well over a decade, until they were demolished and turned into a shopping center anchored by Target.
For pictures of the RKO Twin and Drive-In, check these out:
http://www.commackarena.com/gallery_movies.shtml
The Larkfield Theatre is now—surprise, surprise—an office building. My Dad took me there when I was five to see “Jaws” (which I LOVED—I was a fearless kid) and I remember seeing a double-bill of “Grease” and “Saturday Night Fever.” I pass by it now when I go to the train station in the morning. Does anyone know the status of the Northport?