This was my least favorite of the 42nd Street line-up, and I was not sorry to see it close. It stunk to high heaven and because of its late run bookings and rock bottom prices it seemed to attract an even lower class of patrons than the other houses, if that’s possible! When I was here there was no balcony, only a raised rear mezzanine, like at the new Ziegfeld. But that’s where the similarity ended.
From the wnet.org website, concerning the new Woody Allen documentary. (I guess they forgot to mention that the Jewel Theater is still in business, too!)
Mia Farrow plays a Depression-era waitress who’s mad about the movies in The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985). While the film takes place in New Jersey, the theater where Cecilia (Farrow) sees the madcap comedy The Purple Rose of Comedy over and over again is named after The Jewel movie house in Brooklyn — one of the first movie houses in Allen’s Brooklyn neighborhood to show foreign films. The theater scenes were actually filmed in the Kent Theatre on Coney Island Avenue in Flatbush, still operating today.
From the wnet.org website concernig the new Woody Allen documentary:
Mia Farrow plays a Depression-era waitress who’s mad about the movies in The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985). While the film takes place in New Jersey, the theater where Cecilia (Farrow) sees the madcap comedy The Purple Rose of Comedy over and over again is named after The Jewel movie house in Brooklyn — one of the first movie houses in Allen’s Brooklyn neighborhood to show foreign films. The theater scenes were actually filmed in the Kent Theatre on Coney Island Avenue in Flatbush, still operating today.
The problem with Mr. Chips is not that it was a musical but that, according to Vincent Canby’s NY Times review, “Everything [except the restrained, affectingly comic performance of Peter O'Toole in the title role] in this British public-school romance is either out of symmetry or out of date…so much of the film [is]so bland…all of which brings me — unfortunately — to the score by Leslie Bricusse.
“The 12 songs haven’t been so much integrated into the book as folded into it. Like unbeaten egg whites in a soufflé, they do nothing for the cause of levitation. The lyrics mostly depend on the numbing repetition of words like "together,” “someday,” and “flowers,” and the tunes are, at best, reminiscent.
“Let me put it another way: When I returned to my seat after intermission, I found myself trailing a gentleman who was humming a song from ‘Camelot.’”
Nice shot of the Loew’s State verticle blade and the Metropolitan marquee showing “The Ten Commandments” on a recently broadcast episode of The Burns and Allen Show entitled Going to Houston (original airdate 3/25/57.)
Nice shot of the Loew’s State verticle blade and the Metropolitan marquee showing “The Ten Commandments” on a recently broadcast episode of The Burns and Allen Show entitled Going to Houston (original airdate 3/25/57.)
This theatre is actually in pretty good shape, and they just spent thousands of dollars rehabbing the giant verticle blade sign with new neon tubing. It glows bright red instead of its previous pink, and looks really impressive.
Hey, Ed Solero! Get out your camera and document this for us, OK? Thanks in advance!
While I generally prefer the elaborately over-decorated palaces of the teens and twenties, I’m mesmerized by the streamlined rehab of the State as pictured above. I can just imagine the well-dressed crowds arriving for the premiere engagement of Some Like It Hot and I’m so damned jealous and regretful that the golden era is long over.
I visted this theater in 2005 and had an excellent experience. The renovation was superb; the lobby reminded me a bit of the United Nations/JFK Airport International Style, bland but clean, with blue tile thoughout.
I was happy to see a lovely pale purple curtain covering the screen, rather than pre-show advertising. The curtain opened to reveal a tremendous screen, which seemed to go from floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall. The manager later told me that the Cinerama screen is folded up behind this screen, and is ready to be reassembled whenever a Cinerama feature is presented, such as How the West Was Won, which screened a while back.
The auditorium seems to be done in a post-modern atmospheric style, including twinkling lights that go out when the feature starts. The orchestra level seats were comfortable rocking ones. I sat in the balcony (because I could!) where the seats didn’t rock, except, oddly, in the front row, which thus provided a good view of the ceiling and a not-so-great view of the screen.
Needless to say, the presentation was first-rate, with a bright, clear picture and crystal clear sound.
The locals really seem to love this theatre, especially since it was spared from the wrecking ball. I join them in their support.
(While in Seattle I also visted and have commented upon the Paramount, the 5th Avenue, the Egyptian, the Colisuem and the Meridian.)
I found it interesting that the marquee wasn’t going to have traditional changeable letters but would get a new special for each attraction. I remember when it was a twin, each side of the marquee had its own custom display but eventually they played movies for which they wouldn’t or couldn’t make a special display and it was back to the red letters on a white background.
Justin, have you been inside here yet? (It seems you practically live at the Rockaway!)
Wow! Just like a real movie theater.
This was my least favorite of the 42nd Street line-up, and I was not sorry to see it close. It stunk to high heaven and because of its late run bookings and rock bottom prices it seemed to attract an even lower class of patrons than the other houses, if that’s possible! When I was here there was no balcony, only a raised rear mezzanine, like at the new Ziegfeld. But that’s where the similarity ended.
I don’t know why but this was my favorite heater on the block.
On his TV show George Burns mentioned playing this theater — but I can’t remember if he said they loved him or hated him!
