Cinema Treasures | Loew's Jersey Theatre

For those of you who want to see the fabulous JERSEY in all its fabulous splendor of today (yes, today!) go to this site with some 37 color photos taken in April of '03: http://www.robbender.com/photos/nj/loewsjersey/
Here web site developer and photographer Robert Bender has captured the actually splendid remains of one of the grandest movie palaces in these United States. It is all the more remarkable that so much remains, given the fact that it had been split into multiple cinemas, and yet so very much remains of the gilding, colors, fixtures and even the grandiose draperies that usually were removed from most every other theatre as kids swung on them like monkeys, and the building inspectors declared the no-longer-fireproofable fabrics a hazard. Sometimes moderns don't appreciate the luxurious quality that grandiose draperies bring to such buildings and that without them, the spaces take on a 'gilded cavern' look. Those seen in the lobby in his photos would cost upwards of a million dollars for each set to be made today -- if one could find the large drapery house with moderns skilled enough to even copy them! Let us hope the Friends of the Jersey do prevail, for only with affection can such a great place be brought back, especially if there is insufficient film 'of quality' available to draw in the crowds needed to support it. If as a previous comment said, there is no room to expand the stage, it will be tough to get many performing groups to use the facility. Still, it is a true gem in Jersey City's crown, and they should be made to realize that VERY FEW movie palaces like it remain, especially in such good condition. If funds become available, and they do get ownership to sign contracts, then it should not be too difficult to build a lounge and lavatories under the lobby (though expensive, of course). It may not be the very best of Rapp&Rapp's designs, but it is probably the best preserved over all. Long live the JERSEY!

posted by Jim Rankin on Apr 20, 2004 at 1:54pm

And keep it in the hands of the volunteers who are the reason for its survival and out of the hands of the Mayor's monied cronies who now want to swoop down like vultures and feed on the work of so many dedicated people who have given with their time and civic pride.

Let the Mayor's "friends" feast somewhere else.

posted by Vincent on Apr 20, 2004 at 2:19pm

I am one of the volunteers with "Friends Of The Loew's", the organization responsible for saving the Loew's Jersey from demolition from 1986 - 1993, when the City purchased the building from the developer that bought it from Loews. I can answer some of the above questions...

Restrooms. On the original blueprints for the Loew's Jersey City, which we own, there WAS planned a lower lounge in the basement which included telephones, a second coat room, mens and ladies restrooms, and a drinking fountain, in addition to the usher's rooms. For some reason, the facilities were never built. The service stairs down to the basement leads to a HUGE open area, which is where the lounge would be. It is quite odd, for the foundation for the lounge was built, and butts up against the plenum under the orchestra, but this was left open. Usher's rooms and their bathrooms were built in and around this area. There are no other public bathroom in the Balcony Lounge, just a water fountain was placed up there. We have placed a ADA bathroom in what used to be the Assistant Manager's office right off the Grand Foyer.

The same blueprints have sound equipment hastily added. (We have quite a few different incarnations of the working blueprints). Other items not added were a set of lights directly above the orchestra, in front of the procenium arch, which shone down on the orchestra pit. There are controls on the board backstage to turn these on, and wires actually exist up to where they would be, but no holes were opened in the ceiling, and no fixtures were ever installed.

Chandelier. There was never a chandelier in the auditorium. No fixture exists, or wires.

There are still ladders hidden behind walls, from when the theatre was being built, that have been hidden since 1929! One such ladder is behind an auditorium wall halfway down on the left side (near where the balcony line is).

Seating. The seats in front of the balcony were taken out after the 1974 triplexing, since no one could sit "down front" anyway. To see anything on the main screen, you had to sit in the balcony. (Our best guess is that people would toss garbage down there, and it made it easier to clean if the seats weren't there, not to mention using the seats for parts. Original opening day seating was 3,168. Later upped to 3,189 when 21 seats were added to fill in two rows leading to the fire exit on the right side. (The slight indentation in the floor in front of the exit is still there.) We filled in the two front middle sections with seating that we have found from a Jehova's Witness Hall in upstate New York. Confortable and practical, it is good for now. Seats were left off the front end sections until we finish with the walls (restoration). The same seating from the Loew's Jersey is in the Loew's Kings. A deal fell through to allow us to replace the missing seats with the same seats from the Kings. (Remember when they were going to make a megaplex out of the Kings? Magic Johnson... They were going to gut the seating, and we were interested... but it fell through).

There are 10 dressing rooms on two levels (Full stage shows were part of the show from 1929 through 1936 at the Loew's Jersey), as well as the female dancers dressing room (for the in-house Chester Hale Girls), a full rehearsal studio, and a pinochle (sp) room for the musicians in between shows.

In the air conditioning room, sometime after the theatre opened, both of the two HUGE air conditioning compressors had to be replaced. The floor was opened up in front of where the compressors sat, and they were dropped inside, down to the sub-basement, on the dirt, where they both sit today, painted bright red.

The Loew's Jersey closed on Thursday, August 21, 1986.

posted by mahermusic on Apr 24, 2004 at 8:58pm

What fantastic and informative details on this most spectacular of showplaces. Thanks Mahermusic, I for one am interested in any more you may have to offer.

posted by porterfaulkner on Apr 25, 2004 at 2:49am

Thank you Porter. I would be happy to entertain questions if anyone has any. (Nothing political - dealing with the City, please. We have others in "Friends of the Loews" that are doing an excellent job within this area!!!).

Like some of the other Wonder Theatres, the Orchestra Pit at the Loew's Jersey was also boarded over to provide extra rows of seating. This number I have written down at the theatre, but I do not have it at home right now.(I believe it is 3,214, if memory serves...).

Also, the Loew's Jersey is unlike any other theatre that I've ever been in as it's not the usual "L" shape. Look at the theatre from a distance straight on (say, from the PATH station across the street), and you'll see that the actual theatre is built on a curve! It's deceiving to the eyes when you enter. You will keep walking ever-so-slightly to the right as you walk through the entire length of the theatre. It's actually built on the cliffs of the PATH tracks. (Must have been an architectual nightmare to design a theatre of this size in such an awkward area.)

The chandelier in the Grand Foyer was restored by hand by members of Friends of the Loew's in 2001. It's original cost was $65,000 (1929 dollars), and is made of Pre-war Czekloslovokian (sp) crystal. Takes two members about 45 minutes to lower it to floor level, and three members an hour to raise it. I believe it has 127 lights.

The Orchestra Pit lift, and Piano lift work just fine. The organ lift is being restored while members of the GSTOS are readying the re-installation of our Wonder Morton Theater Organ on the lift. The organ console is actually entered facing the audience. The lift is also a motorized turntable, and has to be turned around so the organist's back is to the audience before it is raised into position.

posted by mahermusic on Apr 25, 2004 at 7:33pm

Are you in a position to talk about upcoming renovation work? I love the website but it tends to just give an overview of what amazing work has been done by the "Friends of the Loews". I want to hear about whats coming up.

I also want to ask about the drapes throughout the theatre. Have they been fire retarded. Can they stay? It's important the originals are retained and sometimes a deal can be struck with the fire department on an historical basis. It is, of course, possible to recreate but the patina of the originals contibutes so much to the ambience of the building. On the same subject, are there any plans to recover items of the original furniture. Do you have any in storage?

Maybe if the website involved its readers with the forward planning aspect of the restoration it might be reflected in donations??? It is such a fantastic opportunity to get involved in restoring one of the countrys most important Cinema Treasures, not to mention one that is so complete.

posted by porterfaulkner on Apr 26, 2004 at 12:44am

The original draperies are beautiful, aren't they? The entire theatre was built fireproofed. Even the "wood" paneling in the Men's Smoking Lounge (which is now a Men's NO-SMOKING Lounge) is plaster made to look like wood.

The draperies will remain, and are in surprisingly good condition, save for one or two up in the closed-off balcony level that will have to be restored after years of nicotine.

I can tell you what's been talked in the coming months/years.

-The GSTOS will be finishing up on our beloved "Wonder Morton" organ. This will be a sold-out night when the organ rises out of the Orchestra Pit in all its restored glory for the first time in years.

-Fire Exit door restoration/replacement, along with reinforcing fire staircases on the outside.

-Securing original matching seating for the front of the auditorium.

-Stabilizing loose plaster in the auditorium. Replacing missing plaster elements in Auditorium.

-Cleaning years of nicotine from the Auditorium and Grand Foyer, and color matching the original colors on these surfaces where missing. (Will require scaffolding in both areas. One of the MAJOR jobs in the future).

-Installation of seating in the Loge, Mezzanine, and Balcony areas. (Can't tell you how many people want to sit up there and relive memories from long ago...)

-Eventually re-create missing light fixtures taken from the Loew's Jersey when it was to be demolished. When Friends of the Loew's managed to save the theatre from the wrecking ball, only a VERY FEW items were given back to the theatre. These, alas, were one-of-a-kind items that must be recreated from photographs on hand.

-Modernizing the backstage areas, including the Dressing Room levels. (this is being done now) This will ensure performing groups that perform at this historic venue will have modern facilities at their fingertips (including showers). The theatre-goer will not see these modernizations, only the original 1929 "look" will they experience. (The entire theatre, as large as it is, has ONE shower in it for ALL of the performers!!!)

-Eventually restoring the marquee to match the original. It was a Napoleon-type, much like the New York Paramount. The HUGE vertical marquee, removed in the 1960's, will not be restored. That actually put major stress on the building's structure.

We do not have the original furniture from the theatre, save for a few pieces. They were either sold off long ago, or brought to hotels owned by the Loew's Corp. also long ago. We DO have photos of the theatre in our archives of where everything was, even names of artwork and statuary.

posted by mahermusic on Apr 26, 2004 at 1:35pm

Guy sitting in front of me Friday night talking to his girlfriend after the film Guys and Dolls(presented in stereo-a very pleasant surprise.)

"I've seen this so many times on TV but tonight feels like it's the first time I've seen it."

posted by Vincent on Apr 26, 2004 at 2:08pm

Hi Mahermusic, Can you contact me direct? porterfaulkner@tiscali.co.uk

Thanks.

posted by porterfaulkner on Apr 26, 2004 at 2:54pm

Mahermusic: what is a "Napoleon" marquee as you state in this sentence in your April 26 post: "Eventually restoring the marquee to match the original. It was a Napoleon-type, much like the New York Paramount." Where did you find this term, since I ran it past the Ex.Dir. of the Theatre Historical Soc. (www.HistoricTheatres.org) and he knew nothing of it? Could you mean the "French curve" of the original at the NY Paramount? Napoleon was French even though he was born in Corsica.

posted by Jim Rankin on Apr 28, 2004 at 7:51am

Mahermusic:
-Eventually re-create missing light fixtures taken from the Loew's Jersey when it was to be demolished. When Friends of the Loew's managed to save the theatre from the wrecking ball, only a VERY FEW items were given back to the theatre. These, alas, were one-of-a-kind items that must be recreated from photographs on hand.

What did the wrecking company do with these items? Were they stolen by workers or vandals?

posted by edward on Apr 28, 2004 at 8:06am

posted by edward on Apr 28, 2004 at 8:07am

In our theatre we call it a "Napoleon" marquee, as in Napoleon's hat. (The curved shape). I was trying to answer all the questions, I must have thought that everyone must have known what that was... (Might be a Loew's Jersey thing!)

posted by mahermusic on Apr 28, 2004 at 5:59pm

Edward:

This is sort of a touchy subject... I'll give you my best take on it. It wasn't the wrecking company, for they never made it on the premises. The theatre was boarded up to keep people out when it closed, and... certain people that were in the company that bought the building removed items, including two ultra-huge mirrors that used to grace the far wall of the Grand Foyer. (Where the entrance to the Auditorium is). We received one light fixture back when the theatre was saved.

Vandals DID get in once when we were actually there! At this time, there were no lights operating inside the theatre. (This was also pre my involvement with FOL). They (vandals) were carting off the original brass handrails that ran up the center of the grand staircase. That's the one on the left as you come in. (There's no center handrail on the right, overflow staircase). We have removed the entire handrail and placed non-original posts where the originals were mounted. Fear not, for we still have the entire handrails somewhere in the theatre. There were kept in the Assistant Manager's office right next to the stairway, but we made that into an ADA-accessable bathroom and cleaned everything out of there. We have it, though, somewhere in the Theatre.

posted by mahermusic on Apr 28, 2004 at 6:12pm

A recent article about the theatre in the Bergen Record started out by complaining that "There is probably a special place in hell for an architect who would design a 3,187-seat theater with just seven stalls in the ladies' room. Perhaps the designers at Rapp & Rapp, who created the otherwise stunning Loew's Jersey Theatre in Jersey City in 1929, are there now. Perhaps they're waiting on an eternal line that moves two inches every 10,000 years. Anyway, it's nice to think about." ...What I don't understand is why this is suddenly a MAJOR problem? For more than 50 years, women attending Loew's Jersey apparently managed to cope with those facilities. Either that or theatre attendance was so meagre that seven stalls were adequate.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Apr 30, 2004 at 9:56am

It is clear that the noted and demonstrably capable and expert architects, Cornelius and George Rapp of Chicago, did indeed plan extra lavatories as brought out in an earlier post where the commenter explains that there is to this day a very large excavated area under the lobby, so it is apparent that the builders did plan for more rest rooms and a lounge, as would have been customary. Just why they were never built is not currently known. It could well be due to financial limitations at the time, since the movie house circuits were building 'right and left' and it would not have been the first time that one of them found themselves overextended financially, and were forced to cut costs somewhere, and an ornate lounge with restrooms would have cost many thousands more dollars. With the stock market crash of the Great Depression coming along just then, many who had intended to enlarge or alter their theatres, were now struggling to survive, much less be concerned with already operating buildings. That fateful day in October of 1929 was a landmark event in financial terms, and few alive today can realize what a tremendous change it was to the 'spend freely, live freely' attitudes of the 'Roaring Twenties.' It is true that lavatory provisions of those days were behind what we would prescribe these days, but every true movie palace was a model of adequate toilet rooms in that era, with much meager provisions in most other buildings of the day. We must also look at the changes in theatre usage patterns in our day, with no more continuous performances, and people looking upon modern multiplexes as a social meeting place, with girls and women sometimes using the 'bathrooms' as conversation centers to 'hang out'. It is also fashionable nowadays for women writers to 'dump' upon men as though men were abusive of women and responsible for not realizing that women take longer and therefore require more facilities. No, it is clear that lavish facilities for women (usually much more elaborate than for men) were designed by the men at Rapp&Rapp, but outside circumstances beyond their control forced the deletion of the usual basement lounges from their plans, no doubt against their advice! Even the most superficial examination of their works across the nation will show that they never stinted on lavatories – nor anywhere else. The architects of that day as well as the owners of the theatres were acutely aware of the prominence of female audiences, and adroitly catered to them, so no men should find themselves "in a special place in Hell" since there was no intent to deprive as the uninformed writer referred to in the previous post assumes.

posted by Jim Rankin on Apr 30, 2004 at 10:57am

Jim, well said. One old theater manger mentioned another possible rationale for the minimal "facilities" using minimal words that will mean nothing to people under a certain age.

He simply said "This is where we came in."

And I think this is where I came in. Gotta go....

posted by Will Dunklin on Apr 30, 2004 at 1:10pm

Perhaps if concession stands stopped selling those gallon sized soda fountain drinks, there wouldn't be such a concern about bathroom facilities.

posted by edward on Apr 30, 2004 at 1:50pm

Ray Harryhausen is coming to the Loew's! He'll be appearing at 7:30 PM on Friday, May 14th before the showing of JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS.

posted by Bill Huelbig on May 3, 2004 at 12:04pm

I AM LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OSCAR GLAS CAB CAN ANYONE HELP ME.

RITAB

posted by ritab on Jun 17, 2004 at 6:41am

I was recently in Jersey City and parked behind this theatre. There are two old signs, one painted over the other, that have both faded and are still semi legible. The oldest one has the name of the theatre, and advertises "select motion and talking pictures" and "symphony orchestra" among other things. The newer sign states "The Home of MGM Pictures"

posted by ziggy on Jun 24, 2004 at 4:50am

Any news on the lease?

posted by Mark W. on Jul 22, 2004 at 5:30pm

Apparently, from the news item appearing right here on CT, the Jersey is now in safe hands: http://cinematreasures.org/news/11695_0_1_0_C/

posted by Jim Rankin on Jul 23, 2004 at 5:30am

Does anyone out there know is this theatre set up to do 70mm?

posted by Theatrefan on Jul 29, 2004 at 12:06pm

No this theatre was and is only 35mm equipped.

posted by William on Jul 29, 2004 at 1:10pm

Thanks William, this theatre will be celebrating it's 75th Birthday in September, wonder what will be planned?

posted by Theatrefan on Jul 29, 2004 at 1:26pm

I've only had the chance to see one event there. I hope their next series of films will be a good series.

posted by William on Jul 29, 2004 at 2:20pm

THE LOEWS JERSEY WILL BE SEVENTY FIVE YEARS OLD ON SEPT.28,2004.IT OPENED ONE MONTH BEFORE THE STOCK MARKET CRASHED IN 1929.

posted by PETE CULLEN on Sep 12, 2004 at 4:56pm

THE LOEWS JERSEY WILL BE SHOWING"MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON" ON 9-28-04 AT 7:45PM. ITS THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY OF ITS OPENING IN 1929.A SHORT COMMEMERATIVE PROGRAM WILL BE HELD PRIOR TO THE MOVIE.TICKETS WILL BE THIRTY-FIVE CENTS WHICH WAS THE PRICE OF ADMISSION IN 1929 WHEN THE LOEWS JERSEY OPENED ! PETE CULLEN

posted by PETE CULLEN on Sep 19, 2004 at 5:48pm

I'll be there!

posted by Mark W. on Sep 19, 2004 at 6:37pm

75 years ago, the Wonder Theaters were built and became prime showcases for all the great MGM product over the next 3 decades. The only Wonder Theater showing film today is Loew's Jersey but, sadly, they are not playing any MGM product in their 75th anniversary programming.

However, the beautifully restored Lafayette Theater in Suffern, New York salutes the Loew's Wonder Theaters by presenting a newly restored 35mm print of one of MGM's greatest musicals, "Meet Me in St. Louis." It will be shown this Saturday, September 25 as part of their weekly Big Screen Classics series. They will also present a vintage MGM short, and will play live music on their magnificent Wurlitzer organ.

For more information, visit their website at www.bigscreenclassics.com

posted by Bob Furmanek on Sep 24, 2004 at 8:13am

It would have been nice to have some MGM during the anniversary weekend however I wonder what size audiences it would have attracted. It seems as though the type of escapist films that MGM specialized is very much out of fashion and the few people interested in them are content to subscribe to TCM. Unfortunately it is also the type of film that exalt these grand theaters and show them off to their best(I mean they were literally made for them.) But today how many pople are going to go out of their way to see Marie Antoinette, Meet Me in St Louis or Mutiny on the Bounty?(I'd like to think I'm wrong as I love these films.)

posted by Vincent on Sep 24, 2004 at 9:23am

When I presented "Forbidden Planet" at the Loew's Jersey in 2001, we had close to 700 people!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Sep 24, 2004 at 9:50am

Does anyone know when the former Loew's Paradise Wonder Morton theater organ, which was moved into the Jersey some 7 years ago will be up and running? It would be great to have some organ concerts to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the theater.

posted by ErwinM on Sep 24, 2004 at 10:36am

It was hoped that at the 75th Anniversary celebration, Acting Mayor L. Harvey Smith would announce he's signed the lease over FOL. It could assure his election to the job. Anyone attend the event?

posted by DougDouglass on Sep 29, 2004 at 8:09am

I am coming this weekend to see Spartacus. I would LOVE to see Gone With The Wind or Dr Zhivago here, two of MGM's best.

posted by RobertR on Sep 29, 2004 at 8:35am

Yes GWTW would look great there. I would love to see them do a lot more MGM technicolor films.

posted by Vincent on Sep 29, 2004 at 10:28am

I developed the classic film programming concept at the Loew's Jersey, and had always hoped for the opportunity to bring back many of the great MGM titles. The 75th anniversary would have been the perfect time to show the films mentioned above. I have unique access to rare, archival 35mm dye-transfer Technicolor prints, and they would look great with the Jersey's carbon arc projection capabilities.

However, I am no longer involved with this project. Hopefully, the new group working on film events will take some of these suggestions under consideration in their future programming.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Sep 29, 2004 at 11:12am

On the day of the 75th, Mayor Smith announced that title of the Loew's was being given to the city's redevelopment corporation. My feelings are anger and more anger. The FOL has put so much into the theatre. It was also announced that they will have a mayoral debate at the Loew's. I suggest that people attend and make it known that the FOL deserves a lease.

posted by Mark W. on Sep 29, 2004 at 3:54pm

What a slap in the face for all the people that gave of their time for the love of the theatre. I fear in the hands of the city there will be no more classic movie nights.

posted by RobertR on Sep 29, 2004 at 6:19pm

From today's Jesey Journal:

http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1096449099123230.xml

posted by Bryan Krefft on Sep 29, 2004 at 6:28pm

I plan to attend SPARTACUS this Saturday, having attended the 75th anniversary Tuesday. I have a feeling that "classic movies" will cease after Sunday's showing of SUPERMAN as to not enrage current fans of the movies and the THEATRE. Then, (I'm assuming)the transfer of the theatre will leave FOL on the street after their hard work. I was unaware an acting mayor (for how long?) had so much clout. However I was encouraged by all the "politicos" who addressed the audience on Tuesday and hope they stand by their word. Even though the movie started 1/2 hour late, it was necessary to let the people know what is going on. Loved the MGM Tom & Jerry cartoon "Cruise Cat" which preceded MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON.
(P.S. Bob, did you have a falling out with FOL?)
(P.S. RobertR, maybe I'll meet you Saturday night for SPARTACUS in the lobby by the left staircase or in row LL center orchestra, right side)

posted by Orlando on Sep 30, 2004 at 3:01pm

This whole thing might make a good story for NPR (national public radio). Maybe that will help FOL a bit, perhaps....

posted by beardbear31 on Sep 30, 2004 at 4:58pm

Orlando, my last film event at the Jersey was the Frankenstein weekend.

It is truly a magnificent theater, and I'm very pleased with the role my early film events played in helping to save it. The science-fiction weekends; classic horror; Abbott and Costello; Sherlock Holmes; Laurel and Hardy; dye-transfer archival Technicolor prints and Perspecta Stereo sound are all contributions to the Jersey of which I'm quite proud. I secured loans of extremely rare 35mm materials, including vintage trailers, shorts, cartoons and production shorts. I even located one-of-a kind kinescopes for some of the comedy events!

When I began, the projection booth was stripped of equipment and was occupied by pigeons. After years of hard work by my friends Bob Eberenz, Steve Levy and myself, the booth is now fully equipped for classic film presentation. Bob and Steve secured donations of all the equipment, and their contributions to this project are immeasurable.

I'll only say that FOL's concept of presentation for film began to differ greatly from mine. After ten volunteer years, and bringing in the theaters most successful events, it was time to move on.

I wish them all the best, and hope they can move this project forward and get the theater fully restored and operational. We proved that classic film is a viable entity for the movie palace format, and I hope that it will continue.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 1, 2004 at 7:12am

The other thing that will disapear is the name Loews off the marquee. It's strange but when Cineplex took over the 59th Street East from City Cinemas they told the owner they wanted the name D.W. Griffith changed because they felt they did not have the legal right to use it. The original owner Nick Justin gaver it that name when they ran that year long festival.

posted by RobertR on Oct 1, 2004 at 7:23am

Orlando
I will look for you by the left staircase. I will have on a Navy Blue US Open Jacket.

posted by RobertR on Oct 2, 2004 at 10:14am

Is anyone going today to see Superman?

posted by RobertR on Oct 3, 2004 at 6:58am

I was there Tuesday the 29th and I feel I really feel quite privileged to have been there for the 75th Anniversary celebration and to have been in such magnificent movie palace surroundings. It was a night to remember! I really do hope the friends of the Loews succeed with the battle over the theatres lease issue.

posted by Theatrefan on Oct 3, 2004 at 11:38am

Are any more movie events planned? It would have been fun to do something for Halloween. It could have coincided with that big horror & sci-fi show they hold every year in Secaucus.

posted by RobertR on Oct 3, 2004 at 6:53pm

In October, 1949, Humphrey Bogart made a two-night tour of Loew's theatres in behalf of his new movie, "Tokyo Joe," which was soon due to have its New York premiere at the Capitol Theatre. The tour started on October 5th at Loew's Jersey, followed by stops at the Embassy, North Bergen; Paradise, the Bronx, and the 175th Street and 72nd Street in Manhattan. The next evening, Bogart visited the Valencia in Queens, the Commodore in Manhattan, and the Gates, Kings and Pitkin in Brooklyn. His close friend, drama critic John McClain, accompanied him and made the stage introductions. Bogart was co-producer of "Tokyo Joe" and had a financial interest in the Columbia release, which probably explains why he made the tour. I can't imagine what he did on stage, but he'd long been an actor on Broadway before entering movies, so he probably improvised something.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Oct 4, 2004 at 10:25am

Anyone know what happened to Tom Pedler, The only man that was employed by the Theatre to do much of the behind the scenes work, like plumbing and electrical? I spoke to him on a few occasions and he really knew his stuff.

posted by Jim Hunt on Oct 5, 2004 at 1:28am

Bob, will you please tell us what type of projection you installed?
two projectors or platter. Sound system.

posted by vito on Oct 5, 2004 at 4:08am

Jim: Sorry to tell you this, but Tom Pedler died on April 27, 2002. There was a memorial to him printed in the program for the James Bond festival held at the Loew's Jersey in May 2002.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Oct 5, 2004 at 4:20am

Yes, Tom Pedler was a very very kind man, and all of us who knew him at the Jersey miss him very much.

Vito, the projection equipment was secured by Bob Eberenz. The projectors are Kineton reel to reel. The sound system is a Sony DCP with vintage Altec tube amps, and the speakers are Altec Voice of the Theater. They can handle 4 channel Dolby stereo, and 3 channel Perspecta. (The Perspecta integrator is a fully restored Fairchild unit from 1954.) The lamphouses are 1955 vintage Ashcraft Super Corelite carbon arcs. Considering their age and current lack of continual use, they work as best can be expected. Last weekend, the #1 lamp was fine but #2 was drifting and had a color temperature imbalance.

Any theater that wants to run archival or vault prints has to run reel to reel. Platters are not acceptable for rare prints.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 5, 2004 at 7:28am

Is the screen currently in the theater the original screen or did they install a new one?

posted by Mikeoaklandpark on Oct 5, 2004 at 7:48am

I think vandals destroyed the original one, so its a new screen.

posted by Theatrefan on Oct 5, 2004 at 8:00am

Bob, Thanks for the info, sounds like a booth I would have enjoyed working in, (hate platters) The core lights are magnificent, the drifting, of course, can be traced back to the motor needing new brushes or if the positive carbon is drifting perhaps the tension on the jaws is a bit tight. I must stop by and visit sometime, sounds like a great booth.

posted by vito on Oct 5, 2004 at 8:03am

Vito, the booth was a mess when we started. When Loew's pulled out of the building in the mid-80's, they not only stripped all the equipment, they left the booth windows open. Pigeons moved in, and the place was a filthy mess. When we started restoring the booth, Bob and I had no heat OR running water. We had to go next door to CH Martin to clean up. I don't miss those days at all!

The Corelites were abandoned in the theater (one was laying on stage, and the other was in a storage room near the booth.) They needed a lot of work, and Bob deserves all the credit for getting them functional again. They have new jaws, but that #2 lamp has always been very moody.

That's a new screen which I was able to secure with a donation by Comcast. I brought in Nick Clooney and American Movie Classics to do a segment when we opened up the center aisle and un-veiled the new screen. It was quite an event!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 5, 2004 at 8:13am

Bob - Wasn't Forbidden Planet presented in Perspecta Stereo sound back in April 2002? I was there for that show and it was awesome!

posted by Theatrefan on Oct 5, 2004 at 8:27am

Bob considering your knowledge, all the work you did at the Jersey and your appreciation of great classic films I am very sorry you are no longer affiliated with the theater.
Will there be a public hearing on the fate of the FOL?

posted by Vincent on Oct 5, 2004 at 8:28am

Yes, that Forbidden Planet show was in Perspecta Stereo, and that's why I included the MGM Symphony, cartoon, and Perspecta demo reel in the program. We had over 700 people for that presentation! The integrator was working pretty well, although we were having some problems with the center channel. But, it did give an idea of how effective the process could be on a 50 foot screen. Most people though it was true 3 channel stereo!

Vincent, I'm sorry too that my association did not continue with the Jersey. But, they have there own way of presenting film now, and I'm afraid it doesn't jive with the type of presentation which I like to do.

As far as the current situation, I have no idea what ugly politics are involved with the future of this theater. It's a true shame.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 5, 2004 at 8:55am

I went to the screening of "Superman" this past Sunday and must say, it was probably the best movie-going experience I ever had since I was six years old (not including proposing to my wife at the Ziegfeld two years ago). I also left the place kicking myself for just discovering this buried treasure. When I saw the kind of movies that have played here recently--like "Forbidden Planet", "A Night at the Opera", "Dr. Who and the Daleks" and pretty much all incarnations of "Frankenstein,"--I couldn't believe that I just found out about this place and now, it's on the verge of being closed down.

Unfortunately, I don't live in Jersey City (don't even live in New Jersey), so I'm not sure what kind of weight my opinion would have with the city council or the mayor, but why can't they see past their own arrogance and greed? The Loews Jersey isn't just a movie theater, it has the potential to be a cultural center.

"Listen to reason for once, man, even if you are a politician!" --Jon Pertween in "The Day of the Daleks".

posted by CaptRonLI on Oct 5, 2004 at 11:15am

Bob; you say that platter systems are not acceptable for running vintage or rare prints. I'd be interested to hear why not. Is the modern stock more hard wearing or is it that the film companies want a projectionist to be present just in case of mishap?

posted by porterfaulkner on Oct 5, 2004 at 11:44am

They want an operator in the booth in case there are problems. Also, theaters that run reel to reel tend to have better track records of caring for prints.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 5, 2004 at 11:48am

Porter:
Platters themselves are not inherently damaging to film. But there are many more surfaces that the film must touch and all of them can add up to increased wear on the print if the platter is not well maintained. Also, the make-up and tear-down process on the print is where most of the damage occurs, especially if it's done rapidly (which is usually the case in most platter operations where they are working 4-18 screens at once).

posted by PeterApruzzese on Oct 5, 2004 at 12:29pm

There will be a meeting of the City Council at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, October 13 at City Hall, 280 Grove Street - two blocks west of the PATH station. Smith's plan to transfer the theatre to the Redevelopment Authority will go through unless the council is convinced otherwise.

posted by DougDouglass on Oct 7, 2004 at 7:33am

On Saturday, I saw my 20th classic movie on the Loew's big screen,
SPARTACUS. Believe me, the last thing Jersey City needs is another
tacky store or office building. It's incredibly sad how a wonderful
building like the Loew's has to constantly struggle just to survive.
I sincerely hope Saturday wasn't the last time I took a walk around
the beautiful lobby and its upstairs balcony, or climbed the grand
red-carpeted staircase, or sat in one of the front rows and gazed up
at the ceiling hundreds of feet above my head - all awe-inspiring
sights that can't be experienced in any other movie theater in the New York area.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Oct 8, 2004 at 12:49pm

The proposal before the City Council scheduled for tonight (October 13) has been postponed. It may be on the agenda at the October 27 meeting. Will keep you posted.

posted by DougDouglass on Oct 13, 2004 at 1:48am

Doug,

Any news? Good news I hope.

-Mark

posted by Mark W. on Oct 14, 2004 at 5:19pm

Saturday's Jersey Journal reports Acting Mayor L. Harvey Smith has signed a five-year agreement with Friends Of Loew's to operate the theatre.

posted by DougDouglass on Oct 18, 2004 at 4:10am

Great News !!!! I hope we can look forward to more classic films.

posted by RobertR on Oct 18, 2004 at 6:15pm

Very wonderful news. Just hope they schedule films more suitable to a movie palace. Lately the programs have been more Film Forum retrospective and less Loews MGM. Anybody have any comments on this? Sorry for looking a gift horse in the mouth after all these guys have been through and the great work they have done. But Night of the Living Dead for a Saturday evening on the Halloween weekend just ain't a family audience friendly film. Leave it to places like the Angelica and Cinema Village. Hope they've got a pristine print of White Christmas lined up for the holidays.

posted by Vincent on Oct 19, 2004 at 2:37pm

I think Night of the Living dead may be in the public domain, so they dont have to pay any film rental. I second the motion for White Christmas, I have never seen it in a theatre.

posted by RobertR on Oct 19, 2004 at 2:48pm

Congratulations, Loew's Jersey City. Its all yours now so run with it! Great good wishes for the future of this most majestic of movie palaces.

posted by porterfaulkner on Oct 19, 2004 at 2:55pm

The Loews Jersey is a Divine theater that I discovered on this website. Thank you Cinematreasures! I finally made my first visit for the 75th anniversary festival. It was so wonderful wandering the halls and the grand lobby. There is a distinct aroma lingering in this theater that reminded me of what the Paradise (Jersey's sister theater in the bronx) smelled like when I was a child. The exhibit in the lobby was wonderfully informative. I will definately re-visit for "Night of the living Dead" on Oct 30th. Hopefully I will be able to drag along some friends who will probably pretend to go only for the theater and not the cult classic. I have no shame in admitting that I will enjoy both.

posted by Divinity on Oct 19, 2004 at 4:33pm

The print they are showing of "Night of the Living Dead" is not even an original. It's a 35mm dupe made in the late 70's.

If I was still involved, I would have played "The Haunting" or "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" on the Saturday night. My double-feature of "Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman" and "Horror of Dracula" did extremely well on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002.

"The Haunting" is not only an MGM film (appropriate for the 75th anniversary) but is also Panavision, and would look stunning on the full width of the 50 foot screen.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 20, 2004 at 6:17am

I do agree about the Haunting being an approrriate film to play not only because it is an MGM but because the manor in the film is just as wonderful to look at as the theater is. The Loews Jersey should host a gala event next year. The theme should be a "Haunted Palace" equipped with performing artists dressed as statues where they once were. As well as A costume contest and dancing. Perhaps one of those trendy video mixers could volunteer and provide something on the screen so that there would be no video rental fee. A few of us could wear decadent costumes to create ambience. Mabye period costumes from the roaring twenties? This event would raise alot of money and interest many.
If anyone is interested I am an expert at both party planning and partying.

posted by Divinity on Oct 20, 2004 at 6:48am

Bob
You're my kind of programmer. I wish you were still involved. Even if someone enjoys Living Dead they would have to admit this is not a film you want to bring your kids to and movie palaces were a great place to bring the family. I just wish the FOTL would encourage it on a holiday weekend and include a lot more TCM programming. This is the kind of stuff a movie palace shows off best.

posted by Vincent on Oct 20, 2004 at 7:12am

Thank you very much Vincent. For the record, here is a timeline on the classic film programming which I presented as Director of Film Programming at Loew's Jersey.

August, 1992: In an effort to increase public support to save the Loew's, 16mm programs are presented in the lobby. At this time, the auditorium is in terrible condition and is divided into a tri-plex. The front of the theater is boarded up, and the building is scheduled for demolition (The original 35mm projection booth was stripped of equipment, and left open to the elements. It is basically a pigeon coup.) My initial two events are "Classic Comedy Teams - Teaming Up to Save the Loew's" and THIS ISLAND EARTH shown in an original 16mm Technicolor print. Response to this presentation is tremendous, and the lobby is filled to capacity. Extra shows are added to accommodate the huge crowds. These film programs are the most successful events presented in the lobby during the fight to save the theater. They draw attention from the media, resulting in coverage in most all area newspapers, including those in New York City. During this time, I also use my industry contacts to bring Jerry Lewis and Leonard Maltin on board to support the "Save the Loew's" effort. They both write letters in support of the project.

Over the course of the next few years, additional film events are held in the lobby, including an ambitious 35mm presentation of CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON with carbon arc illumination!

February 2, 1993: Loew's Jersey is saved from demolition thanks to Friends of the Loew's.

October 20 & 21, 2000: After 7 volunteer years of working to un-divide the auditorium and restore the original projection booth to 35mm and carbon arc capability, we present two free presentations of THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT. (This is shown on the old screen which had to be severely masked off in order to hide graffiti damage when the building sat vacant.) The free shows are a huge success, and give the audience a sneak preview of things to come.

Around this time, I bring in Nick Clooney and American Movie Classics to host an invitation-only event, celebrating the re-opening of the original center aisle. Footage is taken and shown on Nick Clooney's AMC Coming Attractions show. Classic cartoons and comedy shorts are presented in 35mm, and (as a surprise) a jazz/swing band performs on stage.

December 7 - 9, 2001: In remembrance of the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we present THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO, CASABLANCA and BUCK PRIVATES. The programs also include rare World War 2-era shorts such as Draftee Daffy, Falling Hare, America Sings with Kate Smith and You Nazty Spy.

January 2002: A new full-stage screen is donated by Comcast. We also add a Sony Digital Cinema Processor to the booth which allows us to play 4 track stereo sound (left, center and right on stage with mono surrounds.) On 2/22/02, GLORY is the first film on the new 50 foot screen and is the first stereo film heard in the theater since the 1960's. That same weekend, as part of Black History Month, we present THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN and MALCOLM X.

April 5 - 7 2002 - The first annual comedy weekend. We present RAISING ARIZONA; A Salute to Laurel and Hardy featuring WAY OUT WEST, the East Coast premiere of a newly restored Technicolor trailer to THE ROGUE SONG, and a Hearst Metrotone newsreel not shown in nearly 70 years. Saturday night we present an archival dye-transfer Technicolor print of IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD, complete with overture, intermission and police radio calls. (The lines wrap around Journal Square for this show, and we bring in over 600 admissions!) On Sunday, 4/7, we present the 50th anniversary of the New Jersey premiere of Abbott and Costello's JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, shown in a pristine archival SuperCineColor print. Members of Costello's family attend, and rare shorts/cartoons are included in the program.

April 20, 2002: The 90th anniversary of the Titanic includes a screening of the seldom shown A NIGHT TO REMEMBER, and James Cameron's TITANIC. Special guests include Charles A. Haas & John P. Eaton, authors of Titanic: A Journey through Time; Titanic: Triumph & Tragedy; and Titanic: Destination Disaster. Many rare artifacts are displayed in the lobby.

April 26 & 27, 2002: Our first Science-Fiction weekend includes CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND; a classic double-feature Kiddie Matinee of THE BRAIN FROM PLANET AROUS with DR. WHO AND THE DALEKS - presented in dye-transfer Technicolor. The highlight of the weekend is a pristine print of FORBIDDEN PLANET, shown for the first time since 1956 in its original 3 channel Perspecta Stereophonic Sound. Rare Perspecta shorts include an MGM Symphony and Tom and Jerry cartoon, plus a Perspecta demo film. Special guests include the family of Robert Fine, the man who developed Perspecta for MGM in 1954. Rare posters and collectibles are on display in the lobby, and more lines wrap around the block for this unique event. Over 700 people attend this presentation.

May 3 & 4, 2002: The final event of the first "official" classic film season is a James Bond weekend, with more archival dye-transfer Technicolor prints of GOLDFINGER; ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE and DR. NO. Also, loads of rare trailers, production shorts and TV spots are shown between films.

October 25 & 26, 2002: Our second film season opens with a Halloween Spooktacular Weekend. Horror classics KING KONG and FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN are shown in brand new prints, GHOSTBUSTERS is presented as a Saturday matinee, and HORROR OF DRACULA is screened in yet another rare archival Technicolor print. Rare shorts include BOO MOON and THE GREAT PIGGY BANK ROBBERY.

November 22 - 24, 2002: Great Teams are saluted with brand new restored prints of the Sherlock Holmes classics THE SCARLET CLAW with THE PEARL OF DEATH, courtesy of the UCLA Film Archive. Laurel and Hardy return with BABES IN TOYLAND, the only 16mm print shown while I was involved. (The only available 35mm print was an edited re-issue, and I felt it was more important to present the original un-cut version. Surprisingly, the 16mm looks very good on the big screen with xenon illumination.) The highlight of this weekend is the proclamation by Governor James E. McGreevey of Martin and Lewis Weekend throughout the State of New Jersey. We present an archival Technicolor print of ARTISTS AND MODELS, plus rare Martin and Lewis performance footage in 35mm newsreels and 16mm TV kinescopes.

January 31 - February 1, 2003: Alfred Hitchcock is saluted with PSYCHO, SABOTEUR and yet another archival Technicolor print - THE BIRDS.

February 28 - March 1, 2003: Chivalry returns to Journal Square with MGM's first CinemaScope feature KNIGHTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE; IVANHOE and another Technicolor print - THE VIKINGS.

March 29 & 30, 2003: The second annual Classic Comedy Weekend includes: SONS OF THE DESERT, A NIGHT AT THE OPERA, ROAD TO MOROCCO, THE SEVEN LITTLE FOYS (in Technicolor) plus rare shorts including THREE LITTLE BEERS, A-PLUMBING WE WILL GO, BRIDELESS GROOM and MUSH AND MILK.

APRIL 26 & 27, 2003: "The Many Faces of Frankenstein" includes the re-premiere of Thomas Edison's long-lost 1910 FRANKENSTEIN; Boris Karloff's 1931 FRANKENSTEIN; the 1958 Hammer classic REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN (in Technicolor) and Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Shorts include THIRD-DIMENSIONAL MURDER, and ultra-rare 35MM trailers of many Universal Horror Frankenstein classics. This special event was co-sponsored by the Fort Lee Film Commission.

These are the programs which I brought to the Loew's Jersey during my tenure as Director of Film Programming. All films were 35mm and were presented in their original theatrical aspect ratios, from 1.37 to 2.35. Through my connections with the UCLA Film Archive; the Lobby of Congress as well as private film collectors, many rare archival prints were presented. The original dye-transfer Technicolor prints looked magnificent with carbon arc illumination, replicating the way these great films were shown in their original theatrical release. I always felt the classic Movie Palace Experience should be replicated, with rare shorts, trailers and cartoons as part of each show. In addition, each program also included loads of unique posters and collectibles on display in the Grand Lobby.

None of this would have happened without the invaluable contributions of Bob Eberenz and Steve Levy. They secured the equipment and restored the 35mm capability to this great theater. Mr. Eberenz in particular has worked hundreds of volunteer hours on this project. Classic film fans in the New York area should be very grateful for their volunteer efforts.

In closing, I'm very proud of my contributions to saving and restoring the film capability to the Loew's Jersey.

Bob Furmanek

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 20, 2004 at 8:02am

What an awesome line up of films. I wish I had known about the theatre back then.

posted by RobertR on Oct 20, 2004 at 8:09am

Robert, a beautiful color print of White Christmas is dazzling. I saw it years ago at the Regency in Manhattan and someone I was with said that it was as if she was seeing it for the first time. Those Vistsvision ratios are perfect for the Jersey's proscenium.

Divinity, a roaring 20's night at the theater is a great idea. A very early talkie or silent comedy classic, some hot twenties jazz on stage with the women decked out in flapper dresses, and the men in suits(bring a hat!) or tuxes.
A gala night and a way for the Friends to make some nice dough.

posted by Vincent on Oct 20, 2004 at 8:30am

Ironically, we ran an archival 1954 dye-transfer 35mm Technicolor print of WHITE CHRISTMAS at the Loew's in 2002. But, it was a private event for a local politician. I still know where this print is located.

The print available from Paramount is good, but it's lacking the vibrant hues of an original release print.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 20, 2004 at 8:35am

Friends please contact Bob and try to get that Technicolor print for Christmas.
People will be blind for days after seeing it but it will be worth it!
And then try to get an archival print of another Vistavision masterpiece Funny Face(maybe you can get it when Donen comes to NY who can then introduce it.) Moviegoing doesn't get better than that. Saw it at the Music Hall in the late 70's. Movie heaven.

posted by Vincent on Oct 20, 2004 at 9:41am

What wonderful threads regarding the movies we would all love to see at Loew's Jersey. There is one horror film no one mentioned for Halloween, "The Thing" made in 1951 by Howard Hawks which still gives me chills. As for "White Christmas" I think I would walk the 30-40 miles from home to the theatre to see that film in all it's original beauty. I assume as soon as the bookings are ready we will all know what films are coming up.

posted by vito on Oct 20, 2004 at 12:05pm

Vincent, FOL knows where to find me...

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 20, 2004 at 12:07pm

I have been to this great theatre several times. Are there any plans to open the balcony seating area any time soon?

posted by YankeeMike on Oct 20, 2004 at 1:12pm

All the balcony seats were restored several years ago, but they were never put back in place. The area needs a LOT of cleaning, and the fire escapes must be repaired and made functional again.

In short - I would not hold my breath waiting for it to happen any time soon!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 20, 2004 at 1:23pm

So Friends please contact this guy. I love Manchurian Candidate but you don't need to see it at the Loew's. It just ain't a movie palace picture. How about knock-out color 4 track stereo prints of The Music Man and Bye Bye Birdie? Then how about some more Jerry Lewis features? The Artists and Models program was great.
Make us happy. The October programming is as dreary as the weather. People should leave the Loew's smiling!

posted by Vincent on Oct 20, 2004 at 1:26pm

That's a shame. The balcony section looks as big as the orchestra. Hope someday I can see a film there.

posted by YankeeMike on Oct 20, 2004 at 1:27pm

Vincent, I'm glad that you enjoyed the Martin and Lewis program. That was typical of the kind of show that I like to do: a rare archival print with unique extras that you can't see anywhere else. Many people commented on the live performance footage of Dean and Jerry, and how cool it was to see it in comparison with their work on film.

The balcony IS huge - it has just about as many seats as the orchestra section!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 20, 2004 at 1:34pm

Is the Jersey open or not? When I go to Moviefone or enjoytheshow.com, and no Loews Jersey is listed as showing movies...

posted by sethkino on Nov 2, 2004 at 1:43pm

At www.LoewsJersey.org you can sign-up for emails of upcoming events.

posted by DougDouglass on Nov 2, 2004 at 2:02pm

Thanks Doug!

posted by sethkino on Nov 3, 2004 at 8:08am

I believe that the balcony cannot be opened until the fire escape and upstairs emergency exits are restored.

posted by Divinity on Nov 14, 2004 at 3:45pm

The marquee is scaring me - it's announcing a Gilbert & Sullivan program that's presented by the mayor and city council.... does that mean the Friends of the Loews lost the fight? Can someone give us all an update on the situation?

posted by John Whitley-Gibson on Nov 20, 2004 at 5:48am

This is performance of G&S "Iolanthe" performed by the Ridgewood Gilbert & Sulivan Opera Co.. Sunday 21st November 2004 at 2:00pm Admision is FREE. A great opportunity to see the Loew's and also see the stage being used. I wish I could be there.

posted by KenRoe on Nov 20, 2004 at 6:15am

John,
The theatre is owned by the city and leased by the Friends of the Loews, as it has been for quite some time. They should be safe for the next few years, since the mayor and city council signed an agreement with them, (thanks to the supporters and friends of the loews) granting them a new lease.
Dont worry darling. Everything should be just fine.
I shall be there for the performance after attending Sunday service at the lovely Stanley theatre (Assembly Hall) across the street.

posted by Divinity on Nov 20, 2004 at 11:12pm

Just saw the holiday schedule. Wow. A Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life.
Calling Bob Furmanek
The Loew's is in desperate, desperate need of a film programmer who knows what will play well in a movie palace and what films have not been played to death. Guys, you have struggled so much and done such magnificent work. Why are you wasting these weekends?

posted by Vincent on Dec 10, 2004 at 8:58am

As I've said Vincent, they know where to find me.

It doesn't help the situation when, on a recent visit, I extended my hand to the current Managing Director, and he refused to shake it. When I later asked him to join our group for dinner, he declined and said that he would phone ahead and have the restaurant poison my food. I'm not making this up! (This is the same individual who told me that his opening remarks on stage were more important than my pre-feature film extras, such as shorts and cartoons.)

It's a pretty strange way to treat the person responsible for bringing classic film (and its projection capability) back to this grand theater. For all the details, see my post above dated Oct. 20.

As long as he is there and continues with his rude attitude, I have no desire to participate in this project...

Bob

posted by Bob Furmanek on Dec 10, 2004 at 9:26am

Poor Bob Furmanek; he has noticed what I have: that the theares are often far sweeter than the people who own and run them.

posted by Jim Rankin on Dec 10, 2004 at 9:39am

Bob,
What they are doing now makes no sense to me. They want to contiue to show classic films at the Loew's. Yet they show films that are R rated or innapropriate for the family or they show films that as great as they are really need a rest. Am I missing something?

posted by Vincent on Dec 10, 2004 at 9:48am

Ego and control issues among certain individuals has begun to affect their film programming.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Dec 10, 2004 at 9:54am

Bob,
Having enjoyed your programs enormously and finding the individual you are refering to always a pleasure to speak with and a charming host in his introductions one can only regret any misunderstandings the two of you have had as your previous relationship did the theater proud.

posted by Vincent on Dec 10, 2004 at 11:37am

I'm suprised they would only run My Fair Lady on a Friday night and not both nights. What kind of stereo equiptment is the theatre using right now?

posted by RobertR on Dec 10, 2004 at 11:58am

Vincent, all I can say is that sometimes people have VERY different personalities when not in the public eye.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Dec 10, 2004 at 12:16pm

I think a good rotation of quality films from 1930's,1940's,1950,s,1960's,and films after 1970 would attract a large audience. A studio tribute to M-G-M during its 80th birthday would tie in Loew's Jersey's historical past.Maybe at the end of the tribute a new M-G-M film such as "Be Cool" with John Travolta and Uma Thurman could be premiered or shown. Maybe someone could contact MGM and gain some publicity for the Loew's-MGM connection as well as promoting there new film. Its ironic that MGM will soon be part of Sony and at one time Sony ownded a 50% interest in Loew's theatres.brucec

posted by brucec on Dec 31, 2004 at 11:12am

They are showing the 1940 "Thief Of Bagdad" as well as "The Adventures Of Robin Hood" on Jan.29. Hope they get nice prints. Both films should look great on a big screen.

posted by YankeeMike on Jan 11, 2005 at 5:16am

I can't believe it. Finally somebody there who can program films suitable for a movie palace. Sorry for the sarcasm guys but it's been too long. Keep up the good work!

posted by Vincent on Jan 11, 2005 at 6:30am

Was there Saturday. Nice prints on both films.

posted by YankeeMike on Feb 1, 2005 at 5:18am

I was also there on Saturday, but only for the first film. Nice presentation! I highly recommend this venue to anyone who cares about seeing classic films in their original environment. The theatre itself will knock your socks off. It is an amazing sight to see. Not only is it huge and ornate, but it is largely intact -- a definite time warp to c. 1929.

posted by GabeDF on Feb 1, 2005 at 9:24am

I was there for the last show Saturday when an announcement was made that a closing theater in Washington would be donating two 70MM projectors to the Jersey. Hopefully this may encourage a 70MM festival in the future.

posted by Pablo on Feb 1, 2005 at 10:06am

OK so let's say I've died and gone to heaven.
This would be the Loew's presenting 70mm. However they install a screen of 60 to 70 ft for just such a purpose.
The Loews is great for Vistavision(how about Vertigo, Funny Face or Strategic Air Command?) But cinemascope in that huge place is a disappointment as screen size is reduced by a third to a half.
Anyway if the people at the Loew's(and though I don't know you I love you all)are interested I'm for starting a NY wide-screen club and working to find a way to make a portable screen for such events. Having no expertise in such matters I don't know if this is even doable. Might the Loew's be interested in something like this? Any comments?

posted by Vincent on Feb 2, 2005 at 4:05pm

I'm sure they would be into that, but I think they'd be happier if someone else was coordinating all the craziness with having a portable screen. They have a 50 x 25 now. Sure it's not the Cinerama Dome's 86-footer, but it's not exactly small...

posted by Shade on Feb 2, 2005 at 4:12pm

But an image of 2.35:1 has a screen size distinctly smaller than a 1:33 or 1:85 with the type of proscenium the Loew's has.

posted by Vincent on Feb 3, 2005 at 6:00am

Hopefully if all goes well, you will see 70mm at the Loews next fall. As to a larger screen, it probably won't happen since the theatre is also used for live performances. The current screen is the largest that can fit into the arch, and going outside the arch would make it impossible to raise the screen up into the stage loft. 60 to 70 foot portable screens are not really a viable option.

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

posted by MBD on Feb 3, 2005 at 6:29am

Thanks for your response. I look forward to your next program.

posted by Vincent on Feb 3, 2005 at 7:42am

Interesting photos taken during exterior renovation, courtesy of The Jersey Journal at this link:
http://www.nj.com/photos/jjournal/clockgallery/

posted by TC on Feb 11, 2005 at 11:03am

The Loews Jersey's next film weekend will be March 4-6, and is now on-line.

http://www.loewsjersey.org

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

posted by MBD on Feb 12, 2005 at 11:47am

Mitchell, which sound formats will be used for "Ben Hur" and "GWTW?

posted by vito on Feb 13, 2005 at 4:10am

"Ben-Hur" at the Loew's Jersey on March 5th - 44 years after I first saw it there when I was 6 years old. I was hoping this day would come someday.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Feb 13, 2005 at 6:46am

Great link, TC! Looking at those photos of them raising the restored dragon with a crane, makes me wonder how someone could have stolen the dragon from the Loew's Paradise clock.....

posted by beardbear31 on Feb 13, 2005 at 8:33pm

Hope they show the recently restored print of GWTW. Should look great on that big screen.

posted by YankeeMike on Feb 13, 2005 at 8:58pm

If the studio sends the print of Ben Hur I expect they are going to send, the sound will be Dolby Stereo. GWTW will be the restored print from a few years ago, the only one currently distribution.

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

posted by MBD on Feb 14, 2005 at 12:40pm

Great! Can't wait to see it.

posted by YankeeMike on Feb 17, 2005 at 11:04am

People Assumed that the crew removing the dragon were construction workers that might have been repairing the building Beardbear31. No one would suspect that theives would have done this in broad daylight at the city's third largest shopping district.

posted by Divinity on Feb 22, 2005 at 12:52am

Thank you Divinity, that always puzzled me....I am speachless now about that....

posted by beardbear31 on Feb 23, 2005 at 9:44pm

Since the clock has a twin, It might be possible to re-cast the figure so that St. George can slay his fire breathing dragon again.
Wouldn't that go wonderfully with the fully restored sign?

posted by Divinity on Feb 23, 2005 at 9:58pm

I ran the chariot race reel from Ben Hur last night, and wow, the print is stunning and in Dolby Stereo.

The Gone With The Wind print is from the 1999 re-issue, which unfortunately, are all "side letterboxed" in a widescreen image. What this means to those watching it at the Loews Jersey is that the picture size will be somewhat smaller than the normal huge picture we normally present.

