Luis and LM, thanks so much for this very encouraging article.
It appears that the new management of the Kings is taking a prudent and level headed approach as to how they will market the theater once it re-opens. Given the disappointing experience that befell the Bronx Paradise, this is a very important consideration that will hopefully work out for the better in Brooklyn.
Finally, although it is not mentioned in the article, I hope that the restored Kings will possess the facilities to present an ocasional movie ot two. It would really be great to experience viewing a classic film in this envoronment. Such special events would also probably draw capacity crowds.
I visited the site over the past weekend. It looked dreadful. It appears that they have demolished most of the site and only the front area – which has already been separated from the rest of the mostly demolished building and may soon experience a similar fate – remains for the present.
This development, in short. represents the worst possible alternative that the old Rainbow could have experienced.
According to Wikipedia, “Baby Mine” the film being shown here, was released in 1928. So this is probably how things looked at that time. Unfortunately, Baby Mine is currently listed as a Lost Film.
Thanks so much for the picture LM. Given that this entire community has long disappeared, it is always fascinating to see how things used to be.
I guess the photo was shot at the northeast intersection of Leonard Street and Broadway. It seems that the photographer just missed catching a piece of the Broadway El within the photo’s frame.
Great photo LM. I guess this picture was taken in the very early 1970’s at the latest since the place had been transformed into the supermarket by the time I got to know the area a few years later.
By the way, this photo – and not the current one – should be the one displayed at the top of the page.
Very interesting news Jeff. I guess the now “old” catering places are being supplanted by more trendy establishments. The same has apparently occurred with the Polonaise Terrace in Greenpoint, which also replaced a location previously occupied by a movie theater.
By the way, the map at the top of this page sites the Drake at a location far to the south where it actually was. The correct location is situated a few blocks north of St. Johns Cemetary while the map locates it at the cemetary’s south point, at Cooper Avenue. This is wrong and schould be corrected.
Ed, this was all part of the Lindsay-Bushwick Urban Renewal Project, which transformed huge portions of this community from the 1960’s through the early 1970’s. The portion of the project that affected the Sun’s site occurred toward the beginning of that period.
Well another new year unfolds as does the start of my 7th year as a member of this page. Hope we have a lot to talk about this year and that more people join the discussion. And – hopefully someone will post a vintage picture of the Winnie in 2014. Happy New Year.
I noticed that when you try to search for name or zip code, you initially only get the “Open” theaters which basically involves only a small percentage of the places. Then, when you limit the search to “Closed” or “Demolished” the theaters that come up do not correspond to the category. For example, when I search for 11221 zip and “Closed” I still get theaters that are situated all over the place.
I just noticed an omission at the top of the page. While both the Brooklyn Theatre Index and a previous comment made by Warren G. Harris indicate that the Folly was constructed by the firm of Dodge & Morrison, no reference to this on the page itself appears. Given the impressiveness of this long gone building, I think a little recognition is due. Hopefuly, the site administrator will agree.
Bway, it really is the same situation that would exist if they destroyed the Ridgewood’s facade – which, thanks to Landmarks Preservation, they cannot – and then built anything they wanted to build within the remaining shell. In this sense, the Rainbow presents the worst of both worlds.
Astyanax, I think you are referring to the FOLLY Theatre, which once graced the corner of Graham Ave. and Debevoice St. In looking at photos of the two theaters, one does notice a slight resemblance. However, they were the work of different architects – Dodge and Morrison for the Folly and Carlson and Wiseman for the Alhambra.
While I am at it, thanks site manager for changing the Alhambra’s capacity figure so promptly.
In looking at the very depressing pictures that Williamsburg 145 look last summer, it is certain that the old Rainbow is no more. The central facade, which could have been a grand entrance, was totally destroyed and what was constructed seems to be new work. So, I guess the “Demolished” label needs to be applied here. RIP.
If you want to feel sick, you can check out these pictures in the photo section. But be forewarned.
JD Clement, thanks for your terrific comment and I am glad that I helped you to locate the site.
I think the open air theaters made sense during the silent screen era, when sound was not an factor and air conditioning was just about non-existent. These ventures tended to be seasonal and generally only lasted for a few years. Hope this helps.
