By that time, the Capitol and Loew’s State had dropped stage presentations, but the Warner (ex-Strand) had just resumed them
The RKO Palace had switched to reserved-seat vaudeville, with Betty Hutton as the current headliner.
It should be noted that the Hillside was no longer operated by Loew’s by that time, and that the Loew’s name had been removed from signage and advertising/publicity. Yet Marzlock starts his article by incorrectly stating that Loew’s Hillside went burlesque in December 1965.
Ad claimed that “Quo Vadis” was being presented “with nothing cut but the prices” of the dual Broadway premiere engagement at the Capitol and Astor Theatres. But the circuit was still charging prices higher than regular for the Technicolor epic.
The El Capitan’s initial movie premiere also marked the first time that “bleachers” were erected nearby on Hollywood Boulevard for the thousands of spectators that were expected at the gala event.
“Dark Victory” opened on April 20th, following the Easter holiday presentation that had the Astaire-Rogers “The Story of Vernon & Irene Castle” on screen. Bette Davis went on to be ‘Oscar’ nominated for her performance, but lost the award to Vivien Leigh for guess what?
This ad seems to contradict a statement in the Overview which claims that the Saenger had a Morton “Wonder Organ.” It has often been reported that only five “Wonder” organs were ever built, and all were for the multi-theatre package in the New York-New Jersey area that Loew’s took over from Paramount-Publix.
Even at “regular” prices, the Gertrude Lawrence biopic failed to pull crowds in its first area release since an unsuccessful roadshow engagement at the Rivoli Theatre. The multi-theatre booking followed Easter Sunday, which fell on April 6th that year.
The gradual Loew’s circuit play-off continued, while the Technicolor epic was still running in Times Square at the Astor Theatre with policy changed from two-a-day to continuous performances.
The state’s largest and most grandiose cinema was the logical choice for the world premiere of one of Republic Pictures' most important westerns, which had a running time of 95 minutes instead of the customary 55-60.
Who knew that in just a few years time, the comedy duo and the Lopez band singer would join the ranks of Hollywood’s most popular screen stars?
Easter Sunday fell on April 17th that year.
A charity gala for the benefit of the Lighthouse For the Blind was held the night before (October 15th).
“Casablanca” was having its first showings in Queens, and at the affiliated Skouras Astoria Theatre as well.
By that time, the Capitol and Loew’s State had dropped stage presentations, but the Warner (ex-Strand) had just resumed them The RKO Palace had switched to reserved-seat vaudeville, with Betty Hutton as the current headliner.
The circuit’s advertising often used word play with the name “Loew,” using it instead of “lo” and/or “low,” which had the same pronunciation.
It should be noted that the Hillside was no longer operated by Loew’s by that time, and that the Loew’s name had been removed from signage and advertising/publicity. Yet Marzlock starts his article by incorrectly stating that Loew’s Hillside went burlesque in December 1965.
The popular eatery was adjacent to the Rialto Theatre, whose management was quite distressed over competition from the spectacular new arrival.
Ad claimed that “Quo Vadis” was being presented “with nothing cut but the prices” of the dual Broadway premiere engagement at the Capitol and Astor Theatres. But the circuit was still charging prices higher than regular for the Technicolor epic.
A B&W short subject covering the world premiere of MGM’s “Grand Hotel” at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in 1932 can be viewed here
The El Capitan’s initial movie premiere also marked the first time that “bleachers” were erected nearby on Hollywood Boulevard for the thousands of spectators that were expected at the gala event.
“Dark Victory” opened on April 20th, following the Easter holiday presentation that had the Astaire-Rogers “The Story of Vernon & Irene Castle” on screen. Bette Davis went on to be ‘Oscar’ nominated for her performance, but lost the award to Vivien Leigh for guess what?
This ad seems to contradict a statement in the Overview which claims that the Saenger had a Morton “Wonder Organ.” It has often been reported that only five “Wonder” organs were ever built, and all were for the multi-theatre package in the New York-New Jersey area that Loew’s took over from Paramount-Publix.
Photo taken during rehearsals for two nights of concerts at the Chicago Theatre.
Even at “regular” prices, the Gertrude Lawrence biopic failed to pull crowds in its first area release since an unsuccessful roadshow engagement at the Rivoli Theatre. The multi-theatre booking followed Easter Sunday, which fell on April 6th that year.
Pre-opening ad published on September 1st, 1929.
Easter Sunday arrived on April 1st in 1945, which proved the final year of the World War II era.
The B&W wartime musical had guest appearances by Alice Faye, Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda, and George Jessel.
The gradual Loew’s circuit play-off continued, while the Technicolor epic was still running in Times Square at the Astor Theatre with policy changed from two-a-day to continuous performances.
Both theatres ran a sub-run feature movie or a batch of short subjects to fill the gaps between stage shows, but did not advertise the titles.
Also included in ad displayed here
The state’s largest and most grandiose cinema was the logical choice for the world premiere of one of Republic Pictures' most important westerns, which had a running time of 95 minutes instead of the customary 55-60.
This series of photos suggests that Peep-O-Rama was not a conversion of the Pix Theatre, which is shown here converted to a Tad’s Steaks restaurant.
Due to frequent program changes, the Rialto’s shallow marquee was used mainly for policy announcements.
This was a rare RKO booking for Paramount Pictures' West End showcase.