The same fellow followed up today with this story:
When we opened the New World Theatre we equipped it with at the time was state of the art projection equipment, it may have been a first in center city. As you know all of the theatres were equipped with the old 15-20 minute reel arc lamp projectors. We had if I remember correctly installed Simplex xenon bulb projectors capable of handling 30 minute reels. They were automated systems that did automatic crossovers, opened and closed the stage curtains, turned up the house lights and intermission music. Needless to say opening night was interesting when the system encountered a few bugs and began to close the curtains and raise the lights and music randomly during the show. Our old time projectionist just shook their heads at the new technology and said it would never work. It took awhile to get the kinks worked out. Today the projection booth has sure changed from what it was.
A gentlemen wrote me the following:
The World Theatre closed but was then reopened in the basement of the 40 story building that was built on that block. It opened as the New World Theatre and I managed it for about 3 years. If I remember correctly the first movie was Monty Python and The Holy Grail.
For the opening weekend we gave out coconuts to all that attended. It was great to see the reaction of people receiving a coconut since they had no idea how it related to the movie but it quickly become apparent in the first 5 minutes of the movie. It was also a challenge for me as the manager when I got the order from Don Rugoff to find a supplier for 2000 coconuts in Philadelphia in the winter time. We also had a giant wooden copy of the rabbit used in the movie in our lobby. The rabbit had to be shipped to the next theatre after our run was over. I got many interesting questions when I called shipping company’s telling them I needed to ship a giant wooden rabbit overnight.
Luis,
Legally protecting the interior ornate architecture does not preclude shows. Your comparision is perfect. Those major theater operators don’t have a problem with legal preservation of their beautiful theaters. I didn’t myself draft the proposed law to protect landmarked Phila. interiors, but heard that the NYC law was indeed reviewed.
Landmarking helps ensure the Boyd WILL be a theater rather than gutted.
As to New York, thanks to Joe Rosenberg of V.I.P. Tours of New York for the following:
The New York Theatres designated landmarks, exterior and interior:
Radio City Music Hall
Loew’s Valencia (now a church)
Loew’s 175th St. (now a church and performing arts center)
Beacon (now a performing arts center)
Embassy Times Square (interior only – it is now the tourist information center with all its theatre elements)
The following 42nd St. Theatres, most of their lives being movie houses, have been designated interior and exterior landmarks
New Amsterdam (now a Broadway theatre)
American Airlines (Selwyn) (now a non-profit theatre)
New Victory (now a non-profit Children’s Theatre)
Empire (Eltinger) now the lobby for AMC 42nd St.
Liberty (sitting vacant)
Times Square (long time conversion to a store which will look like a theatre)
35 Broadway Theatres (two designated exterior only – August Wilson and Henry Miller and one designated interior only – Broadway)
At long last, after more than 20 years, movies have come back to Lansdowne! Our wonderful arts community now has its own intimate, 30-seat microcinema/screening room right in the heart of the central business district. You are invited to join us for the Lansdowne Sofa Cinema Premiere this Saturday, 6/14 as follows:
6:45: Cry of the Snow Lionâ€"a breathtakingly beautiful and engaging film about Tibet and its people, featuring the Dalai Lama.
8:45: Reception with Tsering Wangdi, President of the Tibetan Association of Philadelphia who is working on the July appearance of the Dalai Lama in Philadelphia;
9:115 Cry of the Snow Lion, 2nd showing.
For one $ 5 fee, you may attend either screening and head Mr. Wangdi. Refreshments are also available.
The showing will take place at our first home, the Lansdowne Baptist Church, corner of Lansdowne and LaCrosse. There is free parking in the church lot.
We are delighted to present Lansdowne’s first film venture in two decades in a fun and engaging way. Advance tickets may be purchased this Saturday at the Sofa Cinema booth at the Lansdowne Farmers Market or at the door. For further information, please call: (215) 601-1138. For future features, please visit our website at: lansdownesofacinema.com. If you or your organization would like to work with the Sofa Cinema Committee or sponsor a particular film for your group, we would be happy to work with you.
Come and support film and fun in Lansdowne! See you at the movies!!