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

posted by MBD on Mar 3, 2005 at 6:55am

Mitchell,
I'm not sure what you mean. Is this the original 1.33 image or did the reissue cut off the image from the top and bottom?
What exactly does "side letterboxed" mean?
What is the color like?

posted by Vincent on Mar 3, 2005 at 7:54am

I think that Mitchell means is that the last round of prints for the most recent re-release used a 1:33 image printed in the middle of a widescreen picture, with black bars to fill in the sides.

They did it this way because so few theaters have 1:33 lenses these days, and this new method would guarantee they could show the picture, since all theaters have 1:85 (flat) and 2:35 (scope) apertures and lenses.

posted by Ian M. Judge on Mar 3, 2005 at 8:31am

On the last reissue of "GWTW", all the prints were printed anamorphic. So you will have a full 1.37 aspect ratio within the scope frame. Like on TV when an old 1.37 picture comes on, during the titles you see it windowboxed on the sides for the full frame and then it goes to slightly cropped.

posted by William on Mar 3, 2005 at 8:38am

I can't wait to see both GWTW and Ben Hur this weekend.

posted by RobertR on Mar 3, 2005 at 8:48am

When we saw the 1999 reissue, I was very disappointed becuase it was in the old 16mm format. It was at a Regal cinema and they opened the masking as if they were showing a film in cinemascope and all we got was this terrible square in the middle of a huge screen.

posted by Mikeoaklandpark on Mar 3, 2005 at 9:13am

In today cinemas as Ian posted above in todays theatres you only have Flat 1.85 or Scope 2.39. So to get the full frame of the original picture without cropping any picture information. To done this the labs have reformated the 1.37 picture into the scope frame, so you do not loss any picture information on the frame. Otherwise you would loss picture information like that 1968 reissue that MGM did for 70MM. The 35mm prints from that reissue were also cropped and lost picture information. Thats the only way the film is available from New Line/Warner.

posted by William on Mar 3, 2005 at 10:05am

Sounds like the Ben-Hur will be a winner.

I ran one of the 1999 reissue prints of Gone with the Wind a couple of years ago at the Lafayette - the IB Technicolor image is nice, but there are some issues with the focus. The elements used to make the negative are occasionally misaligned, resulting in fringing at times. There are no newer prints of GwtW available, sad to say.

I'm sure Mitchell will do a good job vis-a-vis the presentation.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Mar 3, 2005 at 10:43am

Thank you Pete.

As to the picture, as William posted above:

You will have a full 1.37 aspect ratio picture within the scope 2.35 frame, with black on the sides.

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

posted by MBD on Mar 3, 2005 at 11:06am

Thanks guys> I knew it wasn't the ususal 1.85 flat version.

posted by Mikeoaklandpark on Mar 3, 2005 at 12:45pm

I'm going to see Casablanca here tonight -- my first time in a Loew's Wonder Theater, or in any movie palace for that matter, except Radio City.

I'm coming from downtown Brooklyn. Should I drive? How is traffic and how is parking? Should I take the PATH train?

See some of you there!

posted by saps on Mar 4, 2005 at 11:59am

The PATH stops right at Journal Square, literally across the street from the Loew's. If the PATH trains are convenient for you I would definitely take them. Wish I could be there with you all tonight.

posted by ziggy on Mar 4, 2005 at 12:15pm

I hope some of you who are reading this were there to see "Ben-Hur" last night. The picture and sound were beautiful, and the chariot race was never before as thrilling as it was from the front row of the Loew's.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Mar 6, 2005 at 12:48am

I was ushering last night at the Jersey, and I had a woman tell me she had never seen Ben-Hur until she saw it last night at the Loew's Jersey. She's watched it four times on TV, but she has never "seen" it like last night. It really was a beautiful print, and the audiences keep getting larger. (Keep telling/bringing your friends!!!)

Another couple last night told me their first date was with each other in the Loew's Jersey in 1940, and they were there for Ben-Hur. Older couple on the center aisle about half-way down.

Please excuse the non-operation of our beloved mechanical "St. George at the Dragon" clock. It needs constant care, and is quite problematic at the moment. We expect it in full operation again in the springtime.

posted by mahermusic on Mar 6, 2005 at 7:40am

This Friday was my first time at the Loew's Jersey, and I have fallen in love with it. What a treat to see a classic movie in a classic setting. It's really amazing to think that this was just a neighborhood theater, one you could go to any day of the week. Unlike Radio City, which I love but think of as more of a destination theater that I'd plan in advance, rather than just passing by and popping in. I was happy to see the big screen fill the proscenium, the picture nice and bright, and the sound loud and clear.

I saw a flat film that filled the screen. I know that in some places where there is no room for scope size, they drop the top masking and show the wide image on a smaller screen. Is that what they do here? Even so, it must look sensational.

posted by saps on Mar 6, 2005 at 2:33pm

was Ben Hur itself.Although I have seen it many times on tv and video, it just cannot be appreciated until you see it on the big screen.Awesome,in a word. This was worth the trip from Brooklyn.Parking was easy and cheap . My mother who I took with me probably enjoyed the experience even more than I.All I can say is that any movie and theater fan who does not come here at least once is missing the movie experience as it should be experienced.Theaterat 3 6 06

posted by Theaterat on Mar 6, 2005 at 4:36pm

posted by Theaterat on Mar 6, 2005 at 4:37pm

posted by Theaterat on Mar 6, 2005 at 4:38pm

The Ben Hur print was incredible, bright rich colors and the sound was top notch. I had forgotten about how wonderful sounds booms in those great old theatres. I went Sunday to see Gone With The Wind and was very disapointed in the print. Those prints they made in 1999, in my opinion were horrible. I have seen GWTW three times in old IB tech prints and the richness of the color was so breathtaking. This print looks so pale and faded. There isn a certain Kodak film stock that has real gaudy viberant color almost as good ad Technicolor, I wonder how it would look if the printed it on that. Also I thought the sound was very poor and flat. This was no fault of the Loews Jersey since the presentation of Ben Hur was top notch. They announced from the stage that next month they are doing a festival of B&W Cinemascope called "Black & Wide" and would have Woody Allens Manhatten as one of the features. One of the people at the candy stand said they are also trying for Hud and The Haunting.

posted by RobertR on Mar 7, 2005 at 4:49am

Was at the Ben Hur(avoided GWTW after initial postings about the print.) Absolutely sensational. The projectionist was on top of the print at all times and the print itself was terrific. Movie palace heaven.
One small point. the angle of one of the projectors is slightly off so that a bit of the top of image is cut off with a strip of empty space at the bottom of the screen.
So now I will look a gift horse in the mouth and ask for more movie palace movies. With summer coming up how about a 60's teenage weekend with Where the Boys Are, Bye Bye Birdie and Beach Party. Or a Broadway musical weekend with Music Man, Oliver and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Speaking of CCBB how about a Broadway inspired by movies weekend with Producers(10 times better on the screen than on TV) Monty Python and the Holy Grail and CCBB for a matinee?
Great job guys.

posted by Vincent on Mar 7, 2005 at 7:08am

I am confused by the posts,was Ben Hur shown in cinemascope? I wasn't sure if the theater had the capability to show it in this format.

posted by Mikeoaklandpark on Mar 7, 2005 at 7:10am

Yes it was a scope print, another thing I noticed is either the light or lenses varied from projector to projector and changed the look of the color slightly.

posted by RobertR on Mar 7, 2005 at 7:26am

"Ben-Hur" was shot and originally projected in 65-millimeter. Was there a CinemaScope version as well?

posted by Warren G. Harris on Mar 7, 2005 at 7:32am

To answer some questions from above...

Yes, Ben Hur was printed down to 35mm CinemaScope, even back in the 1950's.

Yes, we raise the bottom and lower the top masking for CinemaScope.

Yes, one projector seems to be aimed slightly higher than the other when running CinemaScope. I hope to have that straighened out before the Black & Wide series next month. I was a spectator for Ben Hur, and I think it is the first time I was down in the audience for a scope film. You can not see a lot of these little imperfections from up in the booth.

Yes, the GWTW print sucked (scroll up, I warned everyone). These 1999 prints were indeed dye transfer technicolor, but they did a very poor job at the lab. The focus was soft (prints fault), and the sound seemed overcompressed.

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

posted by MBD on Mar 7, 2005 at 8:07am

Mitchell
I never projected fim in such a huge theatre, it must require good eyes to keep everything focused and framed properly. Do you happen to remember the trailer for the 1999 re-release of GWTW? They showed the initial scene of Scarlett and the twins in front of Tara before and after the restoration. I remember everyone saying they saw no difference. I wonder if the one lab capable of striking real 3 strip tech prints is still open in England? I remember in the early 90's we played a film at the Cinema Village that was actually filmed and printed in real 3-strip technicolor. It was a dumb throw away picture but the look was unreal. It was so rich and color drenched. I have to look through my files for the name of it. I also recall in the 70's the Recency ran a print of The Gangs All Here that had been newly struck in that lab. The color was like nothing I had ever seen before. When Carmen Miranda did that number in the banana hat you got dizzy from the richness of what was on the screen.

posted by RobertR on Mar 7, 2005 at 8:18am

Trivia question for Mitchell. This was obviously a road show length print with overture and entracte. If there had been a curtain and reserved seating we could have been in Loew's State in '59. So did prints that were reduced from 65 to 35mm include all road show elements. Was this for first run engagements in small cities where MGM did not want to spring for a 65mm print?

posted by Vincent on Mar 7, 2005 at 8:46am

Dye Transfer Technicolor was discontinued in 1974 in the USA and 1977 in England (A Few Dye Transfer Star Wars prints were struck back then). The process was again resumed in the late 1990's, but now discontinued again. Technicolor had a lot of problems getting the dyes to stick to the new polyester film stock base.

Kodak's current line of Vision Film Stock can look as good as Technicolor, but very few modern films are made with that look as an artistic decision. I personally like the old studio look of films, as a opposed to the grainy washed out look of many modern films.

65mm was a camera format, NOT a release format, 70mm was how it was sent to theatres (65mm picture + magnetic stereo sound areas). Very few theatres had the capabilities to run 70mm, most of them located in and around big cities. The prints were much heavier to ship, more costly to manufacture, etc.

All Hollywood 70mm films were printed down to 35mm (usually scope and 4 track magnetic stereo). In fact, in the 1950's, stereo was a requirement, as 20th Century Fox did not put an optical soundtrack on the film. The stereo requirment disappeared by the early 1960's.

The 35mm prints of Ben Hur always had the overture, intro music to part 2, and exit music. Many small town theatres would trim them off to cut running time, but they were always on the prints.

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

posted by MBD on Mar 7, 2005 at 10:09am

From what I remember, Ben-Hur has no exit music. I think it's probably the only one of the major epics of that era not to have exit music.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Mar 7, 2005 at 10:23am

Pete, you may be right. I left after the chariot race, it was a long day. I don't remember if there was any exit music or not.

/Mitchell

posted by MBD on Mar 7, 2005 at 10:42am

Another problem with the GWTW print was there were several spots were the film must have had splicing because the sound would skip a line of dialogue here and there. I would have wanted to see Ben-Hur but it was not listed to start until 7:30 and the Loews has a habit of starting the films 5-10 minutes later then they say. This happened on Sunday. I wish they had played Ben-Hur Staurday afternoon and Rocky (a shorter film) at night.

posted by YankeeMike on Mar 7, 2005 at 10:57am

Pete's right - there's no exit music in "Ben-Hur". Besides, the exultant music Miklos Rozsa composed for the final shots and the end title card couldn't be topped anyway. Better to let the audience go out having just heard that.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Mar 7, 2005 at 10:59am

Ben Hur was a perfect Saurday night film. Thank God Rocky was shown in the afternoon. One of those what was Oscar thinking best pictures.

posted by Vincent on Mar 7, 2005 at 11:08am

It's sad that Gone With the Wind the greatest film of all time(in my humble opinion anyways) has to be shown in less them 100% form. With so many of the Technicolor films even the DVD, the color tends to be adjusted to look more realistic. The trouble is they were made to have that dreamy saturated look. A perfect example is Meet Me In St Louis. The new DVD transfer is pristine but the colors have been toned down to a more modern look.

posted by RobertR on Mar 7, 2005 at 11:08am

Is that true? Color is being toned down in
DVD's? That would be insane!

posted by Vincent on Mar 7, 2005 at 11:29am

When did this theater close? I lived in Jersey City for about a month in May of 77. That was the time that the RKO Stanley closed. I never got to go to either theater. The only theater I went to was the State.

posted by Mikeoaklandpark on Mar 7, 2005 at 11:38am

Mike: the Loew's officially closed in 1986. Here is the theater history page from their website:

http://www.loewsjersey.org/history/index.php

The Stanley no longer shows movies but you can take a tour of the theater, which has been fully restored by the Jehovah's Witnesses. The State, sadly, no longer exists. In its place is a high-rise apartment/office building which hasn't opened yet. The State is the one I went to the most when I was a kid in the 1960's (they got all the Disney movies).

posted by Bill Huelbig on Mar 7, 2005 at 11:44am

This site which says its the official GWTW makes a big deal that the film is being re-released (1999) in the best color in the last 35 years.
http://www.newline.com/sites/gonewind/history/time-1998f.html

posted by RobertR on Mar 7, 2005 at 1:00pm

I saw GWTW at Radio City in 1989 when they had a special 50th anniversary event. I could swear that print looked better then this 1999 "restored" print.

posted by YankeeMike on Mar 7, 2005 at 1:18pm

I have the latest DVD of "GWTW" and I saw no evidence of the color being "toned down." Sometimes people have the color controls on their TVs set to what they think is "perfection," but might not be to others.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Mar 7, 2005 at 1:20pm

I was Head Projectionist at Radio City in 1989 when we did the 50th Anniversary screenings of GWTW. The two prints we had were full 1.37 aspect ratio prints, one of which had been pulled two points lighter (as was common) for Radio City projection. Unfortunately, that print had an optical stereo track, and everyone from MOMA and the West Coast felt the mono track simply sounded better than the stereo track run in mono, which we decided to do for the sake of authenticity. The color balance was slightly different on that print as it was done for a video transfer, but we put the same reel up from both prints and ran them together with "split" aperture plates, so the pictures could be compared directly side by side. They actually were very close, and of course used the full 1.37 frame without the necessity for deanamorphosis.

posted by REndres on Mar 7, 2005 at 1:39pm

I don't have the latest GWTW DVD, I keep meaning to buy it. What I was basing my post on was the latest Meet Me In St Louis. Does anyone who has worked with real IB Tech prints knopw what Im referring to?

posted by RobertR on Mar 7, 2005 at 1:43pm

The Loew's Jersey closed on Thursday, August 21, 1986.

posted by mahermusic on Mar 7, 2005 at 6:17pm

I was at the Ben-Hur screening and I was actually disappointed by the print used. I thought it was pretty bad! It looked very dupey and washed out to me, with poor color consistency between reels, and a lack of razor sharp detail that a good 65mm to 35mm reduction usually provides. The sound also wasn't that great; it sounded like a standard Dolby optical matrix track instead of a discrete 4 channel source, which meant separation was pretty poor. The music score sounded like it was underwater most of the time. That was no fault of the Lowe's though. I've seen other stereo films there that looked and sounded spectacular.

What *was* a problem theater wise, seemed to be a faulty projector which caused considerable "wow" whenever the music score swelled. I blame the projector since it happened only in every other reel. Maybe those new projectors came just in time! Side note, will the new projectors use the carbon arc illumination now in place? I sure hope so.

It's a shame a true IB Tech archival 35mm 'Scope print wasn't utilized as this title is one of the most visually spectacular films ever made. A true achivement from the heyday of widescreen photography.

Even with all that though, the sheer spectacle of the film kept one entranced for the almost four hour running time. They really don't know how to make 'em like that anymore!

posted by MrAudio on Mar 7, 2005 at 7:17pm

MrAudio

Read my above posts regarding IB Technicolor. Do you agree the DVD releases seem like the color is toned down?

posted by RobertR on Mar 7, 2005 at 7:44pm

Hi Robert

That is an issue that has been kind of a hot potato for a while. I think a lot of the myth of super saturated Technicolor stems from reissue prints that weren't as carefully timed as opposed to first run issues. According to the book "Glorious Technicolor" the whole goal of Technicolor was *natural* looking color, not gaudy eye popping hues.

The magazine "The Perfect Vision" used to debate this very topic many years ago, and examination of actual premiere IB tech prints (or remnants of them) showed much more subdued color than reissue copies of the same films. Gone with the Wind in particular seemed to have wildly fluctuating color levels and schemes depending on what reissue print one examined and what process was used. (1939, 1954, technicolr and 1960's MetroColor etc...)

Another point was IB tech prints don't make for accurate video transfers. The prints are too dense for most telecine machines and the colors get screwed up there as well. So most of the "technicolor" DVDs out today aren't from IB prints at all.

Early Techniclor was quite subtle as it was found audiences complained that strong color hurt their eyes. Films like "The Wizard of Oz" had bold colors, but that was a fantasy film. And all the expressionistic films like "The Red Shoes" or the later Gene Kelly and Stanley Donan musicals also featured bold and vivid colors.

So, I'd have to say the answer is its not so much toned down, but the goal of *natural* looking color is being restored to films that in the past were being seen in an artifically pumped up state.

posted by MrAudio on Mar 7, 2005 at 8:20pm

Last month I saw "Thief Of Bagdad" & "Robin Hood" at the Loews and the prints looked and sounded great. Those films were technicolor and were made at about the same time as GWTW so why can't a print of GWTW be made to look as clear as those films?

posted by YankeeMike on Mar 8, 2005 at 4:58am

It certainly could be, YankeeMike. Warner just hasn't done it yet.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Mar 8, 2005 at 5:40am

Many years ago I saw Selznick's Tom Sawyer at the MOMA. It was probably one of the first 3 strip Technicolor films. The print was excellent and while the colors were rich they also gave the effect of water color illustations in a children's book of the period.
This contrasted enormously with the TS I saw at the Music Hall in '73 with its grainy washed out home movie look. Technically films at that point had become so shoddy and no one seemed to notice.

posted by Vincent on Mar 8, 2005 at 6:30am

Just wanted to let everyone know Town Hall is running the Douglas Fairbanks film "The Black Pirate" with a live orchestra this Sunday at 2pm. The tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.

posted by RobertR on Mar 8, 2005 at 6:51pm

i attended ben hur this past saturday and would echo some of MrAudio's criticisms, unfortunately. while the chariot race looked really good and there is no substitute for seeing the race on a big screen with pounding audio, i agree that parts of the film did look washed out. the biggest problem for me was that much or most of the film was not in really sharp focus. i was glad to see it get focused at the very beginning when anno domini flashed on the screen, but within 10 minutes the focus was very soft. i think one projector may have been in better focus than the other. the dialogue sounded amazingly crisp in sound quality as projected, though the music under the dialog did sound a little buried. this all may sound ungrateful, but also the sightlines right now are such that anyone sitting in front of you is liable to block the screen a little, and i am six feet tall. however, i have liked the theater a lot since i first visited around 1996 and am amazed and in admiration that the volunteers have been able to do the truly heroic restoration of the theater, as well as managing to keep it open in the face of great adversity.

posted by andyc on Mar 10, 2005 at 9:00am

Interesting because I am very sensitive to focus and if it is slightly off it drives me crazy whereas other people don't seem to notice or care unless it is really bad. And yes there were times when it was slightly out of focus but I thought the projectionist really did a good job of keeping on top of it. I've had experiences in the past where entire reels would be out of focus and I would have to complain.
As for the color. I saw a bit of the film not long ago on TCM and I would say the color was comparable and it also matches the tones in the souvenir book for the movie. So what did the movie really look like in '59?

posted by Vincent on Mar 10, 2005 at 9:54am

It's good to see I'm not the only one who felt the showing was off!

As far as the color goes, it's a resolution issue. The *tone* of the colors was close, but the shades and nuances were obliterated. A classic case of poor quality control, rushed Eastmancolor processing. I saw Ben-Her in it's last go round as a kid in the early 70's and it looked *rich*. It left an impression on me the way the earth tone color scheme of much of the movie was so vivid and opulent.

I was thinking about that last night, and it did dawn on me that some of the faults I found with the print may not have been faults as such. One thing that bears mentioning that I forgot and no one seems to have picked up on, is the issue of "horses for courses" (if I can make the pun)

Up a ways in this discussion forum you'll note entries from Bob Furmanek about his departure from being programmer at the theater.

Now, the one thing that Bob did there more than any other that contributed to the wonderful success of his screenings was his attention to the prints used.

The carbon arc lighting that the Jersey uses forms a synergistic match to the old dense IB tech and black and white prints that he would book for showings. It's a bright, bright, light, and much less "blue" illumination than modern Xenon lamps. Modern prints just don't look good with that type of projection. That may explain the washed out look and off color of the film last Saturday. I think it can even affect preception of focus.

This is why it is so sad they parted ways. I *know* he would have scored an archive IB Tech print with Mag tracks for Ben-Hur if he were still affiliated with them. And he would have also scored a true archive IB tech print of "Gone With The Wind" as well.

It's a shame when these "factions" develop and cause misery. I can only hope one day the wounds will heal and the "family" that started the Lowe's Jersey ressurection will be whole again.

And Andyc, I hear ya on the sightlines issue. I always wondered why they built theaters with such a subtle angle to the floor back then. I'm only 5'4", and it would be very unfortunate to have sat behind you last Saturday! LOL!! I mean...that issue had to exist back then, no? :P

posted by MrAudio on Mar 11, 2005 at 10:20am

I don't think that this link has been posted here yet:
http://www.jclandmarks.com/loews.shtml

Keep hitting the "More pictures" button for all three pages.

posted by TC on Mar 11, 2005 at 11:41am

Mr.Audio could you be talking about the late '60's rather than early 70's for the last go round? And are the IB prints for films like GWTW and Ben Hur even available? The studios for these classic films seem pretty uncaring.
However when I win the lottery and build my classic film theater adaptable for everything from silents to CinemaScope 2.55 to Todd AO to 3 screen Cinerama I want Bob to program it for me.

posted by Vincent on Mar 11, 2005 at 11:44am

Many collectors have IB prints. One of my friends has an IB GTWT in 16mm. A few times he had prints I wanted to show at Cinema Village so I would book the film the regular way but use his prints.

posted by RobertR on Mar 11, 2005 at 12:02pm

Vincent,

It's quite possible. I remember being very young when seeing it and for me the late 60's and early 70's kind of blend together. ;)

It is quite possible it wasn't a wide re-release and I saw it as a "one-off" matinee at my local theater (The UA Ridgewood in Brooklyn) They used to do that quite a bit back then. I do remember it was during the afternoon when I came out pretending I was riding that cahriot.

I *do* know I saw The Ten Commnadments on it's last go round in about '73 or '74 in Downtown Brooklyn. I was about 10 and was sick, but my folks thought I should see it on the big screen at least once. To show you where my head was at cinematically at the time...when Vincent Price came on screen I blurted out "Mom, you didn't tell me this was a *Vincent Price* movie!!" lol

And...IB prints *are* available. Archives and private collectors are in posession of many, many treasured titles. And that ties into one of Bob's biggest strengths in that he is well known and respected by *both* sides. He can get things done in respect to getting good, accurate prints. His rep in both camps is something that is extraordinarily hard to achieve in the celluloid jungle.

posted by MrAudio on Mar 11, 2005 at 12:13pm

The Jersey does not have mag stereo capability at this time, so a mag print - if even a runnable one still exists - of Ben-Hur wouldn't have done them any good. Optical Dolby Stereo can sound very good when the proper care is taken transferring the mag tracks. The LJ has a bit of an echo problem, but overall the sound is good, IMO.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Mar 11, 2005 at 5:52pm

Let's fill it with 3300 people and see how it sounds then!

posted by saps on Mar 11, 2005 at 9:54pm

I love the echo. It reminds one of the scale of this cavernous movie palace.

posted by Divinity on Mar 12, 2005 at 4:00am

For some reason, I thought the Jersey *did* have mag capability. Thanks Peter for the heads up.

That echo..... When I first went to the Jersey during their first annual Comedy Fest, I was struck by two things. First, the decor of the auditorium which immediately reminded me of the UA Ridgewood where I spent most of my movie going youth (this was waaaaaay before they first triplexed, and from what I hear now, five plexed the place). Of course, the Jersey was more intricate and much larger, but the style was the same. Even down to the "fake" boxes.

The second was that echo! Warm, almost tangible feelings of being transported back to my youth immediately overtook me. *This was how movies sounded when I was growing up!* I had become so used to the modern acoustically "dead" room sound of modern cinemas, I had forgotten how things used to sound in a grand old palace.

Of course that echo was there in the Ridgewood because, like the Lowes Jersey, *their* balcony was never open, so the theater never reached full capacity, and the sound just bounced around all that open space.

Saps is right, if the Jersey was full, that echo would be greatly diminished. Then you would hear how wonderful acoustically the old place really is.

posted by MrAudio on Mar 12, 2005 at 6:59am

The Loew's Jersey's acoustics are incredible. I've told you guys about interesting things about the Jersey in earlier posts here, but I can also tell you that I can stand in the last row of the balcony, and hear people talking in normal conversation on the stage... clearly!

posted by mahermusic on Mar 13, 2005 at 6:57pm

I hope some day they open the balcony so we can all experience the acoustics. For now the echo reminds me of being in the Loews Oriental before it was split into three theaters.

posted by YankeeMike on Mar 13, 2005 at 9:47pm

Yes I remember that echo from the Westwood Pascack and the Hackensack Fox. What warm memories that evokes. I remember standing at the back of the balcony at the Loews Jersey once while they were working and was amazed at how wonderful the sound was coming from the stage. One of those secrets that seems to be lost with time.
I can't give enough credit to Collin and his crew for what they have achieved. To take on Jersey politicos and Jersey developers and come out on top is beyond miraculous.

posted by Vincent on Mar 14, 2005 at 6:57am

The Loew's Jersey and its vertical sign are visible in a photograph of Journal Square that appears on page 28 of Kevin Lynch's book The Image of the City. The photo is undated, but the book has a 1960 copyright. The photo is too small to be able to read the marquee.

In this photo, Journal Square looks like a frightening place for a pedestrian, with a wide sea of traffic going everywhere.

posted by Ron Newman on Mar 14, 2005 at 8:21am

You know, sometimes memory plays tricks on you. A few years ago (3 to be exact), I got to see an original release 35mm British IB Tech print of Ben Hur. Let me tell you, the color quality, both in intensity and shading, on the new print is not significantly different.

The issue with using private prints is a complicated one. Some of the studios will allow you to run a privately owned collector print if you pay the licensing fee, and other will not. Both Ben Hur and GWTW are distributed by Warner, which will not. It would not be responsible for us to risk someones print, and our good relationship with Warner Brothers, to run a private print when they specifically do not approve.

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

PS.

As Pete has stated, the Loews Jersey does not have mag stereo capabilities.

posted by MBD on Mar 14, 2005 at 1:45pm

And what I want to know is why the colors of the souvenir book photos match those of the print the Jersey showed?
I remember someone complaining when the restored Fair Lady played at the Ziegfeld in '93 that the colors were not as vivid as he remembered however they matched the colors that I remembered from the Broadway on Broadway 70mm print and the photos in the souvenir book. The only things that did not match were the astounding 6 track sound of the Warner Cinerama and its large curved head-on screen.

posted by Vincent on Mar 14, 2005 at 2:00pm

Colin Egan lives and breathes the Loew's Jersey... he, Pattie, and all of us think of this as our (very large) baby..... just needing a LOT of changing.

posted by mahermusic on Mar 14, 2005 at 5:12pm

Note that colors as seen on the printed page and on screen come from different technologies, so one must expect some differences in what one sees. The producers of the different media also may have different opinions and objectives in making colors brighter or diming them according to their marketing purposes. Sad to say, there is not 'one color fits all.' And when you get into the color of a video/TV image in either the NTSC or the new ATSC American color systems, it is yet again a whole new ball game!

posted by Jim Rankin on Mar 15, 2005 at 12:08am

The Loews Jersey's next film weekend (April 1 & 2) is now on-line, all black & white wide screen films.

- Woody Allen's Manhattan
- Jail House Rock
- The Haunting

Click on http://www.loewsjersey.org for more information and show dates and times.

/Mitchell

posted by MBD on Mar 16, 2005 at 6:13am

Nice double feature with starting times well placed. Please do more programs like this. Great stuff.

posted by Vincent on Mar 16, 2005 at 6:26am

There are some photos of the Stanley and Loew's Jersey Theaters here:
http://www.gabesplayerpianos.org/html/Stanloew.html
posted by lostmemory on the Stanley listing Mar 16, 2005 at 10:27am

Thanks LM for finding this one!

posted by TC on Mar 16, 2005 at 10:26am

I hope that you enjoyed that site TC. Here is another site about the Loew's Jersey Theater:
http://www.njcu.edu/programs/jchistory/Pages/L_Pages/Loews_Jersey_Theater.htm

posted by Lost Memory on Mar 16, 2005 at 12:26pm

Posted today on the Loew's Kings page:

The Brooklyn Paramount is larger and more sumptuous than the Kings, mainly because of its location in downtown Brooklyn, which was the equivalent of a major city in those days. The Brooklyn Paramount was also the first theatre built in the project that Loew's took over from Paramount and became known as the "Loew's Wonder Theatres." That's how Rapp & Rapp became architects of the Kings. They had already been scheduled for it by Paramount...The Brooklyn Paramount now seems to have an edge over the Kings in restoration to a theatre, since it's in better physical condition and better served by public transportation.
posted by Warren on Mar 16, 2005 at 10:10am

Friends of the Paramount, unite!

posted by saps on Mar 16, 2005 at 4:53pm

Does anyone know if Dick Leibert played at this theater before he went to the Brooklyn Paramount?

posted by HenryAldridge on Mar 28, 2005 at 11:00am

Last night was one of the best revival house experiences I've ever had: THE HAUNTING at the Loew's Jersey. The theater looks a little bit like the house in the movie, what with the huge open spaces, the heavy curtains, the mirrors, the sculpted faces and heads all over the place, etc., and the way the soundtrack echoed and boomed throughout the place - I tell ya, I've seen the movie countless times on video and even a few times in 35mm, but nothing compared to how frightening the movie became in a theater like the Loew's.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 3, 2005 at 8:12am

Did the Jersey last night( april 2) After only 2 visits - The first for Ben Hur, this has become my favorite theater. Really liked Jailhouse Rock in the widescreen format. Stayed for the Haunting too. Excellent, intelligent film- the kind of shocker where your immagination is able to scare you more than FX can. The theater is a little rough around the edges, but the volunteers and others who are running the show deserve a standing ovation! This is moviegoing the way it used to be...and should be. With such winners like Miss Congeniality 2 and the Pacifier( to only name two) this was the best show in town!

posted by Theaterat on Apr 3, 2005 at 9:24am

What is the next program scheduled?

posted by saps on Apr 5, 2005 at 4:39pm

Or, as my English teacher might say, when is the next scheduled program?

posted by saps on Apr 5, 2005 at 4:40pm

The next scheduled program is "The 60th Anniversity of the End of World War Two" on April 29th and 30th. So far: "The Great Dictator"(Charlie Chaplin) and
"Patton"(George C. Scott). "Patton" was one of only two films photographed in the D-150 process and even the 35mm prints are usually visually stunning.

posted by Pablo on Apr 5, 2005 at 10:34pm

They don't seem to like musicals all that much. Either the MGM kind or the wide screen '60s classics. Too bad.

posted by Vincent on Apr 6, 2005 at 6:18am

A good musical tied to the theme of the end of WWII would be "It's Always Fair Weather" a glum little story about disillusioned post-war vets.

posted by saps on Apr 6, 2005 at 10:35am

Patton a good movie but after over two hours of a bullying George C Scott you kind of know what Ava Gardner went through.

posted by Vincent on Apr 6, 2005 at 10:45am

Please The Great Escape or Where Eagles Dare or Von Ryan's Express.

posted by Vincent on Apr 8, 2005 at 6:32am

Geat Escape....definately, Where Eagles Dare....maybe. Von Ryans Express...not. How about The Longest Day or The Dirty Dozen? What makes Patton an excellent movie is George C Scotts performance. He is arrogant,defiant, strong willed, and generally relishes his role playing soldier. We will follow this guy anywhere. When he says he lived in previous lifetimes, we believe him. He is what Americans like about their commanders sort of the anti Mac Arthur. Above all, he is likeable in the role. Truly one of the greats. A friend of mine says the tanks are innacurate for their time ...they actually appeared after WW II, but who cares?

posted by Theaterat on Apr 8, 2005 at 9:53am

Do you by any chance have the time(s) "Patton" is playing? I have only seen it on video and am chomping at the bit to see it on the big screen. I need to know so I can schedule my Tribeca Film Festival going around this screening. The Loew's Jersey City web site doesn't have the new schedule posted yet.

I've been going out to the Loew's Jersey City for several years now. I don't know why more New Yorkers don't make the trek. It is a 20-minute PATH ride from Penn Station and then directly across the street from the PATH station.

I was out there most recently for the "Rocky" screening, a movie, I'm sad to say, doesn't stand the test of time. Hard to believe this one bagged a Best Picture Oscar.

I think the volunteers at the LJC deserve all the credit in the world because this on-going restoral is very much an on-going effort.

posted by hardbop on Apr 8, 2005 at 10:35am

As of now, Great Escape will be on Saturday afternoon, Patton Saturday evening April 30th. I'll post an announcement when it is finalized and on the web site.

Where Eagles Dare is one of my favorite movies, but here are no good prints available (red, splicy, scratched). We looked into it.

Don't give up hope for MGM musicals at the Loews, I haven't.

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

posted by MBD on Apr 8, 2005 at 11:42am

Looks like it will be a long day for me in Jersey City on Saturday, April 30. Hello Jersey City, goodbye Tribeca. Any good restaurant recommendations?

posted by hardbop on Apr 8, 2005 at 11:52am

Looks like it will be a long day for me in Jersey City on Saturday, April 30. Hello Jersey City, goodbye Tribeca. Any good restaurant recommendations?

posted by hardbop on Apr 8, 2005 at 11:52am

Not really a restaurant, but right next door is a great little hot dog place called Boulevard Drinks. It's been there at least as long as the Loew's itself (1929), maybe even longer. Their hot dogs are excellent, and they make a great soft drink called a lime rickey. It's located to the left of the Loew's, and it's very small (only about 6 or 7 stools), but you can always take the food out.

And of course about 3 or 4 blocks north on Kennedy Blvd. is the beloved White Castle. There's a good diner in the neighborhood too, called the V.I.P. Diner. It's a short walk from the Loew's, off Kennedy Blvd. going south.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 8, 2005 at 12:06pm

About the V.I.P. Diner:

http://www.digitalcity.com/northjersey/dining/venue.adp?vid=75862

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 8, 2005 at 12:27pm

Here are a couple of suggestions for a double bill of MGM musicals. On The Town/Its Always Fair Weather, Meet Me in St Louis/The Harvey Girls, Singing in the Rain/The Bandwagon, An American in Paris/Gigi, Showboat/Kiss Me Kate, Annie Get Your Gun/Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, High Society/Silk Stockings, and Easter Parade/Take Me Out To The Ballgame.

PS Vincent I also liked "Von Ryan's Express" as well as The Great Escape,Patton,Bridge On The River Kwai,The Longest Day,The Guns of Navarone,Battle of Britain,Stalog 17,From Here To Eternity,The Train and Saving Private Ryan.brucec

posted by brucec on Apr 8, 2005 at 12:49pm

Bruce that's a great list of fims.
I've also heard there's a classic Hudson County old fashioned chinese restaurnant in the area.

posted by Vincent on Apr 8, 2005 at 1:27pm

Vincent, if the old fashioned Chinese restaurant you are talking about is Canton Casino (or Canton Garden as it was also known) which was down the street from the Loews on Bergen Ave., that place has, sadly, closed. I found this out the hard way last week when I had it all planned to go there first and then to go to the Loews Jersey afterwards. I showed up to the front door of the restaurant only to find it locked. Tried to call information to get the phone number, but they didn't have one listed.Major dissapointment, and I felt like I was about to get blown off the sidewalk in the process, it was so blustery that day. I'm so glad I got to go there on two other occasions. Apparently they closed last November after being there as long, if not longer than the Loews Jersey. Really amazing place, huge & ornate. Lotta history.

If this isn't the Chinese place you're talking about, I'd like to know about the other old fashioned place you are talking about. Would defintely want to check that out.

By the way, had an AMAZING time at Jailhouse Rock/The Haunting. My first visit to the Lowes Jersey and was blown away by everything. So glad this place has been saved. Cheers to the staff, they do an amazing job. I can't wait to go at the end of April, I have told a bunch of friends and they are all psyched to go there as well. Hope to see you for 'Where Eagles Dare' and whatever else makes it on the bill.

posted by Irv on Apr 8, 2005 at 11:09pm

Our next film weekend (April 29 - May 1) is now on-line.

- The Great Dictator
- The Great Escape
- Patton

Surf over to http://www.loewsjersey.org for more information.

posted by MBD on Apr 9, 2005 at 12:43pm

"The Great Dictator" would have made a nice double bill with "To Be Or Not To Be" which starred Carole Lombard and Jack Benny.brucec

posted by brucec on Apr 9, 2005 at 10:25pm

I've never been to the Loews Jersey City. The showtimes never jived to my liking but with a matinee of Great escape and Dictator I might just take a trip. Re: Patton: What kind of print will it be. It definitely won't be the D-150 print but will it be a standard Panavision 35MM?? How bout quality?? If I have to kill an hour between showtimes, are there places around to go? and how bout the parking situation?? If I go, I hope it's a great experience and not one where I say I'll never go back...Jersey City is not the best of sections...but look forward to the flicks

posted by rhett on Apr 10, 2005 at 5:47am

Rhett: If you turn right after leaving the Loew's and keep walking down Kennedy Boulevard a few blocks, you'll come to a nice park called Lincoln Park. As for parking, use the parking facility described below and you can get a half-price-off voucher inside the theater:

Paid parking is available at "Square Ramp Parking Garage", located directly behind the Loew's on Magnolia Avenue. Traveling south on Kennedy Boulevard, continue past the Loew's to the third traffic light. This is the intersection of Kennedy Boulevard and Tonnelle Avenue. (It is the first opportunity past the Loew's to make a right turn.) Turn right onto Tonnelle Avenue from Kennedy Boulevard. Less than a quarter of a block down Tonnelle, make the first right turn you can onto Magnolia Avenue. This is a somewhat narrow, two-way street that appears to be a dead end. In fact, you will be looking at the side wall of the Loew's at the end of the street. Travel down Magnolia until you reach the Theatre; turn left into Square Ramp Parking Garage. After parking, follow the red pavement and "Walkway" markings alongside the Theatre; continue on the walkway as it narrows to Kennedy Boulevard. Turn left onto Kennedy and the Loew's entrance is a few paces away, next to the "J.C. Police" station.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 10, 2005 at 7:57am

The Great Escape AND Patton the same day! Wow! Too bad I have to attend a ship modelers show in Connecticut that day( my club is sponsoring it) If not for that, I would be the first one on line along with many members from my other club. I will miss it. I guess I can watch them on DVD, but it just will not compare to the Big Screen

posted by Theaterat on Apr 11, 2005 at 10:08am

Patton will indeed be a standard Panavision 35mm print. It is my understanding that the print has some issues with scratches and some occasional minor jump splices, but the color is good.

Great Escape in a newly struck restored print.

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

posted by MBD on Apr 11, 2005 at 6:20pm

1./kind of find The Great Dictator to be demeaning to Italians, Germans and Jews as well, but I guess this was the political climate in 1940. You guys at the Jersey could have done better than this, but I guess Patton and The Great Escape kind of make up for it.

posted by Theaterat on Apr 15, 2005 at 8:55am

Amazing. As a proud Italian I never found this movie demeaning only very funny. I think it is one of Chaplin's best.
You could call Chaplin a lot of things egotistical, self righteous, overly sentimental (just like self-important movie stars today) but I don't think a bigot is one of them.

posted by Vincent on Apr 15, 2005 at 9:50am

As a German, I never found this movie demeaning to Germans. It's naziism that is demeaning. People that make fun of it are to be applauded.

posted by ziggy on Apr 15, 2005 at 10:15am

Theaterat....as an Italian, I don't find the Great Dictator to be demeaning to Italians but a slap in the face of Naziism and Facism (did I spell it right) at the time yes, Italy was teaming with Nazi Germany, so they were enemies. Plus, it's a comedy movie and it hit at the right time...I also don't find The Godfather or The Sopranos to be an insult to Italians....I mean, who is the Mafia??....but I do find them to be great entertainment classics....you need to lighten up paisan!!!

posted by rhett on Apr 16, 2005 at 5:51am

Speaking as a Jew, I also have never found this film to be any any way demeaning to Jews. I will be projecting it on Friday, and would not be doing so if it were otherwise. It was/is a satire, and should be viewed in that context.

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

posted by MBD on Apr 17, 2005 at 9:14am

OK K OK...I am just expressing my opinion on this film. I never said it was demeaning, it is just the way I see it. Maybe it is satire, but good satire does have some basis in fact. I also am NOT against it being shown. If something offends you, do not read it, see it listen to it, or buy it..

posted by Theaterat on Apr 17, 2005 at 11:06am

"The Great Escape" and "Patton" were each a sight to behold on the big screen at the Loew's yesterday. One funny thing: at one point the sound on "The Great Escape" dropped out. To get the attention of the projectionist, someone started whistling Elmer Bernstein's memorable "Great Escape" theme, and many more of us joined in!

posted by Bill Huelbig on May 1, 2005 at 5:55am

I was only there yesterday for 'The Great Escape' which was excellent. And yes it was funny when the sound went out at the beginning of one of the reels. Great film. Can't wait for the Sci-Fi films in June. Any chance Loews Jersey could run films more often. Every other week perhaps? I'll help..I promise. That place is so amazing, I hate waiting a month before I can go there again.

And if you'll indulge me while I bitch and moan for a second: I'm a little amazed at the rudeness of a few of the people that go to some of these revival screenings. Yesterday at 'The Great Escape', and last week at 'Suspicion' at The Lafayette in Suffern I had the slight misfortune of sitting in front of a pair of obnoxious, chatty, loud, middle aged men. Maybe yesterday's pair were the evil twins of the guys the week before. Generally speaking people that go to these screenings are more considerate than your average film going audience since the whole experience is being appreciated on a different level. But in both these scenarios, the men in both theaters insisted on chatting with each other and doing their best Ebert & Roeper impersonations during the film, and just to make it that much more interesting the guys yesterday were belching out loud and really letting people know that they could chomp on their popcorn. I'm not being overly sensitive about this, it was REALLY loud (the guys yesterday were not one, but two rows behind us and I could still hear it). This usually never happens. I know...I should actually be saying something at that moment, but it's just going to turn into a scene, believe me. So if any of you chatty, belching, middle-aged dudes are reading this right now, please have a little decorum and don't ruin it for others (alhtough I know some of you make a hobby out of bugging people and love doing it)...when the movie's playing shut the f' up!!!!!! Eructate in your own space or in the bathroom. Thank you!

posted by Irv on May 1, 2005 at 7:52am

Irv....Good point!When this not too chatty middle aged guy goes to the movies, I try to talk as low as I can if there is something to say.I am NOT an elitist snob, but I feel that people who go to a great theayer to experience classic films have a bit more class than teenagers or young adults have when they go to a multiplex to see a movie like"Spiderman? or "The Matrix".

posted by Theaterat on May 1, 2005 at 9:35am

Damn. I know that feeling. I thought all the obnoxious people sit next to me! I usually find that the loud ones are when two-middle aged women sit next to each other. They usually gab their way through the films. I got into it with this idiot -- a man -- at a recent screening of "The King & I" at an AMPAS screening in Manhattan. I don't mind the popcorn eating when they sell it at the theatre, but this jerk brought his popcorn with him in Tupperware into the AMPAS theatre where eating is forbidden. He was right behind me too.

I also was at the Loews J.C. on Saturday for both THE GREAT ESCAPE and PATTON and it was nice to see both (for the first time) on the big screen. Maltin gives both films "4-star" ratings, though I don't think the clunky GREAT ESCAPE deserves that high a rating. PATTON was flat out terrific and George C. Scott gave the performance of his life. The GREAT ESCAPE PRINT, despite the faux pas with the sound, was the better of the two prints. PATTON, IMHO, was the better of the two films. I actually found Elmer Bernstein's score in TGE to be cloying, annoying and it called attention to itself.

More on sci fi, the guy who gives the spiels before the flicks mentioned that two potential titles are the original INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS and THE WRATH OF KHAN.

posted by hardbop on May 2, 2005 at 7:31am

One more thing, what is the theatre that is diagonally across the street from Loews Jersey City? It is on the same side of the street as the PATH station. That building, which still has a marquee, seems to be open, though I'm not sure what is in there. I doubt it is a theatre and I didn't have a chance to walk by Saturday.

Oh, by the way, I did patronize the VIP diner, but didn't have a chance to sample the Lime Rickey. Maybe next time.

posted by hardbop on May 2, 2005 at 7:37am

Hardbop-

I noticed that other theater as well. It's called The Stanley. The Jehovah Witnesses bought it and have restored it. I don't think they show movies there but I read somewhere that they give tours.

posted by Irv on May 2, 2005 at 7:59am

Irv... The Stanley Does give tours, but I have never taken one. Just check it on "search Theaters" for more info. I am looking to take one in the near future. Prehaps I can combine it with a trip to the Jersey on the same day.Have fun!

posted by Theaterat on May 2, 2005 at 8:16am

If you take the Stanley tour on the same day as a Loew's Jersey show, you'll feel like you died and went to movie palace heaven.

posted by Bill Huelbig on May 2, 2005 at 9:25am

Bill Huelbig....That is EXACTLY the way I felt when I went to the Jersey on 3 5 05 for my first time to see Ben Hur!It was unbelievable, especially the movie fans I spoke with for the first time. Seems like I knew them for years. I almost had to ask somebody to pinch me to prove it was not a dream!

posted by Theaterat on May 2, 2005 at 11:37am

"Great Escape" was my first visit to the Loews..WOW.....my jaw dropped...what a theater.....I've never visited before because Jersey City isn't the best of neighborhoods and the showtimes are usually too late...but this one i made work (Would the Loews consider an early start time for matinees...The Lafayette starts at 11:30am on Saturday and they get huge crowds...sometimes it's just too late a start that takes up the day....for me at least...anyway) The print was awesome..although the projectionist at times seemed to be asleep at the wheel (sound loss, framing ) but an overall good experience....I really wanted to stay for Patton but it was too long to wait between shows and a 8:15 start time meant a late departure and driving through Jersey City back to route 3 would have been a nightmare so I reluctantly skipped it...I came back the next day for "Great Dictator"...it was great...I'm sorry there wasn't more of a crowd...it deserved better....the theater did...My hat's off to ALL the volunteers who give their time to keep classic movies, theaters and moviegoing alive...I hope the Loews Jersey goes to bigger and better and gets sell-out crowds...

posted by rhett on May 8, 2005 at 6:45am

Rhett: Too bad you didn't stay for Patton. Actually that was one of the Loew's shortest waits between shows, a little more than an hour. Sometimes they run up to more than two hours. You could've gotten something to eat at the V.I.P. Diner, a little ways further up Kennedy Blvd. (see above post). As for driving back, there's almost no traffic at that time of night (it ended around 11:20 PM). It's also safe - I wound up walking halfway back to Weehawken by the time my bus came along at 11:50.

posted by Bill Huelbig on May 9, 2005 at 7:58am

I know that there are some people on this page who know what I am doing with the Loew's Kings, another wonder theater like the Jersey. I just figured some of you may want to join us.

posted by Gustavelifting on May 9, 2005 at 3:04pm

NJ historic trust information:
http://www.njht.org/profiles/loews-jersey-theatre.html

posted by TC on May 10, 2005 at 11:25am

The Loew's Kings is in Brooklyn, not New Jersey. Thanks anyway TC.

posted by Gustavelifting on May 10, 2005 at 8:45pm

my post is clearly for Jersey city not Brooklyn.

posted by TC on May 11, 2005 at 4:32am

One day I may take a trip to the Loew's Jersey. Is there a train station near it?

posted by Gustavelifting on May 11, 2005 at 9:15pm

Gustavelifting.... The PATH subway stops right across the street from the Jersey. I think you have to take it somewhere in Manhattan. You can call the "311" info nomber to check it/ I drive thru Staten Island and take the Bayonne Bridge to JKennedy Blvd. to get there.With no traffic, I can make it in 40 minutes.

posted by Theaterat on May 12, 2005 at 11:56am

PATH stations in midtown Manhattan: 33rd St., 23rd St., 14th St., 9th St., Christopher St. (all on or near 6th Ave.) Downtown: the World Trade Center PATH station. Take PATH to the Journal Square station, and when you come outside walk to your left and you will soon see the Loew's.

posted by Bill Huelbig on May 12, 2005 at 12:55pm

Thanks guys, I am considering it. If members of my family will join me, I will go.

posted by Gustavelifting on May 12, 2005 at 1:14pm

The Loews Jersey's next movie weekend is now online.

Friday 6/3/2005 Double Feature

- Crack In The World
- Invasion Of The Body Snatchers

Saturday 6/4/2005

- Tron
- Star Trek 2: The Wrath Of Khan

Check out http://www.loewsjersey.org for more info.

posted by MBD on May 17, 2005 at 1:58pm

It looks I'll be making the trek under the Hudson both days. I've never seen CRACK IN THE WORLD at all, though I've seen BODY SNATCHERS and will bail out after the first movie.

I am not a big fan of STAR TREK; in fact, I hate STAR TREK, so I haven't seen any of the ST films but I may make my way there for KAHN. I have seen TRON.

posted by hardbop on May 18, 2005 at 1:09pm

I will be in NYC (from the UK) and look forward to going back to Loew's Jersey to see the theatre 'in action' on the night of 'Crack' & 'Body'.

I haven't been inside the building since I organised a tour for the Cinema Theatre Association (UK) back in November 2000, so I am especially keen to see how the ongoing restoration is progressing and of course enjoy an evening at the movies, in a true movie palace.

posted by KenRoe on May 18, 2005 at 3:03pm

"Crack in the World" is an unusual and exciting choice - it's not on home video as far as I know, and hasn't been shown on TV in years. It's too good to be seen as rarely as it is. Can't wait to see it on a theater screen for the first time.

posted by Bill Huelbig on May 18, 2005 at 3:43pm

RE rare or rarely seen si fi films, does anyboby out there remember a film called "The Incredible world of Jules Verne". I remember seeing it on the old Channel 9 movies in the late 60s and early 70s.This unique and visually stylistic film was shot in black and white and featured an amazing combination of graphics, animation and model sequences that resembled 19th century book engravings.I think it was made in Czechoslovakia in the early 60s. Even today with the CGI and computer animation, this would blow most of them away!

posted by Theaterat on May 19, 2005 at 10:41am

Theaterat: You are exactly right! That movie was fantastic, and I watched it every time it came on Channel 9. Besides the amazing visual quality, it also has one of the most beautiful music scores ever written for a fantasy film.

I recently found out that it's available on DVD from Nostalgia Video

http://nostalgiafamilyvideo.com/index.asp

I should be getting my copy any day now.

By the way, the actual (American) title is "The Fabulous World of Jules Verne".

posted by Bill Huelbig on May 19, 2005 at 5:35pm

Bill Huelbig...Thank you, thank you. No wonder I went crazy trying to hunt it down. I had the name wrong. Going to the web site TODAY to order it. And you are right, the score was teriffic. Can`t wait to get it, I just hope the DVD transfer does it justice.

posted by Theaterat on May 20, 2005 at 8:28am

CRACK IN THE WORLD may not be on DVD, but it does pop up on TV. I have it on tape, taped off TV. I probably taped it 10 years ago or more, but never got around to watching it.

posted by hardbop on May 20, 2005 at 8:55am

Theaterat: This review of the Jules Verne DVD says the transfer is not perfect, but good enough:

http://www.locusmag.com/2004/Reviews/10_WaldropPerson_Verne.html

I'm glad I was able to help you find a copy. I'll bet we're not the only ones. There must be hundreds of now-grown kids who saw it back then on Channel 9 and would love to see it again.

posted by Bill Huelbig on May 20, 2005 at 9:04am

Bill Huelbig.... It would be even Better to see it on the big screen. This one with 20.000 Leagues Under the Sea would be a kick a.. double feature.

posted by Theaterat on May 20, 2005 at 9:30am

I saw it on a screen only once ... sort of. It was shown at the Lyndhurst, NJ Public Library in 16mm back in 1977 or 1978. I found out about this screening completely by accident, the same way I found out about the DVD.

You're right - it would be amazing to see at the Loew's, or the Lafayette, or anywhere on a big screen.

posted by Bill Huelbig on May 20, 2005 at 9:34am

There are so many Disney films I would love to see on screen again. The problem is there are few prints available on them for some reason. Right now Mary Poppins is not even available for rental.

posted by RobertR on May 20, 2005 at 9:38am

That is correct, Robert. Other than very unusual circumstances, Disney does not do theatrical bookings for any of their classic animated features, and a number of the live-action ones as well. I've tried for 3 years to get Mary Poppins for the Lafayette, but no dice.

posted by PeterApruzzese on May 20, 2005 at 9:51am

Tron-One of the first CGI films along with Star Trek II- the Wrath of Khan - the best entry in the franchise promises to be a great show! See you there on 6-4. Also to Bill Huelbig,thanks for the websites concerning the FWJV. Got the DVD and it is spectacular, just the way I remember it from the Channel 9 movie. The review was also terrific. Thank God the DVD player has a "pause" feature. This way I can freeze my favorite scenes to enjoy the artistry and obvious love of the subject matter and the look and feel of the late Victorian era that makes this film a joy to behold.

posted by Theaterat on Jun 3, 2005 at 9:51am

Theaterat: You're very welcome. I too was impressed and very happy with the quality of the DVD. I still can't believe I own it - I thought for sure that was one of the lost films from my childhood, and that it would stay lost.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jun 3, 2005 at 10:02am

Bill Huelbig... Is there any way we can "suggest" the Jersey management to screen this movie? Prehaps a "lost gems" show will get it a screening.

posted by Theaterat on Jun 3, 2005 at 10:10am

First, you'd need to see who holds the USA theatrical rights. Then, they would have to have a 35mm print available. It was originally released by Warner Bros., but I'll bet their license expired a long time ago.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Jun 3, 2005 at 10:29am

When the Lyndhurst Public Library showed it in 16mm back in the '70's, the movie opened with an on-screen introduction by Hugh Downs talking about Jules Verne, etc. Kind of like the Edward R. Murrow prologue to "Around the World in 80 Days". That opening is missing from the DVD and I think from the TV prints as well.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jun 3, 2005 at 10:35am

I went to the double bill screening of "Crack in the World" & " Invasion of the Body Snatchers" last night. Great show, despite a slight delay starting the main feature due to a projector 'gate' problem. Excellent prints considering the ages of the movies.

