Hollywood Theatre

The 1942 pre-release engagement of "Casablanca" took place at the Warner Hollywood Theatre, starting Thanksgiving Weekend. In 1956, the great Broadway musical "My Fair Lady" with Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews opened here when it was renamed the Mark Hellinger Theatre (after the Broadway and Hollywood producer).

This theatre was designed by Thomas Lamb. Much of your info is incorrect. It was only briefly known as the 51st Street Theatre during some of the Depression years, when Warner Brothers sub-leased it for plays, concerts, etcetera. As soon as the Depression was over, Warners re-claimed it as the Hollywood and made it a showcase for its most-important releases such as "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "Casablanca." When the movie of "Life With Father" in 1947, it was re-named the Warner Theatre and then the Mark Hellinger when it was sold to house stage plays. The Warner Theatre name was then transferred to the Strand Theatre (B'way & 47th Street) when it dropped its stage show + feature film policy for movies only.

In the picture above you see the 51st Street marquee. But when the Warner opened it also had a Broadway marquee and box office entrance. This area was closed off when the theatre switched over to plays.

The movie version of Chorus Line was filmed here in the middle 80's. I saw my first Broadway show here around 1963, "Sound Of Music" which I think ended its run here after it moved over from the Lunt Fontaine Theatre.

There is a severe shortage of musical theatres of this size in the theatre district. It would be nice if this theatre could be brought back on line and a new and larger home found for the church who have taken such good care of it.I heard a rumor that Disney was very interested in this theatre. brucec

This theatre deserves to be listed under its original name of Hollywood. The Times Square Church is not a theatre...The Hollywood first opened on April 22, 1930, with the WB movie, "Hold Everything." Although it had stage facilities, the Hollywood never used them while it was a movie house. The original entrance was on Broadway, with a narrow art nouveau lobby that cut through an office building. This lobby opened into the oval grand foyer. The current entrance on 51st Street was originally just exit doors with a plain marquee as protection from bad weather.

Mark Hellinger was a beloved Broadway character, a newspaper columnist and writer before becoming a Hollywood movie producer. The theatre re-opened as the Mark Hellinger on January 22, 1949, with the musical revue, "All For Love," which lasted only 141 performances. The playhouse never had a smash hit until "My Fair Lady," which opened in March, 1956.

This beautiful theatre is the last movie palace still standing in the Broadway area. Hopefully, the building can eventaully be returned to presenting shows. A producer with creative vision could do so much with it.

Someone recently asked if the nearby Roseland, at 239 West 52nd Street, was ever a theatre. The answer is "no." Roseland is a conversion of the Gay Blades Ice Skating Rink. The original Roseland, a purpose-built dance hall that opened in 1919, was on the east side of Broadway, in the same block as the Piccadilly Theatre, between 51st and 52nd Streets. Everything on that site was demolished to make way for the City Squire Hotel. Roseland moved to its current location in 1956.

I noticed that the style of this theatre is given as "art deco". The facade is in that style, but the interior is done in the same sort of gorgeous french baroque that Thomas Lamb used in San Francisco's Fox Theatre, and the Loew's Midland in Kansas City.

They have been doing work in the auditorium and lobby areas on the ceilings in the last two months. They have been doing a few youth programs (music & speakers) and two film screenings (youth church type). I live right next door to the theatre.

Last week they re-lamped the lobby chandelier.

If this theatre could have hung on a few years the Broadway boom of the ninties would have probably made it a success.

Robert,

This theater is obviously a success, since it has become a place for people to worship the good lord in such a heavenly atmosphere. At least it wasnt destroyed as the Paramount and Roxy were. The best part is that it is now open for all to see.

Divinity
I agree, aside from performance venues churches have saved many great theatres.

In the movie "Taxi Driver" you can see the Hollywood marquee in the background when DeNiro is walking. Is this the same theatre?

Don

No that is the Hollwywood Twin Cinema on 8th Avenue, which is not that far away from this theatre.

If the theatre marquee said "Hollywood," it was probably the Hollywood Twin Cinemas on Eighth Avenue. Check out the listing here for that theatre.

Someone above mentions "Taxi Driver" and the other night it was on (it's on a lot lately on cable). Anyway...does anyone know what movie theater Travis takes Betsy to when the go to the porn movie? Just curious what it is now..

The Lyric 42nd St.

The Hollywood's name switched to Warner Theatre on August 15, 1947, with the opening of WB's film version of "Life With Father," a play that was then considered the most successful in the history of the American stage, with a run of nearly eight years (3,224 performances). In fact, the play's New York engagment had ended only a month before (July 12). The movie might have seemed an ideal booking for Radio City Music Hall, but WB could earn more by presenting it at its own theatre.

The last movie to play at the theatre under its original name of Hollywood was WB's "Possessed" (Joan Crawford & Van Heflin), which opened on May 29, 1947...The Hollywood was built on part of the corner site of the famous Hotel Albany, which was demolished starting in October, 1928. The site was shared with a new office building that fronted on Broadway. The theatre was actually behind it, but had an entrance lobby on Broadway that cut through the office building. The Hollywood's boxoffice and marquee were directly opposite the Warner-Piccadilly, which was on the east side of Broadway. The current entrance shown in the introductory photo was originally just a side exit from the Hollywood.

