Comments from Mike326

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Mike326
Mike326 commented about Kings Theatre on Oct 25, 2004 at 11:07 pm

It makes me sad every time I drive or walk by the Kings. I can
still see the beautifully lit marquee with the moving white lights,and of course the mesmerizing LOEW’S sign which would spell
out each letter in dazzling neon.
Does anybody know anything as to what is happening?

Mike326
Mike326 commented about Kings Theatre on Apr 11, 2004 at 10:09 pm

Warren,
What does the term “day-and-date” mean ?

Mike326
Mike326 commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Feb 26, 2004 at 9:30 pm

Great to hear !!! Thank you for the good news, even I was getting a little worried..
Thanks again.

Mike326
Mike326 commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Feb 26, 2004 at 8:32 pm

The ZIEGFELD should return to it’s policy from back in the 1980’s and maybe earlier, which is that whichever movie was playing there, could not show at another theater in Manhattan.
The last few times I went, the place was pretty filled up, so hopefully they are just doing some basic renovations, and keeping it as a single house.
When I saw CHICAGO there, there was not an empty seat to be found, and when we left, the line went down 54 st, up 6th av, and back up 55 street.
I/m cautiosly optimistic !

Mike326
Mike326 commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Feb 23, 2004 at 12:39 pm

As I’ve mentioned about Loew’s Kings, it is in the heart of probably the biggest West Indian community in this country, likewise, a renovated entertainment center for that community, and for that matter, everybody else, just seems so perfect. Especially with the municipal parking lot just behind it.
I realize that it would cost millions, buts its interesting, that the Kings just sits there, and has not been turned into a church, supermarket, or anything else.
I can only be hopeful that something positive will happen !

Mike326
Mike326 commented about Kings Theatre on Feb 9, 2004 at 10:12 pm

And as I understand it, the gymnasium for LIU is the auditorium for the former Brooklyn Paramount, and that is, I imagine, unlikely to change.
As far as the Kings…
its for me very interesting that it has stayed intact as a building for so long, as opposed to other movie palaces which have either been demolished or turned into stores, etc.
I am forever hoping, that the grand Kings will be restored.

Mike326
Mike326 commented about Kings Theatre on Feb 9, 2004 at 11:24 am

I believe that it can. It would be a mega-project to say the least, but I just hate that such a beautiful and grand theater with potential, just sits dormant for so long.
I dont know if youre familiar with San Francisco, but alot of the theaters there have been restored, I wish they would do the same here. Do you know the Bay ara of SF ?
ciao.

Mike326
Mike326 commented about Kings Theatre on Feb 8, 2004 at 9:28 pm

Dear Warren, having lived in Flatbush for over 40 years, I would like to correct you that in fact it has become a thriving bustling neighborhood with many new stores and business, catering to the large West Indian community which predominates. The demise of that neighborhood was a fast and disturbing one which occured right after the 1977 blackout, which wiped out many theaters, and many business'.
About ten or so years ago, the neighborhood began a gradual turn around, and many new business' began to open , including many National chain stores. Now, it is once again very busy.
The Kings would be IDEAL an entertainment center catering to the community, and, for that matter, everyone else, especially with the huge parking lot of Sears just behind it.
But, like you mentioned, it’s a matter of money and investors. I guess we can only be hopefull!
Best Regards
Best Regards

Mike326
Mike326 commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Feb 8, 2004 at 9:05 pm

I/m not surprised. Really pretty sickening.

Mike326
Mike326 commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Feb 8, 2004 at 11:43 am

It is very disturbing that the majority of the grand Times Square theaters have been demolished, with the exception of the Astor Plaza.
The Rivoli, Criterion, State, Cinerama, Forum, Embassy, Victoria and even the more modern National, are GONE !
Instead, there are those bizaare 10 or 20 story multiplexs on 42 street. As far as New York theaters, the Astor Plaza, Ziegfeld and the Beekman are truly the last of single screens that I/m aware of.

Mike326
Mike326 commented about Kenmore Theatre on Jan 14, 2004 at 12:49 am

The RKO Kenmore, became a quad as early as 1978. One of the last movies to play there when it was one screen, was “Close Encounters”.
I remember seeing “Foul PLay” there in the fall of 78, and hearing the music from “Grease” pounding through the wall.
Regardless, it’s sad to see it closed, because it was the last surviving movie house in Flatbush, and it was a beauty.

Mike326
Mike326 commented about Century's College Theater on Jan 14, 2004 at 12:37 am

Does anybody have details on Century’s Rialto on Flatbush Ave. off Cortelyou Road.
I know that it closed in the summer of 1977, its last film was “Kentucky Fried Movie”, and it now serves as a church.
Does anybody know anything more about it’s history ?

Mike326
Mike326 commented about Kings Theatre on Jan 12, 2004 at 11:53 am

A new roof was put on the Kings about ten or so years ago, to prevent extreme damage to the interior, and it has proven to be effective more the most part.
However, there is serious leak in the auditorium, down near stage left, which has caused considerable damage to that section.
The Kings is still able to be restored, and from what I understand, it is not a lost case.

Mike326
Mike326 commented about Kings Theatre on Jan 12, 2004 at 12:17 am

From what I have heard, the multiplex plan has fallen through, and the Kings is still in the hands of the city.
The Kings is, in my opinion, the most beautiful theater in Brooklyn, and one of the most beautiful movie palaces anywhere.
Having grown up in Flatbush, it was also such a thrill to see the marquee all lit up at night, and the huge verticle neon LOEW’S sign, spelling out the name.
The one thing I remember in the massive auditorium, were giant baroque murals, and sinister satyr figures surrounding the exits down on either side of the stage.
I have many memories of going to see many movies there, including
“What’s Up Doc”?, “2001: Space Odyssey”, “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”, and the lastly, “Marathon Man” in the winter of 1977, the same year it closed.
The Kings is a true treasure, and its depressing to see it dark and abandoned for so many years, but at least it still stands, and the interior remains.