It's been 3 years since I last took a look around the theatre and I am most impressed with the improvements, care and enthusiasm that is being taken to restore the theatre. Nice to see the console of the organ is sitting in the orchestra pit awaiting its completion to be available to be played again. On the exterior the marquee is a-blaze with light again as the neon name flashes on and off!

There was a low turnout for this programme (the friends I was with said there had been be much larger audiences on previous screenings they had attended), was it the rainy evening that put people off attending? I know if I had a 'gem' like the Loew's on my doorstep (London, UK) I would be there every opportunity. Come on you New Yorkers and New Jerseyites! Give them some support! It is so easy to get to on the PATH train which has a station just across the street from the theatre and is only 10 minutes from World Trade Center station in Manhattan.

Great to see another Cinema Treasures member attending; 'saps'. Thanks for coming over and saying 'Hi'. I enjoyed our chat. Keep in touch.

posted by KenRoe on Jun 4, 2005 at 8:24am

Ken...I can understand the disapointment to the "low" attendance for a great show the Loews Jersey puts on. I missed the weekends show, regretably. I believe the problem is in the schedueling of the showing. On a Friday night I'd bet that not many people , after a hard week at work wish to venture to busy Jersey City for a later show which they won't get out till 11pm. The area is not the best.

"My" opinion, is that the Loews should scheduele more matinees for weekends, Saturday especially, and Sunday. It's much more appealing to make it an event for the early day (while it's daylight) and to know you still have the rest of the day to yourself. I've been a dedicated fan of the Lafayette's BigScreen series and they get a tremendous turnout for their Saturday morning shows at 11:30am. While the crowd is many of the elderly set, I don't imagine many would be up for a 8pm show. I would have loved to have seen Trek II on the Jersey screen but the 8:15pm show just couldn't drag me out there.

There are obviously many who disagree but , remember, this is just one person's opinion..mine, so please excuse me sounding like an old rag. I just wish the showtimes were more accessable than to have later evening shows..that's just me. I saw "Great Escape" and "Great Dictator" at a low attended Sunday matinee. The Loews is a great theater and the people who work there are dedicated to movies. I hope they sell out the house for every show.

BTW...what's up next?

posted by rhett on Jun 5, 2005 at 6:31am

Judging from the times I've gone to the Loew's, the Saturday night shows are always the most crowded, compared to the Friday night and Saturday afternoon shows. The only bad thing about the late shows for me is that they always start around 20 minutes later than scheduled, and often end right around the time the last bus leaves Journal Square for Weehawken in North Hudson where I live. More than once I've had to run out of the theater and try to make that last bus. I'm not complaining, though - I could always walk home if I had to (about 4 miles).

Rhett: The next show will be in September. No movies confirmed yet, but whatever they are they'll be shown in conjunction with a live performance by Vince Giordano's 1920's jazz band.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jun 6, 2005 at 7:12am

No shows the whole summer? Does the Jersey have AC?

posted by RobertR on Jun 6, 2005 at 7:31am

No, the Loew's Jersey does not have air consitioning.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Jun 6, 2005 at 7:33am

No, the Loew's Jersey does not have air conditioning.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Jun 6, 2005 at 7:33am

They don't have AC, and they also use the summer weekends as extra renovation time.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jun 6, 2005 at 7:33am

What renovation projects are planned for the summer?

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jun 6, 2005 at 7:46am

According to the program, they want to get started on the balcony. The number one question they're asked by patrons is, "When will we be able to sit upstairs?"

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jun 6, 2005 at 7:48am

I think re-opening the balcony is a great idea! What needs to be done in order for the public to be allowed in? Also, what do you mean there's no air conditioning. Surely the theater must have had it at one time. Is the plant currently non-functioning, or has it been removed?

posted by ziggy on Jun 6, 2005 at 7:51am

They started on the balcony over 5 years ago when they took out all the seats.

They can't do anything with the balcony until the fire escapes are inspected and made secure. In their present condition, they can not support the weight of hundreds of people.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jun 6, 2005 at 7:55am

They have to take apart, clean and rebuild all the seats in the balcony. The program says there's 57 years worth of bubble gum built up on them. The AC must have been removed when the theater first closed in 1986, but I'm not sure. It was comfortable in there on Saturday night and it had been a fairly warm day, but I guess the heat and humidity build up as the summer goes on.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jun 6, 2005 at 7:55am

I was up in the balcony taking seats apart in the summer of 2001. Believe me - it's a sauna up there in the middle of the summer.

There are over 1000 seats in the balcony. If they're just now starting to take them apart for cleaning and painting, it's going to be a long, l-o-n-g time before the balcony is ready. Don't hold your breath.

The organ will be playing before the balcony opens.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jun 6, 2005 at 8:08am

RE the air conditioning... the Jersey DOES have air, but it doesn`t work too good. It was on Sat 6-4 for Tron and Star Trek II and while it was cool, it just isnt strong enough to cool the entire theater, especially on a hot and humid day {or in this case, a night}.

posted by Theaterat on Jun 6, 2005 at 8:17am

That's not air conditioning. It's the return air system which just moves the air around the building. The AC system is in terrible shape and is going to require MAJOR funds to repair.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jun 6, 2005 at 8:20am

I was there Friday and Saturday. I've seen "Body Snatchers" so I bolted after "Crack in the World." And Saturday I was there for "Wrath of Khan." I had trouble hearing the dialogue at the beginning of "Khan" so I assume there was deterioration in the sound track on the print.

I thought attendance at both screenings was adequate; that theatre is so big it can swallow up a crowd. I know it would be nice to fix the balcony, but they certainly don't need those extra 1,000 seats!

And I had a Line Rickey at that luncheonette a couple of doors down from the Loew's. It was good.

I agree about the film's starting late. That guy who gets up there to talk before the film -- overdressed in a suit -- goes on and on and on. Start the movie will you please. And that area is not the best. It is like a perp walk across the street on the walk back to the PATH train.

posted by hardbop on Jun 6, 2005 at 9:01am

Just a note about eating in the area...the Journal Square Pub, right next door to the theater, has a 25 seat dining room downstairs from the cozy pub, and they serve delicious Italian food. Before the show Friday my friend and I shared a fresh arugala and tomato salad, and each had a chicken parmegiana hero, and paid $10. each, including tax and tip.

It's always a treat to see a show at the Jersey, especially a double feature, but I did miss seeing any shorts or trailers or cartoons.

And it was a treat to meet fellow cinemaphile KenRoe...we didn't know each other and were just talking theater stuff, when it turned out we had one or two things in common!

posted by saps on Jun 6, 2005 at 9:15am

hardbop wrote: "I thought attendance at both screenings was adequate; that theatre is so big it can swallow up a crowd."

I was there Friday night and there were about 75 people there for the shows - how many were at the Saturday night shows?

I've been a semi-regular attendee at the Loew's shows and I have to say that while I'm extremely happy that the theatre has been spared the wrecking ball, it's a shame that it not in a really advanced state of renovation considering the amount of money and time that have been spent on the place. The lobby still has these tacky white Christmas tree lights strewn over the mezzanine railings, there are still light fixtures hanging from wires, there are still piles of who-knows-what in the outer lobby and the mezzanine, the inner bathrooms still do not have the tiles in place, etc. And it's been that way since I first went there in 2000/2001. I applaud their efforts but question the results as of now.

And I can't be the only person bothered by the numerous projection issues that have cropped up lately, especially this past Friday where the shows started late due to some issue and "Body Snatchers" was mis-aligned on screen left-to-right during a number of the reels. It's as if that showing was the first time they had run the film, I would think that if they were doing shows for the public that they would have an advance run-through to see if there are problems with the projectors and/or prints. I understand it's mostly a volunteer effort and you can't expect things to always be perfect, but the on-screen image is one of the most important things to get right when you are charging money to attend. And when they do get it right, the results are terrific.

Still, I'll be back in September for the show with teh Nighthawks as it sounds like a unique event.

posted by njmoviefan on Jun 6, 2005 at 9:39am

I thought there were more people Saturday than Friday but thought that there was more than 75 on Friday so maybe my judgment is off.

I am a regular at the revival houses and while I don't know any of the other people I do recognize faces and I don't see too many, if any, of the people who patronize MoMA, BAM, AMMI et al in Jersey City. I don't think people in New York City realize how easy it is to get to Jersey City and how fast you get, in my case, from Herald Square to Journal Square on the PATH train.

Regarding the renovations, they essentially stopped renovating while the Mayor held up the lease so nothing on the renovations front has been done in recent years.

posted by hardbop on Jun 6, 2005 at 10:12am

Here's the program page which talks about the balcony renovation:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/Balcony.jpg

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jun 7, 2005 at 4:43am

This is a more complete scan of the same page:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/Balcony2.jpg

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jun 7, 2005 at 4:53am

Well, there you have it. If you really want the balcony open, it's easy. All you have to do is volunteer. You'll only have to give up one (or both) days of your weekend. You'll also get filthy and lose a lot of weight working in that hot space, but FOL will give you free soda and pizza.

It will truly be "one of the most satisfying experiences you'll ever have."

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jun 7, 2005 at 7:45am

Who does a person contact if they want to film inside the Loew's Jersey? I am doing a documentary on the Loews Kings in Brooklyn which shares the same architects, but is closed to the public, and in need of restoration. I would like to show people what the theater could look like.

posted by Gustavelifting on Jun 8, 2005 at 3:45pm

Here's the contact information from their website:

http://www.loewsjersey.org/contact.php

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jun 8, 2005 at 4:44pm

Thanx Mister Huelbig

posted by Gustavelifting on Jun 8, 2005 at 7:42pm

During this long and very,very HOT summer- especially with all those "creatively bankrupt" movies being offered us courtesy Hollywood, I can`t wait until the Jersey re-opens.Stay cool until then.

posted by Theaterat on Jul 27, 2005 at 9:00am

As hot as it is outside, imagine how hot it must be inside the Loew's right now! Can't wait till fall, for the Loew's as well as the return of good weather.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jul 27, 2005 at 9:02am

Good weather? Hey Hollywood, how about some GOOD MOVIES!

posted by Theaterat on Jul 28, 2005 at 5:52am

I'm afraid that's asking too much. If we get three or four really good movies a year, that's a whole lot. In the old days, there'd be three or four good ones every month.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jul 28, 2005 at 5:58am

I hate to sound like an cranky old man, but I have to agree, most of todays movies are a bunch of noisy, effects driven garbage, void of story lines and charactor development. I am retired now with pass privliges to almost any theatre circuit, as well as being on the screening list for many studios, but I rarely go to the movies anymore. Where are the script writers with an intelligent story to tell?. I don't mind a good special effects movie once in a while but how about including an interesting story to go along with the CGI and effects. When is the last time we had a comedy that was actually funny and not geared to the mind of a 13 year old. There i've said it, now I can go back to my rocking chair, continue to grow old and continue to feel bad about what has become of the business I dedicated my life to.

posted by vito on Jul 28, 2005 at 7:08am

One way to prove everything Vito said is true: when the young people of today are my age (50) or older, will they be able to look back with fond memories and affection on the stupid comic book adaptations and remakes of 40-year-old TV sitcoms that are being made today? Movies have been dumbed down almost to the point of no return - do you think this trend can ever be reversed?

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jul 28, 2005 at 7:51am

Vito Bill H,,, To quote Dennis Miller- I don1t want get off on a rant- but 98 percent of todays movies are GARBAGE! They have been dumdrd down to the point of being moronic, and creativity simply just does not exist anymore. I WOULD Not go to see "Bewitched", "Dukes of Hazzard" "The Honeymooners" "The Bad News Bears" or the upcoming "Green Acres" even if I were given a free pass AND be allowed to smoke in the theater! When Hollywood gives is these constant TV into Films, needless sequels, and atrocious re makes of films that were mediocre at best, it is time to question the product. Also. I am SICK AND TIRED of people like TOM CRUISE and other no talents foisting their political and religious beliefs down our troaths. Nobody really gives a hoot, and those who fawn over these highly paid celebrities are just as vapid and brain dead as the so- called movies that they pass off as 'entertainment" today.If more adults-and intelligent younger viewers would boycott these products, maybe Hollywood would get the message. The backlash is starting to show at the box office and if it continues, maybe things will change. I hope for the best- do you?

posted by Theaterat on Jul 28, 2005 at 8:45am

posted by Theaterat on Jul 28, 2005 at 8:51am

Movies today are as good as they ever were and anybody who doesn't think so should just stay home and count their DVDs.
And nobody better dare criticize War of the Worlds and its great director who makes wonderful, heartdriven, literate, consumately masterful films. As voted on this website he is the second greatest director ever!
And that Tom Cruise! Did Gary Cooper or Jimmy Cagney ever care about post partum depression or hyperactive children? And did they ever publically jump up and down on a couch about it? Movie stars back then didn't care about issues. Only the size and placement of their billing!!
Did Irene Dunne ever cut up with the Vietcong? Thank God we live in a world with Jane Fonda who wants to tell people that war is wrong!

posted by Vincent on Jul 28, 2005 at 9:39am

Dear Theaterat: I do hope for the best and hope you will talk to your doctor about Prozac.

Mellowly yours and posting my full name
Will Dunklin
Knoxville Tennessee

posted by Will Dunklin on Jul 28, 2005 at 10:31am

Um, sarcasm is sometimes lost in translation.

posted by saps on Jul 28, 2005 at 11:07am

Um,obviously not.

posted by Vincent on Jul 28, 2005 at 11:35am

Posted for Phil Phil by Theaterat... In the past, most movie stars had CLASS and it showed on and off the screen.And yes, for the most part yesterdays films were far superior to todays offerings. Sorry, but good special effects ans surround should not be the stars of a film. We should have characters we can care about- that is what makes a movie worth seeing- and talking about. Ten or twenty years down the road, what films from the early 21th century will be truly memorable?Truth of the matter is we have become so jaded due to the FX that too many people are going to these films for this reason alone.Posted by Theaterat for PhilPhil

posted by Theaterat on Jul 29, 2005 at 5:59am

Will Dunklin (your full name...wow, how cool!)

Your statement sums up alot of what is wrong with society today, that being if you make a comment that disagrees with the status quo, you must be crazy. Forget Prozac, you need to be DE-programmed my friend.

Look, let's not kid ourselves here. The product Hollywood churns out these days by-and-large DOES suck. Sure, you've got a 'Lord of the Rings' here and there, but 'cmon. Vincent, movies are as good today as they've ever been? What kool-aid are you drinkin'? We've got at least a half-dozen remakes out there on the market today. Not to mention a Deuce Bigalow sequel (figure that one out). You're telling me that's as good as it's ever been?

Here are the top grossing films for 1970

Airport
M*A*S*H
Patton
Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice
Woodstock
Hello, Dolly!
Cactus Flower
Catch-22
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
The Reivers

Here are the top grossing films for 2004

Shrek 2
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Spider-Man 2
The Incredibles
The Passion of the Christ
The Day After Tomorrow
Troy
Meet the Fockers
Ocean's Twelve
I, Robot

Can't wait to see the top grossers of '05. 'Dukes of Hazzard' number one perhaps?

posted by Irv on Jul 29, 2005 at 8:00am

Vincemt.. I agree. War is wrong and should be avoided if possible. I did not support the Vietnam war, but by the same token, I would never do anything to dishonor my country. Jane Fonda simply cannot be forgiven by posing on that anti aircraft cannon with Viet Cong soldiers. That is treason, pure and simple. She should thank God that she was never tried for sedition.God bless America?

posted by Theaterat on Jul 29, 2005 at 8:09am

Irv... Could not agree with you more.Maybe I AM a crotchetty middle age guy, but as a lifelong moviegoer, the product kind of speaks for itself. Want some Prozac? Betcha its better than the Kool-Aid!

posted by Theaterat on Jul 29, 2005 at 8:18am

What happened to the air conditioners in the Jersey City?

posted by RobertR on Jul 29, 2005 at 8:23am

Box office grosses do not tell the whole story; all that says is that good films do not always gross the highest. The industry has changed. There are certainly many great films being made, they just do not recieve the same kind of box office recognition. Theaterat says "Movie stars had CLASS". But hearing the real stories of their lives bears out the facts otherwise. The studio system was in place to censor their behavior. It was set up to create the illusion of class. The magazines always did their best to glamourize. It's changed; now we hear all about indiscretions.

posted by BWChicago on Jul 29, 2005 at 8:25am

Brian-I agree with youon a certain level about box office grosses. True, the top films aren't always classics. Same goes for the Oscar (Whoopi Goldberg, best supporting actress for 'Ghost'?....What??!!) I guess the point I was making more specifically was that films coming out of Hollywood 35 years ago not only had more depth, they were accepted and consumed by the GENERAL public. People were still interested in movies that said....'something'! Could you see a film like 'Bob, Carol, Ted, and Alice' making that kind of buzz in today's market? Or even a film that was a quasi-anti Vietnam statement like 'MASH'? It's not the same today. I can't see much argument in the fact that today's movie making and movie going is definitely dumbed-down, and it's probably going to continue that way.

posted by Irv on Jul 29, 2005 at 8:39am

Robert: Here are two earlier posts concerning the air conditioning:

RE the air conditioning... the Jersey DOES have air, but it doesn`t work too good. It was on Sat 6-4 for Tron and Star Trek II and while it was cool, it just isnt strong enough to cool the entire theater, especially on a hot and humid day {or in this case, a night}.
posted by Theaterat on Jun 6, 2005 at 11:17am

That's not air conditioning. It's the return air system which just moves the air around the building. The AC system is in terrible shape and is going to require MAJOR funds to repair.
posted by Bob Furmanek on Jun 6, 2005 at 11:20am

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jul 29, 2005 at 8:42am

Ah thanks

posted by RobertR on Jul 29, 2005 at 9:06am

The decay of films described in earlier posts is certainly true, and it has been accelerating ever since the major studos were bought by the conglomerates in the 1970s. And while the studio system did whitewash the often scadalous behaviour of the 'stars', it did not originate for that purpose. It originated as a way for the man who found it to make the greatest profit while still making a name for himself as a producer of quality entertainment. The long and the short of it is that there were 'some' morals back before the Vietnam war, but after that there were absolutely none, save the overriding greed of the conglomerates to make MONEY and more MONEY, and did I forget to mention MONEY? To them, nothing else at all matters; that is what a conglomerate is for. They wouldn't know or care what 'art' was if it came up and bit them! Since they are the product of a society with no morals (and how can one have true morals without an ACCURATE knowledge of God?!!) and the people who watch the films have, for the most part, no real morals, why should we expect quality films? Each conglomerate has a committee of financial and marketing types who meet to consider each new film idea and then pass or fail it solely on its potential to make MONEY, their god.

Irv's list of films from 1970 appears better only in comparison to the dreck of 2004, and if compared to most any list from, say, the 1940s, those of 1970 would appear amoral at best, though far more glitzy. We have mostly dug ourselves into this pit, and there is no real way to dig ourselves out unless we were to (gasp!) renounce MONEY as the real god of our society. I suggest that we do NOT hold our collective breath until that happens! If the JERSEY or any other theatre is to survive, it cannot be on the silver screen offal that the conglomerates shovel at us via disrobed actors spouting inane "relevancies" as they engage in sex, soot-em-ups, sex, car chases, sex, and special effects mayhem. For those with morals, cling to them, for the Hollywood conglomerates are intent upon stripping you of them (along with the cash in your wallet).

posted by Jim Rankin on Jul 29, 2005 at 9:22am

Jim-your point about the films reflecting the morals of today's audiences is well taken. The films that people go out and see and give their money to truly the reflect the culture at large. I think that is one of the most important aspects of film as history.

I haven't looked at what the top films were of the 40s. I'm sure you're right, they probably are great films. I'm not so quick to bash the filmmakers of the 1960s and early 70s though. That was a fertile period for some great films when alot of the old guard at the studios were at a loss for their next move and handed over creative control to alot of the up and coming filmmakers of the time like Coppola, Scorcese, Lucas, Dennis Hopper, etc. See the book 'Easy Riders, Raging Bulls'.

The begining of the end with conglomorates gaining steam for me would be the mid-70s with 'Jaws'. Although 'Jaws' is a great film it certainly was the first of the so-called Summer Blockbusters that paved the way, giving studios 'creative license' to make their product worse not better.

posted by Irv on Jul 29, 2005 at 10:08am

For Jim,

Here's another comparison-

Top grossing films 1948 (I could only find top 5):
The Red Shoes
The Road to Rio
Easter Parade
Red River
The Three Musketeers

Top grossing films 1968:
The Graduate
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
Gone With the Wind (re-release)
Bonnie & Clyde
Valley of the Dolls
The Odd Couple
Planet of the Apes
Rosemary's Baby
The Jungle Book
Yours, Mine, Ours

I haven't seen any of the 1948 films so I can't judge, but I have seen most of the '68 films, which at first glance of that list ain't too shabby at all. Compare that one to 2004!

What would a fictitious top grossing list for 2024 look like? Number one would probably be a feature starring the offspring of Britney Spears followed by a feature starring Paris Hilton in her 3rd Academy Award nominated performance.

posted by Irv on Jul 29, 2005 at 12:53pm

Jim ... Excellent! What else can we expect when God has become a controversial subject, and sleaze and morally bankrupt "trash TV'shows like Jerry Springer, Rikki Lake, and so called reality shows featuring disfunctional people airing their dirty laundry dominate todays "entertainment" scene?I am not exactly on the so called Religious Right- but enough is enough already! Maybe I1m old fashioned. but if this is what I am forced to watch, I1d rather read a good book, wspend time with family or friends, or engage in a hobby. And you are so right about money being an all consuming god. Unfortunately, the pursuit of the almighty dollar is what is driving most of todays movies.And yes,I stand by my word- most of todays movies are abysmal at best.

posted by Theaterat on Jul 30, 2005 at 5:52am

Here is a list of the time grossing films of 1939

1 Gone With The Wind
2 Babes in Arms
3 Drums Along the Mohawk
4 The Hunchback of Notre Dame
5 Jesse James
6 Mr. Smithe Goes to Washington
7 Stagecaoch
8 The old Maid
9 The Rains Came
10The Wizard Of Oz

They also released about 500 films in 1939.brucec

posted by brucec on Jul 30, 2005 at 8:43am

Here is a list of the top grossing films of 1949

1 Jolson Sings Again
2 Pinky
3 I Was A Male Warbride
4 The Snake Pit
5 Joan of Arc
6 The Stratton Story
7 Mr. Belvedere
8 Little Women
9 Words and Music
10Neptune's Daughter

A Decade later brucec

posted by brucec on Jul 30, 2005 at 8:49am

Here is a list of top grossing films in 1959

1 Auntie Mame
2 The Shaggy Dog
3 Some Like it Hot
4 Pillow Talk
5 Imitation of Life
6 The Nun's Story
7 Anatomy of a Murder
8 North By Northwest
9 Sleeping Beauty
10 Rio Bravo

Note that in 1959 that female stars had top billing in five of the top grossing films Rosaland Russell,Marilyn Monroe,Doris Day,Lana Turner and Audrey Hepburn. In the modern era men dominated the top grossing films. Note "Ben Hur" released in 1959 did most of its business in 1960 and 1961.brucec

posted by brucec on Jul 30, 2005 at 9:07am

posted by brucec on Jul 30, 2005 at 9:10am

Good job Brucec, I know today's miserable excuse for movies cannot compare to the great ones of years gone by, but to see all those magnificent films listed just about sums up what all of us true movie lovers have all come to agree upon, they sure don't make em like they used to.

posted by vito on Jul 30, 2005 at 9:53am

Here is a list of the top grossing films of 1969

1 The Love Bug
2 Funny Girl
3 Bulitt
4 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
5 Romeo and Juliet
6 True Grit
7 Midnight Cowboy
8 Oliver
9 Goodbye, Columbus
10 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Note how the Old Hollywood met the New Hollywood in film releases

posted by brucec on Jul 30, 2005 at 10:37am

Brucec... Withn the exception of only 2 films mentioned, every one you listed is a gem.In the very near future, I will probably get on a rant about the upcoming remakes that will be flooding the multiplexes real soon.

posted by Theaterat on Jul 30, 2005 at 11:57am

I went to the Friends of the Loew's website and found it hasn't been updated since June. Is the Jersey still open? If it is, I would love to see it.

posted by Gustavelifting on Jul 30, 2005 at 6:09pm

Theaterat, there will be plenty for you to rant about with remakes.
Still to come in 05-06 are:
King Kong; Poseidon Adventure; Bullitt; The Munsters; Guess who's coming to dinner; The Blob; The Birds; Bride Of Frankenstein;
The Incredible Shrinking Man and The Pink Panther (Steve Martin)
plus many more to numerous to mention. Most of the recent remakes, with the exception of "War of the Worlds", have all done poorly at the box-office.

posted by vito on Jul 31, 2005 at 5:43am

Gustavelifting and Vito....The Jersey is closed due to the non working air conditioning, it will re open in September, so don1t worry.And Vito, you MUST be kidding, but things being what they are, I believe you.You may remember that "Guess WHO1s Coming to Dinner" was very recently remade as "Guess Who" with Bernie Mac(I think) and Ashton Kutcher.After the recent flop of the remake of "The Flight of the Phoenix" WHY would anybody attempt to remake "The Poseidon Adventure", Like Yogi Berra says, "Its Deja Vue all over again".

posted by Theaterat on Jul 31, 2005 at 6:10am

Hollywood in the earky 21th century- BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

posted by Theaterat on Jul 31, 2005 at 6:21am

I stand corrected "Guess Who" has already been released.
Talk about BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, I forgot to mention two I KNOW you can't wait to see remade, At a Fox screning recently I was told about
"Porky's" and "Revenge of the Nerds". When I heard about those two remakes I thought, Oh yeah, the industry is getting desperate.
Haven't been to the Jersey yet,I will when it reopens. Most of my earlier moving going experiences was in movie palaces. Funny, we took them for granted in those days, if I knew they were all going to disapear I would have savered them more.

posted by vito on Jul 31, 2005 at 6:58am

Vito... Very true, very true. You!ll be in for a treat when you go to the Jersey. Though still a "work in progress", this is a grand theater in the classic Loews tradition.Let me know when "Porkys" and "Revenge of the Nerds " opens- I wanna be first on line!

posted by Theaterat on Jul 31, 2005 at 12:42pm

Thanks Theaterat;

posted by Gustavelifting on Jul 31, 2005 at 3:33pm

Does anyone know who I can contact about filming inside. I am doing a documentary on the Loew's Kings in Brooklyn. I would like to show what a restored Loew's looks like.

posted by Gustavelifting on Jul 31, 2005 at 3:35pm

http://www.nj.com/weblogs/jersey/index.ssf?/mtlogs/njo_jerseyside/archives/2004_04.html

Be sure to click on the link to the Bergen Record article about the 75th anniversary.

posted by TC on Aug 1, 2005 at 9:35am

TC;
I checked the site and could not find the Bergen Record listed.

posted by Gustavelifting on Aug 1, 2005 at 4:58pm

This is the article that TC is talking about.

posted by Lost Memory on Aug 1, 2005 at 5:05pm

Lostmemory;
Thank you very much.

posted by Gustavelifting on Aug 1, 2005 at 5:16pm

I have had another stroke of programming genius which will of course be ignored by everyone but considering that Sinatra hearing Crosby sing at this theater had an influence on his career how about a double bill of Sinatra and Crosby?
Robin and the Seven Hoods and High Society.
Would Nancy or Tina like to attend?
Well go ahead and laugh but I think it would be terrific.

posted by Vincent on Aug 2, 2005 at 6:25am

The Jersey was planning a Sinatra festival a couple of years ago but it never came about (unless I just missed it). I remember them showing the trailer for "Robin and the 7 Hoods".

posted by Bill Huelbig on Aug 2, 2005 at 6:28am

Love the idea, and both in widescreen :)

posted by RobertR on Aug 2, 2005 at 6:29am

I remember seeing that trailer as well but thinking it odd that they didn't schedule a showing of the film itself.
You know another thing I love about this theater is the slap. It reminds me of going to the theater as a kid and hearing that echo which was never bothersome.

posted by Vincent on Aug 2, 2005 at 6:33am

The echo is always great, but it really added a special dimension to the presentation of "Ben-Hur".

posted by Bill Huelbig on Aug 2, 2005 at 6:35am

As Director of Film Programming, I wanted to show ROBIN AND THE SEVEN HOODS (I have access to an archival dye-transfer 35mm Technicolor/Panavision print) with HIGH SOCIETY (in Perspecta stereo sound) as a double-feature several years ago, shortly after my tremendously popular FORBIDDEN PLANET event. That's why you saw the trailer.

However, the Managing Director killed the idea. He felt it wouldn't do well, plus he is not fond of ROBIN. (He has a strong opposition towards playing films which he doesn't personally enjoy, even if they will draw a huge crowd.)

posted by Bob Furmanek on Aug 2, 2005 at 6:58am

I'd say that was a very bad decision on the Director's part, considering how many Frank Sinatra fans there are in neighboring Hoboken (his birthplace) alone, not to mention the rest of North Jersey and Manhattan too.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Aug 2, 2005 at 7:03am

Bill, I agree completely. Just one of the many reasons why I am no longer involved with that project.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Aug 2, 2005 at 7:05am

Bob to be perfectly honest the two films I mentioned are not among my favorites either but they would be great at the Loew's.
I get the impression they don't like musicals at the Loew's. I'm still waiting for my double bills of Singin in the Rain and Funny Face and Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas.
Those two bills would be spectacular.
I guess in another life.

posted by Vincent on Aug 2, 2005 at 7:15am

RobertR -- the idea of widescreen is appealing, but as you may recall at this theatre the widescreen has actually less square footage than flat screening, (today's flat, not Academy ratio) because here they lower the masking for widescreen, rather than expanding the sides.

posted by saps on Aug 2, 2005 at 10:30am

Therefore Robin would be in true widescreen covering a third less screen space than High Society in Vistavision which today is not really widescreen at all. Just another 1:85 aperture.
Which is why if they get a 70mm projector it would be wonderful if they got a larger screen expanding rather than reducing the screen size. And yes I know they are not going to do it due to money and logistics.

posted by Vincent on Aug 2, 2005 at 10:46am

Here are a couple of suggestion for good double bills

1. Adventures of Robin Hood/The Three Musketeers
2. Rebecca/Shadow of Dought
3. The Bandwagon/Singing in the Rain
4. Barefoot in the Park/The Odd Couple
5. The Sting/Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
6. Camille/Wethering Heights
7. Meet Me in St.Louis/The Harvey Girls
8. Fancy Pants/Hollywood or Bust
9. Ben Hur/Gladiator
10. Patton/Saving Pvt Ryan
11. Top Hat/Barkleys of Broadway
12. Woman of the Year/Adams Rib
13. Ivanhoe/Price Valliant
14. Midnight Lace/Charade
15. The Goodbye Girl/Tootsie
16. It Happened One Night/You Can't Take it With You
17. The Seahawk/The Black Swan
18. Roman Holiday/Sabrina
19. Lawrence of Arabia/Dr.Zhivago
20. Grease/Saturday Night Fever
21. Stagecoach/Destry Rides Again
22. Mildrid Peirce/Double Indemnity
23. Pillow Talk/Lover Come Back
24. The Sound of Music/Oliver
25. Chinatown/LA Confidential
26. Jezebel/The Letter
27. Foreign Affair/One,Two,Three
28. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes/No Business Like Show Business
29. El Cid/Tarus Bulba
30. Star Wars/Indiana Jones
31. The Women/Dinner at Eight
32. Anchors Aweigh/On The Town
33. Shane/High Noon
34. The Graduate/Midnight Cowboy
35. Chariots of Fire/Breaking Away

Just a couple of double bills from different decades.brucec

posted by brucec on Aug 2, 2005 at 10:50am

Bruce, picking double features is nice work if you can get it, eh?

posted by saps on Aug 2, 2005 at 11:03am

Re the posts on Sinatra films. I!m not really a fan of his( More my fathers generation) but with the fairly recent re make of " Oceans 11. and its unnecessary sequel Ocaans 12", prehaps people might want to see the real deal. Probably not a great film. but at least it has soul- and a great cast too. EO 11!

posted by Theaterat on Aug 2, 2005 at 12:34pm

Brucec.. Another great double feature " Master and Commander+ with Russell Crowe AND "Captain Horatio Hornblower" with Gregory Peck.

posted by Theaterat on Aug 2, 2005 at 12:43pm

Or how about "Mutiny on the Bounty" with Gable and Laughton and "The Caine Mutiny" with Bogart. I like sea adventures.

posted by Theaterat on Aug 2, 2005 at 3:41pm

Here's my two cents on a possible program schedule for the Loews Jersey in the upcoming season. Do a weekend of all classic Rock and Roll films. Like:

'Help!' and/or 'Hard Day's Night'-Beatles

'The Girl Can't Help It'-Jayne Mansfield, Tom Ewell w/Little Richard, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, etc.

'Loving You' Elvis Presley (his first color film. 'Jailhouse Rock' might be a more obvious choice, but Loews Jersey showed that last season)

Another good choice might be 'Mr. Rock and Roll' with Alan Freed

Hey Loews Jersey staff...are you listening? Check it out. Let's rock out at the Loews Jersey!!!

posted by Irv on Aug 2, 2005 at 3:59pm

I would love to see a double bill of Grease and Saturday Night Fever.

Dr. Zhivago

Farewell to Arms (Rock & Jennifer version)

posted by RobertR on Aug 2, 2005 at 5:10pm

Well RobertR you certainly have catholic tastes.

posted by Vincent on Aug 3, 2005 at 3:04am

LOL :)

posted by RobertR on Aug 3, 2005 at 3:47am

LOL :)

posted by RobertR on Aug 3, 2005 at 3:50am

Has anybody heard anything about film producers who are now talking about releasing films simultaneously in theaters, on DVD and/or Pay Per View? Saw this on a theater chat line.

posted by Vincent on Aug 3, 2005 at 7:44am

That's been floated from time to time. The latest proponent of it is Mark Cuban, who owns the Landmark Theatres chain well as High Def satellite services and other things. It's a foolish idea and most likely won't happen with mainstream films, but for some of the lower-level art films it might happen.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Aug 3, 2005 at 7:50am

Well if they do go ahead with it it will eventually mean the end of the multiplex sooner rather than later and then we can have more middle income housing.
I wonder if people will fight to keep them from being torn down.

posted by Vincent on Aug 3, 2005 at 10:56am

Vincent, don't hold your breath waiting for anyone to "fight to keep them from being torn down." While most people can empathize with a movie palace whose decor they appreciated, very few non-theatres buffs appreciate the much more uninspired 'decors' of the multiplexes, and regard them as merely the outgrowths of a shopping mall, with rare exceptions. And like you, I believe it is only a matter of time before the conglomerates pull their money out of the cinemas and put it into the pay-per-view, direct-feed-to-the-viewer services. As soon as they can eliminate all but a few showcase cinemas, they will get more money by eliminating the middle man, the cinemas the do not own.

posted by Jim Rankin on Aug 4, 2005 at 3:58am

In a sense they lacked something, but shopping mall theaters did have some decorum. Especially the theaters from the 1950s and 1960s. These, however, lacked decoration when compared to theaters of the 1920s.

posted by Gustavelifting on Aug 4, 2005 at 5:14am

If the big money people and Hollywood start to release films direct to DVD asnd the !plexes started to close,would anybody care about preserving them?This probebly be the wave of the very near future as long as Hollywood keeps on turning out these "winners" that pass for movies these days. Who in their right minds would pay almost ten bucks to see "the Dukes of Hazzard" or the upcoming sequel to "Deuce Bigelow" These duds SHOULD have bypassed the theaters and should have been released straight to DVD in the 1st. place.

posted by Theaterat on Aug 8, 2005 at 5:39pm

Anybody care to kick off the latest group of entries to be posted about the Jersey and the events scheduled to take place? it1s Labor Day weekend- one of the slowest weekends for filmgoing.The Jersey will be re-opening soon, and I would like to know what will be coming up.

posted by Theaterat on Sep 3, 2005 at 2:49pm

Here is a photo of the Loew's Jersey during restoration.

posted by Lost Memory on Sep 5, 2005 at 3:29pm

Old postcard:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d728b3127cce944c058501f600000016108IZsW7Zwzc-

posted by TC on Sep 9, 2005 at 2:01am

Another one:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d728b3127cce944c1d4c800300000016108IZsW7Zwzc-

posted by TC on Sep 9, 2005 at 2:09am

Upcoming comedy weekend now posted on website.

posted by Vincent on Sep 20, 2005 at 5:06am

Little disapointing...me personally, I'd consider seeing "Horse Feathers" but there's a 2 hour plus wait before the next show....that's too long to hang out in Jersey City...which is not the greatest place to travel too....why doesn't the Loew's conduct their film festivals in kind of a marathon scenario...leave a little time between shows...it seems that the "fans" would stay for multiple feature if there wasn't so much lag time between shows...also, everyone and their brother shows "Dr. Strangelove"... there are more better big screen comedies to show...how bout "Great Race" "Odd Couple"...they'd look great on the Loews big screen....I'll have to sit this one out

Apologies for the complaining...the Loews is a great theater and the people who run it are doing a great job....thank you for your concern to the moviegoing experience

posted by rhett on Sep 24, 2005 at 3:02am

We all have our movie preferences, rhett, but it was gracious of you to acknowledge the work of the FOL at the end. If you are that worried about 'hanging out in Jersey City,' why not go across the street to wait it out at the former STANLEY, now an assembly hall of the Jehovah's Witnesses. On non-assembly times, they give free tours of this remarkable former movie palace, now largely restored? If your visit is during an assembly, just walk in peacefully and no one will notice you or bother you (they NEVER take up money collections). You could give yourself your own tour of the place then, though they will not have the blue 'sky' lights on in the auditorium, of course, since they use white lights then in order to read their Bibles. Who knows? You might even find their talks beneficial. There are almost 4000 seats in there, so it shouldn't be hard to find a comfortable place to sit and wait.

posted by Jim Rankin on Sep 24, 2005 at 3:17am

Rhett...Jim Rankin is right. Try to check the Stanley wich is right across the street. You will be impressed.The "Great Race" and "The Odd Couple" would be a teriffic double feature- 2 over the top Jack Lemmon performances- especially in the "Great Race". The 2 hour layover between shows may seem long, but at least you can really explore the Jersey in dept.There are also a few good stores nearby, and a nice coffee shop right across the street. There are also outdoor benches where you can sit that will give you a great view of the theater. Though i am not a great Marx Bros fan, D "DR, Strangelove" is one of my all time favorites.So many great lines! And no matter how many times I have seen it, Slim Picken`s ride on that nuclear bomd just blows me away.

posted by Theaterat on Sep 24, 2005 at 7:16am

"The Great Race" would also make a good double bill with "The Pink Panther", both films were directed by Blake Edwards.brucec

posted by brucec on Sep 24, 2005 at 7:59pm

Bruce C... or the more serious side of Blake Edwards with "The Days OF Wine and Roses"and a dramatic role for Jack Lemmon in "Save The Tiger".

posted by Theaterat on Sep 25, 2005 at 7:40am

I love the original Pink Panther(Sellers, Niven, Capucine, Cardinale!!!)and would love to see it at the Loew's. Horse Feathers is bliss with a very beautiful and funny Thelma Todd. They sure as hell don't make women like that anymore.)

posted by Vincent on Sep 26, 2005 at 5:01am

Thanks for the advice...but, I've been to the Stanley during the WWII festival and I could only hang in a coffee shop or diner for so long. There's always a bar, but then with a 2 hour layover I'd be too drunk to get off the stool, and being in Jersey City at night is not an enticement....but, guess that's my problem

posted by rhett on Oct 1, 2005 at 3:11am

July 1961 a special 2 a day showing of "Ben Hur"
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a13/ChmnofBrd/wildincountry.jpg

posted by RobertR on Oct 10, 2005 at 2:18pm

Thanks Robert R.: I saw "Ben-Hur" at the Loew's during that engagement (I was 6) but I couldn't remember the exact month.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Oct 11, 2005 at 1:14am

Went to the Jersey on Sat 10-8 to see "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and stayed for "DR. Strangelove" The crowd for "Monty Python was fairly large, about the biggest I evrer saw here.I know this film is a cult item, but I found it to be somewhat silly and overlong, but it DID have its moments. As for "DR. Strangelove" what can I say? Long one of my favorites, it was absolutely FANTASTIC to see on the big screen.Though somewhat dated thanks to the fall of the former Soviet Union, it still remains fresh- and utterly hilarious each time I see it.Definately the best Peter Sellers AND George C Scott performances on film, even when compared to the "Pink Panther" and " Patton" roles of these two excellent stars.Also enjoyed the introduction to " Strangelove" by the gentleman who publishes the film magazine- sorry I can`t remember his namw. The Jersey experience on this miserable rainy night was one of my best. Glad the film season is finally here!

posted by Theaterat on Oct 11, 2005 at 7:15am

Would that we all could have a theatre of this size and magnificance OPERATING within easy reach to enjoy the spectacle of seeing the classics as they were MEANT to be seen. Home DVDs are just not the same thing. Viva La Jersey!

posted by Jim Rankin on Oct 11, 2005 at 12:12pm

New Jersey should be proud they are been able to show classic films in a huge movie palace. I think if the Loew's Jersey coninues with quality programming the audience will keep building. Im sure there are plenty of people in New York City that may not know of the Loew's Jersey showing classic movies so start spreading the word.brucec

posted by brucec on Oct 11, 2005 at 1:04pm

Brucec... Manhattanites-as opposed to New Yorkers seem to have a mindset that Manhattan is the world.The idea of going to New Jersey to see a movie is not too appealing to them when they have several revival houses in their own borough.In this respect, the Jersey is the best kept secret among film buffs and theater lovers.

posted by Theaterat on Oct 11, 2005 at 4:33pm

It's time the secret is LET OUT!!! Look at the Lafayette in Suffern. When they began their Bigscreen Classic series it wasn't too popular, but as it was building they are now packed houses every Saturday morning. The Loews Jersey might try morning matinees to test the waters. These late shows at times just aren't that convenient (for me at least) although maybe many others aren't that enticed to make a trip to Jersey City at night. Say what you will, it's not the most inviting of areas. I hope the Loews gets those packed houses, they deserve it.

posted by rhett on Oct 15, 2005 at 3:14am

I happen to love Journal Square finding it a still fairly intact mid 20th century downtown. Does another exist in this country? I hope it remains seedy and rundown so it retains it's character otherwise I will avoid it as I do Times Square.
The one blot and it is a doozy is the Path Station. The very sight of it will cause you physical pain.

posted by Vincent on Oct 18, 2005 at 10:04am

Say what you want about the Journal Square area.Whatever its status is, this area has CHARACTER!There are plenty of decent shops,and parking is free-after 6PM at night.In many respects it does remind one of a typical " downtown " area that could be practically anywhere in the USA-or even in Montreal or Toronto.I quess that is part of the fun of going to the Jersey.I have never been to the Lafayette, but maybe someday I will go if I can interest anybody to go with me. I hear it is great.

posted by Theaterat on Oct 20, 2005 at 5:45am

The theatre is presenting a rare "live" stage show on Thursday, October 27th, at 7:15 PM. Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks and "Uncle Floyd" Vivino will star in "The Spotlight Revue" to raise funds for the restoration and operation of Loew's Jersey. Tickets are $50 each for the show only. For $150, you can also attend a gala buffet dinner. Further details can be found at www.loewsjersey.org

posted by Warren G. Harris on Oct 20, 2005 at 6:25am

Last night I attended the charity screening of one of my 10 favorite movies: Abbott & Costello in "Hold That Ghost". It was surprisingly well attended. Folks brought their kids to see it. Talk about continuity ! The laughter was wonderful to hear. It was great to see folks & supporters milling around that grand lobby chatting & taking pictures. Just going up & down those carpeted staircases was a thrill. The place looks like a grand dowager coming out of seclusion: a little seedy, but glowing with past glory. I was back home in Brooklyn by 9:45 PM, so the Jersey is eminently accessible. I hope all you fans out there will pack next month's screening of A & C's greatest: "The Time of Their Lives." What a tragedy that we can no longer have anything like this in my beloved but misguided Brooklyn.

posted by frankie on Oct 21, 2005 at 8:53am

Frankie;
Why not join the team that wants to restore the Loew's Kings? I admire what they did with the Jersey even though I have yet to see it. However, there is a restoration project starting in Brooklyn, and on Flatbush Avenue yet. Here is the cinema treasures page;
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/1360

posted by Gustavelifting on Oct 23, 2005 at 5:27pm

One mistake, it has not started they are just getting a committee ready.

posted by Gustavelifting on Oct 23, 2005 at 5:29pm

Can anyone provide me with information about the light board in this theatre? I've always been interested in vintage stage lighting, and am curious to see what kind of setup the Loew's has.

posted by Tim87529 on Oct 25, 2005 at 1:04pm

The Loews Jersey has its original 1929 lighting board restored and in use backstage. It is a massive board, and fully working, complete with 10 presets (state-of-the-art for the time). If you stop by on a Saturday morning (call first to make sure the volunteers are there 201-798-6055), you might be able to sneek a peek at the board backstage. Colin Egan might be able to help you. He's the heart and soul of this magnificent theatre, and the reason that the Loew's Jersey has never been better. (And this coming from a volunteer that has been intimately involved with the project since 1998.

posted by mahermusic on Oct 29, 2005 at 5:03pm

Attended Godzilla at the Jersey this weekend. Nice the see the organ has been installed. Anyone know when it will be in operation?

posted by YankeeMike on Oct 31, 2005 at 1:54am

I tend to agree with Rhett above about the late starts.
We went to Godzilla and The Masque of the Red Death last Saturday. Two films that really hold up after 50 years, although the corps de ballet at the end of Masque was just a tad dated. But this WAS the height of the "musical" I suppose. And the masqued Vinny P? A gem: Priceless!!
Godzilla was an eye opener when viewed in the context of its time: a metaphor on nuclear destruction, weapons bans and the Godzill-esque behavior of certain nations. The message was as clear today as it was a half century ago. Hardly a titter or giggle. We all sat enthralled as this all but forgotten epic unfolded.
A-N-Y-W-A-Y, the fun and frolic faded away about 11 PM and if it wasn't for the end of daylight savings time we wouldn't have gone at all. It's an easy trip from north B'klyn (L to Path and you're there), but just too, too late getting back.
YES! The Robert Morton looks fantastic and with the console fence (and the Howard seat?) reinstalled it'll be radiant! My ears wiggle and get hot just thinking about how it will sound resounding within The Landmark Loews Fantastic acoustics!

posted by Robbie on Oct 31, 2005 at 7:14am

I haven't been to the Loew's since the spring. Has progress been made on the restoration front?

posted by hardbop on Oct 31, 2005 at 9:10am

Hardbop...slowly but surely. It WILL take a long time but, hey, it`s still better than nothing.

posted by Theaterat on Nov 3, 2005 at 5:18am

The Friday Nov 11th and Saturday Nov 12th screenings of the "Godfather" and the "Godfather-II" along with "The Public ENEMY" with James Cagney is truly an offer that no movie fan can refuse! Can`t make it on Friday for the first Godfather film, but I do plan to see part II on Saturday.This is that VERY rare sequel that is actually as good-if not better than its predecessor.Too bad I can`t say the same4 about the "Godfather-Part III".While "The Public Enemy" is the film that made Cagney a star, his finest gangster role- in my humble opinion - is the mother obsessed psychotic Cody Jarret in "White Heat".

posted by Theaterat on Nov 9, 2005 at 5:33am

Two old postcards:

From 1931 - note the mini golf right near the theatre

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf38b3127cce95dc68d57f5800000016108IZsW7Zwzc-

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf38b3127cce95dc68d37f5e00000016108IZsW7Zwzc-

posted by TC on Nov 19, 2005 at 3:51am

The Sat 12=10 showing of "The Wizard of OZ" promises to be a great event. This is, without a doubt the finest musical and fantasy EVER made!To call it a classic hardly does it justice. How many films can stand the test of time and still remain fresh and vibrant with each viewing? Though I have seen it countless times on TV, video and DVD,the big screen obviously is the only way to see it. I really wish I can break my existing plans for this night and get out here to see it. Hope the print and sound are of a high quality, but since I am a semi regular at the Jersey, I`m sure it will be first rate. Enjoy- and pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!

posted by Theaterat on Dec 8, 2005 at 5:21am

I went to both shows Saturday night and it was first rate. Great prints of the Wizard Of Oz and Babes In Toyland. Babes was 16mm but we got to see the rare uncensored version. A Christmas Carol had about 30 seconds cut from the print towards the end (Where Scooge tells the boy to buy the Turkey) but otherwise the print looked great. Always great to see Tom & Jerry on a big screen.

posted by YankeeMike on Dec 12, 2005 at 2:22am

Does anybody on this website know what the next show at the Jersey will be- and when? The Jersey`s website still has the Christmas programs listed, but this is about the right time of the month for a show. Thanks.

posted by Theaterat on Jan 9, 2006 at 5:33am

I was wondering what they were up to myself. I was there for the SCROOGE screening as well. It was one of the bigger crowds. I skipped the BABES IN TOYLAND screening because it was 16MM and The American Museum of the Moving Image was also screening the film and they managed to come up with a 35 MM print.

posted by hardbop on Jan 17, 2006 at 6:51am

So what is in the uncensored version that was then cut? Is something going on with Bo Peep and Jack?

posted by Vincent on Jan 17, 2006 at 7:30am

MMMMMMMM.Very interesting.

posted by Theaterat on Jan 18, 2006 at 8:14am

I remember when the film used to be played on Thanksgiving Day by WPIX channel 11 under the title "March of the Wooden Soldiers." Just as sure as WOR channel 9 would play "King Kong" on the same day (and would run a few Godzilla movies on Friday for school kids who had the day off). Anyway, I believe there were 6 or 7 minutes edited from the original release print of "Babes in Toyland" in order to cater to the younger children exhibitors thought the film would attract. All of the edited sequences took place either in the Boogeymen's underground lair or during their attack on Toyland. They include the song "Go to Sleep" that the Tom Tom character sings to Bo Peep as they are hiding in the cavern (replete with superimposed pixies who appear to sprinkle sleep-dust over the two characters) as well as some shots of the Boogeymen that were deemed too frightening for younger children.

The complete film was restored a few years back for DVD release.

posted by Ed Solero on Jan 18, 2006 at 9:03am

At the end of the "Go to Sleep" song it appears like Tom is sleeping with Bo Peep and of course this would have been a "No No" once the production code went into effect so it was cut from the film after 1934.

posted by YankeeMike on Jan 20, 2006 at 2:02am

Prehaps scenes like these can be used in Shrek III-if they ever make it.It would seem that the so-called Hayes Code would have rendered these scenes to the cutting room floor. Like it or not, we HAVE come a long way since then. Believe it or not the Catholic Legion Of Deceny- aka "The CLOD" condemned "Gone With The Wind" back in `39 because Clark Gable said "damn".My mother- a fairly devout Catholic had to promise NOT to see the movie, but she went anyway.Wonder if she will rot in Hell for it.

posted by Theaterat on Jan 20, 2006 at 5:35am

***What is the deal with the new Lowes Jersey schedule?? Does anybody have any information on this? I'm beginning to get a little concerned. Are they in trouble or something? It's been over a month since there last show. They usually have something on the schedule by now. Anybody? Anybody?***

posted by Irv on Jan 21, 2006 at 3:20pm

Maybe...since the crowds haven't been huge (due to the scheduling) too many late shows...who the hell wants to go to that section at night...but it seems we're losing our theaters

posted by rhett on Jan 22, 2006 at 3:33am

Don't be so quick to be the voice of gloom and doom. You're freakin me out. The part of Jersey City where the Loews Jersey is isn't that bad. In fact it's not that bad at all, I can think of worse places. The crowds at the shows that I've been to have been pretty good. But isn't that place landmarked or something so they can't tear it down? Whatever the case is, whether they are just holding the next schedule or they're dealing with repairs or whatever, I wish someone would post it on their website or here on Cinema Treasures so we can sleep better at night.

posted by Irv on Jan 22, 2006 at 4:51am

Prehasps the heat is not working.. or something. Since this has been a very mild winter {so far }that should not be a big concern.Many years ago,I saw "Apocalypse Now" at the old and now gone Century Nostrand in Brooklyn. This was in early January. The heat was not working, but I did enjoy the film anyway. So did my girlfriend who absolutely hated these kinds of films.Naturally, I had to take to see the Burt Reynolds film "Starting Over" next time to make up for it.

posted by Theaterat on Jan 22, 2006 at 6:56am

The Loew's has announced their film show for Feb. "Best In Show", "Old Yeller" & "The Misfits". (Feb.10 & 11.) Not really what I was expecting.

posted by YankeeMike on Jan 23, 2006 at 8:05am

Once the AMC merger is complete, will this be the only operating theatre in the US that still proudly uses "Loew's" in its name?

posted by Ron Newman on Jan 23, 2006 at 8:22am

YankeeMike; the Feb 10 and 11 classic film weekend is a clever benefit for an animal rescue fund.

Film programming at Loew's Jersey has NOT gone to the dogs.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jan 23, 2006 at 8:33am

While I happen to like Best in Show which is probably the best of the Guest it certainly is not the kind of film that needs a movie palace to set it off. I wonder if it will bring in many people on a Friday night.
I have found that the Loews does best when they show big old fashioned entertainments the kind that people went to movie palaces for. Like Martin and Lewis, Abbott and Costello and Ben Hur.
I'm still waiting for my Saturday night tribute to the beloved Ann Margaret- Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas. If they can get a pristine eye popping early 60's technicolor print of Birdie I tell you it is the ultimate movie trip. And those Johnny Green arrangements in stereo!

posted by Vincent on Jan 23, 2006 at 9:19am

I think Bye Bye Birdie is actually kind of dull, except for the va-va-va-voom Ann-Margret numbers at the beginning and the end, which were actually added almost as an afterthought.

posted by saps on Jan 23, 2006 at 10:03am

A lot of people criticize it because it dumps a lot of the Broadway detritus-eg the lame satirical stuff, the filler songs(An English Teacher, Fine Upstanding American Boy, What Did I ever See In Him) etc. But I don't know anybody who calls it dull. Maybe you need to see it on a screen. Margaret is great as well in How Lovely to be a Woman and Lot of Livin to Do.
I may also be the only one on the planet who likes The Rose Adagio on amphetamines. When I was a boy the classical segments on Ed Sullivan used to drive me crazy and I couldn't wait for them to end. So I find it pretty funny when the dancers end up throwing the roses at the conductor.

posted by Vincent on Jan 23, 2006 at 11:08am

Some photos:
http://www.roadsidenut.com/loews603.jpg
http://www.roadsidenut.com/loews6031.jpg
http://www.roadsidenut.com/loews6033.jpg
http://www.roadsidenut.com/loews6034.jpg

posted by ken mc on Jan 23, 2006 at 2:29pm

Don't get me wrong, I think the staff at the Loews Jersey does amazing job, and I feel wierd criticizing such a great place, but I have to say that February's line up has me scratchin my head a little. I agree with Vicent that maybe the Loews Jersey should stick to programming films that are roughly of the movie palace era, I guess that means choosing films that date up until the early 1980s(?). 'Best In Show' does seem an odd choice. I can't say that I'm ready to run out to see 'Old Yeller' or 'The Misfits' either. I've seen parts of both and it seems strange that these two films, even though they're classics, would be chosen for an 'animal rescue' film fest. They're not what I would consider very uplifting. But once again..who am I to complain? I'm just glad the Loews Jersey exists the way it does. Not every film they program is going to please everybody.

posted by Irv on Jan 23, 2006 at 4:56pm

Since it's for animal love and rescue, I guess they picked movies that address that theme: Dog lovers in Best of Show; Faithful companions in "Old Yeller;" and the issue of hunting wild horses for dog food in "The Misfits." Seems like a canny (canine?) line-up, and they will be drawing their audiences from a larger pool than mere lovers of the Loews.