A night view
http://ki.cs.tu-berlin.de/~cove/0209NewYork/20020910-086%20NewYork%20financial%20times%20square%20church.JPG

Looks like the musical "Times Square Church" is playing. I think "Legs Diamond" with Peter Allen was one of the last big shows here.

Here's a 1940 view of the original entrance on Broadway. Curiously, the marquee gives credit to the movie's author, but fails to mention the star, who by that time was developing into "boxoffice poison." The restaurant to the left was the legendary Lindy's, whose corner site is now occupied by a McDonald's:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/131-3147_IMG.jpg

The status should be changed to "open." If you go during a service, it's one of the best shows in town, and admission is FREE!

The key word is service. As entertaining as it may be, that is not the main goal-obviously. It still is a church. It would be nice someday to see the place return as a fully functional theatre as it was intended to be.

Yes, the Mark Hellinger is still an eye-popper. Last month on a Sunday afternoon at 2:30 pm my car ride from upstate dropped me off just outside the theater as it was filling up with church-goers. I went inside and marveled at the wonderfully bright preservation of the lobby. Ushers were not letting visitors into the auditorium, but I peered through one of the sheer-curtained glass doors and saw that the interior is as splendid as the lobby. It's very close to what I remember from the days between "My Fair Lady" ('56) and "Coco" ('69), right down to the sheer-curtained doors. Warren has mentioned an article on the City Section of the NYTimes on 4 December 2005. The color picture of the rear balcony looks wonderful. Bravo!

regarding the Aug 3rd post, Warren wasn't Lindy's down at 43rd or 44th on Broadway? Its gone now for a Bank of America. Or perhaps there were 2 Lindy's?

Warren points out the location of the original Lindy's on Broadway and 51st. Actually, I believe there was a predecessor elsewhere along Broadway, but this was the restaurant where gangster Arnold Rothstein had his own personal booth and where the colorfully crooked characters created by Damon Runyon held court (though it was dubbed "Mindy's" in Runyon's short stories). Long after owner Leo "Lindy" Lindemann's death, the restaurant operated on the corner of 45th and Broadway in the ground floor of the 1 Astor Plaza skyscraper that went up in the early '70's - this is the location you're thinking of hdtv267 (and the one that remains in my memory).

Last I knew, that location had closed and Lindy's (now part of the Riese Organization) was up on Broadway and 53rd and I seem to recall there is also a Lindy's across from Penn Station in the Hotel Pennsylvania on 7th Ave between 33rd and 32nd Streets.

This is one of the most beautiful theaters in New York! I happened to be passing by and the doors were open for a church service and I stopped in. It was incredible to see a movie palace still is beautiful condition! The church has done a wonderful job in taking care of this wondrous facility.

For many years this was a theater for Broadway productionsand was named the Mark Hellinger. I remember seeing the musical "Timbuktu!" with Eartha Kitt in the early 80's. What a shame that it didn't remain a live theater venue. I pray for the day that the church sells the theater back so that it can return to live theater. I want to publically thank and "Praise" the Times Square Church for its stewardship. Now that Broadway can support a "New" venue for theater, it would be amaazing if they could return it to its rightful use and use the proceeds to build a new church or fund good works.

I visited the church with my camera this past Sunday and was able to roam around and take a few photos. I shied away from taking any shots from the orchestra area as there were people kneeling before the altar, so I relegated myself to the balcony and rotunda foyer. As has been noted here, this is a spectacular theater and I'm thankful that the church has kept it maintained and open for the public to appreciate. I intend on going back for a service one of these days as the choir (which could be heard practicing downstairs in the lower level) sounded splendid.

Marquee and facade
Exterior detail under canopy
Rotunda ceiling
Rotunda mezzanine
Mezzanine balustrade
Balustrade detail
Rotunda view from stairs
Rotunda mirror and chandelier
Proscenium from loge
Proscenium side view
Auditorium side view from loge
Proscenium crown
Loge seat end-cap
Face at the bottom of the stairs
Close-up

I could have taken dozens of detail shots, there is so much intricate ornamentation. The rotunda mirror pictured above is situated on the eastern foyer wall which is in the direction of Broadway, so I assume that the vestibule from the original B'way entrance must have emptied into the rotunda at this point below the mirror. I neglected to take a photo of the exterior auditorium facade just to the left of the marquee pictured in the first photo. However, you can make out in that photo two green copper flag-pole holders just to the left below the roof line (and obscured by some tree branches). There is a matching set on the other end of the building further down the block with the flagpole still intact intact. Atop that flagpole is a metal cast bird in flight (an eagle perhaps, but I couldn't make it out).

This place is, in a word, sumptuous! Sunday services 10AM, 3PM and 6PM... As Warren said, one of the best shows in town and it's FREE!

What a knockout theatre!

Isn't it? I also got in to the Broadway Theater, Winter Garden Theater and the legitimate Majestic Theater (which, having never hosted movie exhibition, is not listed on this site) in the same weekend and took photos of each. The Majestic is an impressive bit of Roman inspired architecture, but I think the Hollywood outclassed the others that I toured, by far (and these photos came out the best of the bunch).

While in the neighborhood, I also grabbed some photos of the buildings that sadly occupy the sites of the former Capitol Theater, Rivoli Theater and Roxy Theater.

Hey Ed, thanks so much for the pictures. They absolutely wonderful!