Gary Chilutti, Manager
Main Street Lansdowne
Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation
Lansdowne Sofa Cinema is a project of the Lansdowne Main Street Program under sponsorship of the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation, a non-profit corporation under Section 501 c 3 of the IRS Code. The LEDC receives support from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, the Borough of Lansdowne and numerous local businesses, philanthropic foundations and corporations. For more information, visit our website at: www.lansdownesfuture.com
New York Times:
Compiled by BEN SISARIO
Published: June 11, 2008
Last year Live Nation, the giant concert promoter, renamed a handful of clubs and small theaters around the country to give them a unified brand: Fillmore, after Bill Graham’s famous clubs in San Francisco and New York. In Philadelphia the Theater of the Living Arts became the Fillmore at the TLA, and in New York, Irving Plaza became the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza. The Philadelphia club has now reverted to its old name, but Live Nation said it had no plans to change the name of the New York club. “Although Fillmore is a valuable and powerful brand, which we remain committed to,†the company said in a statement, “the fans in Philadelphia made it known to us that the Theater of the Living Arts was a more relevant name in their local community.â€
Friends of the Boyd appreciate the hard work of Councilman Bill Green and that the Rules Committee did vote for and forward to the entire City Council his proposed legislation to protect historic interiors. I testified yesterday on behalf of the proposed law.
here’s some links to online accounts:
Philadelphia Inquirer View link
Exterior designation hearing is next month, and Friends of the Boyd continue to work for overall solutions so the Boyd’s restoration and reopening can get back on track.
Thanks, Hollywood, for the photos of the non-Dome auditoriums. I briefly walked into a few of them once, but visiting from the East Coast, mostly wanted to see movies in the historic theaters. 2nd photo at Cinema 5,and Cinema 10 photo are especially interesting. It isn’t often multiplex photos are posted online, so this is a nice contribution to this site.
Loews and Cineplex Odeon “merged” much earlier. A quick google search indicates a 1998 antitrust agreement,so about that time. In reality, Loews tookover. Cineplex Odeon continued in print ads, but Loews operated the theater. As I wrote in the Intro, Warner was the 1st operator, and with whatever corporate changes Warner had, continued until whenever Circle tookover.
He earlier wrote online he didn’t attend the rally. As to my “refusal” my lack of “bravery”, his ability to invest, etc etc. other cinema bloggers can evaluate all that for what it is worth. Aint it great that he functions as a back seat driver on this theater & so many others?
The above poster (Theaterbuff1) did not join our May 22 Rally at the Boyd, has never attended our events, has not donated to our cause, and in no way is part of the Friends of the Boyd organization of hundreds of volunteers who have dedicated their efforts to ensuring that the Boyd Theatre survive, be restored to its 1928 Art Deco grandeur, and reopen as a public venue for entertainment. Americans have a First Amendment right of free speech, and he has chosen to excercise it on this website, but he does not speak for Friends of the Boyd, Inc.
Friends of the Boyd are very appreciative of Mayor Nutter’s support.
We need the support of the City, the Commonwealth, and major donors, and the cooperation of Boyd owner Live Nation, to ensure the Boyd survives, is restored and reopened for entertainment.
Friends of the Boyd are very appreciative of Mayor Nutter’s support.
We need the support of the City, the Commonwealth, and major donors, and the cooperation of Boyd owner Live Nation, to ensure the Boyd survives, is restored and reopened for entertainment.
My May 2008 photo, with Ken Roe comment as to former cinema next door which is pictured in the photo View link
Ken’s comment:
The building next door, now occupied by the Metro shop at #280 Ceintuurbaan, was originally the Ceintuurbioscoop. It opened on 3rd February 1913 and had seating for 154. Closed when the new Ceintuur Cinema opened next door, it became a cafe and lunchroom.
My photo of a different detail on the theater that depicted in Ken’s photo above: View link
Enjoyed “Iron Man” in the huge historic auditorium, and also the classic Dutch film “Fanfare”
My May 2008 photos:
Exterior of historic Tuschinski & former Noggerath cinema (now another entry): View link
Ex-Noggerath cinema, now another entry/exit for Tuschinski: View link
The same fellow followed up today with this story:
When we opened the New World Theatre we equipped it with at the time was state of the art projection equipment, it may have been a first in center city. As you know all of the theatres were equipped with the old 15-20 minute reel arc lamp projectors. We had if I remember correctly installed Simplex xenon bulb projectors capable of handling 30 minute reels. They were automated systems that did automatic crossovers, opened and closed the stage curtains, turned up the house lights and intermission music. Needless to say opening night was interesting when the system encountered a few bugs and began to close the curtains and raise the lights and music randomly during the show. Our old time projectionist just shook their heads at the new technology and said it would never work. It took awhile to get the kinks worked out. Today the projection booth has sure changed from what it was.
A gentlemen wrote me the following:
The World Theatre closed but was then reopened in the basement of the 40 story building that was built on that block. It opened as the New World Theatre and I managed it for about 3 years. If I remember correctly the first movie was Monty Python and The Holy Grail.