As to "Bye Bye Birdie" I saw it at the Chelsea Classics last year with an audience full of anticipation, and I think we mostly agreed that it wasn't so good. It did have that 11:00 o'clock number (with Ann-Margaret) that lets you leave the theatre feeling good, but it didn't quite erase the preceding 100 minutes.

posted by saps on Jan 23, 2006 at 5:24pm

I've never seen 'Bye-Bye Birdie' but it sounds like one of those films that although it may not be that great a movie,it has alot of camp value or may be famous for a particular scene or set design, etc. Elvis movies are alot like that. I haven't seen every Elvis film, but I have seen alot of them and I can't say I ever walked away from one and said 'damn..what an amazing film!'. Elvis movies are fun to watch for one reason only...Elvis. Some Elvis films like 'The Trouble With Girls' are barely worth sitting through, and even for all of the mythical hype that's been attached to 'Viva Las Vegas' it's hardly a very memorable film. I actually saw 'Viva Las Vegas' years ago at The Biograph on 57th St. and I can't say I remember much of it. Elvis films do have great production value and of course there is usually at least one hit single performed in it. A fave is when Elvis does 'Bossa Nova Baby' in "Fun in Alcapulco". He sings, dances, AND plays the organ. No wonder he's the frickin' king!!!

posted by Irv on Jan 23, 2006 at 6:14pm

I saw Bye Bye Birdie at The Loews Oriental in Brooklyn and would run to see it at the Jersey. Really looks great on a big screen. Couldn't the Jersey have found some animal themed films from the 1930's or 1940's to screen instead of the ones they picked. And after no Jan. show I was hoping for something really exciting from them in Feb.

posted by YankeeMike on Jan 24, 2006 at 1:54am

When Bye Bye Birdie played the Film Forum a few years ago, audiences went crazy for it. It was so successful they bought it back at the end of the year for a special encore engagement.

I too would love seeing it at the Loew's. I enjoyed seeing Jailhouse Rock there last year.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jan 24, 2006 at 6:23am

Sorry ... "brought" not "bought".

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jan 24, 2006 at 6:24am

> Couldn't the Jersey have found some animal themed films from the 1930's

perhaps Bringing Up Baby ?

posted by Ron Newman on Jan 24, 2006 at 7:26am

Ron Newman, to answer your question regarding the Loew's name.
The new name of the company will be AMC Entertainment. AMC will convert as much as possible to AMC from Loews, such as soft marketing materials. However, the marquee and hard signage changes may take a while. Recently, AMC impressed the exsisting Loew's Managing Directors at a conference in Kansas City.
Friday,January 27th, a three week transition period begins.

posted by vito on Jan 24, 2006 at 7:39am

Yes, but my question was different. Besides the Loew's Jersey, are there any other theatres now operating that still use "Loew's" in their name, but are not part of Loews Cineplex (and therefore will not be part of AMC)?

posted by Ron Newman on Jan 24, 2006 at 9:04am

Bringing Up Baby is a good choice but it is played to death on TCM.
How about a big movie palace movie like Jumbo(though recently shown it would benefit from a big screen,) National Velvet(they could magnascope the screen for the race-just joking,) and King Kong which I have never seen on screen. Guess I'm still waiting for the Music Hall to show it.
Au Hasard Balthazar would of course be perfect but its about the saddest most depressing movie you will ever see in your life.

posted by Vincent on Jan 24, 2006 at 11:19am

Vincent, you must be waiting for the Music Hall to show it AGAIN, right?

posted by saps on Jan 24, 2006 at 9:01pm

The next show schedule is not really one that screams out big screen. I'll miss this one.
How bout some widescreen spectaculars.

posted by rhett on Jan 25, 2006 at 12:47am

Vincent: The Loew's did play the 1933 King Kong a few years ago. I think it was in 2002. I sat in the front row and stared up at it in awe.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jan 25, 2006 at 1:23am

I saw it there also. Really looked great (and scary) on their large screen.

posted by YankeeMike on Jan 25, 2006 at 2:00am

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned one of MGM's big stars of the 1940's: Lassie.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jan 25, 2006 at 4:24am

How about "The Story of Seabiscutt". I believe that film was from 1948.

posted by YankeeMike on Jan 25, 2006 at 5:27am

While we are on the subject, how about Rin Tin Tin, A Black Stalion movie, or -if I can get ridiculous- Francis the Talking Mule.Sorry Jersey programers, this is one show I`ll just sit out- even though The Misfits- Gable`s last film does have some merit.How about some big screen epics along the lines of Spartacus, Doctor Zhivago, Around the World in 80 Days {1956} or the ever awesome king of them all- Ben Hur.

posted by Theaterat on Jan 25, 2006 at 5:30am

Or Won Ton Ton - The Dog that Saved Hollywood.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jan 25, 2006 at 5:47am

Or "Rhubarb" The star was a housecat.

posted by YankeeMike on Jan 25, 2006 at 6:16am

How about a slam bang double-feature of MATILDA with HOWARD THE DUCK?!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jan 25, 2006 at 6:21am

Or how about The Thin Man series, their dogs name was Asta.

posted by William on Jan 25, 2006 at 6:28am

Or any of the "Blondie" series. By the way the original "Daisy" was played by the same dog that played "Asta" in the Thin Man series.

posted by YankeeMike on Jan 25, 2006 at 6:56am

As to The Misfits, besides Gable we also have Marilyn Monroe (her last film, too), Thelma Ritter, Montgomery Clift and Eli Wallach. All worth seeing on a big screen.

posted by saps on Jan 25, 2006 at 7:26am

Or how about Scooby Doo AND Scooby Doo II.I may be wrong on this one, but didn`t Marilyn Monroe make another film after The Misfits that was never released due to her death at about the same time the film was being made?

posted by Theaterat on Jan 25, 2006 at 7:39am

Don't forget Kevin McCarthy (not much screen time, though).

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jan 25, 2006 at 7:39am

Theaterat: That Marilyn film was "Something's Got to Give". Dean Martin was her co-star. She was fired (or maybe just suspended - not sure) from the film right before her death, and Fox wound up retooling the whole project for Doris Day and James Garner. This version was called "Move Over, Darling".

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jan 25, 2006 at 7:42am

She was fired from this movie. Some of her scenes from this film turned up in a documentary about this film a few years ago. I believe it was on TCM.

posted by YankeeMike on Jan 25, 2006 at 7:51am

Bill Huelbig and Yankee Mike... Thank you.I read about this film many years ago, and even saw some clips from it.So, I guess in this respect, the Misfits was her last movie- along with Clark Gable`s.As usual, you guys are right on the money.

posted by Theaterat on Jan 25, 2006 at 8:46am

Talking about Marilyn and Dean Martin ... ironically, they are both now laid to rest in the same cemetery in the Westwood section of Los Angeles:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/DSCF0034.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/DSCF0008.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/DSCF0007.jpg

The empty crypt to the left of Marilyn's in the third picture is the future final resting place of Hugh Hefner.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jan 26, 2006 at 3:18am

Here are some more old Loew's ads from the Jersey Journal, courtesy of the microfilm collection at the Jersey City Public Library.

December 1942:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/moscow.jpg

March 4, 1943:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/cagney.jpg

July 25, 1961:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/benhur.jpg

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jan 28, 2006 at 9:14am

This ad from September 20, 1960 made a huge impression on me when I was 5 years old:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/timemachine.jpg

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jan 28, 2006 at 9:31am

I guess the Soviet Union was still our friend in 1942, based on the film ad. Unfortunately the Americans most sympathetic to Russia's plight in World War II ended up blacklisted ten years later.

posted by ken mc on Jan 28, 2006 at 2:29pm

Sometimes wars can make strange allies.Guess the Soviets were never precieved as a threat until after the war. One good thing the so-called cold war did produce were films like "Doctor Strangelove", "The Manchurian Candidate-1962}," Fail Safe} a sort .of serious Strangelove, and of course the James Bond series among others.

posted by Theaterat on Jan 28, 2006 at 5:09pm

Cut myself off on above comment.While it is true that many of the blacklisted writers had a difficult time finding work, some of them did manage to come back.Hollywood was caving in to the popular paranoia of the times.This subject is handled well in "The Front"- one of Woody Allens best films. Quess a person is entitled to his or her own views, but in the not too distant past it was a different story.

posted by Theaterat on Jan 28, 2006 at 5:24pm

"The Front" is a rare case where Woody was hired solely as an actor. The film was directed by Martin Ritt. Allen took no part in its direction, screenplay or conception. The only other films I can think of that fall into this same category for Allen (not counting any cameos or smaller roles) are Paul Mazursky's "Scenes From a Mall" and the animated "Antz."

posted by Ed Solero on Jan 29, 2006 at 5:36pm

True, true. Woody Allen- along with Peter Falk did star together in a made for cable {?} version of Niel Simon`s " Sunshine Boys" a few years ago. I rented it at my local library and it was OK- but nowheres as good as the George Burns Walter Matthau movie from 1975.As far as " Antz" is concerned, the same years release of " A Bug`s Life" was the better of the two, but Allen`s voice did set the right tone for the movie.As far as Allen`s current work is concerned, I kind of find it to run hot and cold, but I am a great fan of thi comedies from the early 70s to early 80s.Also, he is one of the few directors to occasionally shoot a film in black and white- something that I miss in most of todays films.

posted by Theaterat on Jan 30, 2006 at 3:38pm

It looks like the soap opera continues between the politicians & the folks running the theatre. This was in my e-mail in-box this a.m.:

But first, an important message to supporters and patrons of Friends
of the Loew's:

Recently, the City has taken the position that the lease which was
executed between it and Friends of the Loew's on October 15, 2004, is
not valid, that the ordinance which approved the lease should be
rescinded, and that the property should be conveyed to the Jersey City
Redevelopment Agency.

It is our position that the lease was approved by the City Council,
signed by the proper City officials, and is valid and binding on the
parties. We have retained counsel to try to resolve the matter with
the City, on a consensual basis if possible, or by litigation, if
necessary. We will keep you informed on this site as the case develops.

posted by hardbop on Feb 3, 2006 at 5:50am

I also got the email with the above information. I have to say, not surprised in the least. Judging by the rate that the landscape of New York City is being bulldozed for a more generic future, it's not news to me that there is now an issue with the Loews Jersey's future. I'm sure there is some fat-cat developer out there salivating at the prospect of tearing it down and putting a more 'modern-in demand retail outlet' of some sort under the guise of furthering the economy and well being of Jersey City. Let's face it, when you get off the PATH train the Loews Jersey is right there in front of you. Can you imagine what goes through the minds of developers when they look at that location? Target, Whole Foods, Virgin Megastore, you name it. They probably would love to install one or all of those stores in that space. To developers and corporations 'history' is for the history books, consumption is NOW. Nevermind production, something that is also becoming scarce in this country, it's all about feeding your face and liking it. Not to go off on a tangent here, but this concept of malls in urban areas is relatively new, and for my money totally wierd. Malls don't belong in cities. Has anybody seen the Atlantic Avenue Mall in Brooklyn with the Target and Chuck E. Cheese? In a word....DEPRESSING! Anyway, before I further become the forecaster of gloom and doom, I for one hope that the Loews Jersey is left alone! Just let it be! Now, if the worst case scenario does happen, I will be glad that I got to spend some time in there and appreciate it that space the way it was meant to be.

posted by Irv on Feb 3, 2006 at 9:06am

It might very well be that what they are doing is not only immoral it is illegal. But New Jersey executives (I mean, politicians) have never allowed immorality or malfeasance to hinder a comfortable cushioning of the their pockets.
After all it is easier to cheat a citizen than a customer.

posted by Vincent on Feb 6, 2006 at 5:11am

I would say the developers are anxious to get some kind of mixed retail and housing on the spot where the Jersey is. Jersey City is HOT, HOT, HOT right now. That location is GOLDEN. You're situatied between Newark (believe it or not, a luke warm/cool area getting warmer every friggin' year) and NYC which, as everyone knows is sizzling. For commuters, that site would be fantastic.

No landmark preservation in NJ, huh?

posted by CConnolly on Feb 6, 2006 at 5:46am

Excuse me for asking, but what makes you think the theater is in danger of demolition?

posted by Bob Furmanek on Feb 6, 2006 at 7:03am

I would think that they would not want to demolish it but after seeing the work that FOL has done they are seeing the potential of the Loew's.
For a time the Jersey politicos have been trying to get their greedy little hands on the place.
FOL in addition to working like dogs to bring the theater back into workable condition have the grief on continually watching their backs.

posted by Vincent on Feb 6, 2006 at 7:13am

The politics with this project were thick and heavy in the early 90's when I first became involved, and it continues to this day. Even with the lease, there will always be greedy individuals within the City looking to take this project away from FOL.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Feb 6, 2006 at 7:37am

Is the Jersey to go the way of so many other movie palsces? This MUST NOT happen. Let the greedy momey grubbing developers look elsewhere. I am ready to do my part even if it requires some good old fashioned 60s style sit ins or demonstrations. Does Journal SQ really need to be redevoloped? Who needs {or wants} another sterile urban mall with a "Target", a "Gap", an "Old Navy" a "Rite Aid" drug store or another{of course} "Starbucks Coffee".The "blandification" of way too many urban areas is leaving a bad taste in too many peoples mouth.Maybe the Jersey will come out of this OK- we can all pray, but this website is The place to rally the "troops" to the Jersey`s defence. I personally do not want to see "closed", "demolished" or "retail" whenever I search theaters for the Jersey.Some of my best moviegoing has taken place at this theater over the last year. It never fails to impress me no matter how many times I go. The people I have met there seem loke I have known them for a long time and the general feeling of friendliness and enthusiasm of the people who staff it and volunteer is something that you never will experience at any multiplex. The closing or demolition of this theater will be like ripping the heart out of Journal Sq. Let`s not let this one close! We have the power to save it, so let`s use it.

posted by Theaterat on Feb 7, 2006 at 4:47pm

Calm down Theaterat, the Jersey is not closing or being demolished. Just more politics as usual in JC. How the heck do these rumors get started?!

Be sure to show your support this weekend by attending the gala film shows!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Feb 8, 2006 at 4:26am

Bob Furmanek... OK. I`m calm now. I DO plan on attending the Jersey on Saturday for "The Misfits" and also for whatever new programming is scheduled for the next few months.I DO NOT know how these rumors get started, but the story above the scheduled features {posted on the Jersey`s official wed site} kind of raised a red flag.

posted by Theaterat on Feb 8, 2006 at 5:23am

Sad to say, the only thing that will save the JERSEY from the greed of developers is money -- BIG MONEY! You must always cultivate a Friend on the city council who will keep his ear to the ground and advise you as to which politician is getting how much money under the table, then you must discretely approach him vote in your favor. If he is getting a hundred thousand for his "progressive" vote, you must come up with $250.000 for his "more progressive" vote; if he is getting a million, you must present him $250 million, plus swear to turn all your volunteers into his campaign volunteers next voting year. To do anything less than this is simply naieve as to how politics works, and quite futile. Once Big Money wants a site, consider that site SOLD unless you can out bid that money. This is a fact of life in America today, and I have only pity for those unable to see that reality. Remember that there is really no such thing as morals in politics, which is defined as the acqusition of power through money. If you can't furnish lots of money to a politician, then he will see you and your cause as part of the problem and not the solution (to HIS problem which is always Money). Now if you can ASSUREDLY get overwhelming numbers of voters lined up against him, that *may* get him to favor your cause even if you don't have Big Money, unless he is a 'Lame Duck' in which case his attitude wll be: "The public (voters) be damned!" In such cases, only Lots of Money will help you with him. You respond to this by saying: 'But bribery is illegal.' Then I say as the French do: 'It is to laugh.'

By all means, photograph more of the JERSEY, and arrange now to salvage artifacts, but don't break your heart by trying to resist BIG MONEY; it is the ultimate ruler everywhere in our society in this nation, and in most all others. The wonderful JERSEY is but another 'pebble' in the on-rushing ocean of Big Money.

posted by Jim Rankin on Feb 8, 2006 at 5:23am

Jim again you are dead on right. I only wish the Jersey reporters and papers would chronicle the greed and destructiveness of our developers but then they are in their pockets through the advertisers(see the New York Times for example.)

posted by Vincent on Feb 8, 2006 at 5:30am

As somebody who regularly makes the trek from NYC to attend Loew's J.C. screenings I think downtown J.C. could use a Starbucks or a Rite Aid or anything that would bring some life to the area. It is pretty rundown. That downtown area could use some redevelopment. There are plenty of seedy buildings and land right around the cinema that could be used for buildings. Leave the theatre alone, but that area needs a fresh infusion of capital.

posted by hardbop on Feb 8, 2006 at 7:02am

There's a Rite Aid around the corner on Kennedy Blvd. near Tonnele Ave. And with Boulevard Drinks, the White Castle and the V.I.P. Diner all a short walk away, I'm completely satisfied. Of course that's only one man's opinion - I know plenty of people who would never set foot in a White Castle.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Feb 8, 2006 at 7:30am

Hardbop... you are right. Prehaps if the developers can leave the Jersey alone and build near or close to the theater, it might not be so bad. Nothing is official- as of yet, but I think you agree that the Jersey, one of the last of the truly magnificent movie palaces that is still operating albeit on a limited basis should be saved. Travelling here is not an issue for me either. I live in Brooklyn and the tolls cost me 15.00.9.00 for the Verazzamo and 6.00 for the Bayonne Bridge, but I don`t care.Truth of the matter is that with all the crummy movies that are being released these days,if not for the experience of going to the Jersey, I probably would not go to the movies at all.

posted by Theaterat on Feb 8, 2006 at 7:31am

It would be tragic if a palace like the Loews Jersey died and met with the wrecking ball due to politics..But let's be frank...it's all about money..and the Loews needs to crank it up a bit and maybe try a couple of film festivals like the Ziefeld is doing right now...with all due respect (and I hope I'm wrong) but scheduling "Best in Show" is probably not going to pack em in....They need to advertise, get the word out, make people want to travel to jersey City, this latest weekend of films is not a great enticer....also maybe have earlier shows also...many seniors would be more enticed to go to an earlier show when it's still daylight as oppossed to night...check out the Lafayette...their shows start at 11:30am and they're usually packed..

Question: Does the Loews allow high schools in their as a field trip...it seems that with the history of that theater and then seeing a classic on the screen would be a great thing to do on a weekday morning...not to mention, they'd have guaranteed audience and then buying refreshments...they'd make a bundle....it's something to think about...I hope they have

posted by rhett on Feb 11, 2006 at 2:43am

Rhett-

I think all of your ideas are really great. Also speaking with all due respect here, but the Loews Jersey needs to have a more active schedule. I think if there is an issue with it's survival, it has to show that it's not just sitting there with a few films scheduled once a month. I also say that because I want to go there more often. Maybe they can also try using it more often as a live music venue. I know that Bright Eyes played there not that long ago, maybe they can do more like that, and it would probably bring in more revenue. Hell if there was some good bands playing there I would definitely go. Overall, if they want to avoid being shut down, they're going to have to step up their activity a bit. They should A) fix the air conditioning so the place can stay open in the summer and B) book as many films and events as possible. Maybe that's easier said than done, but it's my two cents.

posted by Irv on Feb 12, 2006 at 7:03am

I'm afraid that it is "more easily said than done." When a promoter wants to use a theatre, he first seeks a contract that will both get him enough profit to warrant the rent of the stage, as well as security for his personnel and equipment brought in. If a place is in legal limbo, or the owner/operator appears not sufficiently solvent to come against in court to regain anything lost under a performance contract, then any promenter or film distributor will think twice about that venue. What they need at this point is an "angel" who will financially guarantee any contract they sign, even if meantime the city is found to be the authority of record and kicks the Friends out in the midst of a contract. The promoter or film distributor would then know that they would be compensated for their losses. Any contract is only as good as one's ability to enforce it, and if the theatre has no money to attach as compensation, then any judgement in the plaintif's favor would not be worth the time and bother. A theatre is first a business and must operate as such, regardless of how beautiful it is. Any "angels" out there?

posted by Jim Rankin on Feb 12, 2006 at 7:44am

Jim,

Excellent points...the thing is, the Loews Jersey needs to bet the pot and lay their cards on the table. When the Lafayette first started BigScreenClassics, the film prints weren't good, the large screen kept moving causing the films to be out of focus, the theater was old and dilapidated, the projection and sound not very good and the houses were far from full. But, myself and many diehards went back week after week (and I live 30 min. away), plus, the lafayette festivals was run by guys who truly loved the movie experience and they kept it going and each week, made it better and better. They lobbied for better prints, and they put their money were there mouths were by pouring money into the re-modeling of the theater to make it better. (on top of that, the seniors get a free pass, so thats more money not made)But, now, 3 years later, the lafayette is the place to go. Sparkling prints, Wurlitzer organ before the show, even Nelson Page's film introduction and special guest is always fun (no one ever boos and says start the film). Movies every week (not including special film festivals they do) starting at 11:30 am, you still have the day to yourself.
The point I'm making is that they took a chance and kept at it. It now rocks, evry week there's a huge house for the morning shows. I'm not sure that showing "The Misfits" at 8pm on a Saturday is the way to go, it's too late. The jersey needs to re=assess and go for it. If it doesn't work, then it's a goner anyway, there's no beating the moneypeople (this is not a Capra film) But if it clicks, the Loews Jersey could be on it's way to being a true showcase moviehouse again...take the shot boys!!!
The point I'm making

posted by rhett on Feb 13, 2006 at 2:44am

Did anyone attend "The Misfits" on Saturday and, if so, how was it? Big crowd, etc.? "West Side Story" at the Ziegfeld took priority for me.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Feb 13, 2006 at 4:33am

Bill, How was WSS, will be there tomorrow night.
Fairly good crowd for the Misfits.
Can't tell you how much this film benefits from the big, big screen treatment. Gable and Monroe were made for movie palaces and the stunning Ansel Adams like photography is beautiful with the chasing of the mustangs downright thrilling. No way are you going to get the feeling of exhilaration of what these men do at Film Forum or on TCM.
A great choice.

posted by Vincent on Feb 13, 2006 at 5:15am

Vincent: West Side Story at the Ziegfeld was the next best thing to seeing it at the Rivoli. Wait till you hear the soundtrack. The print is 35mm, not 70mm, but not one frame is missing from it. An excellent show all around - you will love it.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Feb 13, 2006 at 6:20am

I was at the OLD YELLER screening and it was fairly lighty attended and, because of the pre-film festivities, I now know more about greyhounds than I ever need to.

I don't know if the March programs will tickle your fancy, but there will be two programs that March so hopefully they will step up the schedule:

March 10 & 11: Bad Day at Black Rock, East of Eden & Rebel Without a Cause. The series has something to do with films made or released in '55 that didn't get nominated for an Academy Award.

March 24 & 25: Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade, Harvey & The Ten Commandments. The latter should satisfy those buffs who want to see movies made for the big screen.

posted by hardbop on Feb 13, 2006 at 6:42am

Bill I can't wait. I love the great conducting of Johnny Green whatever he did. And on this job he outdid himself.
Not sure if this is true or not but I believe I read that when the soundtrack was played for Bernstein for the first time at a party he hated it so much he humiliated Green in front of everybody.
When Kael reviewed the film I believe she made a swipe at the stereo sound as well.
There must have been something in the water in '61.

posted by Vincent on Feb 13, 2006 at 6:51am

I remember Kael making fun of the "blast of stereophonic music" when the overture started. Seems to me like she'd already made up her mind not to like the movie in the first 30 seconds. Another story about her and WSS: on her way out of the theater after seeing it with her daughter, they overheard someone saying, "I could listen to that music forever." Kael's daughter shot back, "We HAVE been listening to it forever!" That remark must have made her mother very proud. There really is no accounting for taste, especially somebody else's.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Feb 13, 2006 at 7:32am

Whoa boy...Kael bashing. So funny because I remember reading her rather scathing review of WSS about ten years ago in one of her collections. And Bill Huelbig, I too distinctly remember her comment about her daughter. What got me about that remark was/is: exactly what does she mean? Either it's her opinion that the music is simply retreads of other music or the WSS soundtrack was played to death at that point. I'm a HUGE fan of Kael's BTW. There are many occasions wher I feel she was off the mark (she liked "Mommie Dearest" but gave a scathing review of Costa Gravas' "Missing"???!!!) All in all, she hit the mark extremely well.

The bad thing about WSS at The Ziegfeld is that it's now making the rounds on Cable TV. I just saw it last Saturday.

Overall, WSS has aged Ok. The music is simply beautiful. Melodic and catchy without the snobishness that Sondheim has now adopted. But Wood and Beymer are hopelessly miscast. Only Moreno and the GREEK(!!!!) Chakiris ring true as do the supporting cast.

But all objections MUST be laid aside for the absolute BEST scene in the movie: COOL. The scene is placed in a much better place than in the play as it comes AFTER the fatal rumble so it's line: "turn down the juice boy" makes scary, unnerving sense. It's phenomenol. I've loved that scene since I was a kid. And there's not one single lead character in it.

posted by CConnolly on Feb 13, 2006 at 8:02am

CC: Wasn't "Gee, Officer Krupke" placed AFTER the rumble in the play as well? That makes no sense at all. I think the reversals of that song and "Cool" were the work of the late great screenwriter Ernest Lehman.

I think Kael's daughter was being sarcastic. If she didn't like the music, then having to sit through it for two and a half hours would be like a punishment to her, an eternity. Because of Pauline's job, they most likely saw it on opening week or even opening night, so the soundtrack album wouldn't have been overplayed yet.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Feb 13, 2006 at 8:49am

Regarding "Gee, Office Krupke", IMDB makes note of that switch:

In the original Broadway production, the placement of "Gee, Officer Krupke" had more to do with the scene-changing requirements of a live performance than with dramatic logic - and many theatergoers felt the sassy, light-hearted tone of the song seemed particularly out of place following a scene in which two prominent characters have been killed. The movie rectified that complaint by placing the song before the plot-wrenching rumble - switching it with "Cool", which originally related to pre-rumble behavior but even more meaningfully relates in the film to post-rumble behavior.

I was 12 when I saw an excellent off Broadway version of WSS. And I distinctly remembering thinking that the "Gee Office Krupke" seemed weird in light of what just happened. So when I read this, I realized I wasn't the only one.

posted by CConnolly on Feb 13, 2006 at 9:19am

Let's face it WSS is a LONG movie. While I really enjoyed seeing it at The Ziegefeld, I went more as a film historian/buff, whatever you want to call it than I did as a fan of musicals or of WSS. There were moments when I was briefly wishing that things would move along at a faster pace. But I also reminded myself that this film was not made for the 2006 audience. It was made for the people of the late 50s and early 60s who were more interested not only in musicals but actually going out and sitting in a movie theater for 2 1/2 hours. As we all know movie-going back then was a different more significant experience than it is now. Film school taught me to expand my attention span which as a kid raised in the 70s, was probably shorter than previous generations but no doubt LONGER than kids today, that's for sure. Overall, the length of this film didn't take anything away from the experience of seeing it on the big screen.

posted by Irv on Feb 13, 2006 at 9:20am

IRV: Not sure how long the "kids" today's attention span is. You sound like you're close to my age and it's frightening to hear me and others of my time using phrases like Kids today. Oye.

But sadly it's true and I believe you were the one who pointed how "kids" today lack the guts (not the word you used) to live in the city as it was in the early 80s: gritty, wonderful and alive.

posted by CConnolly on Feb 13, 2006 at 9:27am

Thanks CC for that verification. Didn't mean to sound like a Kael basher earlier - I always enjoyed reading her reviews, even when I disagreed with her. It's just that she seemed to miss the boat by a mile when it came to some of my all-time favorites, not just "West Side Story" but "Doctor Zhivago", "Star Wars", etc. She called "2001" a "monumentally unimaginative movie" - huh? On the other hand, she said "Last Tango in Paris" has "changed the face of an art form". Does anybody else still think that? Did anyone except her EVER think it? I guess the fact that I still remember the adjectives and phrases she used to put down the movies I loved the most proves that I'm a Kael fan.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Feb 13, 2006 at 9:42am

CC I hear you on the 'time marches on factor', but just for the reocord I have to say that I'm not jealous of the kids today (I said it again). Usually us aging people are supposed to wish we were younger, I guess alot of people do but I would in no way shape or form want to be a young person today. They don't know it but their world is significantly more boring than mine was as a kid. In fact I would argue that the kids that grew up when I did, in the 80s & 90s, the so-called 'Gen-X' people, really had a good span of time when being young really still meant something. In fact I would say that good old American post war youth culture started with rock and roll in the 50s with Elvis, etc. and from where I'm sitting probably ended somewhere in the 90s. I don't know how to explain that further, but in a short way but I'll use the example of living in New York City 20 years ago: coming to New York for me back then meant being as experimental and as crazy as I wanted to be because the resources for being that way in this town were unlimited. And I'm not just talking about partying, I'm talking about real life changing, educational, revelations (and partying), the things that being young are REALLY about. Not being plugged into an iPod 24/7. I see all these kids moving into town now and I just think..what are they doing here? It's pretty much over for the city at this point. Are they here to hang out it in Williamsburg? Poseur haven of the universe?
Before I get off my soap-box, I'll just say that youth is a state of mind, and I definitely know that in light of all the things I just said about the current generation of young people, that I am WAAAY younger than they are.

posted by Irv on Feb 13, 2006 at 9:51am

Irv: I'm 51, and I grew up with the Beatles, Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, "West Side Story", and many more people and things that have no equivalent in the 21st century. I wouldn't trade being young in the '60's with being young today for anything.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Feb 13, 2006 at 9:59am

Oh, boy age and experience....yes, I'd argue that Gen X was the last to experience things that could truly be called cutting edge. I saw this movie with my daughter called "Sky High". And what was the soundtrack made up of? I couldn't believe it but it was ALL remakes of 80's music. Rather than make me feel old, it made me feel proud. I think now that the 80s music (I'm not going to name groups...if you agree with what I'm saying you know who I mean) was the last great stand. Grunge could've been something but it got old fast and Nirvana's demise ended it. Then there was a lull in the mid 90s, a vacuum rather in music that got filled in with (UGH) this popcorn crap (Spears, Lohan, forget it...I don't even want to talk about that).

But it's the same with film. I grew up with all the stuff my folks watched and learned from them. I knew all of Jack Benny's schtick, Crosby, Astaire (with Rogers and without), Gene Kelly. I saw war movies with my Dad and musicals with my Mom (and sometimes Dad). They had no problem taking me to see cutting edge stuff in the 70s. Movie going then was still an experience. Some people say that "Jaws" was the beginning of the end of real movie going but I say WRONG. It was just another in a long line of splendid, wonderful movie experiences for me starting around 1972 and going pretty strong up until around 1995 or 96 or so when things started to really die.

Now? Well it's all so sad. What do "kids" have now that's really, really inspiring? During the 60s and 70s we had it all: music, movies, cheap and readily available and maybe 4 or 5 tv stations to watch. It's easier now to GET information but isn't it odd that since it's so easy to get it, it's just not that good anymore?

Where are the Kubricks, the Lennon-McCartneys, The Eagles, The Fleetwood Macs the _______________ (fill in whatever)...you get the idea.

When a low budget kids movie has to reach back to the 80s for inspiration, you know that things today are a wasteland.

posted by CConnolly on Feb 13, 2006 at 10:20am

Whatever kids today find cutting edge, it's something we don't know about because we're too old to hear about it. It's always that way.
(sorry for the off-topic post, but I couldn't resist)

posted by Ron Newman on Feb 13, 2006 at 10:45am

I don't know about that Ron Newman. I wouldn't just say we're 'too old' to understand what they're doing. I would love for a really great rock band, for example, to come out of the current youth generation. I know that if it was there I would be listening to it. A good example in the last few years isThe White Stripes. When they came around about 6 or so years ago, one could argue that I was 'too old' to understand them. At that point I was just approaching my mid-thirties. But once I found out about them I was an instant fan because they come from a REAL place. I bought their records, went to their shows just like any other 'kid'

Another example is the 60s/Baby Boom generation. The things that that generation did in terms of popular culture effected EVERYONE. From entertainment to design, etc. the hippie and/or psychedelic ethic was everywhere because it came from a REAL place. People (even those above age 30) were either totally immersed in it (look at something like Laugh-In), or trying very hard to understand it (the WWII genration). It was the subject of documentaries and lengthy articles. It was young people DOING something. I don't see that happening now. Youth today does nothing earth shattering and will leave behind a weak legacy when they move ahead to their 30s and 40s.

And CC you're totally right, the 80s, as boring as they could seem sometimes, really were the last stand in terms of true cutting edge. I hate to admit it, but in some ways I wish those days were still around (cue violins).

posted by Irv on Feb 13, 2006 at 11:11am

"Youth today does nothing earth shattering and will leave behind a weak legacy when they move ahead to their 30s and 40s."

Thus Bush reigns supreme. I feel sometimes like I'm a lone voice screaming about him. Everyone else is like "hey, I got my ipod. What the hell do I care what he does."

And yes, I too wish the 80s were here again.

posted by CConnolly on Feb 13, 2006 at 11:15am

To quote Dennis Hopper" If you remember the 60s, you probably weren`t there". I grew up in this era{ late 60s early 70s} and even though lots of lousy things such as Viet Nam, LBJ, the Kennedy and King murders, drugs, Watergate,etc etc happened, this was a Great era that I remember fondly. Put THAT in your I POD and play it!As far as the 80s were concerned, they could never equal the 60s.What all of this has to do with the Jersey, I have no clue, but I AM looking foward to seeing the TEN COMMANDMENTS on the big screen.And yes, I was at the 2-11 screening of The Misfits and it was excellent to see it on the big screen. There was a decent audience, but the threat of snow probably kept a lot of people away. And the grayhound dogs up for adoption were sooooo cute!

posted by Theaterat on Feb 13, 2006 at 12:08pm

Theaterat...I know. This whole thing is totally off topic. Sorry to take up all the space. One final thing: I know the 80s weren't even close to being what the 60s were, but compared to now it seems like a time of cultural fertility (is that a phrase?), it was still a good time to grow up in. And yeah CC, you aren't the only one. iPods aren't only making people physically deaf, they're making them mentally deaf as well.

NOW...back to discussing the Loews Jersey.

posted by Irv on Feb 13, 2006 at 2:30pm

I'm part of Generation X, born in 1987, and I dislike modern movies and TV.

Growing up in Iowa I listened to Oldies and went to the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids to see old movies, concerts, and plays.

There's hope for this generation yet.....

posted by Tim87529 on Feb 13, 2006 at 3:15pm

Tim-

I hate to tell you this but if you were born in 1987 you aren't 'part of Gen-X'. Gen-Xers are those born immediately following the baby boom generation (1960s-1970s) and grew up in th 80s. I mean who cares about labels ultimately. If you want to be Gen-X then you're Gen-X. It's not like it's on my driver's license or something. But for pop culture purists and sociologists someone like yourself would not be part of that generation. I've heard labels for your generation like 'Generation-Y' and something 60 Minutes called 'The Echo Boomers' which to me was totally bogus. Anyway, you were born 3 years after I graduated high school....eesh. What a thought.

Can't wait to see '10 Commandments' at the Loews Jersey!!

posted by Irv on Feb 13, 2006 at 3:40pm

It would be even better if the TEN COMMANDMENTS and BEN HUR played as a double feature! This would probably run for over 9 hours with intermissions, setting up the films and introductions, but I am down for it. Maybe someday.Still,nothing can compare to seeing these epics on a big screen at a great theater.

posted by Theaterat on Feb 14, 2006 at 5:37am

Theaterat: Add PLANET OF THE APES and you could spend the entire day with Charlton Heston's three greatest films.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Feb 14, 2006 at 6:12am

Ben Hur was at the Jersey last year but if they could get the Ten Commandments I know I would be there. Instead of "Planet Of The Apes", how about "The Greatest Show On Earth" which also starred Charlton Heston.

posted by YankeeMike on Feb 14, 2006 at 6:36am

I might add "Touch of Evil" and "The Big Country" to that Heston list. I also think "Will Penny" and Richard Lester's pair of Musketeer movies deserve honorable mention.

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 14, 2006 at 6:40am

Or how about Charlton and Sophia Loren in EL CID? I never actually saw the entire film- only bits and pieces of it on TV many years ago, but it is definately one to see on the big screen.Also Bill Huelbig-remember when ALL the PLANET of the Apes movies all played together in the early 70s? Did you "go ape' back then?I did and even though one and two were the best, it was a great day {literally} at the movies.

posted by Theaterat on Feb 14, 2006 at 7:31am

The only drawback to seeing widescreen pictures at the Jersey is that the actual screen space is smaller than for flat pictures, since they don't widen the screen for the wider ratio but lower the top masking to get the proper view.

posted by saps on Feb 14, 2006 at 8:17am

Not true. They use the full height for 1.37 and the full width for 2.35. They use the full height AND the full width for 1.85.

They do lower the top masking for 2.35.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Feb 14, 2006 at 8:43am

Theaterat: I did GO APE in 1973, at the Central Theater in Passaic NJ. For some reason they showed them in this order: 4, 5, 1, 2, 3. But it was still a great day, like you said. It was a really big crowd too. I remember people gasping in shock when Heston was stripped bare in the courtroom scene.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Feb 14, 2006 at 8:46am

I went "APE" as well (just like the gorilla in the Uncle Sam style poster instructed me). I saw the films at the Fox Theater in East Setauket on Long Island with my cousins who lived out there. I'm trying to remember if they played them in that order when I saw them... It sounds familiar. Anyway, someone at Fox might have thought that in that order the series made more chronological sense (since 4 takes place in the 1990's and attempts to show that this is when "intelligent" apes started to emerge). But this thinking is a bit misguided since I think folks were pretty easily able to see how the events played out in the series connected the overall saga in a cycle, where the last film is sort of a prequel to the 1st. Also, if you start out with "Conquest..." (the 4th film), you wouldn't know the connection between the ape Milo (who becomes Caeser) and the circus man Armando.

Anyway... was that 1973? So soon after the release of the final film that very same year? I remember the series played many theaters in the Century circuit.

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 14, 2006 at 11:51am

Ed: I saw the 5th film for the first time that day. It was its initial release. I think the whole GO APE thing was a marketing ploy to get people to see #5. One good thing about the out-of-order showings: the best film in the series wasn't gotten out of the way right off the bat. I think #3 was the best of the sequels, so the day also ended on a high note.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Feb 14, 2006 at 12:05pm

So if they lower the mask for the 2.35 (widescreen presentation) there is less square footage on view, right? which was my point.

posted by saps on Feb 14, 2006 at 12:10pm

Theaterat--I got to spend the day watching all the Apes films at the Nostrand in Brooklyn. I was only eight, but had a great time! If the Jersey shows them, I'll try to track down the friends I was with that day and bring them along.

posted by R.H. on Feb 14, 2006 at 2:42pm

They lower the mask for 2.35, but increase the width substantially. So you're losing some height, but gaining much more width. I seem to recall the 1.37 image is around 30-35 wide, and the 2.35 is the full 50 foot width of the screen.

When I got the new lenses from Schneider, I made sure to make the picture as big as possible for each of the 3 main aspect ratios.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Feb 15, 2006 at 4:54am

Bill and R.H... I distinctly remember seeing "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" as a solo feature during its initial run - that film was HUGE for kids my age at the time (I was also 8). I remember the movie came out just before the end of the school year in June - which was a great idea because kids who saw it had a chance to brag about it in school and encourage other kids to go out and catch it thte following weekend. I remember the poster for "Battle..." featured a large shirtless gorilla lifting a human soldier over his head and I recall wondering "when in the film is THAT going to happen?" It never did, of course.

Anyway, I could swear the "Go Ape" festival was summer of '74, perhaps to spur interest in the upcoming "Planet of the Apes" TV show.

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 15, 2006 at 4:57am

Ed: Maybe I goofed on the date. All I know for sure is, I saw "Battle" in the Go Ape Festival for the first time. I've goofed on dates before - I could've sworn my first trip to the Ziegfeld was in 1972 for "West Side Story". Al Alvarez posted the list of all Ziegfeld engagements, and it was really 1970.

Did you go to the Ziegfeld last night for "West Side Story"? If you did, I'm sure you were most impressed.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Feb 15, 2006 at 6:28am

EdSolero--I think you're right about summer '74 for the Apes fest. I remember the Nostrand being sold out. The line stretched around the block. It was so popular that a couple of weeks later, the Nostrand began showing a double feature of "Planet" and "Battle". I remember my dad taking my brother and I back for that one. We even stuck around and watched "Planet" a second time. It provided my mom with one of the few quiet days of the summer! In case you're interested, all five films, the TV show, and the Saturday morning cartoon are being re-released as a special DVD box set at the end of March.

posted by R.H. on Feb 15, 2006 at 7:35am

Bill... I did and I was. See my comments on the Ziegfeld page.

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 15, 2006 at 8:33am

Bob, I agree with most of what you're saying, but the 1.37 is the old academy ratio, right, which is almost square. And the 1.85 is the new "flat" which takes up the full screen. But then when you have the scope ratio of 2.35, you have less height but the same width, which means less screen space.

So, at the Loew's Jersey, 2.35 is bigger than 1.37, but the 2.35 is smaller than the 1.85.

posted by saps on Feb 15, 2006 at 10:35am

I set up the Lafayette's screen the same as Bob did at the Jersey. It's the best solution for a movie house built pre-1953 with the original proscenium still in place.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Feb 15, 2006 at 10:38am

Saps: for 2.35, you're losing about 5 feet in height, but gaining about 15 in width. Please explain how that takes up "less screen space."

posted by Bob Furmanek on Feb 15, 2006 at 10:53am

10 Commandments will run on Sunday March 26th starting at 2pm in the afternoon. They have secured an excellent condition, archival original release, dye transfer Technicolor print for the showing.

So let it be written, so let it be done...

/Mitchell :)

posted by MBD on Feb 16, 2006 at 6:37am

Bob, Saps is right. The width is exactly the same for 1.85 and 2.35. Therefore Ben Hur would be shown on a smaller screen than a film like the Misfits. This gives a widescreen movie the letterbox look.
This was the same for cinemascope at the New York Capitol and Rivoli when the screen masking was simply lowered( I know this from pictures I've seen.)
It took Cinerama and Todd AO to truly equip these theaters with a widescreen. This was acheived by placing the new screen in front of the proscenium and creating a traveling curtain.

posted by Vincent on Feb 16, 2006 at 8:09am

Oh Mitchell, Mitchell, Mitchell:

With carbon arc illumination, that Technicolor will look absolutely spectacular on the Loew's Jersey screen!

Will you be running in the DeMille-approved 1.85 ratio?

posted by Bob Furmanek on Feb 16, 2006 at 8:23am

Oh, I'm sorry Vincent. I thought Saps was saying that 2.35 took up less screen space than 1.37. My error.

I certainly know that the 2.35 image is smaller in height than 1.85. Bob Eberenz and I are the ones who worked so hard to restore film capability to this theater. You don't know how much trouble it was getting those new projection lenses from Schneider. They are very expensive; we didn't have the money for them, and had to pull a LOT of favors in order to secure such good lenses!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Feb 16, 2006 at 8:32am

re: APE marathon: I saw all five at the Plaza in Paterson. Same times as the Central., What is going on here?? 10 Commandments?? at the Loews?? I just heard the Ziegfeld is planning a 70MM Lawrence of Arabia on mar. 24th??? WOW>>this is great

posted by rhett on Feb 18, 2006 at 3:09am

I love this effin' theater, 1.37, 1.85 or 2.35. Bring on the classics!

posted by saps on Feb 18, 2006 at 4:36pm

The TEN COMMANDMENTS is usually shown on the Channel 7 movie on Easter night, but there will be no comparison to seeing it on the big screen- the way it is supposed to be seen.I remember seeing a re release of it at the Loew1s 46th.St theater in Brooklyn in the summer of 1966 and another re release of it on St Patricks Day in 1984 at a theater on Bway in NY.I can`t remember what theater it was, but I went with my friend Mike B{ More of a film buff than theaterbuff} and the print quality and presentation were first rate. You just HAVE to see the parting of the Red Sea on the big screen! One of the best special effects { for my money anyway} ever filmed. Oh almost forgot The Plagues and the Exodus.

posted by Theaterat on Feb 26, 2006 at 5:54am

Actually, "The Ten Commandments" was meant to be seen in VistaVision, but I bet it looks wonderful on the big screen in standard 35mm. Or, does the Jersey have true VistaVision capability? In any event, I'm sure it will be nice to see Demille's introductory prologue as well as the overture and entr'acte.

There was a re-release in the late 80's that blew the prints up to 70mm (under the moniker of "Super VistaVision") which cropped the original 1.85:1 image to 2.20:1. Do you think this is the version the Jersey will be screening?

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 26, 2006 at 6:43am

Ed Solero... I can`t say what version the Jersey will be showing, but I`m sure it will be excellent anyway.I can`t remember what format it was released in in the 80s, but the version I saw was magnificent- and the color did NOT look bleached out like it looked in GWTW when I saw it at Radio City in the mid 70s.So it is written.....

posted by Theaterat on Feb 26, 2006 at 8:43am

Ed, from what I understand the 1989 70mm reissue of "The Ten Commandments" was considered a complete disaster. A significant amount of image was lost in the transfer to a full 70mm frame. They would have been smarter to transfer the image using the full 70mm frame height, but not the width, to protect the Vistavision frame. I've seen many 1.85:1 films presented this way and it works just fine.

From what I've read on this site, the Jersey is not equipped for 70mm presentation.

posted by SteveJKo on Feb 28, 2006 at 3:03am

Thanks for the info SteveJKo... It's almost understandable that during the widescreen craze of the roadshow era a reissue of "Gone With the Wind" would have been gussied up in stereophonic sound and cropped to a 1.85:1 ratio. It's hard to imagine, however, that in the "enlightened" era of late 80's film restoration (when "GWTW" was itself restored in full 1.37:1 Academy ratio), a film like "The Ten Commandments" would have its image cropped for reissue.

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 28, 2006 at 3:47am

Don't forget that VistaVision films were photographed with the capability of presenting them in any size from 1.66 to 2.1. That was one of the selling points to exhibitors, and every print has a framing guide printed in at the head of each reel.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Feb 28, 2006 at 5:12am

But, Bob, didn't the director and cinematographer frame shots with a specific aspect ratio and composition in mind? I didn't realize that this was a selling point to exhibitors as much as it was a level of lattitude afforded the film makers themselves. So, did filmmakers create images that would stand up to cropping, provided the framing guide at the head of each reel was used as a template?

I'm no expert in the field of widescreen processes, but this aspect of VistaVision seems similar to that of the Super 35 format.

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 28, 2006 at 5:39am

Yes, the variable aspect ratios of VistaVision was indeed a factor when the shots were composed. Paramount recommended 1.85 as the ideal ratio, but the other ratios were considered just as valid for the presentation.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Feb 28, 2006 at 5:47am

With the upcoming early cinemascope coming to Loews at a 2.55 ratio the screen will be fairly small. Maybe almost half the size of a screen used for 1.85.
I saw it once at the Music Hall for a revival of Seven Brides and it was was amazing.

posted by Vincent on Feb 28, 2006 at 6:10am

Saw the Ten Commandments at the old Savoy in Brooklyn during one of its initial releases. Having seen it several times since, there is no comparison to having seen it on the big screen, probabably in Vistavision.

posted by Astyanax on Feb 28, 2006 at 7:31am

Isn't 2.55 the ratio for the very early CinemaScope films that were printed full frame and run with an interlocked magnetic track? I thought the ratio for optical and mag/optical composite prints was 2.35.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Feb 28, 2006 at 8:04am

I believe you are correct, Bob. I just eyeballed the new print of Rebel without a Cause that I'm running this Saturday, March 4, at the Lafayette in Suffern and it appears to be the standard 2.35 ratio.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Feb 28, 2006 at 8:06am

I saw a rerelease of "The Ten Commandments" at the Loews Oriental around 1964 so I am really looking forward to seeing it at The Jersey. Have one question. Does anyone know if any original Vista Vision (Horizontal) projectors are still in existance?

posted by YankeeMike on Feb 28, 2006 at 8:14am

Ten Commandments was never shown in VistaVision. Not even on its original roadshow engagments.

posted by Vincent on Feb 28, 2006 at 8:26am

Interesting Vincent... Can you elaborate? Was that because venues equipped with VistaVision (such as the NY Paramount) were unavailable? Amazing that such a high profile production for Paramount filmed in the studio's own proprietary widescreen process would not be exhibited in their flagship theaters to take advantage of that process. This movie premeired at the Criterion Theater in NYC, didn't it? I always wondered why it didn't bow at the Paramount or Radio City.

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 28, 2006 at 9:03am

In reference to the above: the 2.55 ratio was the original ratio for CinemaScope 35mm composite magnetic releases. The ratio was achieved by printing on stock with narrower than normal perforations (Fox hole sprockets had to be installed on projectors to run composite four-track mag prints.) I wonder if the Jersey will be able to secure (or run) the original mag prints. When we did the restoration of "A Star Is Born" at Radio City we ran a 35mm optical print interlocked to four-track 35mm full coat mag reels, since the only four-track prints weren't in good enough condition in terms of picture. They recorded the mag tracks from the composite over to mag 35mm full coat, and used the best existing 2.35 optical print or negative to strike the picture (which also carried the 35mm optical track.) I raised the issue with Doug Edwards of the Academy about the original aspect ratio being 2.55, and we debated whether or not to cut plates that would crop the top and bottom of the frame to give a 2.55 ratio. I thought that Cukor would have preferred to have all of the picture information available used, so we ran it 2.35. Interestingly enough, I bought a copy of "The Robe" on LaserDisc only to find that it was 2.35. The DVD copy came out advertised as being 2.55, and sure enough it is, but putting a still frame of each up and switching between the formats revealed that Fox had cropped the top and bottom of the frame to achieve the 2.55 ratio -- the sides were basically the same.

In regards to the VistaVision projector question -- there are a number of the machines around. Boston Light & Sound has two, and I ran VistaVision dailies on "Men In Black", "Jungle 2 Jungle" and "Michael" at Sound One in New York, where Vista Vision was used for some of the action and for plates. While we had one of the two B.L.& S. machines, the other was at Bob Harris'place where he was working on the "Vertigo" restoration. In addiiton, I worked with the Hansards of background projection fame, and they may have had some of the original projection heads and did have the Mitchell VistaVision process projection heads that had been used at Paramount where the Hansards had worked during the glory days of VistaVision. One of the stories they told me (which may be apocryphal) was that Paramount's head process D.P. Farciot Eduart was eventually let go, and in retaliation he took the index he had of stock footage plates in the Paramount vaults. Thus Paramount had thousands of feet of VistaVision plates with no way of identifying what was on each roll.

By the way, I believe only the first three films were actually shown in horizontal VistaVision in theatres in this country. They would be "White Christmas", "The Far Horizons" and "Strategic Air Command". The VistaVision machines we had at the Hall were taken out after the "White Christmas" screenings. Unlike 70mm projectors which could screen normal 35mm prints, VistaVision projectors could only screen horizontal prints (that might have included Technirama if they had released enough prints at the same time) and most booths couldn't accomodate those machines and the standard 35mm machines at the same time. Radio City was one of the few booth that even had four machines, and there the VistaVision mahcines were placed in the effects ports just outside of the main booth.

posted by REndres on Feb 28, 2006 at 10:17am

It is highly likely that the Jersey will be showing the same print that I am running at the Lafayette of Rebel without a Cause; it was struck in Feb. 2005 in the 2.35 ratio and Dolby SR sound. I don't believe the Jersey has mag stereo capability, nor are there any Rebel prints in circulation with good color and mag tracks.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Feb 28, 2006 at 10:26am

REndres... I posted some images from a 1978 RCMH souvenir booklet over on the Hall's page here. It features photos and mention of a lot of folks who worked at the Hall at the time (yourself included), if you care to check it out. You probably have a number of such booklets in your possession, but I thought I'd mention it. I posted them about a week or so ago. I purchased the booklet while attending the Easter Show that year, which featured what was to have been (but wasn't) the Hall's final attraction, the movie "Crossed Swords".

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 28, 2006 at 10:44am

EdSolero, thanks for letting know about the posting. That booklet was done shortly after I arrived at the Hall in '74 and was the last souvenir booklet they did. I still have a couple of copies of it. Chris Rober is pictured in the maintenance photo. I worked with both Chris Sr. and his two sons who are still at the Hall along with (I believe) a third generation of Robers. It really is a family. By the way, "Crossed Swords" was shown in 70mm at the Hall.

posted by REndres on Feb 28, 2006 at 12:05pm

Thanks Rob for another entertaining and informative post. Where would we be without REndres contributions to Cinema Treasures

posted by vito on Feb 28, 2006 at 1:43pm

Thanks REndres for the "VistaVision" info. Any idea how "White Christmas" looked when screened horizontally. Would it have looked much the same as it does today. I was at the screening of WC at the Loews 34th st last Dec.

posted by YankeeMike on Mar 1, 2006 at 5:36am

"White Christmas" would have the same aspect ratio if projected at 1.85 (one of the suggested ratios), however if projected at the same size as a vertical 35mm print would appear much sharper, since the film area is much larger. VistaVision is eight perfs wide or two frames of 35mm film. If an eight perf horizontal print is slightly squeezed and unsqueezed as in the Technirama format it ends up being 12 perfs wide or just about the same width as a 70mm image. As a brash teenager in Illinois when "White Christmas" opened at our local Balaban & Katz theatre I remember the manager telling an audience that he had seen it in Chicago at the State/Lake and we were in for a treat. He saw a horizontal print, and we had a normal print, but still the image was amazingly sharp since it was printed from a negative made from a reduction of the VistaVision negative. I (in my youthful "wisdom") commented that someday they would combine VistaVision with CinemaScope to come up with a picture that was both wide and sharp. Of course they did that the next year with "Oklahoma" in Todd-AO shot on 65mm film. My predecessor at Radio City, Ben Olevsky, always thought that VistaVision at the Hall was better looking than 70mm, but at the time "White Christmas" came out, few had seen projection from a larger-than-35mm print, and of course most of the 70mm material that Ben ran at the Hall was a blow-up from 35. The work print material I ran at Sound One for the three films that used VistaVision looked great of course, but it was projected on a 10' wide screen, so it didn't have the impact it would have if presented in a theatre. By the way, projecting it is impressive since it runs at double the normal speed. At 180' a minute it moves! That's faster than 70mm at 24 FPS which runs at 112.5 feet a minute. Ben said he could hear the projectors running during "White Christmas" when the elevator to the booth got to the First Mezzanine level, and they had to drape the spot ports on either side of the VistaVision projectors with Duvateen to cut the noise down in the house.

posted by REndres on Mar 1, 2006 at 6:21am

Somebody somewhere on one of these pages said that Vistavision looked better at the Paramount than the Music Hall. But then the Hall only showed one movie in Vistavision though a number of its films were filmed in that process.
I wonder when the last time was when a film was shown in NY in true VistaVision whether first run or revival.
If only Ben Olevsky had written a long article or book!

posted by Vincent on Mar 1, 2006 at 6:54am

Wow!, Thanks for the info. Wish I had been old enough to see White Christmas screened that way. Really must have been something to see.

posted by YankeeMike on Mar 1, 2006 at 6:56am

Vincent, "true" VistaVision isn't 8 perf VistaVision. In fact, it was only the first few films that were shot in VistaVision that were even printed 8-perf!