I have a new idea for returning this theater to legitimate use. This theater is one of the most beautiful remaining on the Great White Way. What if the Times Square Church "exchanged" this theater for another (with some cash thrown in). Surely the Schuberts, Nederlanders and Jujamcyn have theaters they would gladly trade to get a hold of this one. That way we get a beautiful performance space returned to the public and the church still has a meeting place and additional cash for their programs of good works.

It's just a thought!!!!!

The Hollywood was purpose built for films in the tradition of the grand movie palaces, which were always more flamboyant than playhouses. As a cinema, it never presented stage shows with its films. It fell into the "legit" fold only when it could no longer earn a profit with movies.

This place looks even better then it did when I saw a show there in the 1980's. Some trivia Marlene Dietrich brought her one woman show here after it was such a smash the year before at the Lunt Fontaine.

The church just started a new project on the marquee of the theatre.
In EdSolero picture of the marquee area, they reasonly put a temp sign on the marquee. Yesterday they were pulling metel pieces from the sign and sides of the marquee areas. In live next door to the church. There is two entertainment projects happening over on 8 Avenue @ 45th and 46th. One is I believe a Schubert project @45th and the other is Disney @46th.. The tenants at those area locations leases are ending or have been bought out. Two local watering holes are slated to close that are in those buildings, Barrymores Bar and McHales Bar. As to the idea of a trade, the only theatres would be out of the way like the Belasco or the Nederlander theatres. The church has leased space in the building between 51st & 52nd an Broadway.

Perhaps the church could swap premises with the Ziegfeld so that the Hollywood could be returned to its original purpose as a movie palace. I'd much rather see a film there than at the Ziegfeld, and the Hollywood would also be much better suited to the press previews and premieres currently held at the Ziegfeld.

I think the trade for the Nederlander or Belasco would be ideal! These houses don't compare to the Hollywood is grandeur, but would still work well as a house of worship. I like the Ziegfeld, but even if I didn't, a trade for the Hollywood probably wouldn't work. Mainly, I can't imagine that Clearview Cinemas (corporate parent for the Ziegfeld) would be able to come up with much cash to entice the church to trade and I woldn't trust Clearview to run the Hollywood as a first class operation. While it would be wonderful to see films here once again, the reality is that it would function and be properly maintained best as a venue for live theater.

Since my last post for this theatre. The workmen have removed most of the inner workings of the marquee. In doing this they have uncovered some of the original lighting design for under the marquee. Nederlanders were fools to sell the theatre in the first place, but are far lesser houses. The church has maintained this house very well. The price tag would be well over 25 million dollars. Another thing is the church uses the stage area for shows from time to time.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b254/davebazooka/HollywoodMarquee.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b254/davebazooka/HollywoodMarquee2.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b254/davebazooka/HollywoodMarquee3.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b254/davebazooka/HollywoodMarquee.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b254/davebazooka/HollywoodMarquee2.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b254/davebazooka/HollywoodMarquee3.jpg

Whoops, double post, sorry everyone.

Interesting davebazooka... Is the bottom portion of the marquee the original canopy - with a new frame built around and over it to accomodate the more modern and boxy marquee?

It sure looks that way but I am not sure. Let's hope that if it is, they will restore the marquee to its original look.

If you look under the marquee, there is still afew of the original light fixtures left. But most of the material removed from the marquee has been trashed. There is old light bulbs that run all along the inner border of the marquee.

I found my way here through a bit of research and see that it was a Warner theatre! I would love to see how the church has changed the interior to fit their spiritual needs so perhaps a CT member can post a photo(s).

Two big names are associated with this theatre/church....Lamb and Warner!

Ed: Your 1/10/06 post with interior photos was wonderful to see and I thank you.

http://www.timessquarechurch.org/about/

This is the official site for the church which shows a color photo of the auditorium with balcony during a service and a full house of worshipers.

ERD: "The key word is service. As entertaining as it may be, that is not the main goal-obviously. It still is a church. It would be nice someday to see the place return as a fully functional theatre as it was intended to be." I have to say I agree with these comments after viewing the photos.

Having said that I have since read that the church has completed many restoration aspects of the former theatre which includes work in the auditorium and lobby areas (re-lamping the chandelier) in 2004. In addition to this theatre being known as the Mark Hellinger Theatre it was also known as the 51st Street Theatre and the Warner Theatre. Is this Mark Hellinger still living?

Mark Hellinger the person the theatre was later named after lived from March 21, 1903 to December 21, 1947.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0375446/

William: Thanks for the Hellinger information...checked out the imdb site which I'm familiar with having looked up many celebrity names.

From the New York Times:
'HOLD EVERYTHING' OPENS NEW THEATRE; Walker and Mayor Mackey of
Philadelphia Speak at Ceremonies in the Hollywood. NEW FILM IS COLORFUL
Based on Musical Comedy of Same Name--Old and New Pictures Show
Screen Progress.

By MORDAUNT HALL.
Published: April 23, 1930

With brief addresses from Mayor Walker of this city and Mayor Mackey
of Philadelphia, the Warner Brothers' ornamental and wonderfully
comfortable new Hollywood Theatre, at Broadway and Fifty-first
Street, was opened last night.

There were a number of notables in the orchestra seats and they
received an opportunity to study the great strides made in the motion
picture business since the film "The Kiss" was produced some thirty
years ago and also flashes of other old-time films, such as "The
Great Train Robbery." It was tremendously interesting to observe the
steady improvement in these shadow offerings, particularly when
Giovanni Martinelli appeared eventually on the screen with other
singers rendering in an inspiring fashion an aria from "Aida."