In the photo section, Tinseltoes recently posted an ad for the movie “The Soul of Buddha”, staring Theda Bara. Since the picture was released in 1918, the year the Alhambra opened, this must have been one of the earlier films to be presented here.
By the way, both the ad and the Brooklyn Theatre index indicate a 2,200 capacity for the Alhambra. The Index also does not allude to any capacity decrease that subsequently occurred. For this reason, the 1,600 capacity noted at the top of the page is apparently wrong and needs to be corrected.
Thanks for the ad TT. In researching the picture,I noted that the “Great Missouri Raid” was released in 1951. Thus, unless there was an earlier film with this name – not an improbability – the bomb threat occurred either in 1951 or 1952. Do you have any additional info on this.
Even in 1952, this area could have easily been described as being in Ridgewood. The “movement” of the neighborhood lines to the Queens border did not commence until the 1960’s at the earliest.
Recently, Tinseltoes posted an interesting ad for this theater which featured several Charlie Chaplin films, at least one of which also featured Mabel Normand. The ad also provided a sketch of the theater – the only record we have of it as a going cinematic concern. This must have appeared in the late 1910’s – early 1920’s period. Interestingly, the theater was described as the “New Wyckoff”. Given the renovations that Peter Koch noted occurred in 1918, I just wonder if the theater adopted that name – at least for a few years – in the wake of the renovation.
In any event, please check out the photo section to view this valuable addition to the record.
Recently, Ridgewood Ken posted a terrific ad telling us what the Parthenon was presenting during the week of June 7 1925 – or just shortly after the theater “moved” into Queens. Just go into the photo section and enjoy.
Ed and Ken, I totally agree with your comments. What happened here also occurred with several other sites where either the google map or recent photos of the site are featured on the main page and you have to enter the photo section to get the really valuable stuff. I hope the site manager will address this.
Luis and LM, thanks so much for this very encouraging article.
It appears that the new management of the Kings is taking a prudent and level headed approach as to how they will market the theater once it re-opens. Given the disappointing experience that befell the Bronx Paradise, this is a very important consideration that will hopefully work out for the better in Brooklyn.
Finally, although it is not mentioned in the article, I hope that the restored Kings will possess the facilities to present an ocasional movie ot two. It would really be great to experience viewing a classic film in this envoronment. Such special events would also probably draw capacity crowds.
I visited the site over the past weekend. It looked dreadful. It appears that they have demolished most of the site and only the front area – which has already been separated from the rest of the mostly demolished building and may soon experience a similar fate – remains for the present.
This development, in short. represents the worst possible alternative that the old Rainbow could have experienced.
Sorry to be the messenger on this.
According to Wikipedia, “Baby Mine” the film being shown here, was released in 1928. So this is probably how things looked at that time. Unfortunately, Baby Mine is currently listed as a Lost Film.
Thanks so much for the picture LM. Given that this entire community has long disappeared, it is always fascinating to see how things used to be.
I guess the photo was shot at the northeast intersection of Leonard Street and Broadway. It seems that the photographer just missed catching a piece of the Broadway El within the photo’s frame.
Great photo LM. I guess this picture was taken in the very early 1970’s at the latest since the place had been transformed into the supermarket by the time I got to know the area a few years later.
By the way, this photo – and not the current one – should be the one displayed at the top of the page.
Very interesting news Jeff. I guess the now “old” catering places are being supplanted by more trendy establishments. The same has apparently occurred with the Polonaise Terrace in Greenpoint, which also replaced a location previously occupied by a movie theater.
By the way, the map at the top of this page sites the Drake at a location far to the south where it actually was. The correct location is situated a few blocks north of St. Johns Cemetary while the map locates it at the cemetary’s south point, at Cooper Avenue. This is wrong and schould be corrected.
Ed, this was all part of the Lindsay-Bushwick Urban Renewal Project, which transformed huge portions of this community from the 1960’s through the early 1970’s. The portion of the project that affected the Sun’s site occurred toward the beginning of that period.
Welcome back Lost Memory!!
Thanks for the wonderful picture. I just noticed it.
Just a little update. The vacant drug store, alas, was never incorporated into the Kew Gardens. A new store now occupies that site.
