RKO Keith's Theatre

Thanks Dave, I got into the theatre through strictly legal means – the front door was open and the Daily News, by coincidence published that the public must be provided with access to declared landmarks at the same time. All I read in the local publications is how a developer will save the theatre going as far as calling it a “rebirth” by demolishing the theatre and saving a 66' x 38' patch of the foyer to make it the entrance to a high density 357 unit market rate rental with an average apartment size of 786 sq ft. Now the rhetoric has it that the theatre is gutted, so the assumption is that it can never be restored and that there is nothing of value, art or architecture left. The public has been locked out for 26 years so it can’t be doubted. There are almost no photographs of the interior in any detail from 1929 to the present. When the few photos that are contemporary surface they are usually far field and reinforce the assumption of a gutted unsalvageable condition. To do a true high definition survey of the theatre is not a simple matter. Much of the damage was done with a hand held hammer at arm’s length (the hammers are still there scattered around the theatre) so surviving detail is usually at a range of 12-50' away, unless you have a cherry picker and excellent lighting it is unlikely. The theatre is pitch black; you cannot see your hand in front of your face in most areas nonetheless focus. All of the photos I post are self hosted, for the curious you can track down the source and view in close up far beyond what can be copied on this server, many are extreme blow ups to capture the whole point that what survives is of value. Adding them with a message and caption is a continuing reminder that the theatre is relevant and that what you have been hearing about the RKO is what suits the developer:

The photos are very significate as to the state and condition of the artwork left in the theatre. The pjotos show their condition. Those that don’t appreciate them don’t appreciate the glamour that these theatres once held. The photos should have been posted in the photo section of the site rather than the comment section though.

“Frankly my dear I don’t give a damn”

JamesD, what I meant to say was, “WE’RE not supposed to post personal attacks.” That’s why there’s nothing more I can say to you, except please go be a dick somewhere else.

That’s not a personal attack at all. I’m just saying what I’m seeing in his images. There’s a lot of nice architectural details left in the Keith’s theater, but you can’t really make them out in these images. Maybe you should learn more photography terms Jeffrey.

I don’t care where they are posted as long as I get to see them. As far as quality you could always crawl around in there and show us what you got. Keep on clicking SWC.

SWC,It is so true what you write and a big thank you for letting us see it from your eyes..

I agree. SWC deserves an award for his prominent role in documenting and publicizing this theater. We have proof of the great extent of architectural details in the auditorium, lounges, & other areas, which remain by the foremost theater architect Thomas W. Lamb. Don’t believe anything about what the politicians & developer(s) say.

Your photos are so beautiful and haunting. I am always looking at them. I’m so sad at what has happened to this theatre but glad we will all have beautiful documentation of the remains. I hope someday you could publish a book of all these photos. I had to leave Queens when I was 13 in the 60’s but remember this wonderful theatre. Thank you for your contribution!

A knowing face looks out over the East balcony:

Gutted and fit for demolition, or is it a failure to look beyond the rubble on the floor: A face in the orchestra

On this night only in 1945, RKO Keith’s presented a stage rally for the Flushing High School football team. The screen program included WB’s “Pride of the Marines,” a B&W tearjerker with John Garfield and Eleanor Parker, and “Crime Inc.,” a PRC release starring Tom Neal.