Since you like the Boyd lights so much, I will tell you they had a model name: “Aura”, given to them by their maker, the famed Rambusch Company. Rambusch, then of NYC (now NJ)also were among the Boyd decorators in 1928 and refurbished post WW2.
Sadly, when the IRS takesover the Post Office building at 30th Street, that ornate Art Deco space will be totally off limits to the public, for security reasons! Another nearby post office will service the public. Looking at my own photos, I see ceiling domes at the entries of the post office, which I recall.
The Boyd’s balcony underside has plaster medallions. Well, the plaster & paint experts might have a more technical name, but that’s what they appear to be. They are quite elaborate at the Boyd.
We’ve heard Sensurround caused problems at the Boyd with “Earthquake”
The light fixtures are currently off site with a light fixture restoration company. Those you refer to are a famous 1939 model, installed in the Boyd during the 1953 remodel for Cinerama, as replacement for original 1928 lights. I saw the same exact ceiling light fixture on display in Washington D.C. at the Smithsonian Museum of American History, as an example of then cutting age 20th Century lighting.
Unanimously, the Designation Committee of the Philadelphia Historical
Commission today recommended that the Boyd Theatre be legally protected! KYW Radio’s report: View link
Friends of the Boyd have met with various parties interested in a great restoration of the movie palace. Partly on the various historic photos we supplied, and the main floor blueprint we supplied, but also due to their excellent work, Clear Channel’s architects drew up a detailed set of restoration plans and exploratory work including a paint study that revealed original designs. Preliminary work was done, but most of the actual renovation was not done.
The Baronet in NYC was the smaller auditorium, not the larger Coronet auditorium upstairs.
I enjoyed “Die Hard” on the huge screen in the original, huge historic Boyd auditorium (then named Sameric) in Philadelphia. The screen was much larger than the Wisconsin Avenue’s 2 big screens in DC. It was a fun action film.
to the cause of what?? nobody would pay $15 million to buy the Metro, more to recreate interior decor, and then put movies back in there where they failed repeatedly to draw enough audiences.
I’m not saying the Metro’s gutting should’ve been allowed. I’m not saying that I don’t “wish” it was still open for movies.
This posting was news of a Tribute, not a question. No need to speak so meanly of the dead, an actor who died too young. I enjoyed “Casanova” and “A Knight’s Tale” and other movies Heath Ledger featured in. They were good entertainment.
Anyone interested in what? The article makes it clear that the building won’t again be a movie house. It quotes Ross Melnick, co-webmaster of this site.
It is sad that anything that stands still in downtown Philadelphia, and indeed all of Philadelphia, gets tagged with graffiti. As we’ve posted as news on this site, there has been lots going on this year. That said, the future of the Boyd is not settled yet, and we appreciate the support of cinema treasures fans.
Friends of the Boyd
Somebody who visited the theater tells me all seating was on one floor, he recalls 3 large ceiling domes in the auditorium, and he thinks he recalls chariots in plaster on the side walls of the auditorium.
That trailer/request is being shown at more than only Regal cinemas. I saw it recently, probably at National Amusements' Bridge Theatre in Philadelphia.
Sadly, at least as of June 1 of this year, there’s no more showing of the popcorn slide on the screen before the show. The screens are dark. Then, also new, there are commercials before the trailers.
Wonderful! the Ziegfeld opened for NYC exclusives, not to compete with numerous nearby moviehouses. 1960s Road Show prices today would be higher than $20.
Since you like the Boyd lights so much, I will tell you they had a model name: “Aura”, given to them by their maker, the famed Rambusch Company. Rambusch, then of NYC (now NJ)also were among the Boyd decorators in 1928 and refurbished post WW2.
Sadly, when the IRS takesover the Post Office building at 30th Street, that ornate Art Deco space will be totally off limits to the public, for security reasons! Another nearby post office will service the public. Looking at my own photos, I see ceiling domes at the entries of the post office, which I recall.
The Boyd’s balcony underside has plaster medallions. Well, the plaster & paint experts might have a more technical name, but that’s what they appear to be. They are quite elaborate at the Boyd.
