I need to correct myself. I actually visited the theatre today to see “Ginger and Rosa” in their smaller screening room. It is actually only 16 seats (not 80 as documented in other places). Surprisingly they are large comfortable seats with footrests. And all digital. I also poked my head into the larger auditorium and it’s lovely! I hadn’t been there in years but I will be going back.
I remember back in the 1960’s (prior to first run films opening on 3,000 screens) that United Artists started the then revolutionary “Premiere Showcase” A new first run film would open in one or two theatres in each market (here in the Bronx it was the Luxor). Now I have to shlep to Manhattan and pay upwards of $14 to see a limited release movie because we don’t even know if the film will go to other theatres (we have two terrible art theatres in Westchester but it’s pot luck what will play. Never caught “Robot and Frank”, “Jiro Loves Sushi”, “Last Quartet” or “English Vinglish”. When something does play there are always lines. Thank godness we’re getting an Alamo Drafthouse in a few months.
For a time this theatre was used to show TV pilots and tested with the public. I think it was the mid-60’s I went a couple of times. Only pilot I even remotely recall was some terrible comedy with Bette Davis as an interior decorator.
The ad at the top of this page is the original Loew’s State after it was refurbished in 1959. The Sony State Theatres had a simple marquee under the Virgin Megastore sign. I went there a few times. Always empty. Kinda sad.
The opening attractions in it’s initial incarnation in 1971 were “Kidnapped” with Michael Caine and “The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight”. I was there the first day to see the latter. Love the smell of a new theatre, freshly laid carpet, no musty pospcorn odors yet.
jeffg718’s photo should be at the top of this entry. Not some obscure street view. (Too many of these on the site)
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7r9g5/europetheatre/
Fred…I don’t know if you’re in that area but I’m so looking forward to this, especially after seeing their PSAs. As of now, the only theatres showing ‘specialty fare’ is the Bronxville Triplex (where there is zero parking) and the god-awful Cinema 100 Greenburgh. I just hope their pricing policy is more in line with Westchester County than Manhattan ($14 and up)
Something, or should I say nothing is going on over here. The Alamo website says the theatre should be open in time for the 2102 holiday season. As of yesterday when I drove by there was nothing being done. Not even a sign or notice of anything happening. Have the plans been scrapped? Hope not. I hear only great things about the Alamos!
I hadn’t been to this theatre in years but went recently as they had the Fanthom Event of “Frankenstein” and “Bride of Frankenstein”. Place seemed to be in pretty good shape. thebrat is correct about avoiding theatres 11-12-13. Very poorly designed chopped up auditorium. Problem is you never know which theatre is playing your film until after you get inside. Now I ask.
Uh oh! According to today’s Daily News (12-2-12) the Paradise has been leased to The World Changers Church of New York. At least it’s a televangelist church so us theatre lovers can get glimpses of this majestic house on TV. Here is a link to the article:
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/world-changers-church-new-york-occupy-paradise-article-1.1211185
Can’t wait for the Alamo! Have only heard good things about the chain, especially their no tolerace policy of cell phones. BTW the picture above is ridiculous. That pic is two blocks away and facing the wrong side of the street!
Goofy experience here. Went to a double feature of “The Odd Couple” and “Smashing Time”. About a half hour into the first film the screen went dark. We were told it would be a few minutes as a bulb needed to be replaced. Well, it turned into an hour as the manager said they had no extra bulbs and had to get one from another theatre! No aplogies, just a lot of annoyed patrons!
I saw “A Woman Under the Influence” at the Dale. They had a ridiculous round illuminated clock on the top left corner of the screen! Not only the time but it said The Dime Savings Bank. Made a long movie even longer!
According to the most recent Bronx Journal News, the property has been sold and the theatre is going to be demolished to make room for some sort of major shopping plaza. That leaves only three theatres for the entire borough! BTW I live in the area and the picture above is about a mile away from the actual site!
Sorry but this photo is not of the Forum in Utica, NY. It is actually the Forum Theater on 47th Street and Broadway in New York City. In the background you can see the old Strand Theatre (converted to a twin and renamed The Penthouse and The Cinerama).
No, it’s not near Tremont. That would be the Jerome Theatre (later renamed The Art Theatre). Tremont is about one mile North. The Zenith was down the road from The Luxor (170th just off the Concourse).
Why should someone get a refund because he didn’t like the movie? If this was any theatre’s policy they would be out of business within a few weeks! I’ve seen a lot of crap but never once even thought about a refund. Imagine people wanting their money back after seeing an Adam Sandler movie movie because they found it stupid! C'mon!
The building has been cleaned up (except the graffiti covered vertical sign) and has reopened as a supermarket. The owners have a large wall honoring the history of the theatre with some lovely pictures and posters. You can easily make out the theatre highlights and projection booth.
I need to correct myself. I actually visited the theatre today to see “Ginger and Rosa” in their smaller screening room. It is actually only 16 seats (not 80 as documented in other places). Surprisingly they are large comfortable seats with footrests. And all digital. I also poked my head into the larger auditorium and it’s lovely! I hadn’t been there in years but I will be going back.
