And for one of those art films was the only time I was ever in the theater. There was no balcony and the ceiling was quite low. I think it was those metallic squares from way back when.
ridethetrain Such troubles also caused a delay in the rebuild of the Shore in Huntington. All the beams were in place for both the exterior and interior. It was interesting to see how they nested the auditoriums. Sorry I didn’t have a camera with me at that time.
Most people don’t remember but, way back when, Loew’s was looking to acquire Century. Didn’t happen. After Century was taken over by Almi, RKO and Cineplex Odeon, Loew’s actually accomplished this only to be wiped out by AMC. Ever notice that the serial management of theaters parallels that of banks?
Let’s face it there are darn few treasures on CT since the palaces of old are mostly gone or chopped up into little pieces. So the Belasco, which is an elegant space, is welcome.
When AMC took over the Century chain on Long Island all the unique signage, particularly on the Meadows in Fresh Meadows, just became the red AMC which is very similar to the AMF bowling alleys. The names of the theaters are not even displayed anymore.
When I used to summer on Shelter Island I would ferry over and go to the movies when it was it’s original self. Since I moved to Manorville I don’t “do” Shelter Island and although I get to Greenport several times a year I have not been in the theater since it was modified.
Closed for the season Labor Day but opened two days in October for some sort of TV festival. I don’t know how this place survives on a season of less than 10 weeks.
Henry Miller’s (subsequently demolished except for the landmark facade and rebuilt as the Stephen Sondheim) had a porn run. The current Walter Kerr (formerly RFK and Ritz)also had a limited film history as did the now demolished Bijou on 45th Street.
Al Schwartz would also have a fit if he saw what happened to his beautiful Meadows in Fresh Meadows the demolition and rebuild of the Shore in Huntington.
Rita Hayworth never got to do her own. The studio would give her lessons. There’s the whole story about Ava Gardner and Showboat. A couple of Debbie Reynolds notes were enhanced in Singing in the Rain which is funny because in the movie she was the ghost singer for the Jean Hagen character.
Rosalind Russell had the chops having done Wonderful Town on Broadway.
A bit of ancient history. The Bellerose always had special hard of hearing devices available way back when. Don’t know what they were but they were the only theater to advertise their availability.
In reviewing all the comments on this theater (the majority of which were Queens/Nassau, Jamaica Avenue/Jericho Turnpike, Bellerose/Floral Park in nature) I see that I once posed a question as to the identity of the advertiser on the clock to the left of the screen. Nobody ever responded but I now remember it was a jewelry store in adjacent Queens Village.
Bloop, you are incorrect. The Brentwood looked nothing like the Babylon which was constructed in the 1920s. Prudential Theaters which had a similar look were the North Babylon, Cinema Bay Shore and Mid Island.
Actually you have to go to South Bay Cinemas on Facebook. The site specifically says that there will be 5 auditoriums initially and subsequently more. If you look at the artists rendering it shows and expanded facade on Montauk Highway which would presume the current liquor store. However, as renovations progress it is obvious that the actual appearance will not equal the conception. As far as the parking is concerned this is a leased property in the shopping center so ownership should not be a problem. I would imagine sharing the lot would not be a problem since the key time for the theater would be in the evening which would not be prime time for the businesses at that part of the shopping center. At the rate they’re going it may be 2020 before the place finally does reopen. I think it’s a waste of time and money – people have done without so long.
If the Historical Society is correct the theater only lasted one year after the renovation touted in the ad in the photo section.
And for one of those art films was the only time I was ever in the theater. There was no balcony and the ceiling was quite low. I think it was those metallic squares from way back when.
And the Commack Cinemas succumbed to the Deer Park Multiplex.
ridethetrain Such troubles also caused a delay in the rebuild of the Shore in Huntington. All the beams were in place for both the exterior and interior. It was interesting to see how they nested the auditoriums. Sorry I didn’t have a camera with me at that time.
Most people don’t remember but, way back when, Loew’s was looking to acquire Century. Didn’t happen. After Century was taken over by Almi, RKO and Cineplex Odeon, Loew’s actually accomplished this only to be wiped out by AMC. Ever notice that the serial management of theaters parallels that of banks?
Ridethetrain- you come up with some amazing statistics. What is your source?
Hopefully it won’t have a vermin problem like Levittown.
Let’s face it there are darn few treasures on CT since the palaces of old are mostly gone or chopped up into little pieces. So the Belasco, which is an elegant space, is welcome.
The current local residents were not in residence when the Cambria was operating. Neighborhood changed.
When AMC took over the Century chain on Long Island all the unique signage, particularly on the Meadows in Fresh Meadows, just became the red AMC which is very similar to the AMF bowling alleys. The names of the theaters are not even displayed anymore.
When I used to summer on Shelter Island I would ferry over and go to the movies when it was it’s original self. Since I moved to Manorville I don’t “do” Shelter Island and although I get to Greenport several times a year I have not been in the theater since it was modified.
I which he’d retained the old signage, however.
Closed for the season Labor Day but opened two days in October for some sort of TV festival. I don’t know how this place survives on a season of less than 10 weeks.
Henry Miller’s (subsequently demolished except for the landmark facade and rebuilt as the Stephen Sondheim) had a porn run. The current Walter Kerr (formerly RFK and Ritz)also had a limited film history as did the now demolished Bijou on 45th Street.
Al Schwartz would also have a fit if he saw what happened to his beautiful Meadows in Fresh Meadows the demolition and rebuild of the Shore in Huntington.
Rita Hayworth never got to do her own. The studio would give her lessons. There’s the whole story about Ava Gardner and Showboat. A couple of Debbie Reynolds notes were enhanced in Singing in the Rain which is funny because in the movie she was the ghost singer for the Jean Hagen character.
Rosalind Russell had the chops having done Wonderful Town on Broadway.
Comfortably cool. As I remarked on another theater site, the Nearby feature of CT is far from reliable and there is no point in questioning it.
A bit of ancient history. The Bellerose always had special hard of hearing devices available way back when. Don’t know what they were but they were the only theater to advertise their availability.
In reviewing all the comments on this theater (the majority of which were Queens/Nassau, Jamaica Avenue/Jericho Turnpike, Bellerose/Floral Park in nature) I see that I once posed a question as to the identity of the advertiser on the clock to the left of the screen. Nobody ever responded but I now remember it was a jewelry store in adjacent Queens Village.
Bloop, you are incorrect. The Brentwood looked nothing like the Babylon which was constructed in the 1920s. Prudential Theaters which had a similar look were the North Babylon, Cinema Bay Shore and Mid Island.
Apparently the balcony is still in tact. Would love to see photos of that.
Comfortably Cool. Over the years, time and time again, I have found (and reported) that the Nearby Theater feature of CT is severely flawed.
Doubtful. Seems all properties are leased.
dallas, none of the three are on CT.
Actually you have to go to South Bay Cinemas on Facebook. The site specifically says that there will be 5 auditoriums initially and subsequently more. If you look at the artists rendering it shows and expanded facade on Montauk Highway which would presume the current liquor store. However, as renovations progress it is obvious that the actual appearance will not equal the conception. As far as the parking is concerned this is a leased property in the shopping center so ownership should not be a problem. I would imagine sharing the lot would not be a problem since the key time for the theater would be in the evening which would not be prime time for the businesses at that part of the shopping center. At the rate they’re going it may be 2020 before the place finally does reopen. I think it’s a waste of time and money – people have done without so long.
ridethetrain but the Sunrise Cinemas also closed.
The lobby on the 43rd Street side wasn’t even 8 feet deep.