Paramount made it clear when they introduced it that the REALITY of VistaVision is that it was designed to ensure finer-grained 4 perf 35mm prints for blow up to widescreen, not to be projected in 8-perf! 8-Perf prints were special cases for special venues.

I highly doubt (in fact, I'd stake money on it) that any 8 perf prints for actual projection purposes have been struck in almost 50 years.

As for the Jersey: Before I go into my rant, please note that I have the utmost respect for the Jersey and its staff and I appreciate what they're doing, but I have to tell it how it is before things start getting ridiculous on this board.

Don't raise your hopes for 70mm anytime soon either. They have the equipment, but it hasn't been installed in the booth and is literally sitting in pieces up there. It took them months to actually get those pieces up there, and my guess is that it's going to take many more months to finally get it all up and working.

Don't expect magnetic or Vitaphone either. The readers they have up there are just for show (not to mention-- WHO THE HECK MAKES VITAPHONE DISCS ANYMORE???). They've got a Perspecta integrator, but never use it.

Folks, don't expect pipe dreams of cinema at the Jersey. It's a fantastic venue, but being realistic as all good venues are, they'll be running 35mm, carbon arc, mono sound on a 50 foot screen for now. That is IT and that is fine by me.

posted by Jack Theakston on Mar 1, 2006 at 7:32am

I'm just hoping they can open the balcony sometime in the near future. The "Vitaphon Project" has complete sets of discs to many early films so I guess it is possible (But highly unlikely) that the Jersey could screen a film using the Vitaphon process.

posted by YankeeMike on Mar 1, 2006 at 8:10am

Maybe. If someday the Loews gets their sound-on-disc projector to work, but then would you want to run an archival print and disc on a machine that old and unreliable in the first place? Wouldn't it just make more sense to run the film optically? The amount of sync control and quality in presentation is so much better that way.

And I agree, it would be nice to see the day the balcony opens. Perhaps some day they'll finish remolding and painting the plaster work, too.

posted by Jack Theakston on Mar 1, 2006 at 10:55am

While it makes more sense to run a film optically I would like to see the "Vitaphone" process used (Even if just for a short) just to experience what it would have been like back in 1928-29 to view and hear a film using that process.

posted by YankeeMike on Mar 2, 2006 at 1:45am

Attended the James Dean “double-feature” Saturday night (March 11th – “Rebel Without a Cause” and “East of Eden”) and had a terrific movie-going experience. This has to be one of the biggest entertainment bargains out there (10 dollars for two movies – and good ones at that!). The time just flew by (and these were full-length, almost two-hour-long features).

The picture was clear (projection quality was consistent for both films - steady and focused throughout); the “sound stage” was just right (volume, tone, spaciousness and balance, well-anchored dialogue – loved the slight echo “slapping” off the walls). Every seat in the house was a good one.

The crowd was varied in age and composition – everyone from just a few young “20-somethings” to senior citizens (the vast majority were around my age: “30-somethings” and early 40s, mostly young urban professional types). It was a nice sampling of the local population, and with a decent turnout (I estimated about 300 for each film) shows that there is interest in the community and an audience for these films. During the Q&A session following “Rebel” (a nice touch), the audience was asked “How many of you saw this movie for the first time?” Surprisingly, only about half of the audience raised their hands! This theatre presents an incredible opportunity for introducing younger audiences to classic cinema. Thankfully, it succeeds at attracting a more “serious” sophisticated lot (well-behaved, quiet, courteous – unlike the “multiplex” and “mall rat” crowds). It is a historical and cultural icon that must be preserved! It is part of the busy Journal Square shopping district, and fits right in with its surroundings. City officials would be foolish to let all of this go to waste.

What this place needs is more programming and much better publicity and promotion – it has so much potential for use. Yes, it’s in Jersey, but so what? Come on you “city” people…get over your “it’s not Manhattan” attitude and take a chance on this place. It has so many positives in its favor, even by “city” standards – uniqueness, location, transportation/access and especially cost value. There are NO excuses:
(1) Easy, fast access: The PATH train station is JUST ACROSS THE STREET in Journal Square.
(2) Convenient, cheap parking: DIRECTLY BEHIND the theatre (at the end of Magnolia Ave) is the Square Ramp garage. One gripe: the theatre does NOT do enough to inform their customers that they are entitled to HALF-PRICE parking! (They have a special deal with the garage, but customers have to hunt for the vouchers - I found them in a small pile on the snack counter next to the Milk Duds and Reese’s). They should be prominently displayed on an “information table” or by the entrance where tickets are sold, so that we can see them on our way in and out. With the voucher, I only paid $3.50 for five hours – a bargain!
(3) Safety: there is plenty of activity and street traffic during “business hours”, and the side alleyway allowing quick access to the garage is brightly lit and under security camera surveillance.
(4) Atmosphere and character: how many old movie palaces still exist and operate in NYC, and how many show classic (or any) films?

How about announcements or listings in the New York Times or Village Voice (print and online), not to mention numerous other local arts and entertainment media? I have never seen any, and if there were some, I didn’t notice them. Be creative! You have a unique, colorful venue – you need to engage in variety of promotional activities to showcase it.

I made an evening of it with an acquaintance of mine (who just happens to live in Jersey City). He says he has passed this place dozens of times en route to the PATH train station and never gave it a second thought. After attending the shows, he remarked “What a great way to spend a Saturday night.” So impressed was he by this “tarnished jewel” of a building and the efforts of the staff (many of them volunteers, busy at “work” making everyone feel welcome and comfortable) that he has expressed interest in offering suggestions and help with future programming and activities, and donating some time as a volunteer.

It looks like we have another “convert”.

posted by Alto on Mar 12, 2006 at 10:27am

Seems like we have a lot of Loews Jersey customers here. I am a big fan (from afar) of the building and am curious about a few things:

1) What is the average crowd like for one of their presentations? I understand the balcony is closed. But have they ever filled up the main floor?
2) Several years ago I got the impression that they were accomplishing amazing feats with mostly volunteer labor (fixing the clock tower, fixing the marquee, tearing out the triplex walls, etc). But I get the impression that momentum has slowed. Am I wrong and are they still accomplishing projects like this on a regular basis, or have circumstances changed somehow?
3) What is the real threat posed by this political disagreement I have read about, and why did it come about? I was under the impression that the city supported the notion of reopening the Jersey.
4) What is the ultimate goal of the Jersey project? Is it strictly to be a venue for classic cinema, or are they planning on expanded their offerings to include other types of events at some point? Classic cinema is certainly cool. But there are movie palaces (like the Orpheum in Madison, WI) that are making it by putting together a creative and wide array of uses to offer the public.

Many thanks to anyone who takes a moment to consider these questions.

posted by Life's too short on Mar 12, 2006 at 5:03pm

Posted for Phil Phil by Theaterat. After hearing so much about the Jersey from Theaterat and others, I decieded to go on Sat March 11th for the James Dean double feature. All I can say is WOW! I AM impressed. I found the widescreen presentation of these films to be first rate, and the emotional impact these films had on me was the same that it was some 50 years ago when I saw these films as a young teen ager.As far as the theater is concerned, what can I say that has not already been said on these posts?It was absolutely amazing to see how this great theater is being bought back by the volunteers and everyone else connected with the project. What a fresh breath of air when compared to todays faceless dirty and impersonal multiplexes. This is moviegoing in its best tradition.Equally amazing were all the people I met- total strangers who shared the same memories of these films and the great theaters with me. This was quite simply the best moviegoing experience I`ve had in many moons.Can`t wait to see the TEN COMMANDMENTS on March 26th. I Know that it will be another great experience. Posted by Theaterat for Phil Phil.

posted by Theaterat on Mar 13, 2006 at 8:20am

My wording in my previous post was off. What I meant to say was...I was surprised that as much as half of the audience responded that they had NEVER seen these movies before, and this was only their FIRST time. I would have expected that most everyone there were big classic movie and/or James Dean fans and had already seen these films, and came mainly to experience viewing them on a huge screen in an authentic movie palace setting.

The fact that this was their first time tells me that, for many of them, these movies have the same draw power and appeal as do the newest theatrical releases, maybe even more so. Given the current quality of Hollywood's latest releases (with a few exceptions), I can see where older films would actually be a first choice for those seeking quality movie entertainment.

Except for a few of this year's Oscar picks, there is nothing coming out that even remotely interests me, either in theatrical or home video new release, and I have felt this way for quite some time.

All the more reason to preserve this theatre and the fine "alternative" entertainment experience that it provides. As long as the motion picture studios continue producing mindless, low-quality drivel, I can only expect (and hope) that audiences here will continue to grow.

posted by Alto on Mar 13, 2006 at 1:28pm

I am dying to ask: who is Phil Phil and why can't he post for himself? I have seen such comments several times...very mysterious...

posted by Life's too short on Mar 21, 2006 at 5:49pm

I'm from Connecticut and I just took a look at the website. Ah Megami Sama! That place is beautiful, I hope it can still show classic films and maybe it can have Classical and Jazz concerts or cater to musicals such as Phantom of the Opera or Wicked when they tour. Oh, I hope everything turns out right. Connecticut just has a smattering of these beauties, one of the best is the Warner Theater and The Palace in Waterbury.

posted by Spike Spiegel on Mar 25, 2006 at 7:11am

Another great show today at the Loew's Jersey: "The Ten Commandments". One of those films that has to be seen BIG, and the Loew's Jersey did it justice. It wasn't too much of a stretch to imagine I was seeing it during its first-run engagement at the Criterion in New York, even though the print had some wear and tear on it. Heck, even the Criterion print must have had some scratches after playing for more than a year.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Mar 26, 2006 at 1:41pm

A great show. Brought back memories of seeing this film at the Loews Oriental in Brooklyn back in the 1960's. (a re-issue). I noticed sitting near me was a guy with a walkie-talkie who what call the projection booth to tell them to correct the sound durring the film. Really a great idea.

posted by YankeeMike on Mar 27, 2006 at 2:00am

Lifes Too Short....Phil Phil is a neighbor and a friend of mine. He does not have- or know how to use a computer, but he is a big movie and theater fan like myself.He is about 12 years older than I and has a very good memory of many old and forgotten theaters in Brooklyn and New York.I let him post his entries under my name. Since Phil Phil and I {along with our 2 lady friends} have started to go to the Jersey lately, he just wants to get his "2 cents in" like the rest of the posters on this site.We went to the 3-26 screening of THE TEN COMMANDMENTS and he was just blown away by the presentation and experience. If he wants to post a comment on the show- and I think he does, I let him do it. Mystery solved!

posted by Theaterat on Mar 27, 2006 at 5:33am

I am glad that everyone enjoyed the show. I was projectionist for the 10 Commandments, and yes, there was a friend of mine near the front of the auditorium with a walkie-talkie alterting me to sound and focus problems. One of the problems with the projection booth being so far from the screen is that everything always looks good from back there. This was an attempt to address that issue. The print you saw was an original dye-transfer Technicolor print.

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

posted by MBD on Mar 27, 2006 at 7:20am

Re the 3-26 screening of THE TEN COMMANDMENTS- another triumph for the Jersey!Went with my friend PHIL PHIL and our dates.After seeing it on the big screen- the way it was ment to be seen, I doubt that I can ever enjoy it as much when it is shown on TV again. There will be a TV movie version of this film next Monday 4-3 on channel 7{ I believe} Even though I intend to watch it, it probably can`t compare to the De Mille version.There were some minor projection and sound flaws at the screening, but nothing serious enough to diminish the experience.The parting of the Red Sea and the writting of the commandments themselves were still impressive even after 50 years. And the cast! I hate to use the cliche " they sure don1t make them like they used to", but after witnessing it at a grand theater like the Jersey, it sure is true.

posted by Theaterat on Mar 27, 2006 at 7:58am

Mitchell: your walkie-talkie system is an excellent idea that certainly worked. Whenever the film went out of focus, you were right on top of it and the image cleared up within seconds. An almost 4-hour movie like that must've been a real workout for you, but all your hard work was greatly appreciated by me and everyone else who was there. Thanks!

posted by Bill Huelbig on Mar 27, 2006 at 8:59am

I missed the shows over the weekend because I had to work. When can we expect the next series of films? Hopefully soon please??????? Any possibilities in the works??

posted by Irv on Mar 27, 2006 at 9:08am

When I was doing film at the Jersey, we always used a walkie-talkie system to the booth. (The audience never knew it because I was always on the sides or in the back communicating with the booth. I never sat among the paying customers. You should never hear someone talking into a radio - that would distract from the quality of the presentation.)

They've gotten away from that in recent years, but I'm glad to see that Mitchell has re-instated this most important element to improving the quality of their presentation.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Mar 27, 2006 at 9:12am

Thanks for the kind words Bob. As I'm sure many of you know, Bob Furmanek was the founding father of the Loews Jersey's film program. While he has moved on to other endeavors, all of us long time volunteers appreciate the years of hard work he put into the project and his attention to detail. I think it unlikely that there would now be a film program at the Loews if it were not for Bob.

Irv, the next film weekend is scheduled for April 28 & 29, John Ford films, I'm not sure of the final title selections.

posted by MBD on Mar 28, 2006 at 6:59am

Thanks for the explanation Theaterat. I was intrigued by the situation. Growing up when I did, it never occured to me that someone wouldn't have a computer!! Phil Phil certainly does seem knowledgable.

posted by Life's too short on Mar 28, 2006 at 7:57am

Readers of this board may be interested in Saturday's meeting to Revitalize Brooklyn's Loew's Kings Movie Palace.

posted by Brooklynite on Apr 6, 2006 at 7:40am

What happened to the Dragon at the Loews that was seemingly stolen? I haven't been back there in a years and I don't see follow-up to the note regarding this sad theft from an historic theatre?

posted by Claude on Apr 24, 2006 at 10:26am

St. George and the dragon are intact at Loew's Jersey. The figure that was stolen was at Loew's Paradise in the Bronx.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Apr 26, 2006 at 5:33am

Anyboby out there see or have any comments on the John Ford films that played at the Jersey in late April? Could not make it, but I`m curious if the show was well attended and the quality of the presentation.Probably will go to see " On The Beach" when it screens.Definately one of Stanley Kramers and Gregory Peck`s best, not to mention Ava Gardner.Her screen presence was hard to beat, especially in this film. Also, a fine pre Norman Bates performance from Anthony Perkins.

posted by Theaterat on May 8, 2006 at 4:09pm

A rare ad from the NYT of 8/3/1940, showing the programs of all Loew's neighborhood theatres in the Greater NY-NJ area:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/spacedaily-1.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on May 13, 2006 at 4:57am

Nice ad, Warren. By the way, What was the Loew's 42nd Street?

posted by saps on May 14, 2006 at 2:59am

After the Ford tribute things were looking up but now we've got more inscrutable programming for the Jersey. The theater really needs somebody else to come up with programs. The only one that makes sense is the Kramer and that's at 3 in the afternoon!
I mean Brazil as a movie palace feature on a Sat night?!!!

posted by Vincent on May 15, 2006 at 4:29am

saps;Loew's 42nd Street Theatre is listed here:
http://www.cinematreasures.org/theater/6850/

posted by KenRoe on May 15, 2006 at 4:56am

I agree Vincent. The Loews Jersey programmer's hearts are in the right places, but an examination of 'Dystopian Films'? Isn't that more on par with Film Forum or a college film class? Is there going to be an exam after these screenings?

I don't know. How 'bout showing 'The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T' and 'Forbidden Planet' instead of 'Sleeper' and 'Brazil'. Maybe not quite 'Dystopian' but...

I still love the Loews Jersey, but c'mon guys keep the films consistent with the experience of going to an old historic movie palace. There are plenty of older/classic films that would be good box office and haven't already been played to death on TCM, Fox Movie Channel, or AMC, that could be shown (if the prints are available) at the Loews Jersey. I thought last year's screening of 'The Haunting' was a brilliant choice in that direction.

posted by Irv on May 15, 2006 at 4:57am

Also the fact that this current program is so aggressively unfamily friendly really makes me wonder what is going on in the minds of the people running the place.
You'd think at times they were programming midnight shows at the Angelika or the Cinema Village and not at one of the Loew's Wonder Theaters.

posted by Vincent on May 17, 2006 at 5:54am

I was about to suggest that "Sleeper" is family freindly, but then it occured to me that explaining the "orgasmatron" to the kiddies might be a bit problematic! Of course, when I was 8 years old and saw this one in the theaters the joke went completely over my head and my parents just told me it was "something that made you feel tingly"! That satisfied me and didn't corrupt my innocence.

posted by Ed Solero on May 17, 2006 at 6:56am

Don't get me wrong. I think it's a good idea to incorporate a 'family' films into these schedules, but please keep it interesting. I would hate to see a bunch of children's films showing up in the program. "Charlotte's Web" and "Benji" I don't need to see again. I can't believe I remember this, but I hated "Benji" even when I saw it when I was a kid, and I was definitely the target demographic for that film. On the other hand, I remember my mother took me to see "That's Entertainment" around that same time and I enjoyed it. Nothing nasty or adult about it and very kid friendly as I recall. "Mary Poppins" is a great one too, and for kids and adults of all ages.

posted by Irv on May 17, 2006 at 7:12am

Well, I guess you can`t please everybody all the time.Even though I am a fan of "On the Beach" the choice of "Brazil" for the Saturday show kept me scratching my head. For the most part the Jerseys programming is quite good, so I`ll leave it at that.

posted by Theaterat on May 19, 2006 at 8:22am

posted by Theaterat on May 19, 2006 at 8:23am

I attended "On The Beach" and though I love the film, seeing the theatre's interior was my main reason for going. What an amazing place this Loew's is! My mom visited from upstate to come along, and on the stairs up to the balcony she said the staircase reminded her of the stairs in the old RKO movie palace that used to stand at 86th and Lexington in Manhattan.

My camera wsa not able to capture the grandeur, and due to the darkness most of the pictures are blurred. The flash did little to illuminate the great spaces and in fact created lots of glare. Here are the best pics of the batch:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The deserted streets of Melbourne at the end of "On The Beach," symbolic of humanity's extinction, are among my favorite cinematic images. I wish I could have attended "Sleeper."

posted by davebazooka on May 21, 2006 at 3:56pm

I enjoyed seeing "Sleeper" with a crowd that often laughed, Friday evening. "On the Beach" looked great on the huge screen. I posted a few of my photos, taken Friday, here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardbhaas/151615962/

posted by HowardBHaas on May 22, 2006 at 5:37pm

I meant to write that I photographed on Saturday.

posted by HowardBHaas on May 22, 2006 at 5:38pm

Davebazooka.... Thanks for the series of photos you took of the Jersey recently. I too have trouble taking photos in the auditorium and other places in this theater.You sure will NOT find this amazing detail and work at a multiplex. This- along with a usual top notch program schedule is what keeps me coming back. Probadly will do "Jaws" next Saturday. Too bad "American Graffitti" is not being shown on the same day.Glad you enjoyed the theater.

posted by Theaterat on May 25, 2006 at 6:50am

I too am a great fan of this theater, and have joyfully attended several times. However, the print of "The Grapes of Wrath" was atrocious (although they did say they can't be guaranteed good prints), they played the reels of "The Whole Town's Talking" out of order, and had to stop to fix it, but the print of "Liberty Valance" was sparkling. Yes, I agree they should show some of the neglected oldies, especially Paramount, UA, and Columbia films that you hardly ever see anymore, assuming they're available. Since Marty Markowitz will probably continue to just stuff his fat, self-aggrandizing ass at street festivals, leaving the Loew's Kings to wither and die, I'll continue to trek over here from Brooklyn.

posted by frankie on May 25, 2006 at 8:58am

Yippee! I Just saw the Jersey’s June offerings – now THOSE are the kinds of movies that I want to see on the big screen this summer. I can imagine the titles prominently displayed across the marquee of this great movie house. All rated PG, so they’re “family-friendly” entertainment (to me, anyway – I was almost 12 when I saw “Jaws”, and it didn’t scare or scar me for life). “American Graffiti” - a great nostalgia flick. “Grease” – OK, compared to the stage show, the film was so-so (I recall nodding off towards the end when I saw it first-run in 1978), but for sheer pop-culture status (especially the music) it ranks up there with the others - I guess I‘ll have to see it again to catch it all. Considering the venue, I should have no problem staying awake.

Good job Jersey – you should have no problem getting summertime audiences with this more “mass appeal” programming (especially for those my age, some of whom are on the verge of a “mid-life crisis” and want to relive their youth, and at the same time bring the wife and kids!). Especially good for today’s young adults (“tweens” and teens), who could learn a thing or two about what great movies we saw when WE were their age.

Now let’s all hope that June 2nd & 3rd are not scorchers and the air-conditioning works!

posted by Alto on May 28, 2006 at 2:38pm

There is no air conditioning in the Loew's Jersey.

From what I've been told by them, they've had the money (and a matching grant) to get it installed, but don't feel it's worthwhile yet. Frankly, after 10+ years of "renovations" and millions of dollars in donations and grants, the Loew's Jersey project should be 100% finished by now. It's staggering that, with all of the funding they've secured, the theatre is in worse shape now than it was when it first started running classic films in 2001.

Let's hope they don't run the reels out of order again...

posted by njmoviefan on May 28, 2006 at 4:51pm

Though the air does not work at the Jersey, the "return' does work}see the posts of last summer} so at least there will be some cooling.This is a fan system that circulates air in the theater.Was there last June for "Tron" and "Star Trek II- the Wrath of Khan" and the theater was comparitively comfortable on that hot night in early June.What did moviegoers do in the 20s and early 30s in those pre air conditioning days? They went to a movie and enjoyed it! Anyway, I`m looking fowards to seeing "Jaws" on the big screen. Hard to believe this film opened 31 years ago! I remember seeing it at the Marboro theater in Brooklyn, NY like it was last week.

posted by Theaterat on May 30, 2006 at 4:13pm

Theatrerat says: "What did moviegoers do in the 20s and early 30s in those pre air conditioning days?" Well, in the pre-movie palace days, most of the theatres closed down in the warm summer months. This is what gave rise to the 'Theatre Season' since unlike other businesses, the theatres operated only during the heating season precisely because of there being no way to continuously cool the buildings. There were a few exceptions such as the PABST THEATER in Milwaukee which used the downdraft of fan forced air blowing over tons of ice in the attic to cool only during performances in 1895, but such situations were too rare to continue the usual English-language theatre season.

With the advent of the first large scale cooling systems just about the time the movie palaces came upon the scene circa 1920, many of these buildings could be cooled (but NOT air conditioned) and were thus useable when the legit theatres were closed. This advent of the larger cooled movie houses spelled the demise of most of the smaller non-cooled houses that could not compete. People quickly took their business to the coolest places --hence the many summertime photos of marquees bedecked with mock icecicles lettered: "COOL INSIDE!"

Any large structure will quickly become unbearable to the majority of people when it is filled with bodies on a hot, humid day, hence the popularity of air conditioning. Even the pre-1950s air cooling, which did NOT dehumidify, was preferable to sweating in the seats for hours. If the JERSEY is only partially filled after a night of cool temperatures it may have enough volume of cool air to circulate to a smaller audience for two hours, but as the sun bakes it and more warm bodies fill it, the temperature and humidiy will rise and all but the die hards will go elsewhere. Let us hope that they can find the funds to restore the AC, --and then the money to be able to run it!

posted by Jim Rankin on May 31, 2006 at 1:20am

Jim Rankin... interesting post. Once they get the air to work at the Jersey,it probably will-or should be opened year round. The "fan and ice" system of cooling did require tons of ice and the melting ice probably created plenty of water. This system of air conditioning was used by some railroads to cool passenger cars in the warm months until "real" air conditioning came along with the advent of the streamline era of the mid 30s.Of course they also had fans, but I would not want to travel too far on a railroad coach so equiped on a hot humid day!

posted by Theaterat on May 31, 2006 at 6:14am

When the Loews Jersey originally opened, it has water cooled air conditioning as did most theatres of that period. Huge pumps in the basement pumped cold well water up to the attic where it went though cooling coils. The system worked amazingly well. The Teaneck Theatre (Cedar Lane Cinemas) still used this system up until the mid 1980's. In the Loew Jersey, the water cooled system was pulled out back in the 1950's and replaced with a modern freon compressor system on the roof. All of those compressors no longer work and need to be replaced, along with their cooling coils.

While I am not involved with the funding aspect of the restoration, it is my understanding that while large sums of money were allocated to the project over the years by Jersey City, very little of the money was actually provided. Friends Of The Loews obtained a grant that will cover most of the cost of fixing the air conditioning late last year. I am not privy to their timetable for when the work will actually be done.

As to running a reel out of order, I was not there that night, so I can not comment on what happened. I can say that it is not always the projectionists fault. Earlier in the season, I was the projectionist for "Old Yeller", and reels 2 & 3 came in with the threading leader swapped. For those who don't know, threading leader is the begining of the reel that tells the projectionist what reel it is, and has those countdown numbers. Multiplex theaters cut them off and splice the whole film together to run on automated equipment. They are then supposed to splice the leaders back on to the correct reels. I caught the problem before it hit the screen, only because I knew the film and saw the opening frames of Reel 2 were not correct. Someone who did not know the film would not have had anyway to catch a problem like that before it hit the screen.

posted by MBD on Jun 1, 2006 at 9:11am

MBD -

I've been lucky in running my Lafayette Theatre shows and have only had one or two films come in with dodgy leaders. As with you, I knew the film and was able to correct it when inspecting the print; that's one of the reasons I always pre-screen the film prior to the public show. I even had to reassemble the main titles to My Darling Clementine because someone had "repaired" some broken sections in the titles and put it together out of order. That was fun...

posted by PeterApruzzese on Jun 1, 2006 at 9:37am

I look forward to Saturdays double bill, anyone going?

posted by RobertR on Jun 1, 2006 at 11:37am

A fairly common way to cool a theatre was to fill the plenum (the space under the auditorium) with ice. It could be brought in from the street, packed in blocks and small openings under the seats would let convection do the rest. When re-doing seats in an auditorium you will see these openings, about a foot across with decorative covers, scattered across the floor. If you explore in the old theatre you will notice the the floors in the plenum are often sloped toward drains. Thus the signs that read "Ice Cooled".

posted by Bwayniteowl on Jun 1, 2006 at 2:38pm

Any news on how the prints are for this wknd? Especially Graffiti and Jaws.

posted by macbear on Jun 2, 2006 at 4:02am

Well, I just typed out a long comment but I didn't log in first so I think it's gone. Suffice to say, most of the film tonight (Graffiti) was not in very good focus despite my mentioning this to 2 volunteers after half an hour. The first half of the credits were sharp, then the image went soft, so that is human error, not just equipment. The sound was muffled. The top of the screen was showing the bottom of the frame for almost half an hour till I mentioned it and the focus- but the focus was not corrected. Sorry guys.

posted by macbear on Jun 2, 2006 at 8:29pm

The Grease print tonight and Jaws were both top notch. I noticed one projector has a clearere brighter picture then the other. Tonights show though was great. Can't wait until the fall for more classics.

posted by RobertR on Jun 3, 2006 at 6:57pm

I didn't see these screenings but I have really enjoyed others in the past.

posted by saps on Jun 3, 2006 at 7:04pm

Saw "Jaws" Sat 6-3 at the Jersey.Absolutely great to see it on the big screen again.Even though it was a damp rainy evening for some reason the non-working air conditioning did not seem to matter because the theater was comparitively cool. This was one of the best attended shows that bI have ever seen over here. There were plenty of young children and they were well behaved. And it was a pleasure NOT to hear those obnoxious cell phones ringing. Seems the patrons here are respectful of the rights of others and that is just fine with me. Now if the patrons of the multiplexes behaved the same way, prehaps I would start to go again- providing there is something worth seeing!

posted by Theaterat on Jun 4, 2006 at 8:49am

People who attend these shows are going out of their way to attend a classic film in a landmark palace. They still have respect for film going and how to watch a movie. It's a credit to those with kids that not one of them disrupted the audience. I saw one young family with four kids under 12 and they sat and watched the film like all the rest of us. Nice to see folks who raise kids who don't run all over the theatre while the parents pretend not to notice so they can watch the film. I recently saw Poseidon in IMAX and this girl kept acting up in the theatre and kept cursing her mother until she gave her money for candy and video games. She never came back and must have spent the rest of the show in the lobby (the mother didn't seem to care. She was like 12, should have been over the tantrum stage.

posted by RobertR on Jun 4, 2006 at 9:20am

I unfortunately didn't make it to any of the screenings this past weekend. Oh well..gotta wait 'til the Fall.

Not to rain on anybody's parade regarding the two above comments by Theaterat an RobertR about theater etiquette, but it's not always the case that people behave at these revival screenings. You think it would be, but it's not. I'm glad that people behaved at your shows. In the past I have encountered some real loud-mouth, rude people during Loews Jersey screenings and at Lafayette Theater screenings. No respect for anybody, just alot of loud conversation and in one of the cases, loud belching. And these were men well into their 40s, maybe 50s. Anyway..the point it is, don't be surprised if you happen to cross paths with the obnoxious element that also attend these screenings. They're out there!!

posted by Irv on Jun 4, 2006 at 5:05pm

Nice photos above! Theaterat: question for you regarding your post of June 4. How many people would you say attended the Jaws screening you describe?

posted by Life's too short on Jun 4, 2006 at 5:38pm

Out of frame; out of focus; muffled sound; reels shown in the wrong order.

I'm very sorry to hear this.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jun 5, 2006 at 4:06am

Life`s Too Short... A good "guestimate" would be about 550 people.Out of the 4 blocks of seats in the orchestra, the center 2 contained the most people. There were many people sitting in the first few rows, but I generally sit about 2 thirds the way behind the screen in the left side of the 2 central seating areas.Good show with a good crowd.

posted by Theaterat on Jun 5, 2006 at 8:13am

550!! That's a decent crowd! What do they charge, 5 bucks or something? That's not bad at all! I'm very excited to hear this. Honestly, I have been a skeptic of this classic movie thing. But maybe it works!

posted by Life's too short on Jun 5, 2006 at 5:33pm

Life's Too Short:

Check my detailed post of 10/20/04 about our initial film shows in 2002 and 2003. We had between 700 and 800 people for some of those events, such as Forbidden Planet, It's a Mad Mad Mad World, and Frankenstein.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jun 6, 2006 at 3:37am

Life`s too short... The Jersey charges 6.00 for adults and 4.00 for seniors and children. To see a double feature costs 10.00 for adults and 7,00 for seniors and children. A decent deal, especially when compared to `plex prices, Go!

posted by Theaterat on Jun 6, 2006 at 4:20am

IRV...

I love the Lafayette Screenings...I've been going since they began...but unfortunately, yes, there are many talkers, cellphones and rudeness.Many that offend are the older crowd. When I saw "Mutiny on the Bounty" there was a group of middle aged regulars who were friends of the owner (I saw them all commiserating in the lobby) and they had a comment on every scene for the first 15 minutes (they thought they were clever but they were just obnoxious),,,finally I leaned over and said "Hey guys, do you mind?"...they stopped talking at that point as I guess they might have felt embarrassed about being disruptive...I've shushed many at the Lafayette....never young people....but , what can you do

posted by rhett39 on Jun 10, 2006 at 2:41am

The five Wonder Theatres were featured on A&E's Sunday morning program "Breakfast with the Arts" today. Real nice segment, with extensive info on the Jersey and Kings. Maybe check the TV guides for rerun times.

posted by mahermusic on Jun 18, 2006 at 2:21am

I am glad to see that they placed extra emphasis on the Kings and Jersey Theatres, since these two are in the most "need" of public awareness and support (and the ability to get an "insider's" look at the Kings was a rare treat - there is no reason why it couldn't live on, serving Brooklyn as a performing arts center).

I was surprised that no interior footage of Loew’s 175th was shot – that place is supposed to be in immaculate condition, and I thought “Reverend Ike” welcomed film crews and public access.

The documentary was well-researched and very comprehensive, with many of our Cinema Treasures "regulars" (such as Ross Melnick, Orlando Lopes, Bruce Friedman, Warren Harris…) contributing with interviews and stories. Also nice to see the Museum of the Moving Image and Friends of the Loew’s involved and credited. You were all great!

However, one very interesting point was left out that might leave viewers "wondering”: why did every borough of NYC have a “Wonder Theatre” except Staten Island, and why was it decided to locate the fifth theater in Jersey City instead?

With regards to Staten island, my understanding is: (1) its population at the time was comparatively too sparse (it was considered "rural") and (2) there were already enough theaters serving the area; therefore, the "market area" was considered "saturated" and unable to support such a large theater, making it economically unfeasible.

Was Jersey City chosen for population density? Or access to rail transportation?
(The Journal Square location seems particularly odd, considering that the much larger Stanley Theater opened just the year before across the street.)

Poor Staten Island…treated like the forgotten stepchild and always getting “shortchanged”. Passed over for… New Jersey (of all places)!

posted by Alto on Jun 18, 2006 at 12:58pm

I forget to mention Theater Historical Society of America in previous post - thank you too!

Orlando - I LOVE the way you made a point of advocating public awareness and support for saving, preserving, "respecting" and "fighting for" our classic theaters, especially during the segment on the Kings!

posted by Alto on Jun 18, 2006 at 1:29pm

I watched the A&E program Breakfast with the Arts. I enjoyed very much seeing the Loews King and Jersey theaters. I do have one question. Will the marquee on the Jersey be restored to what is shown on the vintage picture on this page? I hope that that is listed on the "to do " list.

posted by JohnMessick on Jun 18, 2006 at 2:35pm

I thoroughly enjoyed the A&E special but was left wanting more. Much More!!!!! The theaters are incredibly special and represent an architectural legacy that will never be duplicated. That all five of these theaters still exist is a miracle, but this show could easily have done a hour or more devoted to their history and current states of condition. It was truly uplifting to see what has been done by voulnteers to rescue the Jersey. Why can't the same be done for the Kings! It is already owned by the city. The borough presidents office could easily earmark discretionary funds to jumpstart this project and Brooklyn corporate sponsors could be enlisted as well.

I was disappointed that we saw virtually none of the 175th St. theater in this special. I also was surprised that they didn't devote more to the Paradise since it has just been reopened. I wanted to see more of the architectual details. I am recording the Daddy Yankee concert tonight to see if they show more!

Maybe I would never have been satified no matter how much they showed! :-)

I was great to see these theaters given the attention they desparately need if we are to preserve them for future generations.

Has someone set up a Friend's of Loew's Kings organization? If not, would the people at Friend's of Loew's in New Jersey help the people of Brooklyn set up a similar organization?

posted by LuisV on Jun 18, 2006 at 2:57pm

JohnMessick: The Jersey's marquee has been changed twice from the original (middle was a streamlined boxey affair with more moving neon up the edges). We have pictures of this in the archives. The current marquee is the third incarnation. But, what I'm getting at is that the original marquee, or at least the underside of it, is still present. When Loews changed the marquees from the originals, they basically changed only the three sides facing the street. Next time you're at the Jersey, look up under the marquee, and you'll see the "curved hat" shape of the original marquee. Yes, there are lights in the three coves under the marquee.

Resoration to the original marquee has been discussed, but it is MUCH further down on the list of priorities. Fire escape restoration... Loge, Mezzanine and Balcony seating restoration... higher up on the list.

posted by mahermusic on Jun 18, 2006 at 3:10pm

After the necessary restorations are done, is there any idea of putting back the vertical marquee and well as said restoring the original marquee?

posted by ShortyC on Jun 18, 2006 at 4:15pm

Original marquee is a possibility, although it would probably take underwriting from a corporation, or a MAJOR grant that is specifically awarded for "Restoration of the Loew's Jersey Marquee".

Vertical marquee will not be reconstructed.

posted by mahermusic on Jun 18, 2006 at 4:29pm

Here is a recent photo of the Loew's Jersey Theater and this is another.

posted by Lost Memory on Jul 1, 2006 at 12:01pm

maher: is that because there is an ordinance that prohibits construction of a large vertical sign nowadays?

posted by Life's too short on Jul 1, 2006 at 1:26pm

Life's too short: It's because that during the restoration of the Jersey's exterior, It was found that the steelwork inside the brick/terra cotta tower was too far gone and structually unsound after years of water leaks to safely hold the weight of another vertical sign akin to the one that was originally there.

Funny but true story: During the terra cotta restoration, the smaller, left tower (as you look at the front of the Jersey) was entered and surveyed as to what needed to be restored and protected. When the larger, right tower was entered, everyone was aghast at what they found: The innards of the tower were completely filled with old, original steel girders, utilizing MUCH more steel than possibly necessary for a skeleton for a brick and terra cotta tower. Everyone forgot that there was a huge vertical "Loew's Jersey" vertical sign hanging off the tower 40 years prior! (Well, forgot for a few hours anyway) True story.

posted by mahermusic on Jul 1, 2006 at 3:39pm

QUESTION: Is the movie business dead today? ANSWER: No, millions of people pay $9.50 to $10.50 to see a movie, and a strong opening weekend draws in excess of $100 million. Is there any reason why ONE motion picture company couldn't try opening ONE film at Loew's Jersey rather than the multiplex? Multiplexes are ratholes, not truly loved by the public; only tolerated.
When Disney restored the NEW AMSTERDAM, they played the Tarzan movie there (prior to Lion King). It drew lots of people, even me, from Virginia. The last BIG movie I saw at a real LOEW'S theatre was Empire Strikes Back. Not ancient history. Top price. Full house.

posted by rlvjr on Jul 8, 2006 at 7:37pm

Find them a Wonder Loews in presentable condition with projector equipment and I'm sure they'd be happy to have their premier there.

posted by Jack Theakston on Jul 15, 2006 at 10:45am

Find them a Wonder Loews that's presentable and has movie equipment installed and I'm sure they'd he happy to have a premier there.

posted by Jack Theakston on Jul 15, 2006 at 10:48am

Apparently, it is presentable enough for a celebrity photo shoot...

From the "It's Old News But So What” department:

A friend of mine, a Jersey City resident, just informed me that singer Tony Bennett was recently photographed here, seated at a Yamaha grand piano on the grand dame's stage. According to him, the images are to appear in the August 2006 issue of Vanity Fair magazine - fabulous!

A May 20th message posted on vanityfair.com's "V.F. Dish forum”
(at http://boards.vanityfair.com/thread.jspa?messageID=17368䏘) supports this story -
it refers to a news item published in The Jersey Journal on May 19th (I didn’t read it though - access to their older articles online is fee-based).

Now, how about Tony Bennett LIVE IN CONCERT on the Loew’s Jersey stage?

A legendary theatre deserves a legendary performer – perhaps Mr. Bennett has already considered this.

One can only hope and dream…

posted by Alto on Jul 17, 2006 at 4:25pm

http://www.jclandmarks.com/loews.shtml

posted by shoeshoe14 on Aug 10, 2006 at 11:26am

Did the theatre ever have an organ?

posted by Tim87529 on Aug 27, 2006 at 10:51am

Yes, the theatre itself was one of the five "Loew's Wonder Theatres", and each of the five Wonder Theatres had identical Robert Morton Theatre Organs. The original one from the Loew's Jersey was removed in the late '60's and shipped off to California. The organ that is currently being restored and installed by the G.S.T.O.S. (Garden State Theatre Organ Society) was the organ from another of the five Loews Wonder Theatres... the Loew's Paradise Theatre in the Bronx, NY.

More info about the "Wonder Theatre's Robert Morton Organs" can be found here:

http://gstos.org/wonder.htm

posted by mahermusic on Aug 27, 2006 at 10:58am

Thank you.

I wish I lived on the East Coast, instead of the West, so I could enjoy this magnificent theatre.

posted by Tim87529 on Aug 27, 2006 at 11:53am

Will this new organ use an electropneumatic relay or are there plans to install a new solid state one?

posted by Tim87529 on Aug 27, 2006 at 11:55am

Also, is there a scheduled completion date for the organ installation?

posted by Tim87529 on Aug 27, 2006 at 11:59am

I think that the Morton organs for the five Loew's "Wonder" theatres were quite similar, but not identical. Each was custom-designed for the theatre for which it was built.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Aug 27, 2006 at 1:05pm

Warren, that is correct, just trying to simplify things. The ornamentation on the outside of the cases also varied, as the photos of the decoration on the outside of the original Jersey Morton do not match the decoration on the outside of the Paradise Morton, now being installed at the Jersey, but the dimensions of both consoles are the same.

posted by mahermusic on Aug 27, 2006 at 1:39pm

Tim, Maybe someone from the G.S.T.O.S. that visits here can answer your questions, as I don't know the technical aspects about the re-installation. I know one chamber is complete, and the other is mostly (if not fully by now) complete.

posted by mahermusic on Aug 27, 2006 at 1:41pm

Glad to see the Jersey is kicking off the opening season with 3 excellent Hitchcock films. Even though "Rear Window" will be shown on Friday, 9-22, I`m kind of dissapointed that "Rope" will be shown at 4.30 on Saturday 9-23 with "Vertigo" starting at 8.pm. Too bad "Rope" could not start later, like, say 7.pm with "Vertigo" starting at 8.30 pm, but, hey, it will still be a great show. Anyway, after a less than stellar summer at the `plexes, it is good to see the Jersey opened again.

posted by Theaterat on Sep 8, 2006 at 8:28am

A classic Loew's circuit ad from the World War II era. "Random Harvest" was direct from a record-breaking run at Radio City Music Hall: www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/loews43.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 8, 2006 at 8:46am

Apparently, there must be no Jewish people on the board of trustees or staff of Loew’s Jersey Theater, but that is no excuse for scheduling the first movies of their new film season during one of the holiest Holidays on the Jewish calendar: Rosh Hashanah (and not just on one but BOTH nights) – a MAJOR blunder on FOL’s part that demonstrates insensitivity to their patrons and a lack of PR savvy. I realize that their calendar is busy (and that’s a GOOD thing), but if they REALLY needed to show the Hitchcock movies in September, couldn’t they have scheduled them a week earlier?

Did they forget that their theater is located in a metropolitan area that includes the largest Jewish population in the United States? A large commercial chain of theaters might be forgiven for such a decision, but this is just one theatre, run by a small, publicly supported non-profit organization.

I come from a Jewish background, but I am NOT religious (in fact, I’m COMPLETELY non-observant). However, that doesn’t in any way lessen my surprise and disappointment in FOL’s judgement - it is insulting and exclusionary to those who DO feel the need to stand by their religious beliefs.

posted by Alto on Sep 8, 2006 at 7:41pm

So don't GO !!! Stay HOME !!! Who NEEDS ya ???

posted by frankie on Sep 13, 2006 at 7:16am

I think that commercial chains don't observe religious holidays. I guess with the diversity of different religons it would be hard. To my knowledge, most thetaers are open 365 days a year. Christmas has become more of a commeriocal holiday tham religious. You do make a good point Alto since this really isn't a copmmerical theater.

posted by Mikeoaklandpark on Sep 13, 2006 at 7:58am

Frankie, I'm not sure that's the proper response. Alto brings up a valid concern. However, I'm not sure if observances of ANY religious holiday have ever been a consideration in the day-to-day business of movie exhibition - even with a specialized revival or repertoiry houses where films are only presented for a single day or two. Is it a major blunder on FOL's part? I don't know about that. But I think it behooves FOL to ascertain the feelings of their patrons on the matter. Have there been previous scheduling conflicts with holidays such as these and if so have regular patrons complained about it? How does the Film Forum (another not for profit organization) handle such scheduling?

I wouldn't rush to charge FOL with insensitivity, however. They are operating on limited funds and have only so many weekends on which they can book their programs. Would it have been acceptable to book a program of less notable stature rather than Hitchcock for this particular weekend? Or should the theater have gone dark and lost out on much needed ticket revenue?

posted by Ed Solero on Sep 13, 2006 at 8:05am

If anything showing these films on Rosh Hashanah will mean there will probably be less people in attendance then if the films had been presented one week earlier or later. The Loews does not program things every weekened so I do not see why these films could have not been presented on a different weekend.

posted by YankeeMike on Sep 13, 2006 at 9:32am

Fair point, YankeeMike. I was not aware of that. I wonder if these prints were only available on certain weekends. I'm not looking to defend the FOL, I just think folks shouldn't rush to judgment. Perhaps FOL should be contacted and the concerns presented in this forum shared directly with the theater.

posted by Ed Solero on Sep 13, 2006 at 10:07am

I wonder how “Frankie” would have responded if the date in question was Christmas Eve, Christmas, or Easter and HE had to miss out on attending movies that he REALLY wanted to see because their scheduling conflicted with prior family commitments or other personal obligations? (I’m sure his attitude would have been much different.)

I have some other thoughts for him as well, but in the interest of maintaining civility on this website, I will keep them to myself.

I work in a small community library (also independently-operated, publicly-supported, and non-profit) and the idea of scheduling any program or event on a major Judeo-Christian holiday is inconceivable - our patrons simply would NOT tolerate it - they would likely call for the removal of the board of trustees and the director!

I am not suggesting that they shut down for every religious, ethnic or national holiday that exists (that would be ridiculous, as the theater would never be able to function) - but they do need to be more cognizant of where they are located and the public they serve if they wish to maintain a positive image and support within their community (and beyond).

posted by Alto on Sep 13, 2006 at 7:08pm

Since the Loews does not program every day there really should not be screenings on Rosh Hasanah, Yom Kippur, Christmas Eve & Day,Good Friday and Easter Sunday. These are the most holy days to Jews & Christians and I really do not see why the Loews has to program films on any of those days.

posted by YankeeMike on Sep 14, 2006 at 5:33am

Probably just an oversight on the part of the management. I`m sure they did not go out of their way to show these films on Rosh Hassanah.

posted by Theaterat on Sep 14, 2006 at 7:27am

I believe in TOTAL separation of Church and State. As a christian, I am not the least bit offended that theaters are open on Christmas Eve or Easter Sunday or Good Friday, etc...and therefore, I don't believe all theaters should be dark for Jewish holidays. Soon there will be people clamoring for the Muslim Holidays, and Hindu. Where does it stop? It should stop now by not favoring ANY religion. I say show the films whenever they want. If people don't go, then they will make future decuisions on economic reasons and not religious ones.

posted by LuisV on Sep 14, 2006 at 8:25am

I tend to agree with LuisV's warning of a slippery slope. While the FOL should take into consideration the feelings of its constituency, whether or not the theater opens for business on one holiday or another might not have that big an impact on its success or good will within the community. Often, folks just plain don't care that the world outside their door goes on while they observe their religion. I wouldn't call my self a Catholic, but that's the religion of my family and I've attended concerts on Easter Sunday and gone to the movies on Christmas Day. On the other side of that token, when I was married to a Jewish woman, I often had to do without a particular concert or show because of the holidays, but I didn't hold it against, say, The Grateful Dead that their Spring tour seemed to hit the New York area every year without fail during Passover!

Anyway, isn't it true that strict observance of one's religion often involves a certain amount of personal sacrifice? What would be the point if the world were to shut down for one's observances?

posted by Ed Solero on Sep 14, 2006 at 8:52am

Hey Ed, I have lived in New York all my life and I think it would be like Sundays back in the 70's when Blue Laws had virtually all retail closed on the "Lord's" day of rest. I don't hear much clamoring for a return to those days!

posted by LuisV on Sep 14, 2006 at 9:01am

Interesting point Luis V . I live in Asheville, NC and even though the theaters are open 365 days a year, Many resturants and small groceriy stores are closed on Sunday like the old days in the 60's and 70's. I actually went to films last year on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. They fell on Sat and that is usuallyour movie night.

posted by Mikeoaklandpark on Sep 14, 2006 at 9:53am

Paramus, NJ still observes the Blue Laws on Sundays for their multitude of retail stores, but they always made an exception for their movie theaters. They stay open on Sundays.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Sep 14, 2006 at 11:36am

To all the recent posters. I quess the point is moot. Wether or not you want to see a movie on a Christian, Jewish, Hindu or Muslim holiday derpends on the viewer. As a Catholic- albeit it a non practicing one, I have attended shows on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter in the past.After all, this is America and we DO have a seperation of church and state. Isn`t that better than Iran or Iraq where no such thing is allowed? The point of the matter is that the viewer should use his or her own discretion.Go to a movie if you want to on whatever day the showing happens to fall on.

posted by Theaterat on Sep 16, 2006 at 8:09am

Amen to that!!!!

posted by LuisV on Sep 17, 2006 at 3:05am

Went to the Jersey for the Sat.9-23 showing of Hitchcock`s "Vertigo". The presentation - a restored version was first rate, even though the sound seemed kind of low.The audience was absolutely magnificent- possibly the best I`ve ever seen at this theater. There was a crying baby, but thank goodness he was quiet for the rest of the film. Even though I rank the "Master of Suspense" as among my favorite directors, this was the first time I ever saw this film in its entirety. Absolutely challenging and thought provoking. Jimmy Stewart was in fine form as was Kim Novak.It wa treat to see this film on the big screen, and it was even better to see it at an equally impressive theater. With all the winners of the summer- and the ones that are soon to be released, I`m glad the Jersey is finally open for the season.

posted by Theaterat on Sep 25, 2006 at 8:45am

Hitchcock Weekend

A big cheer from the Bronx -- as opposed to what would be a far less appreciative big Bronx cheer -- to all those who again made possible another wonderful weekend at the Loews Jersey.

Though Thelma Ritter may have had enough in her bag to put half of Hackensack to sleep for the winter, this return visit to Journal Square reminded me just how energizing and pleasurable these evenings can be. It's great to see these pictures in this kind of theater and with this kind of audience -- and for that, as we say in the Bronx, I denk you. You make it worth the schlep.

Nosferatu to you too.

MovieBear

posted by MovieBear on Oct 2, 2006 at 10:31pm

"Dracula" and "Dracula's Daughter" will be the double feature at the Loews on Oct.27, part of their Holloween festival. Can't wait to see those two films on the "big" screen.

posted by YankeeMike on Oct 10, 2006 at 8:16am

Attention sci-fi fans: the November 2006 movie schedule has just been confirmed – coming soon…

“Classic Sci-Fi Weekend”

Fri. the 17th
7:30 p.m. – “The Day the Earth Stood Still”

Sat. the 18th
2:30 p.m. – “E.T.”
7:00 p.m. – “2001: A Space Odyssey”

There will be special live appearances by film stars Patricia Neal (after “The Day The Earth Stood Still”) & Keir Dullea (before “2001”) – while at the theater, they will be “hosting” fundraising receptions (to benefit Friends of the Loew’s). A ticket to each reception costs $25 – this includes admission to the respective movie show.

It’s great to see that FOL is recognizing the inherent potential of film programming as a development opportunity and utilizing “star power” as part of their fundraising efforts – value-added events such as these comprise a “win-win” situation, where patrons can contribute and at the same time immediately realize and enjoy the results of their benevolence. Most programs and events have this potential - it should be exploited whenever possible.

posted by Alto on Oct 30, 2006 at 11:07am

The Loew's web site is down, has been for a couple of days. I hope everything is ok with the theatre!

posted by davebazooka on Nov 9, 2006 at 8:18am

Good thing "ET" is being showed for the afternoon matinee on 11-18. I absolutely hate this film and I do not even consider it to be si-fi.I know I probably get a lot of heat for this but I found this film to be cheesy, schmaltzy and highly manipulative . I guess that "Forbidden Planet" would have been a better choice, but since I do not run the programming at the Jersey,what can I say? Do intend to see "2001" the film that almost singlehandedly raised si fi from a Saturday matinee genre to serious filmmaking. I`m sure it will be a treat to see this intelligent and awesome film at the Jersey on the big screen.

posted by Theaterat on Nov 9, 2006 at 8:47am

"2001" is the best!!! I absolutely despised "ET." Childish garbage. Intelligent kids will easily see through its fake cutesy-cutesiness and become bored. "Forbidden Planet" always irked me and today it is little more than a corny shlocky 50s scifi period piece. The fact that it was based upon Shakespeare's "Tempest" made some suckers think it was a cut above the usual science fiction fare, which is was not. "Angry Red Planet" was more interesting than "Forbidden Planet," and that's not saying much for the latter.

posted by davebazooka on Nov 9, 2006 at 9:03am

I agree, davebazooka... I've always considered "Forbidden Planet" to be overrated. It had the luxury and imprimatur of a splendid MGM budget to separate it from the rest of the sci-fi flicks to that point... but its charms have always eluded me. Can't say I wasn't successfully manipulated by "ET"... I quite enjoyed it, even as I could see the emotional strings being pulled. As carried away by sentiment as Speilberg often gets, even with his most mature works (the closing gravestone sequence in "Schindler's List", the parenthetical contemporary sequences that set up the flashback in "Saving Private Ryan"), I find him to be a supremely gifted cinematic story teller.

Now, "2001" is my idea of the finest work of art ever achieved in the medium. I'm more than just a little upset that I won't be around that weekend to see this masterwork at the Jersey.

posted by Ed Solero on Nov 9, 2006 at 10:34am

The Loew's Jersey website is undergoing renovation and will be returning better than ever, according to an e-mail message sent earlier this week to members of Theatre Historical Society of America.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Nov 9, 2006 at 10:35am

Thanks Warren!

Ed I agree about "2001" being the finest in the medium. Anything new or space-y I see, I find myself automatically comparing to "2001," especially in the special effects department. Sometimes it is hard to believe that it was released in the 1960s! Especially since 60s space shows in TV had such cheesy effects...I guess budget makes the big difference. I wish I could attend the showing at the Loew's!! Would also love to see "Alien" and "Aliens" there.

posted by davebazooka on Nov 9, 2006 at 12:12pm

I don't think any movie quite compares to "2001"... Particularly those from the sci-fi genre. The film transcends genres. I tend to appraise most sci-fi films predominantly for their sheer entertainment value. For me, few of them have even approached the artistry and bold themes that Kubrick's masterpiece attempted to express. I think both the original Russian version of "Solaris" and the recent Steven Soderbergh remake attempt to explore the nature of humanity on a level that approaches "2001", and certainly many sci-fi films of the '50's have rich sub-texts (although mostly due to an almost unconscious tapping of the social zeitgiest by the filmmakers rather than deliberate artistry), but I find it so superior that I don't think it's fair to use as any sort of benchmark.