The feature of the evening was the audible pictorial version of "Hold
Everything," which aroused many a wave of laughter. The principals in
this ludicrous turns of events are the ever-amusing Joe E. Brown,
whose willingness to take punishment helped in affording no little
merriment; Winnie Lightner, who did so well in the picture "Gold
Diggers of Broadway"; Sally O'Neil; Bert Roach, who does not get
quite the opportunity he deserves; the fair Dorothy Revier, and
Georges Carpentier, who, after seeing Maurice Chevalier, appears to
have been fortunate in making the screen his second vocation, for as
a performer he is at his best when he is in the prize ring and not
when he is discussing sweet nothings with pretty girls.

It is a gusty affair, this "Hold Everything," with a funny pugilistic
encounter in which Mr. Brown is one of the fighters. The Technicolor
effects in these scenes are especially good, most of them being in focus.

Mr. Brown figures as Gink Schiner, who does not object to being
mistaken for a champion pugilist. He is, however, wary enough to
avoid imbibing the drugged drink!

Mr. Brown as Gink Schiner has his periods of pain, which, of course,
afford pleasure to those in the plush seats. At one juncture he finds
himself in a reducing cabinet and apparently is in great distress
when the lever of the cabinet is jammed. Schiner seems at first to be
trying to expire cheerfully, but subsequently the heat of the cabinet
is too much for him and he becomes exhausted and is unable to keep
his head above the aperture.

Gink's mouth is likened to a cavern and one is constrained to believe
that this is an apt description. This capacious mouth gives him an
opportunity to express his mirth, his fear and his confidence in the
ring. M. Carpentier may be the real fighter of this production, but
Mr. Brown keeps the fun going to such extent that one would perhaps
sooner see him trying to make the best of a bad bargain in a
pugilistic encounter than gaze upon M. Carpentier's more serious
fistic prowess.

The Frenchman has to take on the champion, Bob Morgan, who is
credited with dismissing his opponents in one or two rounds,
according to his wont. Georges Carpentier, to afford suspense, has to
permit Morgan to have the best of the fight for a few minutes, but
finally Carpentier turns the tables on his adversary and rains blows
upon him until the erstwhile champion is groggy.

Dorothy Revier acts the placid and graceful Norine Lloyd, who is in
love with Georges La Verne (M. Carpentier). She wants to give Georges
a present, and as he happens to be the Beau Brummel of prizefighters,
she can't think of anything more appropriate than a beautiful
bathrobe. Norine does not know that Georges is much interested in the
brunette, Sue Burke, whom he has known since he was a little boy.
Miss Burke is played by Sally O'Neill.

So long as Mr. Brown occupies the screen this picture is funny, but
when it delves into romance the interest wanes. There are some
pleasing songs and Miss Lightner does her share in her own way to
enliven the episodes in which she appears.


HOLD EVERYTHING, with Joe E. Brown, Winnie Lightner, Sally O'Neil,
Dorothy Revier, Georges Carpentier, Bert Roach, Edmund Breese, Jack
Curtis, Tony Stabenau, Lew Harvey and Jimmie Quinn, based on the
musical comedy of the same name, directed by Roy Del Ruth, with music
and lyrics by Ray Henderson and Lew Brown. At the Hollywood Theatre.

Ed: I just looked at a b/w photo of the Hollywood proscenium on page 61 and see the famous H above the curtain, but see in your posted photo that the H has either been removed or covered up?

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b110/GuanoReturns/Manhattan%20Theaters%202005/IMG_1181.jpg

Page 61 in the book, Cinema Treasures by Ross Melnick and Andreas Fuchs.

Patsy... I compared the photos and see what you mean. Looks like some extra material was added to the point at the top center where the drapery is pulled up into the crown of the proscenium design. That material seems to cover the spot where the stylish "H" was embroidered.

It would be nice if the church would choose to let that "H" be visible to the congregation as that is the theatre's rightful heritage and namesake.

They installed the three new panels for the new marquee this morning at the theatre. The new panels give the marquee that new moderized look, but it's a work still in progress.

William. When it's completed, I'd be interested in seeing a photo posted here, if you can oblige.

"Bravo" Ed and Davebazooka for taking and posting those terrific photos! It's a shame that more "unlikely" photographs like yours haven't been taken -- or, if taken, are languishing in someone's attic somewhere. To my mind, too many photos are taken of the obvious stuff and too few of what's really interesting -- at least, to me!

To answer a question about Lindy's: Yes, the Lindy's next to the Mark Hellinger is the second Lindy's -- the one next to the Mark Hellinger was the "big" Lindy's. The original Lindy's -- this was the small Lindy's -- was just to the north of where the Rivoli Theater was. I believe it closed in the late 1950s, and the Lindy's next to the Mark Hellinger was then the only Lindy's. Big Lindy's closed in the late 1960s or early 1970s and was replaced by a "Brew Berger." For many, many years, though, they were too "cheap" to replace the windows and revolving doors of Lindy's, so you could see bits of Lindy's even when it was a Brew Berger. (The Lindy's in the One Astor Place Building is not a "true" Lindy's, but a restaurant that was opened by the Reese (?)Organization years after the original Lindy's closed. I think they may have also opened one in Rockefeller Center opposite Radio City Music Hall.)