From the wnet.org website, concerning the new Woody Allen documentary. (I guess they forgot to mention that the Jewel Theater is still in business, too!)
Mia Farrow plays a Depression-era waitress who’s mad about the movies in The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985). While the film takes place in New Jersey, the theater where Cecilia (Farrow) sees the madcap comedy The Purple Rose of Comedy over and over again is named after The Jewel movie house in Brooklyn — one of the first movie houses in Allen’s Brooklyn neighborhood to show foreign films. The theater scenes were actually filmed in the Kent Theatre on Coney Island Avenue in Flatbush, still operating today.
From the wnet.org website concernig the new Woody Allen documentary:
Mia Farrow plays a Depression-era waitress who’s mad about the movies in The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985). While the film takes place in New Jersey, the theater where Cecilia (Farrow) sees the madcap comedy The Purple Rose of Comedy over and over again is named after The Jewel movie house in Brooklyn — one of the first movie houses in Allen’s Brooklyn neighborhood to show foreign films. The theater scenes were actually filmed in the Kent Theatre on Coney Island Avenue in Flatbush, still operating today.
The problem with Mr. Chips is not that it was a musical but that, according to Vincent Canby’s NY Times review, “Everything [except the restrained, affectingly comic performance of Peter O'Toole in the title role] in this British public-school romance is either out of symmetry or out of date…so much of the film [is]so bland…all of which brings me — unfortunately — to the score by Leslie Bricusse.
“The 12 songs haven’t been so much integrated into the book as folded into it. Like unbeaten egg whites in a soufflé, they do nothing for the cause of levitation. The lyrics mostly depend on the numbing repetition of words like "together,” “someday,” and “flowers,” and the tunes are, at best, reminiscent.
“Let me put it another way: When I returned to my seat after intermission, I found myself trailing a gentleman who was humming a song from ‘Camelot.’”
ok? ok!
That top photo showing the present condition of the auditorium is like a kick to the stomach.
Nice shot of the Loew’s State verticle blade and the Metropolitan marquee showing “The Ten Commandments” on a recently broadcast episode of The Burns and Allen Show entitled Going to Houston (original airdate 3/25/57.)
Nice shot of the Loew’s State verticle blade and the Metropolitan marquee showing “The Ten Commandments” on a recently broadcast episode of The Burns and Allen Show entitled Going to Houston (original airdate 3/25/57.)
This theatre is actually in pretty good shape, and they just spent thousands of dollars rehabbing the giant verticle blade sign with new neon tubing. It glows bright red instead of its previous pink, and looks really impressive.
Hey, Ed Solero! Get out your camera and document this for us, OK? Thanks in advance!
While I generally prefer the elaborately over-decorated palaces of the teens and twenties, I’m mesmerized by the streamlined rehab of the State as pictured above. I can just imagine the well-dressed crowds arriving for the premiere engagement of Some Like It Hot and I’m so damned jealous and regretful that the golden era is long over.
Happy 50th anniversary, West Side Story, which premiered here on October 18, 1961.
Any memories or background on this event would be appreciated.
One can easily remove his own post if he wishes to reconsiders his remarks. I recommend it.
Before they landmark the interior I wish they would carefully re-design and install a much bigger screen.
I visted this theater in 2005 and had an excellent experience. The renovation was superb; the lobby reminded me a bit of the United Nations/JFK Airport International Style, bland but clean, with blue tile thoughout.
I was happy to see a lovely pale purple curtain covering the screen, rather than pre-show advertising. The curtain opened to reveal a tremendous screen, which seemed to go from floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall. The manager later told me that the Cinerama screen is folded up behind this screen, and is ready to be reassembled whenever a Cinerama feature is presented, such as How the West Was Won, which screened a while back.
The auditorium seems to be done in a post-modern atmospheric style, including twinkling lights that go out when the feature starts. The orchestra level seats were comfortable rocking ones. I sat in the balcony (because I could!) where the seats didn’t rock, except, oddly, in the front row, which thus provided a good view of the ceiling and a not-so-great view of the screen.
Needless to say, the presentation was first-rate, with a bright, clear picture and crystal clear sound.
The locals really seem to love this theatre, especially since it was spared from the wrecking ball. I join them in their support.
(While in Seattle I also visted and have commented upon the Paramount, the 5th Avenue, the Egyptian, the Colisuem and the Meridian.)
I found it interesting that the marquee wasn’t going to have traditional changeable letters but would get a new special for each attraction. I remember when it was a twin, each side of the marquee had its own custom display but eventually they played movies for which they wouldn’t or couldn’t make a special display and it was back to the red letters on a white background.
Al where’s page 17? (And I love the no-nonsense delivery of the old Variety!)
Awaiting your report, Ed…
Bloop — could you post some of your Larkfield ads in the photos section? I really enjoyed seeing them.
And has the Bakers' daughter contacted you? I was very fond of her parents and I’d love to share some memories with her.
Please post those photos as soon as you can, They are an invaluable record of an era long gone.
The only house in New Jersey playing the ballet Esmerelda performed by the Bolshoi Ballet.
I can’t believe this closed. I was here not to long ago to see the Smurfs in 2D (no 3D at this site!)
Any word on how or why? Or what’s next?