Comments from Jack Oberleitner

Showing 1 - 25 of 156 comments found

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Former resident makes $100K donation to Warner Film Center on Apr 30, 2013 at 8:37 pm

Indeed, any form of memorabilia can be a valuable addition to the Warner Theatre museum displays. WFC is looking for anything and everything from ticket stubs to WB/SW uniforms, lobby decor, posters, photos, etc., etc., And, remember, WFC is a 501 c3 non-profit corp. YOUR DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE! Contact them at www.warnefilmcenter.org. or 724-614-6541 or PO Box 665, New Castle, PA 16103

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Cascade Picture Palace on Jan 17, 2013 at 8:12 pm

The status of this location should be changed to: closed, renovating.

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Cascade Picture Palace on Oct 10, 2012 at 2:32 pm

Note to whomever: this building has not been demolished. The original building still stands. Only the interior has been changed.

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Cascade Picture Palace on Oct 10, 2012 at 2:27 pm

Many people in the community have refused to see the Cascade Picture Palace and its important part of movie history fade from memory. A non-profit, 501 c3 corporation is established and with it comes new efforts launcing to recreate the original Warner theatre along with a museum featuring ever-changing displays commemorating the Warner Brothers, New Castle and the development of the motion picture business. The site is now recognized as a national historic location. Through the efforts of the team of Trustees and advisers, WFC hopes to educate and entertain visitors to the Warner Film Center about the early ‘glory’ days of this unique community as well as the contribution the Warner family made to the area and the world. The WFC is currently soliciting memberships and corporate sponsors. They are also seeking photographs and memorabilia that might be used in the museum displays. This is a true labor of love! The current Board of Trustees include Jerry Kerns, President, John Meyer, Bill Zeiger Audrey Przybylski, all of New Castle, and Jack Oberleitner, www.cinema-consultant.com. of Dayton, OH.

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Warner Bros. first theatre to be rebuilt with museum on Oct 10, 2012 at 2:04 pm

This is a truly significant project! Anyone in the film business or interested in cinema and early film history should rally behind this important landmark preservation project

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about New Castle Playhouse on Oct 2, 2012 at 12:06 pm

The Baltimore family originally opened the State following the closing of their Baltimore Strand nickelodeon which was also located on Long Avenue. Long Avenue itself was a “second downtown” area of sorts which was a popular shopping district for Polish, Italian and other recent immigrant groups. Some referred to shopping on Long Avenue as “going to Europe.” The State theatre was almost always a second run house with occasional foreign language specials. It’s last incarnation was, briefly, as a XXX house before closing as a film theatre. The New Castle Playhouse has done a remarkable job of renovating the theatre and converting it to a live venue. The success of the Playhouse has also brought renewed life to the area in the form of restaurants and small shops. This is a good example of how it SHOULD be done. Currently a search is underway to locate the original architectural drawings of the theatre.

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Way-Bak-Wyn Twin Drive-In on Sep 25, 2012 at 8:25 pm

This lovely twin drive-in is now up for sale so that the current owners can pursue other interests. If interested, go to www.3cmovies.com

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Fugate's Cinema on May 7, 2012 at 11:22 pm

Ghouls and zombies will be seen on Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12 when the Fugate Cinema 5’s sister location, the Way-Bak-Wyn Twin Drive-in re-opens with a spooktacular 5th birthday bash. The festivities will include live music featuring Kayla Beth Smith and Southern Chaos performing live at 7 PM and during intermissions. Both screens will be presenting 5 terror movies including, ZOMBIELAND, THE DEVIL INSIDE HER, DREAM HOUSE OF FEAR, SCREAM 4 and THE THING. In addition, patrons in costume can enter the ZOMBIE COSTUME CONTEST. Lucky people will win prizes including food, free passes, cash and a autographed ZOMBIELAND poster. Gates open at 6 PM and admission is only $5 a carload. Those cruising in via a vintage car will be admitted for 50 cents a carload. Visit www.3cmovies.com or call 606-666-7733 for ,ore details.

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Way-Bak-Wyn Twin Drive-In on May 7, 2012 at 11:19 pm

Ghouls and zombies will be seen on Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12 when the Way-Bak-Wyn Twin Drive-in re-opens with a spooktacular 5th birthday bash. The festivities will include live music featuring Kayla Beth Smith and Southern Chaos performing live at 7 PM and during intermissions. Both screens will be presenting 5 terror movies including, ZOMBIELAND, THE DEVIL INSIDE HER, DREAM HOUSE OF FEAR, SCREAM 4 and THE THING. In addition, patrons in costume can enter the ZOMBIE COSTUME CONTEST. Lucky people will win prizes including food, free passes, cash and a autographed ZOMBIELAND poster. Gates open at 6 PM and admission is only $5 a carload. Those cruising in via a vintage car will be admitted for 50 cents a carload. Visit www.3cmovies.com or call 606-666-7733 for ,ore details.

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Hazard Kentucky Cinemas undergo restructuring add Oberleitner on Feb 2, 2012 at 1:07 pm

You are absolutely right Mike. That’s why they ARE planning a great deal more.

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Hazard Kentucky Cinemas undergo restructuring add Oberleitner on Feb 2, 2012 at 10:55 am

There are no plans to close the drive-in! In fact, it will undergo a facelift this Spring and plans are in the making for a opening weekend “festival” featuring live music, special movies and prizes. Stay tuned.