I too think it would be great if someone built an "absolutely perfect" house of worship and traded it with the church for the Mark Hellinger. By the way, Donald Trump did something similar once. The New York Foundling Hospital (run by nuns) had a big, modern (1940s or 1950s) building that was too big and outdated for its needs in the late 1980s. (The mission of the hospital had changed dramatically.) The location of the hospital was perfect, though, for a large luxury apartment house. So Donald Trump built the nuns a brand new, state of the art foundling hospital at a nice, but cheaper, location just north of Greenwich Village, got the site of the Foundling Hospital in return and built a very large luxury apartment house on the site (Trump Plaza?). Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that converting the Hellinger back to theatrical / cinematic uses would be able to generate the same kind of money in order to make such a trade practical, though.

I believe the marquee that was up just before the Hellinger was converted to a church was basically the same marquee that was there when "My Fair Lady" (and later, "the Sound of Music") was in residence. A number of Broadway marquees were re-done in the late 1950s (e.g., the original Helen Hayes, the Lunt-Fontanne) and the early 1960s, but I got the impression that the Hellinger marquee was original from, at least, the time the main entrance was moved to the side street. (But this is only a guess.)

Right now if you look at the under side of the marquee. You can see some of the original Hollywood/Hellinger marquee light fixtures. A few months ago when they took the old marquee panels down, some of the light bulbs still lite up.

The "status" of this building needs to be changed from "closed" to "open."

One of the Hollywood's biggest hits:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/hollywoodhit.jpg

During the last two days they have been finishing up on new marquee. Today they were installing the new underside lighting. But in doing this the lighting company removed and trashed the original Hollywood/Hellinger marquee light fixtures. That had been hidden for many years.

The vintage poster cases have been converted to the back light style, that you see at your local multi-plex.

The series of photos I posted back in February are now located at this Hollywood Theater album, now that I've reorganized my photobucket account. The old links no longer work.

One day in the mid-1980s I noticed that the scene door at the Hellinger was open, so I stepped just inside it. The stage was full of lumber and plywood and a few carpenters were busy constructing set pieces. I looked up and was surprised to find that the theatre's stage had fly space only over the forward half; the rear half of the stage had very little fly space above it. This is unusual in a Bway musical house. The dressing rooms for the theatre apparently are located along the rear stage wall.

Wow, Ed, those photos are great!! It's a real shame the theater isn't being used as a theater anymore, but no one can complain, as it's obviously in loving hands....

I knew a Tommy lamb and Taresa lamb from 34st. in astoria any relation?

Was the Strand/Hollywood next to the Automat? If so I have a picture I would like to share, the photo is from the 1940's I believe."Rhapsody in Blue" was playing at the time.

The Strand was in the next block north of that Automat. The Strand's electrical sign on the corner of 47th Street & Broadway was sometimes used for movies being shown at the Hollywood, which was under the same ownership as the Strand but situated at 51st Street & Broadway. The Strand and Hollywood were two different theatres. In its last phase as a cinema, the Hollywood was renamed the Warner. After the Warner became a playhouse called the Mark Hellinger, the Strand was renamed the Warner.

Thanks Warren! What happened to the Strand? What is there now? Is there a link to photos?

The Strand has its own listing here as theatre #2975. You should be able to find history and photos there amongst the numerous postings. Unfortunately, the Strand was demolished and replaced by a huge highrise building.

There was a theater just a door or two down from the Horn & Hardart off B'way & 47th... I believe it was the Forum 47th aka Movieland - also demolished and replaced by a high rise building (the W Hotel).

That Automat was on the west side of Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets, just north of the Globe Theatre and just south of the Central (which had numerous subsequent names, including Forum). The Globe is now the Lunt-Fontanne, with entrance on 46th Street.

That's right - although in my day the Globe Theater entrance had been long before relocated around the corner as the Lunt-Fontanne. The Automat building is still recognizable - albeit shorn of any original facade elements - and I believe houses a discount emporium of some sort. I wonder if any of the original H&H interior elements remain - such as the elaborate columns and ceiling work. I doubt it, but I'll have to poke my head in there one of these days.

Ed, the pictures you took of the Hellinger are excellent. Thanks for letting us see them.

The Automat between 46th and 47th Streets had an address of 1557 Broadway. A vintage postcard showing the interior can be seen by searching the word "Automat" in the Digital Image Gallery at the New York Public Library's website: www.nypl.org

The name changed from Hollywood Theatre to Warner Theatre on August 15th, 1947, with the premiere engagement of the eagerly-awaited filmization of one of Broadway's longest-running stage productions: www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/hollywarner.jpg

This is a photo of a Hollywood Theater. Is it a photo of this theater?

Yes, it's the same Hollywood Theatre, but I believe that the photo has been displayed (or linked) here before. It shows the original Broadway entrance, which cut through an office building to connect to the auditorium. The 2007 entrance on 51st Street was then only an exitway from the Hollywood's auditorium...I think you'll find that most, if not all, of the theatre photos in the NYPL digital collection have been posted here by now. I wish that the NYPL had done a better job of displaying them at the website. The majority could have easily been rejuventated to provide a clearer view.

Thanks for verifying the photo. I did find a few photos at the NYPL digital collection that haven't been posted before. I wish that they would do a better job of labeling the photos. I have found a few theater photos on their website that were labeled wrong. The name of the State given for the location of the theater was incorrect. One photo claimed to be a theater in Los Angeles and it was actually in Ohio. Another claimed to be a theater in Massachusetts and it was actually in Pennsylvania. That makes it very difficult to match some photos to the correct theater. I sent an email to the NYPL with the corrections, but I haven't received a reply so far.