Description should be changed to “2 screens” as the 80 seater is open.
I remember back in the 1960’s (prior to first run films opening on 3,000 screens) that United Artists started the then revolutionary “Premiere Showcase” A new first run film would open in one or two theatres in each market (here in the Bronx it was the Luxor). Now I have to shlep to Manhattan and pay upwards of $14 to see a limited release movie because we don’t even know if the film will go to other theatres (we have two terrible art theatres in Westchester but it’s pot luck what will play. Never caught “Robot and Frank”, “Jiro Loves Sushi”, “Last Quartet” or “English Vinglish”. When something does play there are always lines. Thank godness we’re getting an Alamo Drafthouse in a few months.
For a time this theatre was used to show TV pilots and tested with the public. I think it was the mid-60’s I went a couple of times. Only pilot I even remotely recall was some terrible comedy with Bette Davis as an interior decorator.
Now THAT’S the Loew’s State 4! Thanks for the fix!
The ad at the top of this page is the original Loew’s State after it was refurbished in 1959. The Sony State Theatres had a simple marquee under the Virgin Megastore sign. I went there a few times. Always empty. Kinda sad.
The opening attractions in it’s initial incarnation in 1971 were “Kidnapped” with Michael Caine and “The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight”. I was there the first day to see the latter. Love the smell of a new theatre, freshly laid carpet, no musty pospcorn odors yet.
jeffg718’s photo should be at the top of this entry. Not some obscure street view. (Too many of these on the site) http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7r9g5/europetheatre/
And yet…it’s still open! YAY!
Fred…I don’t know if you’re in that area but I’m so looking forward to this, especially after seeing their PSAs. As of now, the only theatres showing ‘specialty fare’ is the Bronxville Triplex (where there is zero parking) and the god-awful Cinema 100 Greenburgh. I just hope their pricing policy is more in line with Westchester County than Manhattan ($14 and up)
Opps. I obviously meant 2012. Thanks Fred for the update
Something, or should I say nothing is going on over here. The Alamo website says the theatre should be open in time for the 2102 holiday season. As of yesterday when I drove by there was nothing being done. Not even a sign or notice of anything happening. Have the plans been scrapped? Hope not. I hear only great things about the Alamos!
I hadn’t been to this theatre in years but went recently as they had the Fanthom Event of “Frankenstein” and “Bride of Frankenstein”. Place seemed to be in pretty good shape. thebrat is correct about avoiding theatres 11-12-13. Very poorly designed chopped up auditorium. Problem is you never know which theatre is playing your film until after you get inside. Now I ask.
Uh oh! According to today’s Daily News (12-2-12) the Paradise has been leased to The World Changers Church of New York. At least it’s a televangelist church so us theatre lovers can get glimpses of this majestic house on TV. Here is a link to the article: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/world-changers-church-new-york-occupy-paradise-article-1.1211185
Can’t wait for the Alamo! Have only heard good things about the chain, especially their no tolerace policy of cell phones. BTW the picture above is ridiculous. That pic is two blocks away and facing the wrong side of the street!
Goofy experience here. Went to a double feature of “The Odd Couple” and “Smashing Time”. About a half hour into the first film the screen went dark. We were told it would be a few minutes as a bulb needed to be replaced. Well, it turned into an hour as the manager said they had no extra bulbs and had to get one from another theatre! No aplogies, just a lot of annoyed patrons!
I saw “A Woman Under the Influence” at the Dale. They had a ridiculous round illuminated clock on the top left corner of the screen! Not only the time but it said The Dime Savings Bank. Made a long movie even longer!
The Payless store was the entrance and lobby. The CVS is the auditorium
According to the most recent Bronx Journal News, the property has been sold and the theatre is going to be demolished to make room for some sort of major shopping plaza. That leaves only three theatres for the entire borough! BTW I live in the area and the picture above is about a mile away from the actual site!
OMG! I actually have a copy of this LIFE magazine! Thanks for the reminder.
The Valentine ended it’s existance as a triplex.
Sorry but this photo is not of the Forum in Utica, NY. It is actually the Forum Theater on 47th Street and Broadway in New York City. In the background you can see the old Strand Theatre (converted to a twin and renamed The Penthouse and The Cinerama).
No, it’s not near Tremont. That would be the Jerome Theatre (later renamed The Art Theatre). Tremont is about one mile North. The Zenith was down the road from The Luxor (170th just off the Concourse).
Why should someone get a refund because he didn’t like the movie? If this was any theatre’s policy they would be out of business within a few weeks! I’ve seen a lot of crap but never once even thought about a refund. Imagine people wanting their money back after seeing an Adam Sandler movie movie because they found it stupid! C'mon!
The building has been cleaned up (except the graffiti covered vertical sign) and has reopened as a supermarket. The owners have a large wall honoring the history of the theatre with some lovely pictures and posters. You can easily make out the theatre highlights and projection booth.