Well another new year unfolds as does the start of my 7th year as a member of this page. Hope we have a lot to talk about this year and that more people join the discussion. And – hopefully someone will post a vintage picture of the Winnie in 2014. Happy New Year.
I noticed that when you try to search for name or zip code, you initially only get the “Open” theaters which basically involves only a small percentage of the places. Then, when you limit the search to “Closed” or “Demolished” the theaters that come up do not correspond to the category. For example, when I search for 11221 zip and “Closed” I still get theaters that are situated all over the place.
Hope this helps.
Site manager, thanks so much for the prompt response. Now let’s act on Ed Solero’s issue.
Happy New Year to all!
I just noticed an omission at the top of the page. While both the Brooklyn Theatre Index and a previous comment made by Warren G. Harris indicate that the Folly was constructed by the firm of Dodge & Morrison, no reference to this on the page itself appears. Given the impressiveness of this long gone building, I think a little recognition is due. Hopefuly, the site administrator will agree.
Bway, it really is the same situation that would exist if they destroyed the Ridgewood’s facade – which, thanks to Landmarks Preservation, they cannot – and then built anything they wanted to build within the remaining shell. In this sense, the Rainbow presents the worst of both worlds.
Astyanax, I think you are referring to the FOLLY Theatre, which once graced the corner of Graham Ave. and Debevoice St. In looking at photos of the two theaters, one does notice a slight resemblance. However, they were the work of different architects – Dodge and Morrison for the Folly and Carlson and Wiseman for the Alhambra.
While I am at it, thanks site manager for changing the Alhambra’s capacity figure so promptly.
In looking at the very depressing pictures that Williamsburg 145 look last summer, it is certain that the old Rainbow is no more. The central facade, which could have been a grand entrance, was totally destroyed and what was constructed seems to be new work. So, I guess the “Demolished” label needs to be applied here. RIP.
If you want to feel sick, you can check out these pictures in the photo section. But be forewarned.
You are correct Ed. I guess I spoke too soon. The fact that it is an actual photo makes the ad even more valuable.
JD Clement, thanks for your terrific comment and I am glad that I helped you to locate the site.
I think the open air theaters made sense during the silent screen era, when sound was not an factor and air conditioning was just about non-existent. These ventures tended to be seasonal and generally only lasted for a few years. Hope this helps.
In the photo section, Tinseltoes recently posted an ad for the movie “The Soul of Buddha”, staring Theda Bara. Since the picture was released in 1918, the year the Alhambra opened, this must have been one of the earlier films to be presented here.
By the way, both the ad and the Brooklyn Theatre index indicate a 2,200 capacity for the Alhambra. The Index also does not allude to any capacity decrease that subsequently occurred. For this reason, the 1,600 capacity noted at the top of the page is apparently wrong and needs to be corrected.
Thanks for the ad TT. In researching the picture,I noted that the “Great Missouri Raid” was released in 1951. Thus, unless there was an earlier film with this name – not an improbability – the bomb threat occurred either in 1951 or 1952. Do you have any additional info on this.
Even in 1952, this area could have easily been described as being in Ridgewood. The “movement” of the neighborhood lines to the Queens border did not commence until the 1960’s at the earliest.
Recently, Tinseltoes posted an interesting ad for this theater which featured several Charlie Chaplin films, at least one of which also featured Mabel Normand. The ad also provided a sketch of the theater – the only record we have of it as a going cinematic concern. This must have appeared in the late 1910’s – early 1920’s period. Interestingly, the theater was described as the “New Wyckoff”. Given the renovations that Peter Koch noted occurred in 1918, I just wonder if the theater adopted that name – at least for a few years – in the wake of the renovation.
In any event, please check out the photo section to view this valuable addition to the record.
Recently, Ridgewood Ken posted a terrific ad telling us what the Parthenon was presenting during the week of June 7 1925 – or just shortly after the theater “moved” into Queens. Just go into the photo section and enjoy.
Ed and Ken, I totally agree with your comments. What happened here also occurred with several other sites where either the google map or recent photos of the site are featured on the main page and you have to enter the photo section to get the really valuable stuff. I hope the site manager will address this.
Thanks so much Ken for this terrific vintage photo.