Having said that... "Alien" is a top notch horror flick set in space and "Aliens" may be the most whiz-bang sequel EVER! A top notch action pic.

posted by Ed Solero on Nov 9, 2006 at 7:23pm

The Loews Jersey has a temorary stipped down web site with show info at http://www.loewsjersey.net

We ran Forbidden Planet & Alien already. We are trying not to repeat ourselves, at least not to often.

posted by MBD on Nov 10, 2006 at 4:07am

Davebazooka... Finally I find someone who agrees with me on "ET"! Obviously I am NOT the only one who finds this trite overrated piece of drek to be the lousy film that it is! Even my 9 year old nephew hates it! He prefers to watch Star Wars instead. Can1t wait to introduce him to 2001 in the near future. Prehaps Forbidden Planet was not a great film, but it had a big budget that showed on the screen, an interesting story and cast and an electronic score that was ahead of its time.

posted by Theaterat on Nov 10, 2006 at 5:50am

I would agree ET was rather dumb and 2001 deserves all the praise written here. But if we could just go back a few years to simplier times, One of my favorite horror movies from the 50s was the 1951 Howard Hawks production of "The Thing" I watched again recently and thought it held up rather well.
I think it has excellent direction, Hawks did not take direction credit but it has his stamp all over it. Of course the kids today would find it tame by todays standards. Has it ever played at Loew's Jersey?
Does anyone else think it was a good film for it's time?

posted by vito on Nov 10, 2006 at 7:17am

The Thing is exceptional 50s science fiction, as is Forbidden Planet and The Day the Earth Stood Still. When I played The Thing at the Lafayette a couple of years ago, the audeince (of all ages) ate it up.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Nov 10, 2006 at 7:37am

Yes, the 1950s version of The Thing was a fine achievement, and EdSolero's advocacy of "2001" is eloquent and deserved, BUT, gentlemen, this CT site is about CINEMAS, not cinema. There is ample room at www.IMDB.com to praise film, but that is little help here since almost all movie houses eventually played everything, so there is no historical note to these buildings and no cachet that any title played here or there. Now, if there were a peculiar live performance in a show house that required it to use special equipment, THAT might be of historical note. If we take up space here to engage in the 'ad infinitum' of discussion of films, we dilute the value of this site and cause serious architectural historians to turn off message bulletins from CT, as they then come to regard the Comments on the site as too trivial and Off-Topic to bother with (it does take time to go to each bulletin, often to find them to be only 'me too' comments agreeing with a previous post). I don't think that that is the vision of CT's founders.

I know how it is; we all have favorite movies that we once saw or wish to see in a favorite venue, and, also, there is precious little to speak of after some years now of comments about the structural aspects having been made, but it is this and the UNIQUE aspects of any one cinema that drew us here and still others every day. Let us respect that unique purpose to record the uniqueness of individual cinemas/theatres lest this generously provided board degenerate into just another random gab fest as have so many other sites on the Net.

posted by Jim Rankin on Nov 10, 2006 at 7:58am

Oh Peter, I am so sorry I missed that!
Perhaps next Hallowen you will play it again and let me make a changeover :)
I played in 16mm in my basement theatre many years ago. I just kept watching it over and over again before returning the print.

posted by vito on Nov 10, 2006 at 7:58am

While Cinema Treasures main focus is moving theaters, it's okay to discuss movies... after all, that's why we go to theaters in the first place.

Use your discretion, of course. This probably isn't the place to have an in-depth discussion about movies (as Jim points out), but a comment or two is okay.

posted by Patrick Crowley on Nov 10, 2006 at 9:03am

Sorry for the off topic remarks. If someone is a "serious architectural historian," they won't rely on message boards at web sites, they will do research at a library that holds architectural drawings of theatres, or take loads of pictures of existing theatre buildings. I find the comments at Cinema Treasures to be an interesting mix of reminiscences and facts about theatres, and if it did not have the comments about movies as well as experiences at individual theatres, it would not be half as interesting as it is. Lately I have noticed cool, snippy comments from members giving little lectures or wrist slaps, which is probably why I find myself visiting the site less and less, and no longer recommending it to anyone at all. I think my relevant postings of many images, notably for the Beekman and the RKO Keith's/Flushing, contribute much toward knowing these theatres architecturally, and I think I am entitled to exchange some commentary with other members about our moviegoing tastes.

Sorry for diluting the value of the site!

posted by davebazooka on Nov 10, 2006 at 9:24am

Maybe you misread my post, Dave... but discussing movies is completely fine.

Again, if it gets out of hand (dozens of comments about a movie on a theater page), we might have a problem. But the occassional movie discussion is completely okay, even welcome.

We're working hard to improve the community here on Cinema Treasures, so I hope you don't give up on the site just yet.

posted by Patrick Crowley on Nov 10, 2006 at 11:05am

I am not going to give any credibility to Jim's unnecessary and inappropriate post by commenting on it, however I do want to thank Patrick for his thoughts. In addition to the educational and
thought-provoking comments often posted, we do have a lot of fun here.
I look forward so very much to visits and contributions to this outstanding site.

posted by vito on Nov 11, 2006 at 6:40am

You should not leave davebazooka. There are a number of cranky people here but you should pay them no mind. If all of the nice people leave only the cranks will remain. That would make this website a very boring place indeed.

posted by mikemovies on Nov 13, 2006 at 9:32am

A theater's programming is an integral part of its operation (and therefore its history), so I think that discussions about specific film presentations (and their quality) are legit, provided they are not overblown and are kept brief.

True, there are some people who come here mainly to experience the theater itself, but there are others (like myself) who view both as inseparable and equally important. If we don't believe that the quality of the film (or performance) matches that of the venue, we should let them know and say so! After all, a theater's survival greatly depends on the quality and popularity of its programming.

I know that Marcus Loew said "I sell tickets to theaters, not movies", but I would feel silly if I took him literally at his word!

posted by Alto on Nov 14, 2006 at 1:51am

I worked at the Loew's Jersey in 1975 and 1976 after it was converted to a triple. I loved the old place and it was being badly abused. People just tossed their garbage off the balcony into the abandoned front section of the orchestra. The dressing rooms, etc. in the basement were like opening up a time capsule and finding it weathered and covered with dust. I never got to hear the organ but you could just imagine how'd sound in such a place... the three story lobby... the huge balcony.. the projection booth way up the top with all those old antigues wasting away.... the black carbon pieces for the lamps that seemed to be a half inch thick or more. ( I was used to much smaller ones with a copper color coating on them. )

There was in the 1970's an usher/handyman/janitor working there named
Willie. Nobody seemed to know just how long he'd worked there but the
guess started at 30 years and went up. Anybody know what happened to
him ?

There was a manager there named Mrs. Rausch ( sp? ) and an assistant
named Lenny Franco. Another assistant was a coptic christian Egyptian
fellow named Mr. Ibriham or Abraham.

I'm glad they've been able to save the place.

posted by Hal Wolverton on Nov 15, 2006 at 3:55pm

Here's the program from this weekend's sci-fi show. It was a pleasure to hear Pat Neal say her world-saving line of dialogue live. The print of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" was flawless - Mitchell Dvoskin told me it came straight from the 20th Century Fox vault, and it looked it. Sounded great too - a cavernous space like the Loew's really does justice to the supremely eerie, low-register electronic score Bernard Herrmann provided for this film. Looking forward to "2001" tonight, with Keir Dullea onstage. That movie should give the Loew's echo another good workout.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/pat1.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/pat2.jpg

posted by Bill Huelbig on Nov 17, 2006 at 9:06pm

Bill, I couldn't agree more. The guys have done a fantastic job with restoring the quality of projection and sound, and I'm pleased to see the level of film presentation is back to the standard we had achieved in 2001.

Now if they could only get that stage curtain working again...

It's a reel treat to see a film in this great theater. Bravo to the technical crew!

Bob Furmanek

posted by Bob Furmanek on Nov 17, 2006 at 11:58pm

I too was at the screening last night! It was my first visit to the Jersey. I came from Manhattan and convinced a few friends to join me. We all had a great time and we will be back! None of us had ever seen the film before and I agree with the above posters about the quality of the film and especially the sound! Even the popcorn was great!

posted by LuisV on Nov 18, 2006 at 5:43am

The acoustics and deep echo at the Loew's did an amazing thing tonight. They turned "2001" into an even more otherworldly experience than it already was.

Keir Dullea appeared on stage before the movie and told some great Kubrick stories. He even did a funny impression of Otto Preminger.

That makes two fantastic movie nights in a row at the Loew's Jersey.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Nov 18, 2006 at 5:24pm

BIll... was this the same print the Ziegfeld ran back in Feb or March?

posted by Ed Solero on Nov 19, 2006 at 5:44pm

Ed: I think it was a better print. The one at the Ziegfeld had a lot more scratches if I remember right. The sound was incredibly good on both of them.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Nov 20, 2006 at 1:36am

I've just seen the December titles for the "Holidays at the Loew's Jersey" Film Festival...do my eyes deceive me, or are they actually showing "The Sound of Music" here?!?

That was the FIRST movie that I can ever recall seeing in a movie theater! It was the late 1960s and I must have been four- or five-years-old, and I remember it as a big old single-screen movie theater, perhaps the Elmwood or Eagle (I lived in Elmhurst, Queens until I was six). I remember walking up Broadway from Grandview Towers apartments towards Jackson Heights, so it was probably the Eagle. What powerful memories - it almost brings me to tears. If I recall correctly, I saw it about five times - it fostered my love of music as a child, and was probably my all-time favorite cinematic experience!

I will try to bring my three 8-year-old nieces along, so they can experience it just as I did as a child.

posted by Alto on Nov 20, 2006 at 5:48pm

Thanks again Jersey for the showing of "2001"- absolutely first rate in every respect. Probably the best print of this film that I`ve ever seen.Also, thanks for the apperance of Mr. Dullea for the film. Made a landmark film even better. As anybody reading this posting probably knows, this was a seminal film and is likely to remain so for quite a while.I hate to use cliches, but this show and experience was out of this world. The ultimate trip{to the Jersey}.

posted by Theaterat on Nov 21, 2006 at 5:29am

Do you think Chris Plummer will show up for Sound of Music?

posted by Vincent on Nov 21, 2006 at 7:34am

How much does he get for a personal appearance? :)

posted by PeterApruzzese on Nov 21, 2006 at 8:18am

Last night on the American Music Awards, Gwen Stefani premiered her latest single “Wind It Up”, and guess what? The song sampled, note-for-note, large portions of “The Lonely Goatherd” song from "The Sound of Music"! Talk about a musical’s staying power!

posted by Alto on Nov 22, 2006 at 6:23am

The "Sound Of Music"?- Cloyingly cute, cliched, syrupy , sugary, saccharine, another "Mary Poppins-esque turn by Miss Andrews, long and somewhat predictable. Yet, for some reason I absolutely LOVE this movies, its songs and the beautiful photography. When I see it at the Jersey{and I`m looking foward to it}it will be the first time that I will see it on the big screen. Should be a helluva show!

posted by Theaterat on Nov 24, 2006 at 11:24am

Response to Hal Wolverton:

The "Willie" you're talking about that was a janitor/handyman at the Loew's Jersey worked there longer than only 30 years. I know this will be impossible to imagine, but Willie (and I don't have his last name near me) actually worked at the Loew's Jersey for its complete (Pre FOL) life, from when the thearte opened in 1929, until it shut down in 1986. He was a teenager when he first started working there.

FOL has some of the huge daily journals from the Jersey dating back to the early 30's which list the employees, how much they were paid weekly, how many dependents they support, the daily weather, and what the State and the Stanley were showing. Real neat stuff. Anyway, WIllie is in these journals.

After the theatre shut down, Hartz Mountain (the then purchaser of the Loew's) kept Willie on to be a watchman. Colin Egan would tell me stories about dealing with Willie in the early days of FOL, and trying to save the theatre from demolition. Let's just say he was a character, but in a good way.

He has since passed away, but I had a major recollection of hearing about Willie after reading Hal's posting.

posted by mahermusic on Nov 25, 2006 at 2:40pm

Saw the "Sound Of Music" at the Sat. Dec 9th screening at the Jersey.What can I say. Another first rate presentation. There were a few minor glitches during the first few minutes, but nothing too serious.Went with my mother and my friend Phil Phil. There is absolutely no way I can ever enjoy this movie on TV again after seeing it on the big screen. We were all impressed by the presentation and the very well behaved audience. I think the Jersey should begin a new holiday tradition and screen this movie every year at this time.Truly excellent entertainment, especially when viewed in light of today`s hard sell high concept so called family fare.

posted by Theaterat on Dec 10, 2006 at 6:39am

I was both the "Sound Of Music" and "A Christmas Carol" screenings and both presentations were first rate. "The Sound Of Music" is one film that really can only be enjoyed on the big screen. The program listed Feb's. show as "Patrons choice". Can't wait to see what the Loew's has in store for us in Feb.

posted by YankeeMike on Dec 11, 2006 at 1:53am

Divine –what better way to describe Dec. 9th’s screening of “The Sound of Music”? The previous comments summarized it quite well. I was nervous when I saw toddlers and children being wheeled, carried and cajoled into the theater…but surprise: not one incident involving crying or screaming children - an amazing feat for a three-hour-long screening! A few restless ones, on two occasions running up and down an aisle unaccompanied – a very minor distraction, but still one that none-the-less could have been easily prevented with a proper adult escort. Thank goodness for the "built-in" intermission. Overall, adults comprised the vast majority of the audience.

As for the adults, one or two brief instances of conversation that were obvious simply because the theater was so utterly quiet – and a few audience members apparently weren’t going to have any part of it –these elicited almost immediate responses of “shhhh!” – I love it! You will be hard-pressed to find better audiences or movies than at this theater. There is clearly an unwritten code of silence in operation here. This place is like a church – for movie worship, that is.

I wonder if theater director Colin Egan reads these posts, because in his welcome and introductory comments to the audience, he remarked how many people have mentioned that this was the very first film that they can recall seeing as a child, in a movie theater! I agree that although it is not a “holiday movie” in the true sense (which may account for the lighter-than-I-expected attendance), seeing it has become an intergenerational tradition shared by members of many families (“The Wizard of Oz” and “The Ten Commandments” are others that I can think of). After all, the holiday season is about memories, families and tradition. Well-stated.

posted by Alto on Dec 11, 2006 at 8:19am

I,too, was there Saturday night. TV ? Unthinkable, after seeing those mountains spread across that giant screen ! I had forgotten how good that movie is ! And yes, that audience was really "with it" all the way ! I voted for "Gypsy" on the audience request ballot. If only ! I hope to come back for "The African Queen" next month !

posted by frankie on Dec 11, 2006 at 8:52am

Incidentally, I notice previous posts mentioned Staten Island and Tony Bennett. Well, Staten Island has the renovated St. George Theater, and Tony just played there ! In fact I saw Gloria gaynor and "Mame" there. "Cats" (UGH !) is coming next year.

posted by frankie on Dec 11, 2006 at 9:07am

Why can`t multiplex patrons behave as well as a "Jersey" audience? I hate to think what a Jersey patron would do to a cell phone user during a show.It`s all about civility-and the right of a patron to enjoy a show in the manner that it is supposed to be.

posted by Theaterat on Dec 13, 2006 at 8:21am

Another great Saturday night show - the January 27th screening of "The African Queen". The audience was, as always, in excellent form - great turnout too (I estimated over 500 - the orchestra level was about half-full). The audience’s average age was skewed slightly higher than at other shows I’ve attended, but still a wide variety (quite a few seniors, but I also noticed many in their 20s and 30s and did not see anyone under adult age).

Titles were announced for the upcoming “Audience Choice” February shows. Based on the suggestions submitted, the most popular were chosen as follows:
"Casablanca"
"Gone with the Wind"
"Back to the Future" (an exception – chosen as a sci-fi substitute for "Star Wars", because no prints are available for the scheduled screening date).

Theater Director Colin Egan also mentioned March’s “Film Noir Series”, although I cannot recall what, if any, titles were mentioned. Does anyone know what they are?

posted by Alto on Jan 28, 2007 at 6:01am

Ato... was there too for the African Queen. After a slight- but audiable hum was worked out of the film after a few minutes, the presentation was first rate. Can`t say for sure wich "noirs" will be shown, but Double Indemnity is one. Hard to believe the Jersey can not obtain a copy of Star Wars!

posted by Theaterat on Jan 28, 2007 at 6:43am

Star Wars is not available for theatrical booking at the moment. Lucas is working on converting all of them to fake 3D digital video, and these "new" versions are scheduled to play in Los Angeles and maybe New York in the springtime, prior to yet another home video release. In the mean time, they have ordered all the prints pulled from circulation.

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

posted by MBD on Jan 28, 2007 at 9:35am

I'll be there for "Casablanca" but "Back to the Future" was played at the Ziegfeld recently and I'm sure GWTW will be the same inferior print that was screened at the Loews in 2005. Wish they had picked some other films to screen instaed. Why not "Forbidden Planet" intead of "Future?".

posted by YankeeMike on Jan 29, 2007 at 3:11am

The Gypsy comment above was great. Also Thoroughly Modern Mille, Music Man, Bye Bye Birdie, Viva La Vegas, Gigi and Love Me or Leave Me(with Doris Day and James Cagney!)are great choices.
But except for the real biggies like Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady and Sound of Music there really doesn't seem to be any real interest in musicals at the Loews Jersey which is a pity as they come off so much better in a movie theater than they do on DVD.
There are a number of musicals which I didn't like very much on TV and just thought they weren't very good, but after seeing then in a theater they were absolute knockouts.
Could it be that they think they wouldn't draw a crowd or do they just don't like musicals very much?

posted by Vincent on Jan 29, 2007 at 3:45am

Yes, I thought I heard "Double Indemnity" mentioned as one of their offerings. Speaking of film noir...

Page E1 of today's NY Times (1/29/07) features a big write-up on San Francisco's Castro Theater and their wildly successful “Noir City” film festival, now in its fifth year and probably their biggest annual event.

Here’s another excellent example of a restored old-time movie palace, serving up great classic cinema, to a large contemporary audience of loyal, enthusiastic and appreciative movie-going fans.

As far as I know, NO theater of this type or size in the NYC area is offering screenings of this popular film genre on a regular basis. If they did, I'm sure they would become a major entertainment destination, perhaps rivaling such specialized movie havens as the Angelika or Tribeca cinemas.

Loew's Jersey management: if you are reading this, are you thinking what I'm thinking?

posted by Alto on Jan 29, 2007 at 10:09am

Yankeemike: Films were chosen strctly from strongest theater goer feedback,nothing else.Hence GWTW,BTTF & Casablanca.

Double Indemnity and Out of the past are the 2 films on tap so far for the noir weekend.The Lafayette in Suffern had a similar weekend scheduled in 06 but had to cancel for some reason.

posted by swampdevil on Jan 29, 2007 at 12:10pm

Well I will be at the Loews for Double Indemnity and Out Of The Past. Have the dates for these films been announced yet. Does the NY Times know that the Film Forum screened a film Noir series last year?

posted by YankeeMike on Jan 30, 2007 at 1:56am

Yankeemike:March 30,31.Its on the Loews website.

Swampy

posted by swampdevil on Jan 30, 2007 at 4:07pm

Actually, as of this writing, the LJ website is rather useless in answering YankeeMike's question. It does NOT give SPECIFIC dates and start times for SPECIFIC movies - it doesn't even mention the titles. All it says is "titles and times TBD". This is the information that we would all like to know.

posted by Alto on Jan 31, 2007 at 1:26am

Re GWTW...I understand from some of the posts that I`ve read that the version screened was not of the highest quality.I really would like to go see it at the upcoming screening. Can anybody out there help me and tell me just how good- or bad the last screening of it was? How was the color and the sound? I remember seeing it at Radio City Music Hall in the mid 70s.The print screened- wich was obviously "blown up" for the big screen looked like all the color was bleached out of it. Mostly dull reddish browns and yellows. I did not enjoy it at all. Hope the Jersey can do better and present this landmark film in a better print.

posted by Theaterat on Jan 31, 2007 at 5:35am

It's a matter of what the studio sends. I've played GWTW twice at the Lafayette and, even though my booking was confirmed to receive an A+ special reel-to-reel only print, we received a less-desirable normal print from the 1999 re-issue. There are newer prints out there, I would imagine the LJ team is requesting the best print that Warner's has of the movie. I'm sure that Mitchell/MBD will update as to the condition when they get it in.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Jan 31, 2007 at 5:43am

Thanks Peter. I hope so. I remember when this film was re released in late 1974- possibly its last re-release before going to TV.I went to see it at the Highway and De Luxe theaters in Brooklyn- 2 long closed `nabes. The print was sharp and crisp and the Technicolor was beautiful.

posted by Theaterat on Jan 31, 2007 at 7:41am

Considering how beautiful the print is on the DVD why not just stay home and watch it when the people who provide the prints couldn't give a damn?

posted by Vincent on Jan 31, 2007 at 10:53am

Vincent...I`m sure the people who obtain and screen the prints at the Jersey DO give a damn.Staying home and watching it on VHS or DVD just does not have the same impact as seeing it on the big screen. Most of the films that I`ve seen at the Jersey over the last 2 years I do have on Vhs or Dvd, but there is just no comparison . This is a non-factor for me. I will pay to see a great film at a great theater.Besides that, I consider the Jersey experience a great night out, and one that I look fowards to when a fine show is planned.

posted by Theaterat on Feb 1, 2007 at 6:13am

I do not blame the Jersey for the GWTW print I saw there. I've seen the same print at the Lincoln Square and 34th st. theatres. The colors are not sharp and sound is not as clear as you would expect it to be. I was at the 50th Anniversary screening at Radio City in 1989 and that print was much better than the so-called "restored" print that is in circulation now. I have seen prints of other films from the same time period (Robin Hood, Thief Of Bagdad) that look much better than GWTW and this really is a shame because I love going to see this film on the big screen!

posted by YankeeMike on Feb 1, 2007 at 6:24am

The prints from the 68-80's re-releases were Metrocolor prints.

posted by William on Feb 1, 2007 at 6:28am

Alto: The original query was to the SPECIFIC dates of the film noir series.They are MARCH 30 & 31.Im sure MORE detail will be provided once we get CLOSER to the actual date.
Swampy

posted by swampdevil on Feb 2, 2007 at 12:39pm

Theater Rat,
Nobody knows more than me what you are saying. I happen to love GWTW though Michael Feingold of the Village Voice who is probably the best drama critic in the New York area called it rascist sludge. And Stanley Kubrick ,one of my favorite directors, said Vivian Leigh gives absolutely the worst performance in a movie he has ever seen.
What they were watching I have no idea. In my estimation she gives one of the greatest of all time.
But paying to see a film even in a great theater like the Loew's I want to see it as it was meant to be seen. Off colors are like hearing a soundtrack full of distortions.
The print of Guys and Dolls was great and it was in stereo!! I had never liked it before until I saw it at the Loews. And there was nobody there!
I had never liked Oklahoma and a friend forced me to see it in Todd AO and I was stunned. It suddenly became one of the great film musicals.
It's just that seeing a bad print drives me crazy and I'd rather not see it at all.

posted by Vincent on Feb 5, 2007 at 2:42am

Vincent... a good point and one well taken.Prehaps GWTW is racist in spots, but this was the general situation in the South during the Civil war and Reconstruction eras. As for Kubrick calling Miss Leigh`s peformance the worst he`s ever seen? Dare I mention Tom Cruise in his own "Eyes wide shut"? Anyway, back to GWTW. I am definately going to see it. Wether the print be good, bad or indifferent. I quess I`ll take my chances and post my opinion after the show.Critics-what do they know?

posted by Theaterat on Feb 6, 2007 at 10:48am

Well after I read that comment of Kubrick's I figured he'd never seen Ryan O'Neil in Barry Lyndon.

posted by Vincent on Feb 6, 2007 at 10:55am

O'Neal is excellent in Barry Lyndon, which is still underrated as one of the greatest films of the 1970s. I'd love to see a new print of that one someday.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Feb 6, 2007 at 11:02am

O'Neil excellent in Barry Lyndon?
Chacun a son gout.
But except for the black hole in the middle of the film which I assume is Ryan I think it's one of the great films of all time.

posted by Vincent on Feb 6, 2007 at 11:10am

Correct, no question about it, Ryan O'Neal is excellent in Barry Lyndon.

Maybe this "O'Neil" fellow you speak of is no good, but I don't remember him in the film :)

posted by PeterApruzzese on Feb 6, 2007 at 12:13pm

Remember seeing "Barry Lyndon" shortly after it was released. It was a beautifully photographed period piece and O`Neal was quite good.However if memory serves, I had a hard time trying to stay awake for it.

posted by Theaterat on Feb 7, 2007 at 6:06am

Well it is a moody, atmospheric film but I found it compelling from beginning to end. Gorgeous.

But then I one of the very few people who thought Eyes Wide Shut was a great film. Probably the first new film that I went to see twice in decades. Well the public and critics will figure that out some day.

posted by Vincent on Feb 7, 2007 at 6:35am

I wish they would strike a new print of Barry Lyndon, remember in the old days when a theatre like the Ziegfeld could easily have a new print and play a 2-3 week engagement of a classic?

posted by RobertR on Feb 7, 2007 at 8:44am

I have a recollection of playing "Barry Lyndon" and the studio, directed by Kubrick,had new aperature plates cut and masking adjustment made for the engagement. The same thing happened when we ran "Reds", Warren Beatty was very particular about running the film in the exact aspect ratio. Perhaps someone remembers more of this.

posted by vito on Feb 7, 2007 at 9:48am

Yes, Vito. Kubrick made sure that the premiere engagements of Barry Lyndon were projected in 1.66 - that and various other exhibition stories are recounted in some of the biogrpahies about him.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Feb 7, 2007 at 9:54am

And when Clockwork Orange opened at Cinema 1 he called and made sure they had the proper masking.

posted by Vincent on Feb 7, 2007 at 11:32am

When Spartacus opened at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. They had to drape over the front area of the auditorium and close off seats on the far left rear and far right rear of the theatre's main floor. For the 61 weeks that it played the theatre.

posted by William on Feb 7, 2007 at 1:26pm

Pictures of the auditorium.

http://www.fromscripttodvd.com/70mm_in_los _angeles_pantages.htm

posted by William on Feb 7, 2007 at 1:33pm

http://www.fromscripttodvd.com/70mm_in_los_angeles_pantages.htm

posted by William on Feb 7, 2007 at 1:36pm

Yes Peter, It comes back to me now, I was working in Hawaii
(1972-1982) I am pretty sure I played it at the Cinerama theatre. The screen size made it easy to project the film in 1.66 with properly cut plates and masking adjustments.
I wonder if the film makers take as much care and dedication to film projection these days. In the old days we would often get letters from directors asking for our help in presenting the film properly. When Dolby came along we would get fact sheets that helped to insure the EQ was correct, and with 70mm we would get a loop of pink noise so that the sound track could be callabrated properly.

posted by vito on Feb 8, 2007 at 4:30am

Robert Wise said he would get letters about the poor presentation and scratchy prints of Sound of Music. Can you believe there was a time when patrons and the director cared about such things?

posted by Vincent on Feb 8, 2007 at 5:06am

Surely, no director fretted over such exacting standards of presentation as did Kubrick. And I agree that "Barry Lyndon" is an unsung masterpiece with O'Neal perfectly cast in the title role. What I wouldn't give for a screening of a restored and freshly struck print of that film!

posted by Ed Solero on Feb 10, 2007 at 2:56pm

I'm so amazed that people liked O'Neal's performance. I felt it really need a fine charismatic young British actor in the role and just figured Kubrick needed some star for insurance.
I still feel outside of his very good looks and slight charm O'Neal couldn't act his way out of a paper bag. I have never seen him give a halfway decent performance. Even in What's up Doc what wouldn't I have given for a young Cary Grant.

posted by Vincent on Feb 12, 2007 at 2:58am

Kind of dissapointed that GWTW is going to be the afternoon show at the Jersey, with Cassablanca the evening show.Should have been the other way! GWTW is definately a "Saturday Night" movie. I quess that kills my chances of seeing it, but I`m sure the hard core Jersey goers will post their thoughts and comments on it.

posted by Theaterat on Feb 20, 2007 at 8:55am

I attended the “Casablanca” screening on Saturday (Feb. 24th) and the presentation was well done (even though the print shown was scratchy at times and had some minor dropouts). As usual, the technical crew was on top of things, and this time the audio was at what I consider to be perfect volume level – pronounced and easy to hear (I usually find it to be on the soft side from where I normally sit - about midway back). The FOTL volunteer staff was cordial and attentive, making everyone feel welcome. There was also a nice audience turnout, with many in attendance appearing to be newcomers (they did not seem to be “regulars” such as myself) and while that’s good, there is also a downside.

I don’t want to sound like an old crab (which I’m not), but whatever happened to punctuality and manners? An annoying trend seems to be developing as of late at this theater. For the last few shows, the show times are largely being ignored, and the movies are starting much later that they should (Saturday night’s screening started almost 25 minutes late!). I am not sure why this is, but I consider this phenomenon to be a shared fault of both theater management and the audience. I understand that this theater is in need of an audience and always goes out of its way to accommodate the public, but if patrons are so rude as to come sauntering into the theater 25 minutes after the appointed show time, then quite frankly they DESERVE to miss the beginning of the film, and its start time should NOT be delayed to accommodate the few at the expense of the majority. I arrived 10 minutes early (pin a gold star on me) and did not appreciate sitting there for over 20 minutes staring at a blank screen when I made the effort to be on time. Management’s action of starting shows late, in effect, encourages and gives tacit approval to this annoying and distracting behavior. Even after the film started 25 minutes late, patrons were STILL walking in.

Folks, you need to realize that this is NOT some garden-variety multiplex theater where they show at least 30 minutes of commercials and previews prior to the main feature (I realize that many of you INTENTIONALLY arrive late to avoid sitting through these, but you need to drop your multiplex audience mentality and break this bad habit). When a feature film is presented at Loew’s Jersey, you see nothing BUT the movie, so BE SEATED ON TIME!

I particularly say all of this out of sympathy for those patrons who rely solely on mass transit to travel to and from the theater - they are beholden to fixed schedules and time constraints and have to plan accordingly. Late starts result in late endings - the idea of missing a crucial bus or train connection late at night due to an unnecessary delay is not an appealing proposition! Placing fellow patrons in the unsavory and precarious position of having to choose whether to miss the end of a movie or miss their ride is inconsiderate and unfair!

posted by Alto on Feb 27, 2007 at 8:16am

One more ongoing gripe: the LJ website needs to be updated more often (they updated it just before I wrote this). It seems that in order to get advance notice about upcoming shows, you have no choice but to go to the theater (or attempt to contact them) and find out for yourself – it’s as if this is some type of “insider information” reserved only for those who are able to attend events at the theater on a regular basis. This info is always mentioned in programs and flyers distributed exclusively at the shows - based on these (and the updated website), I can tell you what future films they have planned (as of the time of this writing):

March 23…Special Showing:
“All About Eve” (1950) - with live appearance by Celeste Holm

March 30-31…Film Noir:
“Double Indemnity” (1944) -- “Out of the Past” (1947) -- “Sunset Boulevard” (1950)

April 27-28…Timeless Romances / Fantasy Romance:
"Portrait of Jennie” (1948) -- “Wuthering Heights" (1939) -- “Somewhere in Time” (1980)

May 11-12…Foreign Films and Their American Remakes:
“The Seven Samurai” (1954) -- “The Magnificent Seven” (1960) -- other titles TBA

June…TBA

In addition, on March 18th at 4:00 PM, the Girl Scouts of Greater Essex & Hudson Counties will be hosting and presenting a special screening of “Annie: The Movie Musical” (1982).

posted by Alto on Feb 27, 2007 at 8:26am

Alto, you're preaching to the choir. I guess that most people reading this website come on time.

And you can't bring a case about what "might" happen to others -- but you can if you have personally missed a bus or train connection.

Anyway, I like the late starting shows. It gives me the chance to wander around a bit, or to sit in my seat and soak up the atmosphere.

posted by saps on Feb 27, 2007 at 10:18am

Saps.... you are so right! I really don`t care if the show starts a few minutes late. Big deal!Not everybody who comes drives in. Many are at the mercy {if this word can be used} of public transportation. The more time I spend here only gives me more time to study this magnificent theater in detail.Then again, it also gives me some more time to talk with the patrons that I`m getting to know. God forbid if anybody does this during the show!That`s why the Jersey experience is unique.

posted by Theaterat on Mar 1, 2007 at 6:28am

11th COMMANDMENT

Thou shall not hold conversation
or wrinkle cellophane in a movie palace
So let it be written, so let it be done

posted by vito on Mar 2, 2007 at 7:29am

"All About Eve" screening is being rescheduled (was originally March 23rd)...
new date and time to be determined (monitor the LJ Web site for updates).

posted by Alto on Mar 11, 2007 at 6:36pm

Tough decision this Friday. "Double Indemnity" at the Jersey or the start of the B' Musicals series at the Film Forum. Wish the Noir weekend had been one week earlier.

posted by YankeeMike on Mar 27, 2007 at 9:41am

Finally took my sister from London to see this theater. We came to the well-attended "Sunset Boulevard" screening. Except for a few jumps in the print in one scene, it was s thrilling experience. We got the goose-flesh when Norma says: "...and all those wonderful people out there in the dark !!!" Best-kept secret: the scruffy bar next door has a nice little inexpensive Italian restaurant downstairs, but it shuts down at 7 PM (???) They haad a nice crowd before the film. By all means, check them out: Parmigiana House 201-792-9565. LONG LIVE LOEW'S !!!

posted by frankie on Apr 2, 2007 at 5:32am

On March 31st, 2007, I just may have experienced an epiphany at the Jersey Theatre.

If ever there was a movie that could exploit and showcase this movie palace’s musty charm and character, it is “Sunset Boulevard”. Normally, when I view a movie here, I am completely captivated by what is on the screen and my surroundings disappear. But on Saturday night, something remarkable happened - for the FIRST time, I felt drawn in to this theatre’s fabric, noticing every subtle nuance and detail in ornament and structure around me – the movie show and theatre became one and the same.

When Norma Desmond quips “I am big…it's the pictures that got small”, she might as well be describing the modern theater-going experience.

And the scene where her mansion’s living room becomes her private movie theatre – I was transported back in time - I felt like I was there – she could have been sitting next to me! I have never experienced anything like this at any movie theatre…ever.

Oh yes, the print they used was gorgeous (despite some short little pops and skips in the middle) - the picture’s presentation looked smooth and brilliant on that huge screen.

This movie should be shown every year without fail – I can think of no better way to introduce newcomers to this theatre and the classic movie-going experience.

Take some romance...drama…betrayal…tragedy…throw in a little bitchiness for good measure…shake and stir well, then serve at the Loew’s Jersey Theatre.

Fabulous.

posted by Alto on Apr 2, 2007 at 7:41am

“They took the idols and smashed them…the Fairbankses, the Gilberts, the Valentinos! And who’ve we got now? Some nobodies!” -- Norma Desmond

Help save and protect our old movie palaces!

posted by Alto on Apr 2, 2007 at 8:14am

It was indeed a magnificent experience seeing SUNSET BLVD in such a grand movie palace as the Loew's this past Saturday night. As stated by others, the print was mostly in good shape except for the scene at the New Year's party, which lost some dialogue because of jumps and splices. It was so exciting to see all those people there, that I wish I had a few million to put towards finishing the complete and total restoration of this gem, buy up the shabby stores in the vicinity and turn them into decent restaurants or something useful, and make this into a destination for every movie lover.

posted by Barry M on Apr 2, 2007 at 8:26am

posted by Barry M on Apr 2, 2007 at 8:27am

Great post Alto!Yes,it was a wonderful night.There were 250 people for DOUBLE INDEMNITY,about 175 for OUT OF THE PAST and just over 300 for SUNSET BOULEVARD.
How about the announcement of STRANGERS ON A TRAIN coming with Farley Granger in attendance!! Very exciting!!

posted by swampdevil on Apr 5, 2007 at 4:24pm

I`d say there were closer to 450 people for Sunset Boulevard. Although I have seen this masterpiece many times on TV, experiencing it on the Jersey`s big screen was like being in movie heaven. Great intro and QA session by Mr. Hirsch too. The print was scratchy at times, but in the light of this remarkable experience at the Jersey that night, it was easily overlooked. Miss Desmond is exactly right when she asserts that the "pictures have become smaller". Show me just about any of the current releases playing at the `plexes and she made her point!

posted by Theaterat on Apr 11, 2007 at 4:41pm

that sounds cool, seeing old surviving hollywood actors and actresses at an old movie theater.

posted by Justin Fencsak on Apr 11, 2007 at 4:55pm

May is officially “Asian/Pacific-American Heritage Month” - and the Jersey Theatre has all kinds of extra goodies in store for its movie patrons…

May 11-12…”East Meets West[ern] Film Series: Foreign Films and Their American Remakes”

Fri: “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly” (1966) (based on Kurosawa’s “Yojimbo”)
Sat: “The Seven Samurai” (1954) –- “The Magnificent Seven” (1960)

The Friends of the Loew’s has partnered with the Japan Society for a unique presentation of cinema combined with educational outreach featuring live performances, demonstrations and discussions. Japan Society members can even receive special reduced admission ($4.00 per show) by presenting their membership cards at the ticket desk!

This is an excellent example of non-profit organizations combining their specialized skills and resources through creative collaboration, programming and outreach to create a powerful presence, build public awareness and reach new and diverse audiences.

FOL even posted the series’ print flyer of events (bilingual – in English and Japanese!) on their Web site for everyone’s convenience – view it here [in PDF format - Adobe Acrobat Reader required].

Thank you FOL for making this information easily accessible to all!

P.S. Any news about June’s movies? Late last year, they were toying with the idea of a “James Bond” film series (listed under “coming attractions” in the “Holiday Shows” print program from Dec. 8-9th, 2006) - I would love to attend that!

posted by Alto on May 3, 2007 at 7:07am

They should fix that flyer - "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" isn't based on "Yojimbo".

"A Fistful of Dollars" was the one based on "Yojimbo" (uncredited).

posted by njmoviefan on May 3, 2007 at 7:23am

Perhaps it's an, ahem, "stretch" ... but this movie follows 1965's "A Few Dollars More" ("Per qualche dollaro in più") which follows 1964's "A Fistful of Dollars" ("Per un pugno di dollari") and THAT was a remake of "Yojimbo", hence the reference.

Even more confusing: although this is an American-style western, it is actually an Italian movie ("Il Buono, il brutto, il cattivo") where only the three main characters speak English (the rest speak in their native languages of Italian and Spanish, but in later versions all parts are dubbed into English) ... filmed in the Spanish desert ... and connected to a Japanese movie - talk about multiculturalism!

posted by Alto on May 3, 2007 at 10:05am

In recent years there have been restorations of classic films. It is unclear from the e-mails whether
the May screening of "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly" is of the original U.S. release version or the restored version that includes footage that was recently redubbed with the voices of Eastwood, Wallach and Rich Little (subbing for Lee Van Cleef). This version was screened at the Film Forum and I believe that it is included on the recent DVD. Perhaps sometone at the theatre can clarify which version is being exhibited.

posted by Dr. Baraf on May 4, 2007 at 8:37pm

It wasn't Rich Little, it was an actor by the name of Simon Prescott who did the missing dialog for Lee Van Cleef.

As far as I know, the only print that MGM circulates is the extended 187 minute version from 2003. We screened it at the Lafayette in 2003 and it's a beauty.

posted by PeterApruzzese on May 5, 2007 at 9:21am

Does anyone know if there is even a "ballpark" date for the Robert Morton organ being playable again? It seems as though GSTOS made such great progress recently (up until 2003 or so) and then everything came to a standstill.

On my wish list is to have just a small section of the lobby walls fully restored. It would knock peoples' socks off and might spur donations for a complete restoration of the interior. The exterior (terra cotta facade) looks fantastic.

I used to visit this theatre very frequently when I was a teenager and lived in Jersey City. I used to ask for a ticket to "Theatre 2" no matter what movie was playing, because that was the "balcony theatre" and one had a truly grand view of the huge auditorium.

I've also been to many of the new classic film screenings here. They are a unique experience not to be missed.

"The Loweys" has always been and always will be the most important theatre in my life. The first movie I saw here was "The Christmas That Almost Wasn't" when I was 5 years old. You can only imagine the impression this place left on a 5 year old--changed my life forever. I dearly, dearly love this place.

posted by GabeDF on May 6, 2007 at 3:15pm

Regarding my post of May 3, 2007:

Correction: “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly” is NOT based directly on the Japanese film “Yojimbo” (according to IMDb, that distinction actually belongs to another “spaghetti western” - 1964’s “A Fistful of Dollars” - upon which this film is based). “Inspired in part by” or “loosely derived from” would be better terms to describe the relationship.

Clarification: special reduced admission is available ONLY for the 2:00 p.m. screening of “THE SEVEN SAMURAI” on Saturday, May 12th – tickets for all other events are at regular cost. Patrons must present a Japan Society membership card OR a copy of this Web page to qualify for the discount (however, please note that the JS Web page indicates a regular adult ticket price of $6 and NOT the discount price of $4 shown on this FOTL flyer – yet another error?!?).

Perhaps it would be best to call the LJ Theatre directly at (201) 798-6055, contact them at loewsjersey@gmail.com, or even send a fax to (201) 798-4020 to clarify or correct any information that is questionable. If you do, kindly post and share any updates here AND on this CT news page .

Please pardon any misunderstanding or confusion that may have resulted from the above post
(ALL information presented was obtained from Web pages and publicity materials authored by Friends of the Loew’s and Japan Society).

posted by Alto on May 8, 2007 at 2:37am

In response to an e-mail inquiry (from me), Japan Society quickly corrected the price discrepancy on its Web site - it is indeed $4 admission for their cardholding members, and it is only valid for the screening of “The Seven Samurai” (which I agree can be clearly understood from wording contained on their site as well as in FOTL publicity).

I also received a prompt, detailed and informative response from a FOTL staff member regarding some points posed to them:

"Thanks for bringing these points to my attention.

The intended discount price was -- and is -- $4 for adults (down from our usual $6) with a Japan Society membership card.

The intention was that the discount be for the Seven Samurai screening only, and in fairness, I think that is reasonably clear on the Japan Society website.

I was frankly unaware of the Japan Society membership card alternate of the printed web page, and I will enquire about the genesis of that.

As to the reference to Yojimbo, you are of course correct. The flyer with that reference was not made up by our usual graphics person, but rather was designed, along with a Japanese language version, specifically for distribution at the Japan Society and its immediate environs. (A few may have gone elsewhere.) I did see this flyer before distribution, but must have only been checking dates and times and do not remember noticing the Yojimbo reference at all -- so in the end, the fault is mine. I just checked our main flyers and posters, and re-read the press materials I prepared, and none describe TG,B&U as based on Yojimbo. Here's what I said in my press kit: ‘Following in the footsteps of John Sturges and the Magnificent Seven, Sergio Leone remade one of Akira Kurosawa's samurai films, Yojimbo, as A Fistful of Dollars…The movie…prompt(ed) two sequels; the final and, by most critical accounts, best of this "Dollars" trilogy being The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.’

Thanks again for your interest, and your support of the Loew's."

...And THANK YOU, Loew's Jersey and FOTL, for your concern and tireless efforts in presenting creative and quality classic movie programming to your patrons. It is most appreciated!

Anyone that can attend SHOULD attend and show their support!

posted by Alto on May 8, 2007 at 8:07am

From the Loew's Jersey's website:

Fri., June 8 & Sat., June 9

Our final screenings for this film season will include Alfred Hitchcock's "Strangers On A Train" on Friday evening with live appearance by film star Farley Granger.

posted by Bill Huelbig on May 23, 2007 at 5:57am

Also concluding the 2006-2007 film season at the Jersey – on Saturday, June 9th…

3:00 PM: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961)
7:00 PM: “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World” (1963)

posted by Alto on Jun 4, 2007 at 2:01am

Any news on print quality of Mad World would be greatly appreciated!

posted by macbear on Jun 8, 2007 at 9:59pm

Huge crowd last night for "Strangers on a Train" and Farley Granger. The most people I've seen there since "Forbidden Planet".

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jun 9, 2007 at 4:47am

Saw "It`s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World at the Jersey 6-9. Although the print was not the Cinerama version, it was pretty decent anyway. After it was announced that there might be some minor sound and color problems, they never materialized and it turned out to be a fine show all around. Truly an epic comedy in every sense of the world. I never realized how funny it was until I saw it on the big screen again- after more than 40 years since the times I saw it as a pre-teen in the 60s. As usual, the audience was well behaved. About 200 people showed up. noticed many younger people, who were probably not born when the film was new, but judging by the laughter from the audience, they seemed to be having a great time with it. I enjoyed it so much that I did not even realise the air conditioning was not working. A great way for the Jersey to end the season. Wonder what`s in store for September?

posted by Theaterat on Jun 9, 2007 at 9:19pm

I may be wrong, but I thought the speaker at the screening said it was a cinerama print. He said that they'd purchased a new print of the film from MGM, but that they felt like the color was off so instead showed an older cinerama print. It was somewhat scratched, but only really noticeable against shots with a lot of pale colored sky in the background. He warned that due to the print's age, the image may go soft from time to time due to the film being warped, but they'd be closely monitoring it to fix any focus problems. I only noticed this happening once or twice.

This was my first visit to the Loew's Jersey, although I've been meaning to go for a long time now, and I'll definately be looking forward next season. We're really lucky to have this place.

posted by Chris82 on Jun 15, 2007 at 1:31pm

No, the "Cinerama" (single panel, no 3-panel prints were ever made) prints of Mad Mad World would have been in 70mm format and no longer exist. It was a 35mm print that just ran at the Loews.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Jun 15, 2007 at 1:53pm

Regardless of whatever print was screened, it WAS a good show, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I remember seeing it on a rented video a few years ago. It was on two tapes. The color and quality of tape 1 was good, but it looked like all the color was bleached out on tape 2.I intend to buy it on DVD. I just hope the transfer is good, and it has a lot of "extras" like interviews with the cast, shooting scenes and other "bling".

posted by Theaterat on Jun 15, 2007 at 2:04pm

The DVD is nice but not the finest transfer. The long out-of-print wide screen laser disc returns the film closer to the Cinerama running time. The standard exchange print and DVD is around the 154-161 minutes running time.

posted by William on Jun 15, 2007 at 2:27pm

When I did the MAD WORLD show at the Jersey on April 6, 2002 we had around 700 people. I secured a mint 35mm Technicolor print with perfect focus; ran the original overture and exit music, and even recreated the missing police calls during the intermission.

Boy, you shoulda been there for that one!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jun 15, 2007 at 4:15pm

The Cinerama "Road Show" version of Mad World no longer exists. While some of the footage still exists, not nearly all of it. The "extended" LaserDisc from years ago was NOT closer to the Cinerama Road Show version. The LaserDisc's extra footage contained mostly scene trims and alternate takes that were cut with good reason, they didn't work. You can tell what (little) footage from the Cinerama Roadshow is on the LaserDisc, because they didn't bother to properly unsqueeze it. The center of those scenes are more squeezed than the left/right sides.

At present time, no new 35mm or 70mm prints have been struck that includes any of the road show footage.

posted by MBD on Jun 20, 2007 at 8:27am

GabeDF: After a 10-tear restoration by the GSTOS, the gigantic Loew's Jersey Robert Morton "Wonder" Organ is now playing, and will be going through several months of tuning and testing before its public unveiling this Fall. Watch for the announcements in a month or two. Gonna be GREAT!

posted by mahermusic on Aug 19, 2007 at 8:52pm

Actualy there is a new 70mm print of Mad World that played at the Cinerama Dome in all it's Original Ultra Panavision glory about a year ago. It was introduced by Mrs Stanley Kramer. Too bad they wern't able to show that print as it was stunning and even had the 6 track stereo mix. plus the police call intermission. As many of the people who are still alive came to the showing. . . it was a great evening of fun. I even managed to get an autograph from one of my favorite people. . . Stan Freberg.

Matt Spero

posted by Matt Spero on Aug 20, 2007 at 2:41pm

What is the evidence to support the introductory credit for C.W. Rapp as one of the architects of the theatre? Mr. Rapp died on June 28, 1926, more than three years before the theatre opened.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Aug 22, 2007 at 8:16am

The Loew's Jersey theatre is in possession of most, if not all, of the original blueprints for the theatre which list Rapp & Rapp as the architects. Though it would require inspecting the blueprints for the date of the draft and the designer of record for that plate, it is not inconceivable to reason that C.W. Rapp was involved in the design the theatre, even if he was not alive to see it completed. The theatre certainly bears the style of firm.

posted by plenum on Aug 24, 2007 at 12:47pm

I don't think that this theatre had even been proposed by the time that C.W. Rapp died in June, 1926. He didn't even live to see the New York Paramount completed. I also doubt that he made any contributions to the Brooklyn Paramount, which was first announced to the public in December, 1926, and opened in November, 1928.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Aug 24, 2007 at 1:48pm

I don't think the person who set up the introductory credit was doing so with a great deal of particular intent. I think they simply knew the names of the two famous principals and listed them.

There is no doubt that the building was designed by the firm of Rapp & Rapp. The identity of the particular people within the firm who worked on this project is a subject that would require research.

posted by Life's too short on Aug 24, 2007 at 2:49pm

I have attended some old movies theaters in the Greater New York City area in my youth in the 70's, but never one of this design. After viewing the photos of the Loew's Jersey City, I now know what a real movie palace looks like, and the good folks who restored and now care for this gem should be commended for their efforts, congratulations Friends of The Lowe's Jersey City.

posted by Panzer65 on Sep 9, 2007 at 1:48pm

While the Loew's Jersey is indeed a beautiful theater, I don't believe that it rivals the beauty of the other Loew's wonder theaters, The Paradise, The Valencia, the 175th Street and, having been inside the ruins and seeing how spectacular the theater still is, The Kings in Brooklyn. To see a truly spectacular movie palace in prime condition in Manhattan, you should get to The Hollywood theater on W. 51st Street which is now a church. I believe that it too outrivals the Jersey in beauty.

p.s. I do believe the Jersey is a great and wonderful palace. I just think that, if one was to rank them, for me it would be last.

posted by LuisV on Sep 9, 2007 at 3:18pm

When the jersey got triplexed in the early 1970's, how many seats did each auditorium have and which sound formats did they have in each? Also, was the theater one of the most profitable for Loews during that time from 1974-1986, even as the company worked on newer theaters like the theaters in Wayne and Secaucus, which opened four years before the oldest Loews theater in North Jersey closed for nearly two decades before getting restored to its single screen glory by some non-profit people? I hope the same thing happens to the long-vacant Franklin theater in Nutley, which is still there and badly needs restoration after it closed in 2000.

posted by Justin Fencsak on Sep 9, 2007 at 3:58pm

The Loew's has announced their first shows of the season, with 5 Oscar-winning performances between them:

The Anti-Heroes

Friday October 5th, 8PM: "A Streetcar Naned Desire"
Saturday October 6th, 6 PM: "Bonnie and Clyde"
Saturday October 6th, 8:45 PM: "Cool Hand Luke"

posted by Bill Huelbig on Sep 10, 2007 at 4:31pm

Uh-oh - the streetcar was "named" Desire.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Sep 10, 2007 at 4:32pm

Justin: There's no hope for the Franklin in Nutley. The exterior survives, and that's about all. The inside was totally gutted to the bare walls.

It's too bad - it was a nice neighborhood theater. We used to got there quite often. Even in the early 1980's, they still drew a good crowd on the weekends. The nearby Clifton Commons mega-plex killed their business.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Sep 11, 2007 at 6:43am

Any chance of 40th anniversary showings of "2001" and "Planet of the Apes" at the Jersey in 2008?

posted by Rory on Sep 30, 2007 at 4:45am

More great movies in October…”Halloween with Boris Karloff”...a jam-packed weekend!

Friday, October 26th – special double feature (one screening)…
7:45 PM / 9:10 PM: The Black Cat / The Old Dark House
Admission (for both): $9-adults; $6-seniors, children age 12 or younger.
No combo discounts available.

Saturday, October 27th - three "spooktacular" single features in one day…
3:00 PM: “The Mummy” -- 7:00 PM: “Frankenstein” -- 8:45 PM: “The Bride of Frankenstein”
Admission (for each screening): $6-adults; $4-seniors, children age 12 or younger.
Combo discounts are available for multiple screenings.

Off-street paid parking (behind the theatre at the end of Magnolia Ave.): Square Ramp Garage offers discount rates exclusively for theatre customers who present special “half-price parking” vouchers (available at theatre box office, valid only on dates indicated). Garage is handicapped-accessible.

posted by Alto on Oct 4, 2007 at 10:10am

And another reminder tommorrow and Saturday.

Friday Oct. 5th at 8pm "A Streetcar Named Desire"

Saturday Oct. 6th at 6pm "Bonnie and Clyde"
Saturday Oct. 6th at 8:45pm "Cool Hand Luke"

posted by William on Oct 4, 2007 at 10:41am

And check out their "Spend Halloween with Boris Karloff"
- two classic non-Frankenstein films.
Bobmarshall

posted by bobmarshall on Oct 13, 2007 at 1:22pm

Apologies to Alto - didn't see your most detailed listing.
bobmarshall

posted by bobmarshall on Oct 13, 2007 at 1:45pm

If anyone heard it, how was the organ?! Nice and loud I hope!

posted by GabeDF on Oct 27, 2007 at 7:18pm

It sounded great although all the sound seemed to come from the right side of the theatre. I was sitting in about the seventh row off the center asle. Maybe they are still working on the organ pipes on the left side of the theatre.

posted by YankeeMike on Oct 27, 2007 at 8:01pm

"Frankenstein" and "Bride of Frankenstein" last night were both excellent presentations. Hard to explain why, but that wonderful echo the Loew's Jersey adds to a movie's dialogue, especially movies like those two, really makes it something special.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Oct 28, 2007 at 5:52am

Both chambers were heard, although the Friday night organist favored the pipes in the right chamber. Ralph Ringstadt played 20's/30's tunes for nearly an hour before the afternoon show on Saturday, and he was excellent.

The Garden State Theatre Organ Society - under the leadership of Bob Martin - has accomplished a miracle in getting a working organ back into this theater. Their hard work and dedication is to be commended.

Stay tuned for the "official" premiere of the new/old Loew's Jersey Wonder Morton!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 28, 2007 at 10:58am

Recent interior photos can be seen here and here.

posted by Lost Memory on Oct 28, 2007 at 11:22am

Attendance at the 7 p.m. showing of “Frankenstein” on Saturday night was the best that I have personally seen since I began visiting this theatre 18 months ago (March of 2006) – the center orchestra seats were crowded from the stage all the way to the rear rows - many families with young children were present, and their behavior was exemplary (quiet, courteous and respectful of others throughout the show). Attendance petered out somewhat for the 9 p.m. screening of “Bride of Frankenstein” with a mostly adult audience remaining.