Those pictures are simply stunning! Im a great lover of theatre arcitecture and im now convinced that is the most beautiful building ive ever seen. Im stunned! I dont remember it looking that amazing when i went in years back
The pros arch looks like a gat way to heaven (pun kind of intended!)

Does anyone know if the original lobby on Broadway still exists inside or has it been converted to other use?

The art nouveau lobby entrance on Broadway was closed off in the late 40's. By looking at the current building that lobby is long gone.

This theater is truly spectacular and is the single most promising theater to be returned to either legitimate or movie use. It is a travesty that this theater was sold to a church in the first place. However, the church that lovingly restored this jewel is not going to give it up without major money. I say the Nederlanders should trade their Nederlander theater on W. 41st Street with this theater with cash thrown in. The Church can then restore that theater. In the meantime, Broadway would get a superior house that could also host movie premieres on Monday nights when the house is dark.

Why would the church get rid of this jewel for a worn out theatre? Even with money thrown in , it would never happen. The church has offices in the building that fronts on Broadway where the old entrance was located. There are two Broadway theatre projects in the works now.

They would do it because their mission should be to help the poor and to reach out to people. Money makes this happen. They would still have another theater to use as their new church which they could then renovate to the same loving standards that they used for The Hollywood! It would be "The Christian" thing to do.

Nederlander Theatre is a dog, it's worn out. The church has spent their money wisely on the maintaining the old Hollywood Theatre. If the theatre was worth keeping as a Broadway Theatre. Nederlander should just kept leasing the theatre to the church, but not selling it to them. Nederlander made the mistake in selling it in the first place.

I totally agree on everything you just said. Nederlander made a HUGE mistake in selling. The Nederlander theater is a real dog on the least desireable street in the theater district. However, if the church was offered enough money they could still have a large enough space for their congragation and focus on spreading "the word". In the meantime, they could renovate the Nederlander, which sorely needs it. By the time that's done they'll be sitting on another incredible asset as Times Square continues its incredible resuregence. The new New York Times headquarters down the block is almost complete. The new office building at 11 Times Square has just started construction at 41st and 8th. In addition, the Port Authority has just authorized construction of a major office tower over the Bus Terminal so the area will just continue to get more valuable. It would be a win win for everyone, but I don't think it will happen. I would just rather see a show at the renovated Hollywood instead of a renovated Nederlander. The Hollywood is a much much better theater!

You're right the Hollywood Theatre is a true gem in Times Square. Two weeks ago I was on top of the Times building, wonderful view. Well soon the new project on 8th. Ave. between 45 & 45 streets will happen, as soon as the last leases are finished.

Although the Hollywood ended its cinematic life before the wide-screen era, the theatre had the distinction of being the only one in New York City to ever present a feature in Vitascope, the process that Warner Brothers developed to compete with Fox's Grandeur and MGM's Realife. Vitascope used 65mm photography and projection. The first and only Vitascope film was WB's "Kismet," which gave the legendary Otis Skinner yet another opportunity to play a flamboyant character that he first did on the Broadway stage and then in a silent movie. "Kismet" opened at the Hollywood Theatre on October 30th, 1930 and ran several weeks on a two-a-day policy. Although the movie did good business and received favorable reviews, WB found Depression-strapped exhibitors resistant to any type of wide-screen presentation (many were still making payments on the installation of sound equipment), so Vitascope was abandoned. I don't know exactly how large the Vitascope screen was at the Hollywood Theatre, but newspaper reviews said that it filled nearly the entire width of the stage.

William what are the two broadway theatre projects in the works? I think the Henry Miller is one but what is the other one?
Thanks Brucec

The Shubert's have one in the works on 8th. Ave. between 45th & 46th.. and there was a Disney project also in the works.

"The Miller" is a sure thing and will be built as part of the "Bank Of America" tower which takes up the eastern portion of the block bounded by 6th Avenue, W. 43rd and W. 42nd Streets. Tha facade of the original theater was spared while the rest of the original structure was demolished. The entrance will remain on W. 43rd St. Some of the original details from the theater were removed and stored prior to demolition and will be incorporated into the new theater structure. I don't know if it will keep the "Miller" name upon reopening. My guess is that they'll sell the naming rights to the highest bidder.

I'm curious about the other two projects referenced above regarding the Schuberts and Disney. Can you provide any additional info?

Thanks!

I must amend my recent comments about the early Warner Brothers wide-screen process called Vitascope. It turns out that simultaneously with "Kismet," WB made another Vitascope feature, "The Lash," starring Richard Barthelmess in a swashbuckler about early California. "The Lash" was released in December, 1930, and apparently had only a single engagement in Vitascope, and that was at the Warners Theatre in Hollywood, CA. The Warners Theatre in downtown Los Angeles ran "The Lash" simultaneously, but in standard 35mm. When "The Lash" opened in New York City, it was shown only in 35mm, and at the Winter Garden Theatre, which was then under lease to Warner Brothers.

Unfortunately the links no longer work to Ed's fantastic interior photos.