For the opening weekend we gave out coconuts to all that attended. It was great to see the reaction of people receiving a coconut since they had no idea how it related to the movie but it quickly become apparent in the first 5 minutes of the movie. It was also a challenge for me as the manager when I got the order from Don Rugoff to find a supplier for 2000 coconuts in Philadelphia in the winter time. We also had a giant wooden copy of the rabbit used in the movie in our lobby. The rabbit had to be shipped to the next theatre after our run was over. I got many interesting questions when I called shipping company’s telling them I needed to ship a giant wooden rabbit overnight.
Luis,
Legally protecting the interior ornate architecture does not preclude shows. Your comparision is perfect. Those major theater operators don’t have a problem with legal preservation of their beautiful theaters. I didn’t myself draft the proposed law to protect landmarked Phila. interiors, but heard that the NYC law was indeed reviewed.
Landmarking helps ensure the Boyd WILL be a theater rather than gutted.
As to New York, thanks to Joe Rosenberg of V.I.P. Tours of New York for the following:
The New York Theatres designated landmarks, exterior and interior:
Radio City Music Hall
Loew’s Valencia (now a church)
Loew’s 175th St. (now a church and performing arts center)
Beacon (now a performing arts center)
Embassy Times Square (interior only – it is now the tourist information center with all its theatre elements)
The following 42nd St. Theatres, most of their lives being movie houses, have been designated interior and exterior landmarks
New Amsterdam (now a Broadway theatre)
American Airlines (Selwyn) (now a non-profit theatre)
New Victory (now a non-profit Children’s Theatre)
Empire (Eltinger) now the lobby for AMC 42nd St.
Liberty (sitting vacant)
Times Square (long time conversion to a store which will look like a theatre)
35 Broadway Theatres (two designated exterior only – August Wilson and Henry Miller and one designated interior only – Broadway)
City Center
Town Hall
Metro (exterior only – it is now a store)
June, 2008
Dear Friends of Film in Lansdowne:
At long last, after more than 20 years, movies have come back to Lansdowne! Our wonderful arts community now has its own intimate, 30-seat microcinema/screening room right in the heart of the central business district. You are invited to join us for the Lansdowne Sofa Cinema Premiere this Saturday, 6/14 as follows:
6:45: Cry of the Snow Lionâ€"a breathtakingly beautiful and engaging film about Tibet and its people, featuring the Dalai Lama.
8:45: Reception with Tsering Wangdi, President of the Tibetan Association of Philadelphia who is working on the July appearance of the Dalai Lama in Philadelphia;
9:115 Cry of the Snow Lion, 2nd showing.
For one $ 5 fee, you may attend either screening and head Mr. Wangdi. Refreshments are also available.
The showing will take place at our first home, the Lansdowne Baptist Church, corner of Lansdowne and LaCrosse. There is free parking in the church lot.
We are delighted to present Lansdowne’s first film venture in two decades in a fun and engaging way. Advance tickets may be purchased this Saturday at the Sofa Cinema booth at the Lansdowne Farmers Market or at the door. For further information, please call: (215) 601-1138. For future features, please visit our website at: lansdownesofacinema.com. If you or your organization would like to work with the Sofa Cinema Committee or sponsor a particular film for your group, we would be happy to work with you.
Come and support film and fun in Lansdowne! See you at the movies!!
Gary Chilutti, Manager
Main Street Lansdowne
Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation
Lansdowne Sofa Cinema is a project of the Lansdowne Main Street Program under sponsorship of the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation, a non-profit corporation under Section 501 c 3 of the IRS Code. The LEDC receives support from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, the Borough of Lansdowne and numerous local businesses, philanthropic foundations and corporations. For more information, visit our website at: www.lansdownesfuture.com
Someone has told me today,
There is a dumpster outside of the Art Holiday filled with seats this week……
New York Times:
Compiled by BEN SISARIO
Published: June 11, 2008
Last year Live Nation, the giant concert promoter, renamed a handful of clubs and small theaters around the country to give them a unified brand: Fillmore, after Bill Graham’s famous clubs in San Francisco and New York. In Philadelphia the Theater of the Living Arts became the Fillmore at the TLA, and in New York, Irving Plaza became the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza. The Philadelphia club has now reverted to its old name, but Live Nation said it had no plans to change the name of the New York club. “Although Fillmore is a valuable and powerful brand, which we remain committed to,†the company said in a statement, “the fans in Philadelphia made it known to us that the Theater of the Living Arts was a more relevant name in their local community.â€
Another story today online & on the radio:
View link
Friends of the Boyd appreciate the hard work of Councilman Bill Green and that the Rules Committee did vote for and forward to the entire City Council his proposed legislation to protect historic interiors. I testified yesterday on behalf of the proposed law.
here’s some links to online accounts:
Philadelphia Inquirer
View link
Philadelphia Daily News
View link
PlanPhilly
http://www.planphilly.com/node/3279
Exterior designation hearing is next month, and Friends of the Boyd continue to work for overall solutions so the Boyd’s restoration and reopening can get back on track.