We’ve heard Sensurround caused problems at the Boyd with “Earthquake”
The light fixtures are currently off site with a light fixture restoration company. Those you refer to are a famous 1939 model, installed in the Boyd during the 1953 remodel for Cinerama, as replacement for original 1928 lights. I saw the same exact ceiling light fixture on display in Washington D.C. at the Smithsonian Museum of American History, as an example of then cutting age 20th Century lighting.
Unanimously, the Designation Committee of the Philadelphia Historical
Commission today recommended that the Boyd Theatre be legally protected! KYW Radio’s report:
View link
Friends of the Boyd have met with various parties interested in a great restoration of the movie palace. Partly on the various historic photos we supplied, and the main floor blueprint we supplied, but also due to their excellent work, Clear Channel’s architects drew up a detailed set of restoration plans and exploratory work including a paint study that revealed original designs. Preliminary work was done, but most of the actual renovation was not done.
The Baronet in NYC was the smaller auditorium, not the larger Coronet auditorium upstairs.
I enjoyed “Die Hard” on the huge screen in the original, huge historic Boyd auditorium (then named Sameric) in Philadelphia. The screen was much larger than the Wisconsin Avenue’s 2 big screens in DC. It was a fun action film.
to the cause of what?? nobody would pay $15 million to buy the Metro, more to recreate interior decor, and then put movies back in there where they failed repeatedly to draw enough audiences.
I’m not saying the Metro’s gutting should’ve been allowed. I’m not saying that I don’t “wish” it was still open for movies.
This posting was news of a Tribute, not a question. No need to speak so meanly of the dead, an actor who died too young. I enjoyed “Casanova” and “A Knight’s Tale” and other movies Heath Ledger featured in. They were good entertainment.
Proscenium Arch framing stage:
View link
more facing stage including curtain:
View link
View link
detail of curtain & Proscenium Arch:
View link
Bison head:
View link
The beautiful Art Deco facade stays. The article says the marquee stays. The interior has been destroyed. $15 million means no movies.
Anyone interested in what? The article makes it clear that the building won’t again be a movie house. It quotes Ross Melnick, co-webmaster of this site.
It is sad that anything that stands still in downtown Philadelphia, and indeed all of Philadelphia, gets tagged with graffiti. As we’ve posted as news on this site, there has been lots going on this year. That said, the future of the Boyd is not settled yet, and we appreciate the support of cinema treasures fans.
Friends of the Boyd
Somebody who visited the theater tells me all seating was on one floor, he recalls 3 large ceiling domes in the auditorium, and he thinks he recalls chariots in plaster on the side walls of the auditorium.
Feb 2008 photo of exterior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aquistbe/2431919383/
This photo depicts going downstairs from outside, to the cinemas:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/carmizzle/385240042/
More photos by Roloff:
Panorama towards auditorium front:
View link
Sunburst on ceiling: View link
Right side wall with decorative panels:
View link
Towards balcony:
View link
June 2008 exterior photos:
View link
View link
That trailer/request is being shown at more than only Regal cinemas. I saw it recently, probably at National Amusements' Bridge Theatre in Philadelphia.
Nice set of photos:
View link
June 27, 2008 online article in National Trust magazine:
View link
Here’s a photo of the Popcorn slide that I mentioned above, and sadly no longer shown:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/iirraa/121880878/
originally from Philadelphia City Archives, 1959 with Porgy and Bess on the marquee!
View link
Foyer with ceiling lanterns, 2007 photo (not my photo)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sail0rbe/2413932839/
Sadly, at least as of June 1 of this year, there’s no more showing of the popcorn slide on the screen before the show. The screens are dark. Then, also new, there are commercials before the trailers.
Fantastic recent photo by Roloff of auditorium facing huge movie screen:
View link
I was one of many who wrote letters to help save the Dome. As to the Empire, it functions as a Grand Lobby, too, for the megaplex.
Wonderful! the Ziegfeld opened for NYC exclusives, not to compete with numerous nearby moviehouses. 1960s Road Show prices today would be higher than $20.