Here are others,
Set of 2005 interior photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9442701@N02/sets/72157600986481060/

2006 Grand Lobby:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ohtoberich/183121235/

Sept 2007 exterior detail:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zesmerelda/1338836305/

Hey Howard... The links in my first post were broken when I reorganized my entire Photobucket album some time ago. However, my Hollywood Theatre photo album is still alive and well.

I included the new link in a latter post, but it's probably easy to sail past that brief comment.

Anyway, love the black & white shots in that first set of flickr photos!

Status in introduction claims "Closed." Could that be true? When I passed by several weeks ago, the building was still operating as a church.

To have the status listed as open, the building must be in use as a theater. Either a movie theater or a live performance theater. I also believe that the status should be listed as open when a former theater is used as a church. I interpret status as the status of the building itself. I think management interprets status as the status of the theater.

I agree. "Open" should be taken to mean "open to the public" - either as a cinema, live theatre, concert hall or place of public assembly. Churches would be covered in the latter category, but might also extend to an adaptive re-use such as the Times Square Visitors Center that exists in the former Newsreel/Embassy Theatre on B'way. In the case of the Newsreel/Embassy, while the seats have been ripped out and replaced with information kiosks, the ambience of the old theatre has been preserved largely intact and open for all to admire. By the way, the status on that page is also listed as "closed."

I suppose a line would have to be drawn somewhere - leaving someone to make a judgment call. For example, I'd probably consider a former theatre building that has been gutted for retail use to be "closed" - even though the building itself is still "open" to the public - since all vestiges of its theatrical history have likely been demolished. But I wonder how we'll feel about the issue when the new Ecko Unlimited store opens up in the former Times Square Theatre on 42nd Street? It will be modified for retail usage, but much (if not most) of the original theatrical decor will be restored and incorporated into the store design - and, indeed, might be a draw for visitors. Should that be considered "open" as well? I think I might say "yes" to that question.

Listing the theatre as "Closed" might discourage people who read about it at Cinema Treasures from visiting what is the midtown area's only remaining movie palace in much of its original splendor.

This 1937 view shows the Hollywood's original entrance on Broadway. Note how narrow it was compared to the new one created on 51st Street for the "legit" Mark Hellinger:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/muniholly.jpg

The Hollywod(Mark Hellinger) is the most beautiful theatre still standing in Times Square. Im glad the church has taken such good care of this theatre. Despite being a legit theatre for so many decades it still looks like a movie palace.brucec

I think everything should be done to encourage people on here to visit the Hellinger. It truly is a rare but beautiful palace in the middle of NY. I never miss a visit when im over from the UK.

The Shubert gang needs to work out a deal with the church and find them a new location and take over the Hellinger and bring back live theatre. Also if the Shuberts don't have the cash let the Disney movie theatre division take it over like they have at The El Capitian in Hollywood CA. Bring in the Disney films with live stage shows with a pipe organ. The El Capitain is the best selling movie theatre in the USA many weeks out of the year.

I don't think that the Broadway theatre district "needs" another playhouse. There are more than enough to fill the demand. Some are shuttered for lack of attractions. And when the current labor strike is over, there will probably be fewer productions because costs will rise even higher than they are now. I would rather see this remain as a church. It's being well maintained, and is open free to the public whenever services are held.

The Disney Company was very interested in the Mark Hellinger but the Church would have to be interested in selling the theatre which they are not. The Mark Hellinger is very desirable for large scale Musicals due to its capacity of over 1500, there is a line waiting to bring musicals into New York due to the lack of Available theatres of this size. Most of the larger theatres are tied up in multi year runs such as the Winter Garden,Majestic,Broadway,Minskoff,Gershwin,Palace,Lunt-Funtanne,Neil Simon,New Amsterdam,Hilton,Shubert,Al Hirhsfield,Marquis and few others. The very desirable St James was suppose to have "Young Frankenstein" but the producers switched to the larger Hilton when the show playing at the Hilton closed early.Many times producers are forced to bring musicals into the smaller theatres such as the Shoenfield,Barrymore,August Wilson,Eugene o'Neil, Ambassador and a few others. Large scale musicals require seating capacity of at least 1400 to make economic sense. Disney was forced to open "Tarzan" at the Richard Rogers which seats less than 1400 due to the lack of available theatres. This has been a problem for the last few years. The Minskoff which was considered the ugliest theatre on Broadway had to due an extensive renovation before Disney would move "The Lion King" over, but had a seating capacity of over 1600. There is a huge demand for the "Mark Hellinger" but at what price and the church would have to be willing to sell.brucec

Here is a November 1942 ad from the NYT:
http://tinyurl.com/2e7bfe

The "Status" in the introduction needs to be changed. The building is very much "open" during church services and admission is free. One of the best bargains in the midtown entertainment district!

The "Status" for a church on this website is "Closed".

Well, in that case, "The lunatics have taken over the asylum!"

I don't think that management will appreciate being labeled as "lunatics" since its their policy and not mine. The way that I understand it, only a building that is currently used as a theater (movies or live) can have a status of "Open". Any other use of the building is considered as "Closed".

I think that it's a very short-sighted policy. The building is one of the few ex-movie palaces in Manhattan that not only still stands, but also boasts an interior that's close to the original. Anyone finding it listed here as "closed" is likely to think it's inaccessible, which is hardly the case. One can visit during church services, and admission is free.