The presentation was first-rate for both features. What I love about this theatre is how its ambience and décor work so well with certain types of movies. It provides a setting that allows these classic horror films to “shine” and look their best. With the house lights completely darkened, the interior takes on a sullen, gray, almost "lifeless" appearance - the glow from the screen gets “caught” on the ornately textured walls, the old carved and creviced surfaces casting gloomy shadows. These visual sensations, along with the sound echoing off of the walls, create a moody, “hollow” atmosphere reminiscent of a setting associated with haunting and suspense.

I’m disappointed that I didn’t get to hear the restored “Wonder Morton” organ put through its paces (although it looks impressive enough just sitting on display). For me, the ultimate classic Halloween cinematic experience would be to watch a silent film such as “Phantom of the Opera” on that huge screen while the theatre organ majestically plays on, filling this tremendous space with energy and excitement.

posted by Alto on Oct 28, 2007 at 11:11pm

Info about the Wonder Morton is at www.gstos.org/wonder.htm

posted by pjacyk on Oct 28, 2007 at 11:28pm

Just announced - upcoming November film programs…

Al Jolson’s “The Jazz Singer” (1927) – Special 80th Anniversary Screening:
Nov. 10th (Saturday), 7:30 p.m.

The movie that changed Hollywood forever with the introduction of sound, this is the first of ONLY two anniversary-year screenings scheduled for the entire NYC metropolitan area - a RARE opportunity to see this historic film on the BIG screen.

With commentary by Ron Hutchinson of The Vitaphone Project.
____________________________________________________________

The Films of Otto Preminger:

Nov. 16th (Friday)
8:00 p.m.: “Where the Sidewalk Ends” (1950) (book signing 7:00-7:55 p.m.)

Nov. 17th (Saturday)
4:00 p.m.: “Angel Face” (1952) (book signing 3:00-3:55 p.m.)
8:30 p.m. “Laura” (1944) (book signing 7:30-8:25 p.m.)

With film discussions, audience Q&A sessions, and book signings by Foster Hirsch, film professor at Brooklyn College, and author of the new biography “Otto Preminger: The Man Who Would Be King”.

Visit http://www.loewsjersey.org for further information and/or updates.

posted by Alto on Oct 29, 2007 at 1:11am

Since I'm going to be out of town on Nov.10 I will unfortunatly miss seeing the Jazz Singer. When and where is the other screening scheduled in the NYC area?

posted by YankeeMike on Oct 30, 2007 at 5:26am

To clarify, according to the FOTL website, this is the only ANNIVERSARY-YEAR screening scheduled for the NYC metro area (another anniversary screening, presented by AMPAS, recently took place at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA). If there is, in fact, a second screening scheduled (sometime in the future) for the NYC area, I can find NO mention of it anywhere. Since FOTL obtained a special 35mm print for their screening, perhaps they could tell you where it will be shown next.

This local news article from the Jersey City Reporter (10/27/2007) provides detailed information about the much-anticipated 80th anniversary screening at Loew’s Jersey. (Hudson Reporter online)

Here is an excellent article that originally appeared in the Jewish Journal online (9/21/2007) with background and history about the film itself. (“All About Jewish Theatre” Website).

This commentary offers further critical analysis and a fantastic nighttime photograph of Warners’ Theatre where the movie premiered on October 6th, 1927. (“Alternative Film Guide” website)

A quick Internet search of other sites indicates that this anniversary seems to be getting a lot of publicity and interest - it should be a big event!

posted by Alto on Oct 30, 2007 at 1:42pm

It really sounds its going to be a great event. I really wish I could be there to see it. Anyway I'll be at the Loews the following week for the Otto Preminger films.

posted by YankeeMike on Oct 31, 2007 at 5:20am

Two questions regarding the theatre building, perhaps someone out there might have the answer: The Kings Theatre had (or has) 2 stage elevators (besides the orchestra pit elevators). I know that the Jersey has a trap room under the stage, but by any chance does the Jersey have stage elevators there as well?

I am aware that the firm that designed the theatre was Rapp & Rapp. But is there any chance that auditorium was designed by Thomas W. Lamb (as a consultant)? The reason I ask is that the Jersey auditorium looks almost exactly like the Loew's Midland and The Fox Theatre in San Francisco, and both of these were designed by Lamb.

posted by GabeDF on Nov 2, 2007 at 10:14am

No, there are no stage elevators. There is a band cart however. As of a few years ago, most of the mechanism pieces were still there.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Nov 2, 2007 at 10:50am

Thanks, Bob. I kind of figured there weren't, but I was hopeful. Didn't know about the band cart. That's quite interesting.

I've been on the tour of the Loew's several times, but I have never actually been backstage (except to see the projection booth--a true wonder to see in 2007). Do you know what's on the floor below the projection booth? If you look at almost any photo of the exterior of the Loew's, you can see two floors of windows. I believe the top one is the projection booth, but what is on the floor under that? Old offices, I would assume.

Also, it would be fascinating to sometime see the trap room, dressing rooms, and the big room under the lobby. Here's hoping I get to do it one day.

posted by GabeDF on Nov 2, 2007 at 2:55pm

One more quick question. Is it possible to walk from the stage to the lobby (and onto the upstairs backstage rooms) without being seen by the audience? Are there backstage passages from the stage (or under it) to the front of the house)?

Like Bluebeard's wife, I'm just very, very curious about what lies behind the locked doors, besides being interested in stagecraft and theatrical history.

Thanks again for any info. you might have.

posted by GabeDF on Nov 2, 2007 at 3:01pm

The room under the booth is the "publicity room" as identified on the original blueprints. That's where the custom posters were originally made for the film/stage shows from 1929-1935. That room is also the access to the roof and clock tower. You have to climb through a window to get on the roof.

Yes, there is a long passageway from the sub-basement under the lobby that will take you backstage. I've walked it during shows, and it's kind of creepy to hear the film echoing through the long, narrow corridor.

There's also a large rehearsal room (and radio broadcasting booth) two levels below the stage.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Nov 2, 2007 at 8:52pm

Quite a building! Thanks for answering my questions. I will be there today for the organ trials. In all my time of visiting the Loew's, I have never heard the organ. I suppose before 1974 it didn't work? and after that there was no organ for a very long time. The first time I was there was in 1965. It was my neighborhood movie house while I was growing up. (All of us should be so lucky!)

I also plan on being there for "The Jazz Singer." It wouldn't surprise me if you sold out! Wouldn't that be great?!

Just love the work you're doing at the Loew's. Please keep it up!

posted by GabeDF on Nov 3, 2007 at 4:32am

Dear GabeDF and any other interested folk,

The Loew's Jersey is always ready to welcome anyone who is passionate about old movie palaces and interested in helping to preserve/restore them.

The range of volunteer duties is very wide and there is no age limits - at the last film there was Toni, a wonderful lady of years (I'll be discreet about her age) welcoming guests and youngsters helping at the concessions. Whether your special skill is folding programs or restoring faux surfaces, it's a very rewarding experience.

And the best bonus is being able to poke and peek at all the great places that there is just not enough time for during a film exhibition or a group tour to see.

There are open house volunteer work calls nearly every Saturday (and, of course, when there are films) from 10am to 6pm. You can call the Loew's box office during the week to confirm or just drop by, press the brass doorbell button next to the classic ticket booth and join on in. Friends of the Loew's provides insurance coverage for all volunteers plus drinks and lunch.

posted by plenum on Nov 3, 2007 at 2:59pm

Here is a special treat for everyone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDmjTlwsE6M

It is also on the Loew's Jersey home page http://www.loewsjersey.org (at the bottom)

Enjoy!

posted by plenum on Nov 3, 2007 at 10:41pm

Thank you so very much for this video. I was planning on writing a short review, but now I don't need to. This remarkable instrument speaks for itself in your wonderful new video (which I have played 5 times already!).

Also, thanks for your encouraging words about volunteering. I would be glad to do so, and will do so, sometime very soon.

posted by GabeDF on Nov 4, 2007 at 9:16am

I attended the screening of The Jazz Singer last night(11-10-07) The organ was playing before the show,according to the staff this was only the 2nd time it has been played.

There were about 350 people so it was a good turnout.There was a historian there who spoke before and after the film.He was very informative.

The organ played into the start the film.The film came on with no sound, people joked around that this was the silent version of the movie.After 5 min the lights came up and we were told the problem would be fixed shortly.

The film came up again and this time with sound! The print of the film was very good given it age(It was WB vault print)

The movie was GREAT on the BIG screen in a GREAT VENUE!

Jolson in "Blackface" was not offensive IMO.HE just sang as he would have in "White face" Other movies from that time did mock black people in a distasteful way.

posted by Peter on Nov 11, 2007 at 6:08am

The "Baby Rose Marie" short film initially had no sound (due to improper loudspeaker hook-up). The feature itself was flawless in picture and sound.

I wasn’t sure what type of audience to expect for this screening (in terms of size and make-up), and was surprised to see a more diverse audience than I expected, particularly in terms of age. I thought it would be a mostly older audience, and while there was a large contingent of seniors (who could probably remember seeing this film in their childhood years, and know the words to every Jolson song ever written), there was an even greater number of 20- and 30-somethings, and even some families and children in attendance (surprising given the “novelty” of this film presentation, but then again maybe that’s the aspect that created interest). It’s amazing to see how this place is able to generate a varied interest in classic movies and attract an audience that spans across generations.

Attendance-wise, I thought I heard the figure “234” or “243” mentioned by one of the ticket sellers just before showtime, but maybe it was “342” (perhaps my mind acting dyslexic again)? It was mixed opinion as to what type of response the theatre would get to this “experiment” (as one staffer-in-charge put it).

In terms of ethnicity, it was predominantly white (not uncommon for movie audiences here, but more so than usual) but nonetheless a more racially diverse gathering than I would have expected for this event, with a small number of non-white (black and Hispanic) customers in attendance. There were no complaints from anyone regarding the film’s content – people came to see it for its historical significance and the opportunity to experience it in an appropriately authentic and historic setting. Everyone seemed to accept it for what it was: entertainment from another era. There must have been quite a few Jewish people in the audience as well – the use of the word “shiksa” in the movie got a hearty laugh (it means “non-Jewish female”, whereas “goy” is the more generic term for a “gentile” and applies to both sexes).

Incidentally, there were several customers who identified themselves as members of a local area chapter of the “Al Jolson Society” (yes, one does exist), and they informed me that they held a special screening about two weeks ago at a much smaller venue (a clubhouse or meeting hall-type place, whose name I can’t recall), so there’s your “other” New York area anniversary screening (definitely not on the same caliber as Loew’s Jersey!) – although this “Al Jolson Forum” entry indicates yet another New York Metro anniversary screening, to take place on December 2nd at Bellmore Movies on Long Island. And on the same forum is their reaction (“Jolson in Jersey…again”) to the Loew’s Jersey screening. (Links found via the “International Al Jolson Society” Website.)

Others in attendance included those affiliated with the Garden State Theater Organ Society – organist Ralph Ringstad Jr. arrived before the doors opened, and with the help of the “Wonder Morton” serenaded customers as they strolled into the auditorium (and it sounded great!). Some moviegoers arrived early too, just so they could hear it play. Selections included some Al Jolson standards (“Toot-Toot-Tootsie” got my feet tapping).

I had the opportunity, pleasure and privilege to be able to attend and take part in this event as “volunteer staff” – I “worked” the door, so if I took your ticket, then “Welcome…and I hope you enjoyed the show”.

posted by Alto on Nov 11, 2007 at 3:14pm

Does anyone know if The organ will be played before Sat. night's showing of "Laura." We have folks from out of town and we only want to go if the organ is going to be played. Any information would be helpful. Thank you.

posted by GabeDF on Nov 14, 2007 at 6:45pm

Since this is Cinema Treasures, please don't misunderstand. I have been to many Loew's films without the organ playing and I have taken guests to such events. In my opinion, the Loew's is THE perfect venue for showing classic films.

Personally, I would love to see "Laura" on the big screen even without the organ prequel, but since the organ is working and since my guests and I are interested in organs (as are many others, I'm sure), it would be really, really nice if the organ was playing; and it would be nice to know one way or the other ahead of time. That is what I meant to say. Thanks again.

posted by GabeDF on Nov 14, 2007 at 7:31pm

GabeDF,

The best way to find out if the organ is being played is to contact the Loew's Jersey box office.
They have a phone number posted on their website and they are good about returning calls.

Also, keep checking the website as your call might prompt them to post a notice regarding the organ.

As you may know, the organ is a joint effort between The Friends of Loew's (who operate the theatre) and The Garden State Theatre Organ Society (who own, restored and play the organ). It's operation currently requires 2 GSTOS members at each performance (one to play and the other to operate the lift mechanism).

I hope this helps and that you and your friends will be able to enjoy both the theatre and the organ.

posted by plenum on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:30pm

Good idea, plenum! Thank you. I just left my name and number and am waiting for a reply.

posted by GabeDF on Nov 16, 2007 at 6:59am

And BTW, the showing of "The Jazz Singer" was sheer magic to me. The presentation was just perfect in every way. Not only did the projectionist do a flawless job, but the venue is ideal for showing such films. It just wouldn't have the same impact for me if it was shown in a smaller/newer cinema. I have seen Jolson many times on television, but you're missing a lot if you don't see him on the big screen. I now have a new appreciation of Jolson. He could emote effectively enough to make people cry, and he was a good dancer as well (watch his moves in "Toot Toot Tootsie"), and his singing is sublime in a large hall. He was easily one of the best of the 20th Century, and I doubt we'll see anything like him again.

posted by GabeDF on Nov 16, 2007 at 7:18am

Haven’t seen any comments here about this past weekend’s Otto Preminger film noir series. I was surprised at the rather light turnout for the Saturday night screening of “Laura” (one of his most notable works). Incidentally, Foster Hirsch’s introductory remarks, commentary and audience Q&A session were enlightening and insightful - they enhanced the movie-going experience, especially for those of us unfamiliar with this director or this movie.

It was announced on Saturday night that the restored “Wonder Morton” organ would be officially “unveiled” to public audiences during the Holiday Film series. In addition to playing prior to a movie, it would be featured in a “sing-along” concert during a show! Watch for future updates and details on the Loew’s Jersey website, or contact the theatre for more information.
__________________________________

Upcoming movies at Loew’s Jersey…

Foreign Film: Saturday, November 24th
8:00 PM: “Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat: Friends 4 Lyf and Death” (2007, 90 min.)

A screening for the local Filipino community*, this new comedy film is currently in theatrical release. It premiered in the Phillipines on October 10th and in the New York City area on November 14-15th.

For movie details and synopsis, read these ImdB and Viva Movies profiles. Also read about it in Jersey City’s Filipino Express Online.

*NOTE: presented in Tagalog language only, no English subtitles.

*************************************************
Holiday Films: December 14th-15th

Friday, Dec. 14th
7:30 PM: “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947, 96 min.)

Saturday, Dec. 15th
6:00 PM: “Mary Poppins” (1964, 140 min.)

Special bonus: restored Robert Morton “Wonder Organ” in concert!

Plus: children can “Visit Santa” on Dec. 15th, 12:30-3:30 PM and receive $1.00 off a child’s admission to the “Mary Poppins” screening.

posted by Alto on Nov 20, 2007 at 6:15pm

The organ plus "Mary Poppins" sounds like an ideal family show. I'm going to make every effort to make the journey "...'cross the river to the Jersey side" (per Tom Waits) with kids in tow!

posted by Ed Solero on Nov 21, 2007 at 9:48am

Thanks for the new info. I will be there, with guests of my own. Really looking forward to it.

posted by GabeDF on Nov 21, 2007 at 6:19pm

Loew’s Jersey’s newly restored “Wonder Morton” organ will make its formal public performance “debut” on Friday, December 14th, 2007 with a short Holiday "Sing-Along" Concert (followed by the 60th anniversary screening of “Miracle on 34th Street”). A fabulous evening of family entertainment, presented with the help of the Garden State Theatre Organ Society!

posted by Alto on Nov 25, 2007 at 7:59am

LOEW’S JERSEY CALL FOR VOLUNTEER USHERS - DECEMBER 1ST HOLIDAY CONCERT

On Saturday evening, December 1st, this theatre will be hosting a Holiday Concert - ushers are still needed to "work" this live show. With the busy winter holiday season upon us, finding extra help at this time of year is always difficult.

However, “'tis the season...for giving” - with this in mind, the theatre is asking its patrons and others for support by donating their time and services. In return, all volunteers scheduled to “work” that evening are invited to see the show for free (tickets are valued at $50 to $65 per seat)! Each volunteer staffer is also allowed to bring a guest “helper” along, so they can take part too.

If you (or anyone you know) would like to assist with ushering, please notify the theatre in advance by calling (201) 798-6055 or by e-mailing a message to loewjersey@gmail.com (“attention: Patricia Giordan, Friends of the Loew’s”). Please provide the following contact information: full names, telephone numbers and return e-mail addresses - so that your name(s) can be confirmed and added to the volunteer roster. Advance notice is necessary in order to determine staffing needs and establish a “head count”.

All scheduled volunteer ushers are requested to report and sign-in at about 6:00 PM. To enter, ring the doorbell at the main entrance and identify yourself. Only authorized volunteers, staff and show personnel will be admitted. Upon arrival, names will be checked against the list and ID tags issued.

Doors will open to the general public at 6:45 PM, show time is at 7:45 PM sharp, and the concert should end at about 11:30 PM. There will be an intermission around 9:30 PM. Ushers will assist patrons before the show, during intermission and at the conclusion of the show. All ushers will be “on call” during the show and are expected to be available for assistance upon request.

The theatre does not provide formal usher uniforms. Therefore, to be easily identifiable to patrons and other staff, all volunteers are asked to maintain a smart, uniform appearance by adhering to the following dress code:
- dress shirt, blouse or vest (in dark red/burgundy, red, white or black)
- dark-colored trousers, pants or skirt (i.e. black, navy blue)
- dark-colored dress shoes (i.e. black or similar) that are comfortable!
- official ID nametag (issued by Friends of the Loew's)

Should on-street parking be unavailable, discount paid parking (with special coupon) is available for theatre volunteers and patrons at Square Ramp parking garage, behind the theatre on Magnolia Ave. "Half-price parking" coupons will be available at the theatre box office on the night of the show.

"'Tis the Season - Holiday Concert Tour" features the soul, R&B, funk and jazz sounds of notable urban contemporary performers from the ‘80s, '90s and today (this theatre will be the first stop on the tour). Show information is available on the Friends of the Loew’s website. Also listen to local radio stations WBLS-FM (107.5 MHz), WRKS-FM (98.7 MHz) or WBGO-FM (88.3 MHz) for more details.

posted by Alto on Nov 30, 2007 at 8:41am

On YouTube there are now SIX videos of Ralph Ringstad Jr., at the Wonder Morton organ at the Loew's Jersey on 11/3! Go to the links below or directly to youtube.com and search for videos by "loewsjersey". They add up to almost 35 minutes!

Opening song: http://youtube.com/watch?v=jDmjTlwsE6M&feature=user
("Drums in my Heart")

5th song: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4tWM0euiK4U&feature=user

2nd song: http://youtube.com/watch?v=gyoC3y75zZs&feature=user
("You" - from 1934)

3rd song: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rDaooJR66hs&feature=user
("Jeepers creepers")

4th song: http://youtube.com/watch?v=CwrOQp0vnfU&feature=user

Encore: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yGCUeHR7Y84&feature=user
"I only have eyes for you"

Fantastic! And he really pulls out all the stops for the first song. It would be well worth a long trip to be able to hear this organ live!

posted by spectrum on Nov 30, 2007 at 7:05pm

Hey... Does anyone know when the organ music starts this Saturday the 15th? The website lists a 6pm showtime for MARY POPPINS - but I'm not sure if this includes the organ sing-along portion of the show. The listing for MIRACLE ON 34th STREET on Friday the 14th specifically states the organ show will begin 30 minutes before the 7:30 screening. I want to bring the kids along on Saturday and would like to make sure to catch the entire program. Thanks!

posted by Ed Solero on Dec 11, 2007 at 11:47am

Unfortunately, there will be an organ sing-along only on Friday, December 14 with the screening of MIRACLE ON 34th STREET. This is due to the availability of the organist.

Santa will be in the Loew's on Saturday afternoon and the theatre is decorated for the holidays.
This year has a little extra treat with the sing-along - many "thank yous" to the Garden State Theatre Organ Society!

In the future, as the organ is fully finished (the GSTOS team is still tweaking and tuning) and it becomes fully integrated into the Loew's programming, I look forward to seeing a show and hearing the Wonder Morton as a regular joy in my life.

posted by plenum on Dec 11, 2007 at 12:00pm

And to clarify...

At this moment, there will not be any organ sing-along or performance on Saturday, Dec. 15.

But please keep your eye on the Loew's Jersey website or call the theatre, as things sometimes change at the last minute.

posted by plenum on Dec 11, 2007 at 12:13pm

Silent films will be great there. I'm certain the projection crew will install the essential variable speed motors to run at the correct frame rate, as well as acquiring the proper aperture plates and lenses for the correct full-frame aspect ratio.

The Jersey opened with sound films in 1929, so experiencing a silent film on their big screen will be quite a treat.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Dec 11, 2007 at 12:14pm

Thanks plenum, although you just burst my bubble! I was really looking forward to treating the kids to the organ show moreso than the film. Due to work, there's no way I'll make it to the Loew's on Friday night. Darn the luck! I'll keep my fingers crossed and check the website for a hopeful update. Otherwise, I might scrap plans alltogether and just hold off my first visit to the Loew's until better weather returns to the area. Not that the Loew's isn't a worthy destination even without the organ show - but that was the dangling carrot that made suffering the journey to Jersey City this weekend (not to mention schlepping the kids) even more worthwhile.

posted by Ed Solero on Dec 11, 2007 at 12:20pm

Thanks for that insight Bob - it solves a minor mystery of mine.

The onstage lightboard has a controller panel for the organ lift with "up", "down" and "picture" positions but the GSTOS team tells me it was never actually connected. I guess since there was no need for the organist to be in position to see and accompany the film, the 1928/29 installers saw no need to connect the panel.

The GSTOS team currently raises, rotates and lowers the organ "by eye" with a handheld controller. They are installing the necessary limit switches and position indicators so that when everything is all done, the organ will have the three positions but that is an event yet to come.

posted by plenum on Dec 11, 2007 at 12:22pm

Plenum: Bob Eberenz and I were there in the motor room when the organ lift first over-rode the limit switch. We could hear the metal crunching on the other side of the wall. It was NOT a pretty sound!

Please make sure those limit switches are in perfect working order before trusting them. It took years to finally get those rails fixed.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Dec 11, 2007 at 12:43pm

The projector motor regulators are already in place to adjust the speed for silent films.

posted by MBD on Dec 11, 2007 at 1:23pm

So there are plans to screen silent films at the Loews once the organ is fully operational? That's great news! Would be great to see an epic silent film like Wings, Ben Hur or The Iron Horse on the large screen at the Loews.

posted by YankeeMike on Dec 12, 2007 at 9:59am

Had a great time at the sing a long last night before the movie. We even had a full soprano section in the orchestra. Apparetly recalling all the harmonies from the high school choir. It was fabu seeing so many generations of people together enjoying the same thing. Despite the choppy print of "Miracle on 34th Street" the evening was a blast.

Now that I've heard the Wonder Organ here I can go back home to San Diego to listen to the one they're installing at the Balboa Theater. Cheers.

posted by John Whitley-Gibson on Dec 15, 2007 at 6:35am

Print quality for both films, while not terrible, was indeed spotty, with dropouts, pops, scratches and blemishes, especially for “Miracle on 34th Street. I was told that 20th Century-Fox prints tend to be that way due to poor preservation and care (whereas Warner Bros. prints, for example, tend to be among the best). The technical crew worked well with what they had and the presentations went smoothly, with a bright pictures and super-clear sound.

In a surprising twist, audience size on Friday was actually higher than on Saturday (whose evening shows usually have the highest turnout). Box office tallies indicated that attendance on Friday was close to 300 (with the organ concert no doubt being a major draw) and low 200s on Saturday (perhaps due to the windy chill outside and looming threat of a winter storm later that night). There were many children in attendance (especially for “Mary Poppins”). Strangely, to my eyes, the auditorium on Saturday looked fuller. Regardless, it was two nights of great family entertainment, enjoyed by all who were there!

As a volunteer staffer, I also want to personally express gratitude to those loyal and generous patrons who really got into the “holiday spirit” of giving – several made an extra “donation” to the Friends by purchasing tickets and telling us to “keep the change”…one group even remarked that they “love this place.” Thank you!

posted by Alto on Dec 16, 2007 at 8:08am

For all classic film series fans: some “insider information" regarding upcoming movies for January...

Although never publicly announced or discussed at this past weekend’s movie shows (because NOTHING has been finalized), the Friends are contemplating an Orson Welles film program for the last weekend of January.

The following two titles were mentioned as prime candidates: “Citizen Kane” (1941) and “Touch of Evil” (1958, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of its release).

For a third title, it would be a toss-up – if my spotty memory is correct, among those mentioned as possiblities are: “The Lady from Shanghai” (1947), “Journey Into Fear” (1943), "The Third Man” (1949).

Once again, the theme, titles and dates for January are all TENTATIVE - there are NO definite plans! Availability of prints is still UNKNOWN. Please check the theatre’s website regularly for updates - an “official” announcement could come at any time.

posted by Alto on Dec 16, 2007 at 8:59am

I just watched "Miracle on 34th Street" on cable and the print was fine. It looks even better on DVD. I think theatres such as this should shame the studios into providing the best prints possible. Of course, striking a decent print costs money and I guess it's not practical in most cases. I'm hoping that Loew's Jersey will have a 40th Anniversary "Planet of the Apes" showing (another 20th Century-Fox film), but I also hope with a very good print! Otherwise, why bother? You're better off just watching a DVD on a big plasma display. Another 20th Century-Fox movie the Jersey should think about booking is "Journey to the Center of the Earth." 2009 is that movie's 50th Anniversary!

posted by Rory on Dec 16, 2007 at 12:20pm

Rory, "Why Bother"?
No media can beat the excitement of seeeing a movie on the big screen in a movie palace.
I'll take watching a slightly worn print with an occasional scratch in a movie palace over a DVD or plasma screen everytime.
Shame on you! :)
I would agree "Journey to the Center of the Earth" in four track mag sound at Loews' would be magnificent.

posted by vito on Dec 16, 2007 at 1:04pm

"Journey" at the Loew's - wow. I really hope that comes to pass. The last time I saw the movie in 35mm it had faded to pink, but even that way it'll still be worth seeing at the Loew's.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Dec 16, 2007 at 2:15pm

I haven't been in Jersey City in years, How are my guys at the Boulevard Drinks hot dog stand at 48 Journal Square doing?

posted by Greenpoint on Dec 16, 2007 at 2:22pm

That is still the best place to eat when you're in a hurry to catch a show at the Loew's Jersey.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Dec 16, 2007 at 2:29pm

"Why bother?" Well, I guess I've become spoiled, but bad prints really bother me. Any print that's faded to pink is a very old print indeed (though it can happen pretty fast if the thing isn't stored right), but really... no one should have the balls to be renting out prints that are old and faded. There's an expression for that, it's 'Bullshit!' I've read of newly struck prints of both "Planet of the Apes" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth" being shown in LA's Egyptian Theatre and other places. I guess it really all depends on how much those in charge want to spend on a good print. By the way, what size is the screen at the Jersey? Is it showing Cinemascope and Panavision films properly? And by the same turn is it showing old Academy ratio films properly? 2001 (since I know who I'm talking to here) has its 40th Anniversery next year. Would the Jersey be able to show a 70mm print of it -- properly?

posted by Rory on Dec 16, 2007 at 3:56pm

I believe the screen is 50 feet wide. Just to give good examples for each ratio, I've seen "The Haunting" and "2001" (Panavision 2.35) and "King Kong" and "The Wizard of Oz" (Aacademy 1.33) presented properly there. As for 70mm, the theater inherited 70mm projectors from another Loew's theater that closed (the details should be somewhere up above in this post), but I don't think they've been installed in the projection booth. Just getting them up there would be a major undertaking!

posted by Bill Huelbig on Dec 17, 2007 at 4:20am

70mm projectors and rectifiers were hauled up from the lobby to the booth this summer (2007). Thank you to all who came out on those hot days and helped move those monsters!

I do not know the timetable for their installation.

posted by plenum on Dec 17, 2007 at 4:31am

It was a fun night at the Loews friday although I wish TCF could have furnished a better print of "Miracle On 34th St." It seemed like every time there was a skip in a scene there was sigh from the audience. But everything else was first rate including hearing the Organ played for over 30 minutes before the film.

posted by YankeeMike on Dec 17, 2007 at 5:25am

To answer above, 70mm projectors a gift from another theater Loews operated,
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/406/
ex KB Cinema in Washington, D.C. where I enjoyed 70 mm fillms including Glory and Godfather Part III. The last comment raves about 70mm films there.

posted by HowardBHaas on Dec 17, 2007 at 5:43am

TCF has a pristine print of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, but you have to contact the right people at the studio in order to access it.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Dec 17, 2007 at 7:59am

Bill,

Accurate dimensions and aspect ratio is available on the Loew's Jersey Wikipedia entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loew%27s_Jersey_Theater

(Robert, a member of the Projection crew, reviewed the entry.)

posted by plenum on Dec 17, 2007 at 8:17am

At the risk of betraying my lack of proper education in these matters, I'd like to ask a question pertaining to presentation of various aspect ratios at the Jersey. Do both the scope and flat presentations here utilize the full height of the Jersey's screen - with masking only necessary to bring in the legs at either side? Or are 2.35:1 films masked at top and bottom as well?

posted by Ed Solero on Dec 17, 2007 at 9:25am

If the 70mm equipment ever gets installed I'd like to suggest "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines" and "Ice Station Zebra," even "Doctor Dolittle." This would be a break from the usual "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Spartacus."

posted by Rory on Dec 17, 2007 at 11:24am

Has 20th Century restored "Doctor Dolittle" to roadshow length? The DVD and cable versions have all been of the shorter general release version. I'd enjoy seeing that one (a childhood favorite) on the big screen.

posted by Ed Solero on Dec 17, 2007 at 11:50am

I know that a restored 70mm print was shown of "Doctor Dolittle" in CA a year or two ago, but I don't know if Fox has restored it to the roadshow version. They should. They cut out one of the best songs. I think this month is the movie's 40th anniversary, but I doubt there are many at Fox that want to celebrate one of the biggest bombs the studio ever had, so who knows what's going on with it.

posted by Rory on Dec 17, 2007 at 4:08pm

Fox has restored many of their 70MM Todd-AO / D-150 films in recent years. They have been shown at the Egyptian & Aero and the Academy Theatres in Los Angeles. These prints are DTS sounded and no magnetic tracks and for change-over houses only. And you have tobe a Special Venue with a Great track record on prints.

posted by William on Dec 17, 2007 at 4:34pm

Fox may restore "Doctor Dolittle" since they did restore "Star!" - Julie Andrews and Robert Wise together again after "The Sound of Music" and it was still a financial bomb, probably a bigger one than "Dolittle".

posted by Bill Huelbig on Dec 18, 2007 at 4:41am

This ad for the Labor Day weekend of 1942 has listings for all of the Loew's theatres in the Greater New York market at that time, including three in New Jersey: www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/loews9342.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on Dec 18, 2007 at 7:51am

I wouldn't think the studios would go to all the trouble to restore the sound of 70mm or even 35mm stereophonic films, then strike new prints with magnetic tracks! That would be truly retro. Those megnetic tracks weren't that great even in the day, with lots of tape hiss. I wonder how many theatres back then even regularly cleaned the projector's audio heads after every showing? No, for better or worse, it's all converted to digital now.

posted by Rory on Dec 18, 2007 at 12:03pm

Well I said above DTS format. A good majority of the current theatres that still have 70MM installed are Magnetic systems. It's not all Digital in 70MM 5 perf format. There is still a number of 70MM prints that are mag striped in depots around the world.

posted by William on Dec 18, 2007 at 12:37pm

Rory,during the roadshow reel-to-reel days, We did clean the audio heads every day. In platter runs, running continuous shows, we cleaned them after evety performancea.
In addition, for roadshow engagements,they were often replaced at the start of a new movie's run.
If Rendres reads this I would be interested in knowing what the policy was regarding mag heads at Radio City.

posted by vito on Dec 19, 2007 at 4:43am

What theatres in the NYC area are 70mm reel to reel capable?

Radio City?
Ziegfield?
Film Forum?
The theatre in Suffern? (Does Suffern count as NYC area)?

I am wondering how "unique" the Loew's Jersey will be once the 35mm/70mm Norelcos are installed.

Film Forum is a strong competitor (along with cable channels such as TMC & AMC) and with the organ back playing and 70mm projection ability soon, how should the Loew's position itself?

posted by plenum on Dec 20, 2007 at 8:13am

We don't have 70mm at the Lafayette in Suffern, but we do run 35mm reel-to-reel.

Film Forum does not show 70mm (why would they on those postage stamps they call screens?), Radio City can, Ziegfeld can, the AMMI in Queens can, I think the Museum of Modern Art can. The Loew's Jersey would be a great venue for 70mm outside of Manhattan

posted by PeterApruzzese on Dec 20, 2007 at 8:51am

Much as I love going to the Loews I would not put it in the same catagory as the Film Forum. The Loews really only programs 1 weekend a month from Sept-June for films while the Forum screen films 365 days a year. I would hope that once the Loews gets their 70mm projectors working that they show whatever is available in that format. To me the Forum is a great place to watch pre-wide screen films. Wide screen films at the Forum almost always suffer in comparison.

posted by YankeeMike on Dec 20, 2007 at 8:03pm

In todays edition of The Real Deal, New York's Real Estate Bible publication, there was an article about a new residential/commercial project to be built in Journal Square. Demolition is to start in January and construction will begin in late March. It is to be a two tower complex, one 60 story tower and one 40 stories built ON TOP of a 7 story parking facility. There will be 1,500 apartments in addition to a fair amount of retail space. No word as to whether they will be rentals or condos. This will be the tallest building in New Jersey; taller than Trump's new waterfront project. I think this is great news for Loew's Jersey theater (which was referenced in the article). More housing and new construction means more visibility and potential customers for the theater which could lead to more contibutions for its continued restoration.

If someone can explain to me how to link an article I'll be happy to try it!

posted by LuisV on Dec 20, 2007 at 8:16pm

Here is the link...

Bargain prices, new development stir interest in Jersey City's Journal Square

As a resident of the area in question, here are a few factiods...

1) the new towers will go in where the McDonald's restaurant currently exists (the article mistakenly places them across the street from the PATH station)

2) Harwood currently owns and operates the Square Ramp parking deck behind The Loew's Jersey

3) Originally, the plans called for in-ground parking but they were changed after testing revealed hard dolomite rock and the expense would have been too great.

4) There are two other large condo projects in the Journal Square/Heights area: Canco Lofts and The Beacon. Canco Lofts is a conversion of the 1929 American Can complex next to the Pulaski Skyway and The Beacon is the former Jersey City Medical Center (17 buildings!) Sales figures are not readily available but recently, two new large buildings downtown - Grove Pointe and 50 Columbus - near the Grove Street station began offering rental units in addition to condo units.

posted by plenum on Dec 20, 2007 at 9:28pm

The City of Jersey City owns the Loew's Jersey Theatre and the FOL, the operators of the theatre lease it. Is that correct? Is the long term lease still being negotiated, has the new lease been signed by both parties, or what kind of an arrangement does the FOL have at this point with the city?

I am concerned because there has been some gossip that the theatre is in danger thanks to the skyrocking real estate values around Journal Square. The Loew's sits on a prime site. Others say that the theatre will benefit from the new affluent residents in the area.

Are the city's plans to preserve the theatre at all costs are they becoming greedy? Can we rest easy or is it time to get out our picket signs, petitions, and lawyers?

posted by GabeDF on Dec 21, 2007 at 2:46pm

This is not the appropriate forum to discuss the inner working or details of FOL or the City of Jersey City's plans and relationships.

The Loew's Jersey theatre is a landmarked structure and is owned by the City of Jersey City.

Friends of the Loew's, Inc. is a non-profit 503(c) corporation that has been awarded a lease for the facility.

Any rumors about the theatre being in danger of demolition or profiteering are just that.

Further details are best obtained from Friends of the Loew's themselves.

posted by plenum on Dec 21, 2007 at 2:57pm

I apologize. I didn't mean to offend anyone. I just simply care greatly about this theatre.

I'll take your word for it when you say "Any rumors about the theatre being in danger of demolition or profiteering are just that."

posted by GabeDF on Dec 21, 2007 at 4:24pm

No apologies necessary.

I was just trying to prevent a pebble drop from turning into an avalanche.

As you probably know, the FOL org is open to talking and answering questions, so save them up and ask them when you next drop by the theatre.

posted by plenum on Dec 21, 2007 at 4:34pm

I think one thing that could be done to help insure the long-term survival of the Jersey Theatre, apart from it being declared a National Historic Landmark, is if the City of Jersey City would organize a yearly "Jersey City Film Festival" with the Loew's Jersey as its centerpiece. I would imagine it could easily rival anything done in Manhattan and would appeal to those who either can't afford a trip into the city or don't want to be bothered. Hasn't anyone thought of that before?

posted by Rory on Dec 21, 2007 at 4:38pm

Thanks, plenum. Will save my questions for the next movie.

Rory, that's a very good idea. I agree completely.

posted by GabeDF on Dec 21, 2007 at 4:57pm

Help bring time back to Journal Square

Passing through Journal Square and seeing the hands missing from the silent clock is like time is standing still -- sending out a message of neglect and inactivity at what may appear from the street an old abandoned movie palace. And as we all should know, the Loew's Jersey is alive and as well as it can be working on limited resources.

The whole clock was restored by a professional clock restorer, but at some point the wooden hands had fallen off. A friend of mine in upstate, NY who belongs to a clock and watch association, introduced me to Chuck Roser of the Clock Tower Chapter of that organization. I contacted him for FOL and for $500 he created new aluminum power coated (an enamel like paint) hands from original drawings and specifications he had on file from the Seth Thomas Clock Company. New counterweights for the hands were also made that were painted white to blend in with the clock face.

The hands are now on display in a lobby showcase awaiting funds for their installation by an insured clock installer who, I'm told, costs $1,200 to install the hands and fix a small gear box and shaft directly behind the hands that link them to the massive clock works.

Donations provided the cost of the new hands and begun towards the $1,200 goal for their installation. I trust that the loyal base of donors and new donors will come forward to restore this crowning touch to the Loew's facade.

Along with the newly restored Wonder Morton organ, a working clock tower with its bells and and animation of St. George slaying the dragon every 15 minutes will show the community that the Loew's Jersey has pride in not only its historic past but its future.

I am not writing in any official capacity but rather as a interested individual looking to help the Loew's return to its former glory.

posted by Jim Brown on Dec 30, 2007 at 9:33am

Well, all you need is 1200 people to donate one dollar each! That can't be too hard. Somebody needs to get out into the community and go door to door. Do people in Jersey City care at all? (By the way, I live in North Carolina, which is why I care about good prints of old movies playing at the Jersey. If I travel there to just see a movie, which I hope to do sometime, it better be a damn good print!)

posted by Rory on Dec 30, 2007 at 9:43am

Does anyone know what films the Loews is planning to screen in Jan. So far there is nothing listed on their web site.

posted by YankeeMike on Jan 4, 2008 at 9:16am

Feb 1&2
Orson Welles weekend
CITIZEN KANE / TOUCH OF EVIL / LADY FROM SHANGHAI

posted by swampy on Jan 6, 2008 at 2:34pm

Thanks

posted by YankeeMike on Jan 8, 2008 at 8:35am

In preparation for a post about a recent visit to the Loew's, I happened to find this article in a search...which is ironic, given the previously mentioned reportage about development plans:

http://tinyurl.com/2n9uel

The publication date is listed as October 14, 1984.

posted by schmadrian on Jan 9, 2008 at 6:26pm

That above post really scared the hell out of me until I read the fine print. When I hit the link the New York Times page it appeared on it had today's date. I breathed a sigh of relief after I read THE REST of the post that said the publication date was from 1984, and confirmed it on the NYT page. Whew! On the other hand, at this point I think I'm more prepared for disappointments like this because it's become a regular occurrence for the most part. Thank god it wasn't what I thought it was, and that the Loews Jersey has been living on and will continue to live on well into the future.

posted by Irv on Jan 9, 2008 at 7:02pm

When designing my recent NYC visit, I most wanted to see the Loew's. I get the weekly newsletter and I'm always sad that I can't volunteer there.

I got my first view of the theatre from across the street...and I was all smiles for the next hour or so...even through our journey back to NYC.

We were greeted at the door by Patty, whom I had spoken to on the phone that morning. She was incredibly gracious with her time, with her enthusiasm in answering question, everything. (In fact, after chatting for about half an hour on the stage...with two young volunteers happily racing about, and joined by a co-worker of hers, I was the one who cut the chat short, as I was mindful of taking up too much time.) We even got a primer about local politics, both current and that of the early 20th century.

What an amazing building. So much has been done already, and it's got such character, such personality...even those elements that are crying out for restoration.

I won't hold forth on a polemic regarding the duty Jersery City (and its citizens) have in allowing The Friends of The Jersey to get on with their stewardship...but I will say that my heart was full in leaving the building, and my hopes go out to everyone involved that this movie palace is allowed to be restored to its former glory, taking its place once again in the lives of all who are fortunate to take part in its entertainments.

Bravo to Patty and everyone involved in the ongoing efforts.

I have put up a Picasa photo album of our visit; please email me for the link.

posted by schmadrian on Jan 10, 2008 at 9:19am

ORSON WELLES WEEKEND – this MORE than makes up for the absence of movies in January!

Friday, Feb. 1 – his first starring role in cinema...
8:00 PM: “Citizen Kane” (1941, 119 min.) - AFI’s #1 film pick on their “100 Years...100 Movies” list.

Saturday, Feb.2 – three fabulous features all in one day…
3:00 PM: “The Lady from Shanghai” (1948, 87 min.)
6:30 PM: “The Magnificent Ambersons” (1942, 88 min.)
8:40 PM: “Touch of Evil” (1958, 111 min.) –caps off the weekend with the PREMIERE 50th Anniversary screening of a pristine, NEWLY struck print!

PLUS, another classic film weekend (TBA), tentatively scheduled near the month's end (Feb. 22-23). Monitor the newly redesigned and enhanced Friends’ Website for future updates.

posted by Alto on Jan 14, 2008 at 9:59am

FYI for anyone headed to The Loew's Jersey for the Orson Wells Weekend.
There is a new listing of restaurants and eateries near the theatre on their website.

Visitor Information -> Dining

www.loewsjersey.org

posted by plenum on Jan 28, 2008 at 7:05pm

Im amazed at what the Loew's Jersey has accomplished by its volunteers. Who would have thought that a 3300 seat movie palace on the brink of demolition would come back as a home for classic film and a restored Organ concerts in Jersey City. Just think what they could do with a larger budget. This should be a template what could be achieved by using volunteers on a shoestring budget. This is the type of theatre that classic American movies were meant to be shown. I think Turner Classics should spotlight this theatre and Hollywood with all its money should take a lesson on what a movie palace showing classic films should look like and not like the Egyptian in Hollywood. I think Steven S and Martin S should focus some of there preservation funds to this wonderful venue. I think the preservation of our last historic movie palaces is just as important as the preservation of film.brucec

posted by brucec on Jan 30, 2008 at 12:11pm

All of this is true...except that there's another player here. One that has not, to my reckoning, as it's been explained to me, allowed the Friends of the Loew's to make the most of its stewardship. And when your hands are tied...it's tough to perform the magic you're capable of.

Until that situation changes, there's a ceiling on what can be accomplished, no matter the extent of the volunteer support.

posted by schmadrian on Jan 30, 2008 at 12:19pm

Why are the FOL's hands tied? What's the problem? NOTHING should hold back this great theatre from becoming again what it once was. It is all to rare and a precious jewel today. You don't throw away the Hope diamond.

Just a very choice few of these places remain. It is a crime to not restore them to the completion -- including everything from the ticket booth to the draperies, to the orchestra pit railing, to the lounges, etc. etc.

What on earth could be the problem with progress on this true Wonder Theatre -- an equal (IMO) of the Chicago, the Ohio, and Shea's Buffalo?

posted by GabeDF on Jan 30, 2008 at 7:01pm

And might I add, IMHO, that this theatre is perhaps the most beautiful and least "gimmicky" of the remaining 1920s movie palaces. There are no Chinese temples or Egyptian sphinxes here, just sheer red and golden Italian Baroque grandness, as only Rapp & Rapp could accomplish. Sure R&R took architectural liberties here, but in general they stayed pretty close to the books as far as proportion and balance go. The theatre is just plain beautiful without engendering a snicker. Yes, this theatre is beautiful and huge. It is something to be awed. It should and does leave people looking up with their mouths wide open, speechless. In that way, it reminds me of Grand Central Terminal. Both are places whose loss would be unacceptable. They must be saved and restored at all costs. That is my opinion of this truly great theatre. Nothing should be holding this place back, nothing. I agree with Brucec that Hollywood needs to respect and recognize it's past by giving this place money to continue and someday finish the restoration. For the Loew's Jersey was, in many respects and from 1929 to 1948, Hollywood; not just the Loew's Jersey, of course, but all movie theatres on the scale and grandeur of the Jersey. During that time, the theatres came first, and the movies were 2nd in terms of investment and in their ability to draw an audience. Hollywood really should recognize it's real history. If we could ask him, Marcus Loew, which came first and second, I'm sure he would say without hesitation, that the theatres always came first; not DVDs and not concession stands, and not even the movies themselves. Remember, Loew's owned MGM. It was NOT the other way around. I'll even go so far as to say that Hollywood (is that TCM today?) has a duty to save the best of what is left, and certainly this theatre is among those places.

posted by GabeDF on Jan 30, 2008 at 7:25pm

This is not my video, but I highly recommend it if you're curious to see what all the fuss is about. The best thing about this video is that it gives an excellent idea of the lobby of the theatre (a tour really), and you do get a peek (a dark one) of the auditorium as well. Also, you do get to see the real movie screen as it begins to show "Miracle on 34th Street." Again, this is well worth watching:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VA2ArQFb38

When we talk about the Loew's Jersey, we are not talking "small change." This is one of the grandest movie palaces still standing; and it is largely (99 percent) unchanged from it's 1929 opening.

posted by GabeDF on Jan 30, 2008 at 7:39pm

Hollywood has a duty?!!! I guess you mean the modern corporate subsidiaries euphemistically know as "the studios." Hell, it's taken decades for them to wake up to caring about the film and sound elements in their vaults. Now you think they should also care about some old buildings scattered across the country? Sir, these are souless, bottom-line, don't-do-nothin'-unless-they-smell-a-huge-profit creatures who probably won't give you the correct time!

posted by Rory on Jan 30, 2008 at 7:46pm

GabeDF,

Thanks again for mentioning that video - I have gone ahead and incorporated it into the www.loewsjersey.org website.

Susan S., another volunteer, and I worked hard over the Christmas holiday to launch the new site.
Have you had a chance to explore it?

posted by plenum on Jan 30, 2008 at 8:36pm

The new site is wonderful! I think you are doing a great job of combining the best of the old site with the updated elements and pages. The main page really grabbed my attention and it is faithful to the atmosphere of the theatre. I also like the Quicktime VR view. Perhaps you could do one of the auditorium as well, and perhaps the auditorium from the stage? Just a thought. All in all, the new web site is a very nice improvement!

BTW, I'm so glad you included that video of the interior. People should see this theatre in motion, so that they can get a spacial sense of the place.

posted by GabeDF on Jan 31, 2008 at 8:45am

To Rory: Yes, the "corporate subsidiaries" that are "the studios" have a duty to preserve their history, including the breath-taking theatres that they created from about 1920 to 1933 (or so). Look at what Ted Turner did to save many of the old movies! TCM is a literal television museum of old movies and obviously it doesn't make a red cent for Turner or his companies. He did it because he recognizes his duty to preserve our heritage. The Dolan family of Cablevision restored Radio City. Why? To make money? I don't think so. If the studios won't step up to the plate of saving their history, the government should step in and save them. The Paris Opera and La Scala don't turn a profit, but there they are. Can't we in America have at least one grand movie palace whose main purpose is to show movies (which, btw, are our greatest artistic contribution to the world)? Is that too much to ask? Well, the English had to make "Chaplin" so perhaps England and France will step in and save a couple of our movie palaces. One of them would certainly be the Loew's Jersey Theatre.

posted by GabeDF on Jan 31, 2008 at 8:54am

The movie studios, to my knowledge, didn't create whatever surviving movie palaces there are. The vast majority of what where called "Movie Palaces" were old Vaudeville houses that were merely converted to movie theatres. Another thing that has to be remember is that the modern "studios" aren't the same companies they were in the past. Mostly they're now just logos that larger multi-national corporations now use to distribute motion pictures. 20th Century-Fox, for instance, has been sold and resold so many times that not only isn't it the same corporation it was in the thirties and forties, it isn't even the same company it was in the sixties and seventies! The modern incarnations of the film studios don't feel they owe a thing to the past, believe me -- they'd laugh you off whatever "lots" they got left, and in fact are only interested in preserving and restoring their old library titles because they, thankfully, still think there's a buck in it. Get real! ; )

posted by Rory on Jan 31, 2008 at 9:24am

I have to respectfully disagree with GabeF regarding the Jersey. While I do believe that it is a spectacular theater that should be fully restored, I believe all four of the other Wonder Theaters were even better. I would even throw in The Hollywood Theater in Times Square.

The Paradise, which is fully restored is astonishing. The 175th Street theater, which you think is gimmicky, is one of the best fusion style theaters remaining in the world and it too is fully restored. The Valencia, while grotesquely repainted to reflect its current use as a church is also a more beautiful theater than the Jersey. Finally, I believe The Kings (which I had to opportunity to view on a tour last year) would outshine all of the others if it were restored to it former opulence. Even in its decayed state, it is jaw droppingly beautiful. The Hollywood, by the way, is awe inspiring in its glamour restoration by the church.

Again, no disrespect to the Jersey is intended. The Loew's Wonder Theaters have to be the finest quintet ever constructed as a group by one company. But, if I had to rank them, I would place the Jersey last.

posted by LuisV on Jan 31, 2008 at 10:06am

Isn't this thread about the Loew's Jersey (and more broadly about movie palaces), Rory? I am strictly speaking of theatres that were built to show movies, and not converted vaudeville houses. The Loew's Jersey Theatre was created specifically to show movies, with the 2nd purpose being vaudeville. The old Roxy Theatre in New York was also created to show movies, as were Broadway's Rivoli and Rialto. If you should go to the Loew's Jersey, you would see that this is obvious. Radio City is not strictly speaking a movie palace because it was created for a grander form of vaudeville. Similarly, the State Theatre (Jersey City) was not a movie palace, because it was a converted vaudeville house.

The Loew's Jersey was/IS a MOVIE palace. Loew's was a theatre chain that created/bought MGM to fill its theatres with "product." After 1935, and while Loew's still owned the Jersey Theatre, vaudeville was dead. So from 1935 to 1948 the parent company Loew's showed their subsidiary company's (MGM) movies in their movie theatres. So in this case, the theatre was intimately tied in with the studio.

Of course that's in the past, and modern Hollywood has little to do with the old theatres, if anything. Yet modern Hollywood is more than happy to ride on the coat tails of old Hollywood, aren't they? Don't you think they owe old Hollywood something for that goodwill? Modern Hollywood (collectively, and even if they are just sub's of major corporations) OWES old Hollywood and its theatres something. New Yorkers believed that the New York Central R.R. owed Grand Central Terminal something. The railroad wanted to tear it down and make a real estate killing. The battle went all the way to the Supreme Court. New Yorkers won, and Grand Central is still there. As it turns out, NY State actually restored the structure. So perhaps it will take government intervention to restore the best of the old movie palaces. If NJ were only more like Ohio in that regard. Have you ever seen the (Loew's) Ohio Theatre in Columbus?! What a job the state did on that old theatre. Why can't that be done in NJ?

Perhaps in 100 years, modern Hollywood will be defunct (thanks in no small part to its blown up video game comic book movies) and the existing movie palaces will still be here beautifully restored. They were certainly built to last forever. Call my views naive, tradition bound, or "European," but these ideas are my opinions. Money is not God. People need culture too.

posted by GabeDF on Jan 31, 2008 at 10:30am

To LuisV: You are entitled to your own tastes and opinions. I'm glad that you think so highly of the 5 Wonder Theatres. We are in total agreement on that count. I would place the King's as a very close 2nd to the Jersey, but that's just my opinion. I'm not unbiased. H grew up with the Loew's Jersey. It was my neighborhood movie house. The lobby of the King's is without question one of the most beautiful in the country (restored or not). Next to the Loew's Jersey, the King's is my biggest concern. I hope it can be saved and fully restored. It should be.

posted by GabeDF on Jan 31, 2008 at 10:43am

Gabe, I'm very cynical about "Hollywood," old or new. In the words of Vincent Price, "It was an evil place." Yes, I agree with you it would be nice if the "Studios" would maintain the surviving Movie Palaces as something like museums and show fully restored, pristine prints of their old movies all the time. It would be wonderful, FABULOUS!!! But it ain't gonna happen. And as for "Money is not God"... Oh, just call me Mr. Cynical.

posted by Rory on Jan 31, 2008 at 10:57am

I'm going to resist my usual diatribing and instead simply mention that this week, I've been trawling the CT pages and am constantly stunned by how much has been lost. In just about every major city in North America. (I'm constantly amazed that my 'home town'...population when I was growing up of less than 250,000...had TWO Thomas Lamb cinemas a block apart. Both now gone.) My point here is that while we see these 'palaces' in a particular light, others, many others, MOST others, don't.

We live in a world of diminishing appreciation of our heritage. More value is placed on 'new' than 'old'. (This goes for people as well as buildings.) Much can be said about how this reflects 'modern' values. And yet we began knocking down many of these gems forty, fifty, sixty years ago. So it's not a new development, this disregard, this disrespect.

If our own neighbours don't put any value on these nostalgic gems, these cathedrals of film, if they can't be bothered to want to reclaim, refurbish and restore, why would you expect someone from thousands of miles away to? The skewed perception of 'Hollywood's role' aside (and subsequent naive railings at the same), I suppose we just have to do what we can, wherever we can.

posted by schmadrian on Jan 31, 2008 at 10:58am

To GabeDF...I grew up with The Valencia so I too know what its like to have an emotional favorite. The reality is that all FIVE of these theaters make up an incredible collection of theater architecture and history and should be left to subsequent generations as an example of a way of life that no longer exists. For 4 out of the 5 Wonder Theaters, I think that will happen. I believe the futures of The Jersey, the 175th Street, The Valencia and The Paradise are assured. Like you, my overriding concern is the Kings. We've lost so many grand theaters of the past; The Roxy, the Capitol, The Flushing RKO Keiths, The Brooklyn Fox, Loews Pitkin, I could go on and on. It is very important that we keep what is left.