Thanks, Hollywood, for the photos of the non-Dome auditoriums. I briefly walked into a few of them once, but visiting from the East Coast, mostly wanted to see movies in the historic theaters. 2nd photo at Cinema 5,and Cinema 10 photo are especially interesting. It isn’t often multiplex photos are posted online, so this is a nice contribution to this site.
The Baronet was the small downstairs theater, yet that’s where the World Premiere of MASH was held? (according to link on May 31).
Loews and Cineplex Odeon “merged” much earlier. A quick google search indicates a 1998 antitrust agreement,so about that time. In reality, Loews tookover. Cineplex Odeon continued in print ads, but Loews operated the theater. As I wrote in the Intro, Warner was the 1st operator, and with whatever corporate changes Warner had, continued until whenever Circle tookover.
photos (not mine) of the wonderful Rotunda LOBBY of the historic Senator Theatre:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eskimodane/248690139/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/patgavin/2460344513/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maliavale/336513921/
and here http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/3377.html
He earlier wrote online he didn’t attend the rally. As to my “refusal” my lack of “bravery”, his ability to invest, etc etc. other cinema bloggers can evaluate all that for what it is worth. Aint it great that he functions as a back seat driver on this theater & so many others?
The above poster (Theaterbuff1) did not join our May 22 Rally at the Boyd, has never attended our events, has not donated to our cause, and in no way is part of the Friends of the Boyd organization of hundreds of volunteers who have dedicated their efforts to ensuring that the Boyd Theatre survive, be restored to its 1928 Art Deco grandeur, and reopen as a public venue for entertainment. Americans have a First Amendment right of free speech, and he has chosen to excercise it on this website, but he does not speak for Friends of the Boyd, Inc.
Thanks Ross for adding this news page story.
Friends of the Boyd are very appreciative of Mayor Nutter’s support.
We need the support of the City, the Commonwealth, and major donors, and the cooperation of Boyd owner Live Nation, to ensure the Boyd survives, is restored and reopened for entertainment.
Thanks Ross for adding this news page story.
Friends of the Boyd are very appreciative of Mayor Nutter’s support.
We need the support of the City, the Commonwealth, and major donors, and the cooperation of Boyd owner Live Nation, to ensure the Boyd survives, is restored and reopened for entertainment.
here’s my May 2008 photo, but that 1st photo that I linked above, without the leaves from the trees, is better:
View link
My May 2008 photo of the Rialto:
View link
My May 2008 photo, with Ken Roe comment as to former cinema next door which is pictured in the photo
View link
Ken’s comment:
The building next door, now occupied by the Metro shop at #280 Ceintuurbaan, was originally the Ceintuurbioscoop. It opened on 3rd February 1913 and had seating for 154. Closed when the new Ceintuur Cinema opened next door, it became a cafe and lunchroom.
My photo of a different detail on the theater that depicted in Ken’s photo above:
View link
My May 2008 close up of the entry:
View link
My photo of entire building:
View link
My May 2008 photos:
Exterior of historic Tuschinski & former Noggerath cinema:
View link
Ex-Noggerath cinema, now another entry/exit for Tuschinski:
View link
Enjoyed “Iron Man” in the huge historic auditorium, and also the classic Dutch film “Fanfare”
My May 2008 photos:
Exterior of historic Tuschinski & former Noggerath cinema (now another entry):
View link
Ex-Noggerath cinema, now another entry/exit for Tuschinski:
View link
STAINED GLASS:
View link
A “BUTTERFLY GIRL” mural, looking Art Nouveau:
View link
Mural in JAPANESE room:
View link
Another colorful mural:
View link
My flickr set including October 2005 photos:
View link
Thanks Ross for all your support! Friends of the Boyd hope all fans of historic movie palaces will take those advocacy steps in the link above.
Howard B. Haas
(volunteer) President, Friends of the Boyd, Inc.
I sit in the balcony, have for many movies now, never missed a word of dialogue. Sound is great, in my opinion, in the Paris.