I agree that that policy is a little curious, as not only are these former theaters that are churches very much open to the public, they are also in most circumstances very intact from the theater days, right down to the seats! Sometimes even the original organ functions. I don't see why church theaters are labeled as "closed" as opposed to "open", as most, in very little effort could be made a theater again. I can totally understand theaters like the old Meserole in Brooklyn, while intact, is used for retail, and all the seating was ripped out, as well as other alterations labled as closed. However, theaters like the Valencia, this one, and many of the intact with right down to the theater seating probably should be listed as "open".
It's a curious policy, however, it appears to be consistent, as I believe all the church theaters are labeled as "closed" if they don't show movies or live.

Perhaps some new "categories".......
Changed into a church (or other not-so-performing arts but not gutted) could be, for example, "converted" or something like that.
Something else could be used for when it's been turned into retail or office, but not torn down--"gutted" might be appropriate. It would differentiate from a theater that is "closed" and just sitting there empty.

When that church first took over the Mark Hellinger, I thought: "This won't last long. It's only because the ranks of incoming Broadway musicals are a little lean right now. It'll change back before the lease even expires." Can that church thrive at such a pricey location?

The Hollywood had a brief cinematic life of just over nine months after being re-named the Warner Theatre for the August 1947 world premiere engagement of WB's eagerly-awaited filmization of "Life With Father," which had been the longest running of any Broadway stage play (straight or musical) up until that time. "Father" stayed until Christmas at the Warner, when it was replaced by WB's film version of another Broadway smash, "The Voice of the Turtle." UA's "A Miracle Can Happen" (later re-titled "On Our Merry Way") followed on February 3rd, 1948, and gave way on March 10th to a revival of WB's "The Adventures of Robin Hood." What turned out to be the Warner Theatre's final movie, WB's "Winter Meeting" (Bette Davis-Jim Davis), opened on April 7th and closed on May 16th. After the shuttering, the Warner was put up for sale, with a stipulation that it could not be used for movies. Financier Anthony B. Farrell, who dreamed of becoming another Florenz Ziegfeld, purchased it for $2 million for conversion into a playhouse named for his friend, Mark Hellinger, the legendary journalist and producer who'd also been a leader in helping to raise money for health charities like the Heart Fund and March of Dimes. Details of the Mark Hellinger's "legit" history can be found at www.ibdb.com ...Here's an ad for the Warner Theatre's opening with "Life With Father":
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/hollywarner.jpg

Warren, Excellent post, but it does not apply to the Hollywood in the Pittsburgh suburban boro of Dormont. I believe you intended to assign your remarks to the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York, just around the corner from Broadway.

Warren, Your post (about the Hollywood/Mark Hellinger) AND my post in response to yours turned up on both "blogs" - the one for the theater in Dormont/Pittsburgh and the one you intended on West 51st Street in NYC. Interesting electronic glitch.

I have a mystery theatre I need help with. I posted on this pages only due to the proximity.
In Paramount Week ads for 1922 and 1923 they show a Central Theatre located on 9th Avenue and 52nd street.
In a January 1927 NYT ad for the Russian film "Tales of 1000 Nights" it shows as showing at the 52nd Street theatre, west of Broadway.
I have an address of 306 west 52nd street for this theatre although I cannot trace where it came from. I found a Palm Garden Theatre running stage shows at that address although IBDB.COM does not have an address for the Palm Garden nor the 52nd Street theatre.
Any ideas?

Those questions could be answered through research at the Billy Rose Theatre Collection at the Performing Arts Library at Lincoln Center. Admission is free, and you don't need to be a member of the New York Public Library to use the facilities. Visiting hours can be found at www.nypl.org

Maybe some kind person on this site will answer those questions for Al and save him a trip to Lincoln Center.

Isn't he able to do his own research? If he can attend multiplexes on 42nd Street, he's certainly capable of going to Lincoln Center. And he won't be required to pass a literacy test before using the library's facilities.

Be Nice

You sound just like the children's matron at the Oasis Theatre in the Glendale/Ridgewood section of Queens.

I have never met the matron at the Oasis Theater. I do remember the matron that worked at the RKO Madison. I think she served under Rommel before being employed as a matron.

I have a picture of the theatre from 1930, with Kismet showing on the marquee. In case anyone cares, the large sign actually says "Warner Bros Hollywood".

"Kismet" was shown at the Hollywood Theatre in WB's wide-screen Vitascope process. Please see my comments above of 7/26/07 at 6:17am and 7/27/07 at 8:14am for more details.

A series of photos taken in the lobbies of the Hollywood Theatre in 1942 during the world premiere of "Yankee Doodle Dandy" can be found here. One of the lobbies still exists as part of the Times Square Church. The other lobby, with mirrored walls, was part of the original Broadway entrance and is now demolished, along with the office building that it cut through: http://images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=movie+theater+source:life&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmovie%2Btheater%2Bsource:life%26start%3D180%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN&imgurl=303bad1becf2419c

Renewing link.

Is this theater still a church?

Read the excellent Wikipedia article about the Mark Hellinger Theatre: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Hellinger_Theatre

LIFE 1956 lobby view,
http://images.google.com/hosted/life/l?imgurl=3bbe9b3eac9b2ec2&q=theatre%20lobby%20source:life&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtheatre%2Blobby%2Bsource:life%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Dactive

A large batch of related B&W photos of the 1942 world premiere of "Yankee Doodle Dandy" at the Hollywood Theatre can be viewed here: http://images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=premiere+source:life&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpremiere%2Bsource:life%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D140&imgurl=51f089325ccdc2df