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Kings Court Theater on Jan 29, 2012 at 8:43 pm

It is sad to see the Kings Court as a storefront. In it’s day, it was an elegant roadshow theatre under the direction of Tom Bryant. Tom was one of the handful of Associated Theatres managers that was a true professional and showman. He managed his theatres with pride. Tom was later promoted to run the Associated downtown Pittsburgh theatres, Fulton, Gateway, Fiesta, etc. A true management star.

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Strand Theatre gets $150K grant on Jan 27, 2012 at 10:27 pm

From your dreams to opening night…and beyond! To do it right,contact Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consulting for experienced, professional service. www.cinema-consultant.com

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Fugate's Cinema on Jan 26, 2012 at 12:14 pm

According to Condy Wayne and Wilhelmina Fugate, Fugate’s Cinema 5 and the Way-Bak-Wyn Drive-In Theatre (Lost Creek, KY) are now managed by 3C Entertainment, Inc, a Fugate family enterprise, The Fugate family has operated theatres in Kentucky for over 30 years. All 7 screens are booked by Fred and Lori Schweitzer of PBS Booking Services and are under contract with Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consultants, www.cinema-consultant.com

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Washington Heights locals want to save neighborhood theater on Jan 26, 2012 at 12:00 pm

Contact Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consulting for experienced, professional service in taking on this project. www.cinema-consultant.com

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Will Rogers Theatre to be restored on Dec 17, 2011 at 9:19 am

Our company, Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consultants, Could probably be of great service to your project. We have over 40 years of experience in working with non-profit groups, small and medium theatrical,cinema ventures.

For complete information, reference and, contact info. and such, please visit our website at:

www.cinema-consultant.com

We shall look forward to hearing from you!

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Chatham Orpheum Theatre on Nov 9, 2011 at 11:00 am

Our company, Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consultants, Could probably be of great service to your project. We have over 40 years of experience in working with non-profit groups, small and medium theatrical,cinema ventures.

For complete information, reference and, contact info. and such, please visit our website at:

www.cinema-consultant.com

We shall look forward to hearing from you!

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Group hopes to restore Orpheum on Nov 9, 2011 at 10:52 am

Our company, Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consultants, Could probably be of great service to your project. We have over 40 years of experience in working with non-profit groups, small and medium theatrical,cinema ventures.

For complete information, reference and, contact info. and such, please visit our website at:

www.cinema-consultant.com

We shall look forward to hearing from you!

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Liberty (Paramount) Theatre on Oct 30, 2011 at 6:55 pm

Wow, I toured the Paramount extensively when it was reopened very briefly in the early 70’s. I didn’t get into the basement area but now wish I had. An upscale cafeteria in the lower would be just too cool! 75 cents for a meal in the 20’s was pretty hefty for self service. The organ console and pipes were back stage; but, at the time it was difficult to see if that was their original point of installation or just a storage spot. While my least favorite of the major downtown houses, considering it’s age, the Paramount was maintained in pretty good condition up through the final closing around 1972.

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Grand Opera House on Oct 30, 2011 at 2:31 pm

Thanks Wolfgirl. As usual your a “bijou” in this department :–)

BTW, any of you buffs out there may be interested in our brand new website, www.cinema-consultant.com . Comments and referrals are always appreciated!

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Miller Theatre on Oct 30, 2011 at 2:24 pm

We specialize in this type of project and group. Please visit our website, www.cinema-consultant.com , for complete details. Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consulting.

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Grand Opera House on Oct 30, 2011 at 1:21 pm

Bijou (little jewel) was a very popular nickelodeon name. In 1907, following the success of their first theatre in nearby New Castle, PA, Harry and Albert Warner returned to Youngstown to expand their “chain” to 2 storefront venues. The Y'town Bijou was based on the New Catle model. At that time, both cities were about the same size and were industrial rivals. The Bijou was indeed next to the First National Bank in a building that housed a cigar store and other small retailers. A simple 2-sided sign hung above the entrance with only the theatre name. It’s safe to assume, based on the New Castle model, that it had a single hand cranked projector and less than 100 seats and a screen about 7 to 10 feet in width. Programs changed daily. Indications are that the Bijou was in business for about 3 years, afterwich the Warner’s moved to Pittsburgh to open up the Allegheny film distribution office. Jack Warner wasn’t an active member of the business until they opened a second “branch” in Norfolk a couple years later. The Bijou on the other end of Federal Street would have opened after the Warner Bijou closed. I don’t have much info about it except that it was a copycat name with no Warner involvement.

BTW, I’m curious about the Princess Burlesque in Y'town. Do any of you have any info?

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Grand Opera House on Oct 29, 2011 at 12:20 pm

It was standard practice for theatres to have “standee” areas at the rear of the auditorium. These areas could often accommodate 100 to 175+ people. In a sellout situation a sign in the boxoffice would read “SRO” Standing Room Only. In the days of more relaxed fire codes, managers wishing to maximize ticket sales would even put chairs in aisles next to existing rows of seats. Large seating capacities were important to show producers and as a result it was also not uncommon for manager/owners to exaggerate seating capacities to include all possible spots to park people. This practice continues to this day with film companies. Anyway, with the evidence provided herein, I think it’s reasonable to assume the Grand Opera House had a capacity of 1400 with standee, and other arrangements, making it possible for 1550 to 2000 people to be accommodated in various degrees of comfort.

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Ridgefield Library sells old theater on Oct 26, 2011 at 9:59 pm

We specialize in this type of project and group. Please visit our website, www.cinema-consultant.com , for complete details. Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consulting.

Jack Oberleitner
Jack Oberleitner commented about Group wants to restore Port Theater to former glory on Oct 26, 2011 at 9:58 pm

We specialize in this type of project and group. Please visit our website, www.cinema-consultant.com , for complete details. Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consulting.