Harem Theater

Here are some images of the Harem and its enviorons in the late '80's and early '90's:

1988 shot by Matt Weber
Another Matt Weber, circa 1996
Police baracades circa 1997
Slated for demolition circa 1997
Western end of the block (at 8th Ave) circa 1997

That last shot is just for reference, as it is a number of doors down from the Harem, but includes buidlings that were incorporated into the building lot of which the former Harem was a part.

A down and dirty ad from the good ole NY Post:
March 10, 1982

The bottom of the Harem ad hawks X-rated videos for sale - "3 for $100". A pretty decent bargain back in the days when individual titles (X or otherwise) would retail for about $99 a pop.

Here's a link to a website that features a detail photo of the "art work" that decorated the facade of the Harem just above the marquee. It isn't exactly a Diego Rivera mural, but at least the management attempted some sense of atmosphere.

Yes. I'm barely stifling a chuckle.

a mid 80's shot showing the harem/deuce in all its sleazy glory, so different to the miserable strip of theme bars its become today

http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/78605130/

and here in the mid 90's
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/61021011/in/set-1113147/

I always wondered if they cleaned at all in these 24 hour places?

Those were the days, weren't they?

Good heavens! Artistic (hmm) murals and FRISKY HORNY KINKY SLU... just across the street? Maybe someone could recreate a replica of this street on 41st street for the tourist trade.

Obviously it is not just me, but wasn't this squalor oddly beautiful?

You know I'm in your camp on that point, Al...

Here's another shot from flickr.com that looks down the north side of the block from the 7th Avenue side, circa October 1970. The Harem isn't really featured here, but if you look way down between the Modell's and the Flame Steaks signage, you'll see the bright Harem marquee with its black border at a time when it must have been the newest kid on the block.

Lost Memory pointed out this flickr account to me and it's well worth scrolling through (click on images to the right of this shot) if you're interested in other images of the Duece and Times Square in general from that time.

WOW! GREAT PHOTOS!

Its hard to remember walking beneath this short strip of giant colorful marquee's (regardless of what was showing), weaving in and out of others along the always crowded sidewalk and think that someday it would all be gone. I'm glad I was old enough to enjoy and experience THAT 42nd Street. $250 to see Mary Poppins...get real! $2.50 to see Nurse Nancy or Head Nurse plus 2 other "treasures"...now THAT was a deal.

I'm with you on that. Disney should erect an "adult" replica/ retro theme park, with a strip of vintage Grind Houses! That would be so cool!

Bloop, you always make me smile.

The AMC Empire has a touch of the old Deuce -- their revolving sign that says "25" looks like an old peep show "25 cents" sign.

Here's a vidcap from a 1990 clip I found on YouTube.

rescanned photo at better resolution - shot of the north side of 42nd st in 1996 with all the theatres closed and painted bright colours, the harem still with its marquee
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/2121419762/
same shot in 2007 with the Regal Ewalk in its place
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/2121424824/

although if you use the lamp post on the pavement as a guide, the main front of the Regal is to the left of the original site of the Harem

Assuming the lamp post was not itself relocated... that would place the Yankees Store more or less on the original site of the Harem. Steroids and porn make for a potent combination.

From the waist up, maybe. But everything below the waist -- kaput!

Here is an October 1975 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/46t7hy

That link has also gone to link heaven.

One more time:
http://tinyurl.com/6ztqxh

Was "Farm Games" a Disney movie?

Not likely. It does takes nerve to advertise that kind of film on your marquee. You'd think PETA would be picketing on a round-the-clock basis.

I guess if endangered species were involved in the orgy scenes then PETA would have been protesting the movie. :)

Thank You for the EXCELLENT pics of the Harem Theater. During the summer of 1984 I was homeless in Manhattan and I used to pay $5.00 in the afternoon at the Harem to get in and I would stay all night until they kicked us out at 6:00 am. I have fond memories of the place and I miss the old Times Square area.
Mark Montgomery boboberg@nyc.rr.com

Matt Weber Rules....

Here is another photo from 1996.

Hey thanks for the 1996 pic, it was a bit of a chore to copy it but I got it. Mark Montgomery

More photos for your collection.

1983 Photo

1986 Photo

This was another Harem in the early seventies. Address was 723 Eighth Avenue.
http://tinyurl.com/puy6ag

I am not sure how appetizing "Flame Steaks" would have been, wedged between two XXX buildings. It looks like it even has it's own mini-marquee.
Not to mention the next door Grocery, Candy, Cold Beer & Cigarettes.
Seems like every hedonistic base was covered, in those four stores.

Here is a June 1971 photo from the NY Daily News:
http://tinyurl.com/ny56ep

This was the Harem in 1976.