I've been following the saga of The Boyd theater in Philadelphia with dismay at how close that city is to losing its one remaining movie palace. This is the only one left in the 6th? largest city in the country! What a shame. While we in New York complain a lot about our losses, the reality is that we still have an enviable amount of theaters remaining. Besides the Wonder Theaters we have Radio City, The Hollywood, The New Amsterdam, The Beacon, The St. George. Others are now fully restored houses of worship like The Hollywood in Times Square, The Metropolitan in Brooklyn, The Elmwood in Queens and of course, The Stanley in Jersey City. Still others are tantalizing in the possiblities of restoration like the Brooklyn Paramount and The Richmond Hill RKO Keiths. There are still many others around the city.

It doesn't mean that we should be complacent. We should continue to press to save and keep as many of these theaters as we can But we shouldn't lose sight that in New York (and Jersey City) we're fortunate to have as many as we do still standing and still in use.

posted by LuisV on Jan 31, 2008 at 11:47am

Don't expect any help from the Hollywood community.

About ten years ago I was heavily involved at the Loew's Jersey. I was also working on a film project with David Packard (of Hewlett-Packard fame.) He is very supportive of film preservation, and has even funded some magnificent movie palace restorations. When I sent him photos of the Jersey he expressed interest, particularly because of my commitment to bringing classic film back to the Jersey.

When I sat down with him and brought up our restoration needs, he declined to get involved and his only comment was, "Too bad it's in New Jersey." He was not interested in discussing it further and I did not press the issue.

Bob

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jan 31, 2008 at 1:34pm

Bob, there are two sides of the coin to this great theatre being in NJ. One is that it is in the relative "boonies." OK, that's a problem. Perhaps things will get better as Journal Square develops into an upper-middle class residential area. The other side of the coin is that if this theatre had been in say Times Square, it would in all likelihood no longer exist. The Times Square Paramount was very similar to the Loew's Jersey. It was by the same architectural firm, and the auditoriums were nearly identical. Also, the organs consoles in both theatres were nearly identical. Both theatres had that French curved front entrance. THE Paramount has been gone for 40+ years now. The Loew's is still with us. Adrian and Luis are both correct. We should be grateful for what is left and "do what we can, wherever we can."

posted by GabeDF on Jan 31, 2008 at 2:32pm

New York Paramount and the Loew's Jersey -- a very short comparison (since the two theatres were built by the same architects and are about the same size):

Marquee:

http://www.sydneyarchitecture.com/images/NY-Paramount.jpg
http://www.leonardmaltin.com/LoewsJersey.jpg

Organ console:

http://lostprovince.com/PTOS/CentII.jpg (NY Paramount)
http://www.gstos.org/JerseyWonderMortonConsole-9-25-07-Martin-sm.jpg

Auditorium:

http://theatreorgans.com/southerncross/Radiogram/ParaNY.jpg
http://www.atos.org/Pages/Palaces/Loews_Jersey/Loews1-Jersey.jpg

posted by GabeDF on Jan 31, 2008 at 4:24pm

I realize that this post is a bit off topic for Cinema Treasures but it is appropriate for attendees of events at the Loew's Jersey.

If you are to visit the Loew's Jersey for a movie or event, I strongly suggest that you visit "The Blue Ribbon" restaurant. It can be found on the map on the Dining page of www.loewsjersey.org

The restaurant is located within the oldest existing structure in Jersey City and offers a wonderful atmosphere (exposed wooden beams, working fireplace, etc), a friendly staff and a great menu of American favorites with a full bar.

I think it is the perfect combination for a Loew's Jersey experience - a delightful pre or post show meal in a historic building and a great film in a classic movie palace.

What could be better?

posted by plenum on Feb 2, 2008 at 7:25pm

Totally agree. That is a wonderful restaurant. Lots of atmosphere there and the food is good too. I also highly recommend it. I've been going there for years--since it was the Summit House. I like how you used Google Maps to show where the restaurants are located around "The Square." When I was a kid we used go to White Castle, but that was another time in my life. Newark Ave. is getting to be a fun place these days! Lots of nice street activity and very interesting stores and restaurants.

The easiest way to get to the Blue Ribbon from the Loew's on foot is through the PATH Center. Just go downstairs to the concourse and walk straight on through to Magnolia Ave. Follow Magnolia one short block to Summit Ave. and the Blue Ribbon is right there, directly across the street.

posted by GabeDF on Feb 3, 2008 at 7:38pm

Coming soon!

CENTENNIAL TRIBUTE TO BETTE DAVIS - the diva at her best...

Fri. Feb. 29th and Sat. Mar. 1st:
"Jezebel" -- "Now, Voyager" -- "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?"

******************

SPECIAL FILM EVENT - by popular demand, on the HUGE Loew's screen where it belongs...

The evening of Sat. May 10th:
"Blade Runner: Final Cut" (a 25th Anniversary special edition)

The ulitmate version of this cult sci-fi classic is FINALLY here!

posted by Alto on Feb 6, 2008 at 3:35pm

Bonus: The "Wonder Morton" organ will be put through its paces during the "Bette Davis weekend", playing pre-show "entrance music", as movie-goers enter the auditorium before each screening.

*********

More upcoming classic film events…

March 28th & 29th (Fri. & Sat.): FRENCH AND FANTASY

“La Belle et la bête” (“Beauty and the Beast” - French, 1946)
“Le Ballon Rouge” (“The Red Balloon” - French, 1956) & “Crin Blanc” (“White Mane” - French, 1953)
“The Princess Bride” (USA, 1987)

*********

April 12th (Sat. evening): Special Screening of “ALL ABOUT EVE” (1950)
Featuring a live guest appearance by film star Celeste Holm!
(Rescheduled from its original date of March 23rd, 2007.)

posted by Alto on Feb 17, 2008 at 12:24pm

Who says you can't go home again ? Moviegoers will still fill a movie palace when Bette Davis is playing ! Although the first 2 films were well attended, there was a large, devoted , varied crowd for "Baby Jane" ! It was a real celebratory event ! Bravo AGAIN, Loew's Jersey !!! May I also rave about the Blue Ribbon restaurant behind the PATH train ? Best filet of sole I've ever had ! Celeste, we're COMING !!!

posted by frankie on Mar 3, 2008 at 8:22am

Frankie's right - the "Baby Jane" show was so much fun. It was a full circle show for me because I saw it across the street at the Stanley 46 years ago, when it broke all Jersey City attendance records. My dad was shocked that all tickets were $2 each (including children, who were usually 50 cents) for this special engagement only:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/jcrecord.jpg

I forgot about the Blue Ribbon, but I had some excellent hot dogs at Boulevard Drinks.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Mar 3, 2008 at 9:41am

MANY incredibly enthusiastic filmgoers attending Saturday's "Baby Jane" screening. In my time as a volunteer staffer, I have never had so many patrons approach me to heep praise upon the virtues of this theatre and its programming, with a level of excitement seldom seen by me until now. I was thrilled by the outpouring of support!

posted by Alto on Mar 3, 2008 at 5:59pm

This theatre appeated in the recent little-seen Queen Latifah/Terrence Howard film "The Perfect Holiday".

posted by KingBiscuits on Mar 6, 2008 at 2:18pm

Here is a really terrific picture of the Loew's Jersey lobby all done up for an event. http://nymag.com/weddings/planner/2007/winter/venues/

How did the movies turn out this weekend? Sounded like lots of good films. The Red Balloon is always fun.

posted by pjacyk on Mar 30, 2008 at 8:34pm

Friday night’s “Princess Bride” had a pretty good-sized crowd for a Friday night.

Surprisingly decent turnout (about 200) for "The Red Balloon"/"White Mane" double feature (considering that it was an early afternoon screening and all foreign films) - lots of families with children.

The screenings of “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” were not as fortunate, with smaller crowds (more adult-less family audiences) – not what I would have expected for Saturday night screenings. Coincidentally, on the following evening, I went to a bar in the West Village where they often show classic movies in the background on video monitors – when I looked up at one of the screens, there was the same version of “Beauty and the Beast” playing!

I’m sure this season's remaining film weekends will draw bigger crowds - there’s something for everybody.

April 25-26th: “Classic Comedy” series…
Including: “Duck Soup” (Marx Bros.) and “The Bank Dick” (W.C. Fields)

May 25th: “Clockwork Orange”
May 26th: “Blade Runner: Final Cut”

June 13-14th: “Going Ape” series…
Featuring: “Planet of the Apes” -– “Mighty Joe Young” -– “King Kong” (1933)

Specific days and times to be announced soon.

Let's not forget...more Bette Davis with the special Saturday, April 12th, 7:30 p.m. screening of "All About Eve", featuring a live guest appearance by actress Celeste Holm.

posted by Alto on Apr 2, 2008 at 2:33pm

Correction regarding above post (show times TBA):
May 9th: “A Clockwork Orange” (1971)
May 10th: “Blade Runner: The Final Cut” (2007 [1982])

CLASSIC COMEDY WEEKEND exact days and times…
Fri. April 25th
8 p.m.: Marx Bros. in “Duck Soup” (1933) *plus* two Three Stooges shorts!
Sat. April 26th
4 p.m.: Laurel & Hardy in “Our Relations” (1936) *plus* one Three Stooges short!
8 p.m.: W.C. Fields double feature: “Never Give a Sucker an Even Break” (1941) --
“The Bank Dick” (1940 - Universal’s only surviving 35 mm print of this movie will be shown).

posted by Alto on Apr 7, 2008 at 2:42pm

does anybody know where the "Planet of the Apes" print is from? people stated there were faults with the new print recently shown at the Ziegfeld.

posted by HowardBHaas on Apr 7, 2008 at 3:19pm

Still can't figure out why they program stuff like Beauty and the Beast. Makes no sense to program a french art film in a movie palace no matter how great(and the Cocteau is a great one.)

I can't figure out why they don't play more movie palace movies.
The stuff that used to draw in the crowds to these places.
The comedy and Ape stuff is terrific.
But do we need the umpteenth revival of Blade Runner and Clockwork Orange which don't even belong in such a venue?
And what in the world is this place doing showing R rated films?!
This is inexcusable!
Every program should be one where parents don't mind bringing their kids even if they're adult in subject matter. People did it all the time until the mid 60's.

Where are the MGM musicals, the Doris Day stuff, Elvis, Ann Margaret and Beach Party movies?
And when are we getting the great silents to be accompianied by the organ.
Also how about Disney films? There are a lot of wonderful live action films as well as the animated films that should be seen in a theater and not on video.
Tributes to the great stars and directors of the Hollywood period.
Cukor, Wilder, Wyler, Vidor, Ford,Capra, Hawks and Minnelli. And just not the most famous titles.
More cinemascope, more Vistavision.

Elizabeth Taylor, Steve Mcqueen, Charlton Heston, Lee Marvin, Monroe, Julie Andrews and Cary Grant.
These are the kinds of film that these places were built for.

The first couple of years this place had consistently great programming but no more.

On a more gratful note I am looking forward to Eve this coming weekend.
A Roxy movie always rates high in my book.

posted by LeonLeonidoff on Apr 7, 2008 at 3:55pm

Yeah, the print of "Planet of the Apes" shown recently at the Ziegfeld had restored stereo in Dolby Digital (front channels only), but the image was from an old dupe negative and was soft with little shadow detail and excessive grain. Hopefully the Jersey can get better.

posted by Rory on Apr 7, 2008 at 4:21pm

I should mention that apparently Fox did not strike any magnetic stereo prints for the original release of "Planet of the Apes".
I remember making a few calls at the time,
and was told "there ain't any".
I wonder if anyone ever did get their hands on one.

posted by vito on Apr 8, 2008 at 8:45am

I asked someone, who claimed to be in the know, about this once. He said that Fox had twelve Mag-Optical 4-channel prints of "Planet of the Apes" made at Todd-AO labs in January 1968, but the studio never picked them up! Seems Fox at the last minute wasn't sure "Planet" would that big of a hit. No one ever knows what happened to those twelve prints, but I kind of believe the story because why would Fox release "Bandolero!" in stereo in '68, and "The Detective," and not "Planet"? Very strange.

posted by Rory on Apr 8, 2008 at 2:51pm

Tonight's showing of "All About Eve" was exceptional for several reasons. Celeste Holm, the only surviving cast member, was in attendance and was interviewed after the movie. The line to get tickets was the longest I've seen for any theater in years, stretching behind the theater down Magnolia Ave. nearly all the way to Tonnelle Ave., and that's a long way. The print, from the Fox vault, was absolutely flawless. And the audience reaction featured the most applause I've ever heard during an actual movie, not just for the credits or at the end. We applauded favorite lines, plot developments, even actors' facial expressions. It was a blast!

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 12, 2008 at 9:40pm

Best turnout that I've observed for any film event in the past two years that I've been attending as either a patron and volunteer staff. Ticket sales were 129 for the reception/film and 621 for the film. The queue stretched about half way up Magnolia Avenue - the side exit doors to the theatre were utilized for the "movie-only" patrons so that they could be ushered directly into the auditorium without interfering with the reception already in-progress (those guests used the main entrance).

Kudos and much-deserved recognition and appreciation should go to the small army of volunteers working this event with me – tireless dedication and diligent teamwork made for a memorable and successful event for all in attendance (I arrived at 1:30 p.m., and the last of us departed at about 1:00 a.m.). Amid a hectic atmosphere and whirlwind of activity, enthusiasm levels remained high among staff as well as patrons. Everyone performed their assigned duties to a tee!

posted by Alto on Apr 13, 2008 at 11:51am

Is Celeste Holm truly "the only surviving cast member" of "All About Eve?" Perhaps Miss Holm is the last of the principal actors in the cast, but I'd be willing to bet that some of the other people in the movie are still among the living.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Apr 13, 2008 at 12:10pm

Sorry if I phrased that wrong, but even many of the supporting players (Marilyn Monroe, Barbara Bates) in the cast have died. I'll check this out on IMDB right now:

35 actors are listed as the full cast. Three of them are still alive: Craig Hill as Leading Man (a non-speaking role), William Pullen as Clerk and Helen Mowery as Reporter. So I'd say that among all the actors credited at the beginning of the film, Celeste Holm is the only one left.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 13, 2008 at 4:13pm

It's funny that all day long I was laughing at Marilyn Monroe's line of "Well, I can't very well yell out 'Oh, Butler' can I? What if someone's name is 'Butler'? Addison: "You have a point. An idiotic one, but a point..." To me, that is so genuinely witty. Cool that you guys could see this classic in a great theater. Can't wait for my next visit to nyc to go to Loew's Jersey!

posted by legsdiamond on Apr 13, 2008 at 6:54pm

"Still can't figure out why they program stuff like Beauty and the Beast. Makes no sense to program a french art film in a movie palace no matter how great(and the Cocteau is a great one.)

I can't figure out why they don't play more movie palace movies.
The stuff that used to draw in the crowds to these places.
The comedy and Ape stuff is terrific.
But do we need the umpteenth revival of Blade Runner and Clockwork Orange which don't even belong in such a venue?

Where are the MGM musicals, the Doris Day stuff, Elvis, Ann Margaret and Beach Party movies?
And when are we getting the great silents to be accompianied by the organ.
Also how about Disney films? There are a lot of wonderful live action films as well as the animated films that should be seen in a theater and not on video.
Tributes to the great stars and directors of the Hollywood period.
Cukor, Wilder, Wyler, Vidor, Ford,Capra, Hawks and Minnelli. And just not the most famous titles.
More cinemascope, more Vistavision.

posted by LeonLeonidoff on Apr 7, 2008 at 3:55pm"

I know this post I'm writing now is hot on the heels of the 'All About Eve' screening, which I didn't go to. It sounds like it was amazing, but unfortunately I couldn't get out of the city that night. However I do agree with the previous post from LeonLeonidoff. Although the Loews is an amazing place, and I'm more than glad that such a place exists, I do feel that their film programs are a little off the mark. Case in point was the 'fantasy' screenings they had. They may all have been great films, but to me the Loews isn't the place for them. Prints I'm sure are hard to come by in some instances, but there has to be a ton out there that are available. In addition to what Leon said, I'd also like to add that the Loew's should take every advantage of using the huge screen they have and screen 'BIG" films. Seeing films like 'Ben-Hur' on the big screen is an amazing experience you just can't get from watching it on television. I know the Loews may have screened that film in the past but they need to concentrate more on Classic films shown in a Classic environment. I'd much rather see "Cleopatra" or "The 10 Commandments" on that big screen than say 'The Princess Bride'. In fact, seeing something like the latter of those titles will only make me stay home or find something else to do.

posted by Irv on Apr 14, 2008 at 5:11am

You know...sometimes peoples' observations here are *so* revealing. (And I don't mean that in a complimentary way.)

It fascinates me that just as so many are proprietorial about film in general, there's also a tendency to feel the same way about a movie palace and what it 'should' be showing. A theatre that is fighting its battles towards full restoration. So many of these proffered opinions are, given the commenters aren't dealing with the issues that the Friends of the Loew's are dealing with, not in the least bit qualified ones.

Nostalgia is one thing. The business of trying to resurrect a facility to be a standalone, one that can thrive to the best of its abilities in a *modern context* is another. The two might not be mutually exclusive...but I suspect they're less aligned than certain posters might be willing to admit.

posted by schmadrian on Apr 14, 2008 at 5:55am

"So many of these proffered opinions are, given the commenters aren't dealing with the issues that the Friends of the Loew's are dealing with, not in the least bit qualified ones."

So what are some of the issues?

posted by MovieBear on Apr 14, 2008 at 7:49am

Irv: to give the Loew's its due, they did already screen both "Ben-Hur" and "The Ten Commandments", and both were excellent shows. "All About Eve" isn't a big film on the scale of those two, unless you take its record-setting 14 Oscar nominations into account, but it sure was a one-of-a-kind experience seeing it with that many other people who loved the film so much.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 14, 2008 at 8:24am

Was there as I said.
Beautiful print and biggest crowd I ever saw there.
I got there late and I couldn't believe my eyes. What is this the Christmas show at Radio City in '59?
Anyway good seeing the crowd enjoy the film and laughing in the right places.
And no booing when they start talking about a woman needs to be married and it is more important than a career. Yes!

posted by LeonLeonidoff on Apr 14, 2008 at 8:51am

This is an excerpt from Michael Musto's blog at the Village Voice:

******************************

"What are YOU doing on the PATH train?" asked a bemused commuter last Saturday, his jaw dropping to the spit-out gum on the floor. Well, believe it or not, I do venture out of Manhattan every few years—especially when there's a screening of All About Eve in the glorious Loews Jersey City Theater, featuring a live appearance by its only surviving star, Celeste Holm. I expected to be completely alone out there, only to find swarms of people—all kinds of people—lining up for the event and fastening their seatbelts for a night that made them pretty happy rabbits.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 14, 2008 at 11:50am

Awesome landmark. I was in the area visiting friends when the marquee and facade pulled me into this theater. The friendly staff let me walk all around inside except the roped off area up stairs. This palace is an excellent tribute to an amazing era.....I wish I had been around during it's heyday.

posted by Steve2 on May 7, 2008 at 10:10pm

posted by Steve2 on May 7, 2008 at 10:11pm

I attended the screening of Bladerunner last night with a couple of friends and we had a great time. There was a big turnout and the movie looked gorgeous. I had recently watched the newest director's cut after receiving it for Christmas, so was really looking forward to seeing it on the big screen. I was not disappointed. You could really appreciate the magnificent special effects and all the work that was put into them.
I do have one question for you guys though. The sound last night was especially boomy and echoey. Dialogue was oftentimes undecipherable. For a movie whose plot is already complicated, this didn't help. Is it just the nature of a big movie palace, or was there something they could have adjusted?

posted by Chris82 on May 11, 2008 at 7:45am

I'd say the booming echo is part of the package with the Loew's because of its massive size and towering height. Friday's showing of "A Clockwork Orange" was actually helped by the echo whenever the music came on. I'd never heard it like that before, with that much power. Alex himself would no doubt have approved.

posted by Bill Huelbig on May 12, 2008 at 4:21am

Attendance figures for some of these screenings surprised me - "A Clockwork Orange" on June 9th did about 300 (surprisingly good for this movie, more so since it was shown on a Friday night). Meanwhile, on June 10th, "Blade Runner: The Final Cut" attracted over 500 fans (no surprise there) while "The Terminator" pulled in...70 (ouch!).

posted by Alto on May 15, 2008 at 4:03pm

For the final classic film weekend of the 2007-08 season, Loew’s Jersey “Goes Ape"...

Friday, June 13th

8:00 PM: “Planet of the Apes” (1968, 1:52)

Saturday, June 14th

3:30 PM: “Mighty Joe Young” (1949, 1:24)
7:00 PM - double feature: “King Kong” (1933, 1:40) -- “Son of Kong” (1933, 1:10 - starts @8:55 PM)

posted by Alto on May 22, 2008 at 4:11pm

Really looking forward to the "Apes Marathon." I haven't seen an apes marathon in Journal Square since I was 12 years old.

BTW, why do I always think of the Loew's Jersey when I watch this clip?: "The Polka Dot Polka" from "The Gang's All Here."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTIgbXtRW4I

Would love to see this sometime on the big screen of the Loew's. Could you imagine the audiences' faces?! The last time I saw a reaction like that was when the Loew's shows "Dr. Who and The Daleks." People were speechless, non-plussed. Later on they talked about it for weeks.

posted by GabeDF on May 25, 2008 at 12:06pm

I heard that only one Techinicolor print is available for showing of Gang's all Here. A friend went to see it at Film Forum and said it was not in good shape.
But alas I don't think it's the kind of film the Friends of the Loews is interested in.
Except for a few biggies they don't seem to go in for musicals or maybe they found they don't draw in an audience?

posted by LeonLeonidoff on May 27, 2008 at 3:14pm

When I was Director of Film Programming at the Jersey, I had secured the booking of a mint, 35mm dye-transfer Technicolor print of THE GANG'S ALL HERE. (There's more than one.) It was to be part of a Technicolor weekend, showcasing archival dye-transfer 35mm prints from various archives and private collectors.

I had also secured Trail of the Lonesome Pine, Vertigo, War of the Worlds, Goldfinger and several other rare features, shorts and trailers. The Technicolor company was interested in sponsoring it.

Alas, it never happened. Sure would have been fun!

posted by Bob Furmanek on May 27, 2008 at 4:14pm

Thanks Gabe, glad you enjoyed "Dr. Who and the Daleks." That was a mint 35mm dye-transfer Technicolor/Techniscope print. It certainly looked nice on that 50 foot screen!

The other unusual show of which I'm very proud was the 50th anniversary screening of Abbott and Costello's "Jack and the Beanstalk." It was shown 50 years to the day after it's World Premiere at the Fabian in Paterson, and we had quite a crowd that Sunday afternoon. (I think around 350-400 paid admissions.)

Plus, it was a pristine Super-Cinecolor print from 1952. It's not often you get to see one of those on the big screen!

posted by Bob Furmanek on May 27, 2008 at 4:20pm

The colors in "Dr. Who" on the big Loew's screen reminded me so much of something I had only seen as a youngster in Radio City. It's hard to put into words, but I'm sure you know what I mean. It's a combination of the immense screen size, the carbon-arc light, and the color process. You never forget it, once you see it--and it is very rare today.

In my opinion, the Loew's should have a Technicolor weekend, but you might want to use some "educational advertising" for those who don't know what it is.

posted by GabeDF on May 27, 2008 at 4:55pm

I know what you mean Gabe. My proposed Technicolor tribute had input from Martin Scorcese, and an event discussing the history of Technicolor was going to be part of the weekend.

The look of dye-transfer with carbon arc light is truly magnificent, and that's why I made every effort to include original IB Technicolor prints in my programs. (Even when I presented 16mm shows in the lobby to help save the theater, I ran a Technicolor print of THIS ISLAND EARTH.) When Bob Eberenz and I were restoring the projection booth and film capability to the auditorium, we both agreed that the Jersey should be the prominent area venue for such archival prints as Technicolor, Perspecta stereo, 3-D, etc.

In case you missed it, these are the events which I presented in 35mm:

April 5 - 7 2002 - The first annual comedy weekend includes a Salute to Laurel and Hardy featuring WAY OUT WEST, the East Coast premiere of a newly restored Technicolor trailer to THE ROGUE SONG, and a Hearst Metrotone newsreel not shown in nearly 70 years. Saturday night we present an archival dye-transfer Technicolor print of IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD, complete with overture, intermission and police radio calls. (The lines wrap around Journal Square for this show, and we bring in over 600 admissions!) On Sunday, 4/7, we present the 50th anniversary of the New Jersey premiere of Abbott and Costello's JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, shown in a pristine archival SuperCineColor print. Members of Costello's family attend, and rare shorts/cartoons are included in the program.

April 20, 2002: The 90th anniversary of the Titanic includes a screening of the seldom shown A NIGHT TO REMEMBER, and James Cameron's TITANIC. Special guests include Charles A. Haas & John P. Eaton, authors of Titanic: A Journey through Time; Titanic: Triumph & Tragedy; and Titanic: Destination Disaster. Many rare artifacts are displayed in the lobby.

April 26 & 27, 2002: Our first Science-Fiction weekend includes CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND; a classic double-feature Kiddie Matinee of THE BRAIN FROM PLANET AROUS with DR. WHO AND THE DALEKS - presented in dye-transfer Technicolor. The highlight of the weekend is a pristine print of FORBIDDEN PLANET, shown for the first time since 1956 in its original 3 channel Perspecta Stereophonic Sound. Rare Perspecta shorts include an MGM Symphony and Tom and Jerry cartoon, plus a Perspecta demo film. Special guests include the family of Robert Fine, the man who developed Perspecta for MGM in 1954. Rare posters and collectibles are on display in the lobby, and more lines wrap around the block for this unique event. Over 700 people attend this presentation.

May 3 & 4, 2002: The final event of the first "official" classic film season is a James Bond weekend, with more archival dye-transfer Technicolor prints of GOLDFINGER; ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE and DR. NO. Also, loads of rare trailers, production shorts and TV spots are shown between films.

October 25 & 26, 2002: Our second film season opens with a Halloween Spooktacular Weekend. Horror classics KING KONG and FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN are shown in brand new prints, GHOSTBUSTERS is presented as a Saturday matinee, and HORROR OF DRACULA is screened in yet another rare archival Technicolor print. Rare shorts include BOO MOON and THE GREAT PIGGY BANK ROBBERY.

November 22 - 24, 2002: Great Teams are saluted with brand new restored prints of the Sherlock Holmes classics THE SCARLET CLAW with THE PEARL OF DEATH, courtesy of the UCLA Film Archive. Laurel and Hardy return with BABES IN TOYLAND, the only 16mm print shown while I was involved. (The only available 35mm print was an edited re-issue, and I felt it was more important to present the original un-cut version. Surprisingly, the 16mm looks very good on the big screen with xenon illumination.) The highlight of this weekend is the proclamation by Governor James E. McGreevey of Martin and Lewis Weekend throughout the State of New Jersey. We present an archival Technicolor print of ARTISTS AND MODELS, plus rare Martin and Lewis performance footage in 35mm newsreels and 16mm TV kinescopes.

January 31 - February 1, 2003: Alfred Hitchcock is saluted with PSYCHO, SABOTEUR and yet another archival Technicolor print - THE BIRDS.

February 28 - March 1, 2003: Chivalry returns to Journal Square with MGM's first CinemaScope feature KNIGHTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE; IVANHOE and another Technicolor print - THE VIKINGS.

March 29 & 30, 2003: The second annual Classic Comedy Weekend includes: SONS OF THE DESERT, A NIGHT AT THE OPERA, ROAD TO MOROCCO, THE SEVEN LITTLE FOYS (in Technicolor) plus rare shorts including THREE LITTLE BEERS, A-PLUMBING WE WILL GO, BRIDELESS GROOM and MUSH AND MILK.

APRIL 26 & 27, 2003: "The Many Faces of Frankenstein" includes the re-premiere of Thomas Edison's long-lost 1910 FRANKENSTEIN; Boris Karloff's 1931 FRANKENSTEIN; the 1958 Hammer classic REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN (in Technicolor) and Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Shorts include THIRD-DIMENSIONAL MURDER, and ultra-rare 35MM trailers of many Universal Horror Frankenstein classics. This special event was co-sponsored by the Fort Lee Film Commission.

You'll note that the only weekend which did not include a film in IB was the Titanic anniversary, for obvious reasons.

In total, I presented 11 features in original dye-transfer Technicolor 35mm prints while I was Director of Film Programming.

posted by Bob Furmanek on May 28, 2008 at 6:43am

So Bob what happened?
I remember some of those programs and they were great and that Technicolor weekend looks like it would have been a knockout.
It's frustrating when they only do one weekend a month and every other one seems a disappointment.

posted by LeonLeonidoff on May 28, 2008 at 9:01am

What happened? After ten years of volunteering - and thousands of hours spent helping to save the building and restoring the 35mm film capability - I left the project. The reasons are complex and personal.

I'll only say that FOL's vision of film and its presentation differed from mine.

posted by Bob Furmanek on May 28, 2008 at 9:12am

Are you working on programming anywhere else now?

posted by LeonLeonidoff on May 28, 2008 at 9:25am

I'm currently Vice-President of the 3-D Film Preservation Fund; a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of our stereoscopic film heritage.

http://www.3dfilmpf.org/

posted by Bob Furmanek on May 28, 2008 at 9:43am

I would give my eye teeth to see this film at the Loew's Jersey (the 10th row would be about right (at least until they open the balcony again):

Happy Harmonies "TO SPRING" (1936):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3mSVMXqMCw

Hmmm -- VHS vs. a 50 foot screen with true Technicolor and carbon arc light. Who wins? Need I even ask the question?

Interesting thing of it is that this being an MGM product, it was probably shown at the Loew's Jersey some 72 years ago. How's that for history!?

posted by GabeDF on May 31, 2008 at 6:25am

Is it at all possible to get a dialogue going that addresses some of the 'complaints' on this thread regarding the programming at the Loew's, as well as Bob'spoint-of-view? It seems to me that there's a lot of behind-the-scenes information that we're not privy to that would answer some very pointed questions.

posted by schmadrian on May 31, 2008 at 6:38am

I hope there's someone who goes to see "Planet of the Apes" this Friday (June 13th) that can report on the quality of the print.

posted by Rory on Jun 7, 2008 at 12:06pm

This was in today's New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/06/10/nyregion/20080611_LENS_SLIDESHOW_15.html

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jun 11, 2008 at 8:36am

This has been posted on the website Cinemaretro.com:

This Friday, June 13, the landmark Loew's Theatre in Jersey City, New Jersey will be screening the 1968 sci-fi classic Planet of the Apes starring Charlton Heston to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the movie. Showtime is at 8:00 PM - and the following day, the theater will present three other simian-themed classics:a matinee of Might Joe Young and evening screenings of King Kong/ Son of Kong (both on a bargain two-for-one double bill.) If you feel there aren't enough big apes on the screen, you can also meet our illustrious editor-in-chief Lee Pfeiffer, who will be introducing Planet of the Apes on Friday (and revealing a bit of news that will excite Ape maniacs!)

The Loew's is true movie palace that is being painstakingly restored to it's former glory thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers. The theater is regarded as one of the most magnificent in the nation - and features low admission prices ($6; $4 for seniors and kids aged 12 and under), uniformed ushers (remember those?) who actually escort you to your seat and $1 popcorn and soft drinks. New York movie fans have been patronizing the theater because its only minutes from midtown Manhattan by the Path train service. A great feature of the screenings is that they generally include displays of original movie memorabila and collectibles and movie lovers meet in the luxurious lobby before and after the show to discuss common interests. Oh, and for our latest self-serving promotion, we can say you can now get back issues of Cinema Retro on sale in the theater lobby. So join Cinema Retro in going "Ape" this Friday night.

posted by Rory on Jun 11, 2008 at 9:12am

In reply to Bill Huelbig's photo reference -- That is one great photo of the Loew's Jersey. I would love to have a large print of it. It reminds me very much of a photo of The Fox Theatre, San Francisco that was taken in 1929:

http://www.historigraphics.com/fox/wswainphotos/stage_view_top_balcony-bw.htm

The Fox was designed by Thomas W. Lamb, and so was the Loew's Midland Theatre (another that is very similar to the Jersey and the Fox). Even though Rapp & Rapp was the firm that designed the Loew's Jersey, I strongly suspect that Lamb was a consulting architect for the Loew's Jersey, which is a theory I have never heard offered before. OK, the Jersey Lobby is very much a Rapp & Rapp lobby (e.g. Chicago Theatre, Rialto Square), but that Jersey auditorium I believe is probably the work of Lamb.

For other reasons, I believe that the NY Paramount was not designed by Lamb: it strikes me as a firm/committee design.

Oh what the heck, I'll say it. The Paramount was "boxy and narrow." The Jersey is egg-shaped and wide. It has the "curviness" and attention to presentation detail that Lamb was so famous for. There is hardly a straight line in the Jersey auditorium which makes for a better theatre all around -- sight lines, acoustics, audience psychology.

In a nutshell, I like to give credit where credit is due, and many signs and clues tell me that Lamb designed the Jersey auditorium. What are your thoughts on this?

posted by GabeDF on Jun 15, 2008 at 7:39am

The photo referenced above by Bill is indeed spectacular and when compared to Gabe's photo of the San Francisco Fox it makes you think more highly of the Loews Jersey. Don't get me wrong, I believe that the Loew's Jersey is a beautiful theater and I'm incredibly grateful that it has survived, but in my opinion, the Jersey ranks number 5 of the Five Wonder Theaters.

Arguably, The Kings (when restored) would probably be the most beautiful of all. Even in its ruined state, it is an amazing architectural splendor. It would be hard for me to rank The Paradise, The Valencia and The 175th Street. However, I would place all four in front of the Jersey. That is not a smack down of the Jersey. It is, in fact, a testimony to how spectaular these 5 theaters are. That they could have been conceived as a group and brought to market very close to each other and manage to survive to the present day is nothing short of a miracle. All of these theaters are in areas that had substantial problems in the last 40 years, but all of these areas are now on an upswing.

My heartfelt thanks to the Friends of Loews Jersey who preserved this great theater for our generation and the ones that follow. May we see even greater success at The Kings.

posted by LuisV on Jun 15, 2008 at 9:52am

If you go to the orch pit and look up at the entire theater it looks like the interior faberge' easter egg.feei

posted by LeonLeonidoff on Jun 16, 2008 at 9:41am

If you go to the orch pit and look up at the entire theater it looks quite beautiful.
Also the proscenium is much more ornate than that of the San Francisco Fox which I was disappointed to find was on the dull side.
The most beautiful of all of the NY theaters at least according to the pictures in the Best Remaining Seats seems to be the Brooklyn Paramount.

Very nice showing of King Kong Sat night with a very large crowd.
Now if only they could get a sponsor to pay for airconditioning for weekends during the summer...

posted by LeonLeonidoff on Jun 16, 2008 at 9:54am

Yes, the Brooklyn Paramount was probably the most beautiful of them all. That proscenium soars, and I like the idea that it was a "semi-atmospheric" with that lattice work over the balcony. Parts of the Brooklyn Paramount are still there, and it has reopened as a theatre. I hope it can be restored along with the Kings.

The Kings certainly has the most beautiful lobby, and the shallow balcony is a wonderful feature that adds intimacy to the auditorium.

I'm partial to the Jersey. I grew up in that theatre (it spoiled for anything less, which is a lot of places), and I like the "opera house" look of the Jersey auditorium. I suppose that all of the Wonder Theatres have perfect sight lines.

One could make a study of just how much work went into laying out the seating. It would take at least a paragraph to explain all that went into it. Suffice it to say, the sight lines in the Jersey are perfect from every seat.

I'm glad to hear about the "King Kong" turnout. Perhaps word of mouth is finally starting to pay off.

I have heard that the Jersey a/c "sort of" works, but that it needs a complete and very costly overhaul. Used to love going in there in a hot summer day back in the 1970s. It was ice cold. I remember the fake icicles hanging from the marquee.

posted by GabeDF on Jun 16, 2008 at 3:16pm

All of the prints for this past weekend's "Going Ape" film series were, in my opinion, of excellent quality (especially "Planet of the Apes, which I loved seeing in w-i-d-e screen format). As usual, the technical staff were in top form - picture bright and sound clear.

Attendance was 230 for "Planet of the Apes" (considered very good for a Friday night), around 50 for "Mighty Joe Young" (Saturday matinee) and mid- to upper-200s for the "King Kong"/"Son of Kong" double feature. I expected better, considering that these were the last screenings of the 2007-08 film season. Then again, there is the lack of air-conditioning to consider (and the four-day-long heat wave several days earlier, plus hot weather again and torrential rain on Saturday, did not help matters much) - surprisingly, taking all of this into account, the temperature level was not that bad (although I didn’t dare venture upstairs to check the balcony level for comfort)!

**************
There are no plans yet in place for September’s movie weekend (although I do know it will be probably scheduled at the end of the month). However, I CAN tell you to mark your calendars for October 3, 4 & 5 for a MAJOR celebration…

“WONDER WEEKEND”: The “official” and formal rededication of the fully-restored Robert Morton “Wonder” Organ! A series of special events will be held to acknowledge the brilliant restoration achievement, as well as to benefit both the Garden State Theatre Organ Society and the Friends of the Loew’s. These include…

Friday, Oct. 3rd:
Buffet Dinner featuring pianist Rio Clemente (5:30-7:30 PM)
and
Jelani Eddington in Concert (8 PM)
(dinner and concert: $60)

Saturday, Oct. 4th:
Lew Williams in Concert (3-5 PM - $30)
Dennis James accompanying a feature-length silent film! (8 PM - $10)

Sunday, Oct. 5th:
Ralph Ringstad Jr. in Concert, along with the 20-piece Silver Starlite Orchestra (2-4 PM - $30)

The above events can be attended on an individual basis. Admission to the entire series is $130 – the "package deal" also includes tours of the Loew’s Jersey AND Stanley theatres, luncheon, pizza party and open console session, as well as a commemorative T-shirt.

For more information, and to register in advance for the complete series package, visit the GSTOS “Wonder Weekend” event site.

Volunteer event staff will likely be needed at the theatre throughout the weekend – contact the Friends of the Loew's at loewsjersey@gmail.com to find out when and how to assist.

posted by Alto on Jun 20, 2008 at 5:43pm

"I'm glad to hear about the "King Kong" turnout. Perhaps word of mouth is finally starting to pay off."

I'm not so sure Gabe. We had a much bigger crowd when I presented KING KONG with FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN back in October, 2002.

The silent film event with Dennis James will be interesting. This will be the first silent film with organ accompaniment in the theaters history. Mr. James is excellent, but I wonder how the technical crew will handle the important presentation issues of variable speed projection, as well as new lenses, aperture plates and masking for the proper aspect ratio.

I certainly hope they don't cut corners and run it in 1.37 at 24 frames per second!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jun 21, 2008 at 12:21pm

How were those prints of KING KONG and FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN? I believe what's on DVD of KING KONG is the best the film has ever looked. I saw KING KONG in a theatre in the seventies, with restored footage, but the print was dark and murky. FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN looks generally OK on DVD, but has a lot of specks and scratches. Unless Universal does a digital restoration, I don't image any prints out there look that great.

posted by Rory on Jun 21, 2008 at 1:40pm

The print of FMTW was from a new 35mm restoration element and looked spectacular, far better than the DVD.

The KK prints in the seventies were made from multi-generation dupe elements and the censored footage was blown-up from 16mm. The print I ran in 2002 was from the recent film preservation element with all of the censored scenes taken from a 35mm source. It also looked fabulous.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jun 21, 2008 at 2:21pm

First time I saw Kong complete with the censored parts.
Interesting that when this opened at the Music Hall in '33 nobody was bothered by these elements including the families that were bringing their children.
Even Sign of the Cross has some racy parts that would be considered strong today.

posted by LeonLeonidoff on Jun 23, 2008 at 12:23pm

That makes me made that Universal has an inferior transfer of FMTW on DVD when there's better elements out there, but I guess in their greed they'll ask us to buy it on Blu-ray next year or something.

posted by Rory on Jun 24, 2008 at 12:17pm

I think the DVD is the old transfer done for laserdisc in the early 90's.

Unfortunately, at Universal, it's not unusual for the home video department to be unaware of work the preservation people are doing.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Jun 24, 2008 at 12:43pm

Was this really designed by Rapp and Rapp? It sure looks like Lamb. I'm probably wrong, but just take a look.

posted by MarkDHite on Jul 31, 2008 at 12:45am

No, this is definitely designed by the firm of Rapp and Rapp. It's a documented fact. The style is similar to some of Lamb's theatres which might be what's confusing you.

posted by ziggy on Aug 1, 2008 at 9:30am

Yes, the *firm* of Rapp & Rapp designed the theatre, but who was the architect? I suspect that there was a consulting architect for the auditorium and that he was Thomas W. Lamb. If it looks like a Lamb, and acts like a Lamb, is it a Lamb? Agreed that the lobby is most definitely Rapp & Rapp. It looks very similar to the Rialto in Joliet. (Too bad the lower lounge never got built at the Loew's Jersey.) But that Jersey auditorium, from the proscenium cameos down to the orchestra floor damask walls, looks for all the world like Loew's Midland and The Fox Theatre, San Francisco, two theatres by Lamb, in my opinion.

I used to wonder the same thing about the Stanley across the street. I thought to myself, this looks A LOT like an Eberson auditorium, even though the theatre was designed by Frank Wentworth. Come to find out, years later, that Eberson was in fact a consulting architect for the Stanley. I also wish that more was done with the Stanley, another *truly great* American theatre. It has been beautifully restored but would a movie hurt it so much now and then? Why can't it be used for its original purpose even once a year? Just a thought. The Stanley is as great or greater than that other vast atmospheric, the Fox Theatre, Atlanta. Sorry to go off topic, but I did so in order to make my point about Eberson.

posted by GabeDF on Aug 9, 2008 at 5:05pm

No evidence that Lamb worked here. Architects, and their associates, saw what other architects were doing, and perhaps emulated. As to the Stanley, it is a church and like most others (United Artists in downtown LA, Loews 175th etc) it doesn't show movies. The Loews Jersey does and for that, we are all fortunate.

posted by HowardBHaas on Aug 9, 2008 at 5:27pm

Also, where's the proof/citation as to Eberson and the Stanley?

posted by HowardBHaas on Aug 9, 2008 at 5:28pm

Thomas Lamb was the favored architect of Marcus Loew and continued so with the Loew's circuit after Loew died. Rapp & Rapp had been selected as architects of the Jersey and Kings by Paramount-Publix for a chain of spectacular theatres in the Greater New York area. When Loew's took over the project, it's very possible that Thomas Lamb was brought in to supervise the building and make any changes or improvements that he thought necessary. In 1992, when a group of THSA members visited the Jersey, some who'd never seen it before guessed it was the work of Thomas Lamb, and not Rapp & Rapp.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Aug 10, 2008 at 6:43am

Re: Lamb and the Loew's: I know it in my bones, but I don't have the time or the funds to research the matter. Look closely enough and one can just tell. Some people can tell a Picasso without having to refer to a book. I am almost certain the Rialto (Joliet), Chicago, and NY Paramount auditoriums are by Rapp & Rapp; and that the Fox in San Francisco, the Midland in Kansas City, and the Loew's Jersey are by Lamb. Lamb's theatres are generally more well thought out and refined. There is a certain sense of unity about them that one doesn't find in other such auditoriums. Re: Eberson and the Stanley -- the reference is on Wikipedia under both the Stanley Theatre and John Eberson entries. It is also on the New Jersey City University website.

posted by GabeDF on Aug 13, 2008 at 3:50pm

I'm not getting involved in the argument, but......I would never use Wikipedia as a source document. Anyone with a mouse can update that. Now, if you were to say Britannica.......

Does that even still exist? :-)

posted by LuisV on Aug 14, 2008 at 8:25am

Yes, the problem and the virtue of Wikipedia is that anyone can edit it. So one may find facts there that are hard to find anywhere else; and at the same time, one must take everything on Wikipedia with a grain of salt. Quite frustrating. However, you can bet if the subject is a well known one, the information at Wiki is not bad. But when you get into who designed a 1928 atmospheric theater, how many people know the answer to that question now? I might be more trusting of a University website, but even there, did they just "lift" it from Wiki? Who knows.

posted by GabeDF on Aug 14, 2008 at 3:14pm

The original blueprints have, in the lower right corner:

"C.W. & Geo. L. Rapp - Architects - 190 N. State St. Chicago - Paramount Bldg. New York"

Hope this helps.

posted by mahermusic on Aug 20, 2008 at 5:06pm

Thanks for that information. Here's more:

http://eng.archinform.net/arch/73578.htm

C.W. Rapp -- died 1926. Geo. L Rapp -- died 1918. Thomas White Lamb -- died 1942. The Loew's Jersey wasn't completed until late 1929, and I doubt if it was on the drawing boards in 1926.

BTW, I'd give my eye teeth to see the blueprints.

posted by GabeDF on Aug 26, 2008 at 5:11pm

P.S. It is interesting that at "Cinema Treasures," the 175th St. Theatre is listed as being designed by Lamb. The Loew's Kings says it's by Rapp & Rapp; while the Paradise and Valencia are by Eberson. These, along with the Jersey, were the 5 wonder theatres.

Was there some kind of publicity deal among the three firms and Loew's to give equal billing to all three architectural firms? I'm not saying that the nameless, faceless corporation of Rapp & Rapp in '29 didn't have a major hand in the design of the Kings and Jersey. I am simply stating that I believe that Lamb designed the Jersey auditorium. It seems pretty obvious if people would just take a good hard look at the room.

Also, I have to say that major architects of that era weren't known for copying from their peers. Do so would indicate they they were weak designers and it would be tantamount to blantant plagerism.

How could Rapp & Rapp have designed the Kings and Jersey if they were deceased? Also, who would be trusted to design $2,000,000 (in '29 dollars) theatres? I would suspect that only the best theatre designer of that era, namely Thomas W. Lamb. would be allowed to do so, given the vast capital investment.

But if it isn't in writing, we can't prove it. So Lamb, Eberson, and Rapp & Rapp will have the last laugh, I suppose. So that's my opinion. Perhaps I will be proved correct in 200 or 1,000 years.

posted by GabeDF on Aug 26, 2008 at 5:34pm

Rapp & Rapp continued as an architectural firm after the deaths of its namesakes. Lamb's contributions to Loew's Jersey might be found in his "job book," which is owned by the architectural library at Columbia University, NYC, and can be accessed by the public by appointment.

posted by Warren G. Harris on Aug 27, 2008 at 6:25am

Hello GabeDF. I've studied architecture, as an amateur, almost all my life, especially the architecture of the 1920's, and I can tell you that architects of that period were quite comfortable copying from each other. They didn't see it as plagarism (nor do I) as much as incorporating someone else's good ideas. In fact, if an architect had an exceptionally good idea then it was considered ridiculous not to copy it. Also, remember that architecture based on classic styles, such as the style of the Loew's Jersey, is based on a broad but limited "vocabulary" of forms and there are only so many combinations that are possible. This is why many buildings of the period bear a strong resemblance to each other.

As far as making sure that all three firms getting equal billing, I doubt it was an issue. If you look at opening day ads and publicity for any movie palace (including the 5 wonder theatres), it's very rare that an architect gets any mention at all.

Having visited several theatres by Rapp and Rapp (including the Jersey), and by Lamb, I can tell you that I would be amazed if it turned out that Lamb designed the Jersey's auditorium. Even when similar styles are used, different buildings bear the stamp of their different designers and the Jersey is obviously by Rapp and Rapp, and equally obviously not by Lamb.

posted by ziggy on Aug 27, 2008 at 7:35am

I just wanted to add to my comment above. If one compares a photograph of the chapel at the palace of Versailles with a photograph of the lobby of the Tivoli in Chicago you'll have a perfect example of how architects back then were able to adapt ideas from other architects and buildings. Rapp and Rapp basically transplanted the chapel to Chicago, changed some detail, and "voila" one of the most beautiful theatre lobbies of all time is born!

posted by ziggy on Aug 27, 2008 at 7:53am

Ok, ok. I'm definitely in the minority here. I have to keep an open mind. I will make a trip to NYC and look at Lamb's "job book." If the Loew's Jersey isn't in it, I'll surrender. Even if Lamb didn't have a hand in it, the Loew's Jersey's "company" ain't (sic) bad: The Chicago Theatre, The NY Paramount -- not shabby by any means.

I have also studied architecture as an amateur since I was 17 or so (that's a long time ago now, and I'm glad to know I'm not the only person who has done so), and in my experience no two 1920s theatres are ever exactly alike.

That said, I'm not impartial. I grew up in Loew's Jersey. I know the place like the back of my hand. So perhaps my Lamb theory is just wishful thinking, but Rapp & Rapp is right up there, isn't it?

posted by GabeDF on Aug 27, 2008 at 3:50pm

Hey GabeDF, I appreciate you're enthusiasm and I'm looking forward to your post once you've had an opportunity to the check out "the book".

posted by LuisV on Aug 28, 2008 at 9:02am

GabeDF:

What would you be interested in exactly with the original blueprints? If you have something specific, I'd be happy to look at them for you.

Those of you that know the Jersey might be interested in why it only has public bathrooms on the Mezzanine level... as per the blueprints, over a week in May, 1928, it went through a few cost-cutting procedures, including removing marble edging from some of the upper staircases, and the REMOVAL OF AN ENTIRE LOUNGE AREA IN THE BASEMENT!!!

Today, you can see, in the plenum under the orchestra section, the outline of where the original lounge was supposed to be. As per the blueprints, two telephone booths and a coat check room were removed. Originally, there was only a "Male Usher's Room" (What was eventually built were two rooms for the ushers, one for male, and one for female... yes, it actually says "Female Usher's Room" on the B-prints.)

Also, there was a room for Mat Storage... although this may be short for Materials storage.

My thinking was that the foundation was already being built along the sides of the PATH (then H&M tracks), in May of '28, when the changeover was ordered, blueprints re-drawn. (Both copies... the before and after, are included in the original blueprints).

Neat stuff!

posted by mahermusic on Aug 28, 2008 at 2:16pm

Hello GabeDF. Since we have such similar interests, we should find a way to meet, or get in touch.

You're right, no two 1920's theatres are exactly alike (to my knowledge), but there are a few that are very similar. Shea's Buffalo, though not a copy of the Uptown in Chicago, did borrow a lot of decorative items from it. There are the Fox theatres in Detroit and St. Louis. The Loew's State in Syracuse, the 175th Street theatre and the 72nd Street Theatre (both in Manhattan) obviously used the same plaster molds. There was also a theatre, I think in Scranton Pa., which was as direct a copy of the original Rialto Theatre in Times Square as I think circumstances would allow.

Remember also that, as seriously as we take theatres, there were many architects and architecture critics in the 1920's to whom american theatre architecture fell somewhere between an embarassment and a joke.

Anyway, let us know what you find out.

posted by ziggy on Aug 28, 2008 at 2:23pm

Isn't the Loew's Jersey land site amazing? It looks like it was built on a cliff. How many sub basements does it have? Three?

To LuisV: I have the utmost respect for "The Book" by Lamb, even though I have never seen it. The day when I do get to see it will be truly special.

To mahermusic: where was the planned grand staircase to the lower lounge that was never built? Also, I guess the auditorium has internal an internal fire escape on the right side; and what is was in that huge room under the projection room. Is the basement under the lobby oval shaped? or is it all divided up into little rooms? Could that lower lounge be built someday (in my wildest dreams)? What is the maximum height of the auditorium and lobby?

To Ziggy: Yes we should meet--at least on-line. I worship the Roxy Theatre--even though the architecture was questionable at best--but it sure did wow them, didn't it. The 1920s theatres remind me of the huge casinos in Vegas today. And there is a very strong carnival/amusement park aspect to the 1920s theatres as well. I always found it odd that you'd have these Roman/Greek/Baroque/Mandarin temples, and in front of them were the carnival running lights. It is a little odd when you think about it with fresh eyes. Can you picture the Parthenon or Paris Opera with running lights?

Re the Roxy: "let's stick a 6 foot tall gilded vase on top of that 40 foot tall twisted column! Sure, why not!" Ah--the Roaring '20s.

Still and all, I love the old palaces (the Rivoli's and Tivoli's) with a great passion.

posted by GabeDF on Aug 28, 2008 at 4:40pm

Who couldn't love a place that looked like this (The Roxy):

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/51209413.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=444ED34A869CB9708DE5C775EDF0FA29284831B75F48EF45

I'll bet the columns in the Loew's Jersey are taller.

posted by GabeDF on Aug 28, 2008 at 4:43pm

P.S. That broken pediment is WAY too wide. It breaks all the rules, but what a room! It's the cat's pajamas!

Ok, I'm done for today.

posted by GabeDF on Aug 28, 2008 at 4:45pm

Don't go home yet Gabe. Your link isn't working. :)

posted by Lost Memory on Aug 28, 2008 at 4:49pm

Hmm, maybe this link will work?:

http://www.jamd.com/search?assettype=g&assetid=51209413&text=roxy+theatre+new+york

posted by GabeDF on Aug 28, 2008 at 5:23pm

That link works fine. Thanks.

posted by Lost Memory on Aug 28, 2008 at 5:26pm

GabeDF:

There is a basement (where the never-built lounge would've been in the front) Also included on this floor is what I call the "Powerhouse"... most of the mechanicals in the front, the two ushers rooms down at the base of the staircase, upper dressing rooms, including the chorus' girls (Chester Hale Girls') dressing room, Organ blower room.

Down a flight brings you to the sub-basement. Only the rear is actually "finished". This is the area that includes a 2nd set of dressing rooms (almost exactly matching the upper rooms except for the chorus room), the rehearsal hall, and a sewage pump room. There is a small ladder that leads down from the "Powerhouse" section in the front... but it's mostly dirt... and runs back to the rear of the theatre. There's a considerable amount of coal ash down there as well. Two old gigantic air conditioning compressors live there as well. Apparently the original ones failed within a year or two of the opening of the Jersey, and instead of removing them, they opened a hole down to the sub-basement, and dropped them down there, where they can be seen with a flashlight, still painted red, sitting there all these years.

Your other questions:

The staircase down to the never built section is directly underneath the main staircase on the left. There is a single door there, which the employees/volunteers use to get down to the Powerhouse. If you ever peer inside, you'll notice an ODD look to the area. It is gigantic with VERY high ceilings. Instead of a grand staircase down, there's a less-wide metal staircase (that looks odd) built in its place.

Yes, the fire escape on the right side is internal, and we call it the "fire tower".

The room under the projection room was the "Production Room", where they made advertising posters for the lobby, and such. It's also used to access the roof over the Grand Lobby to get to the clock.

Basement under the lobby is divided up into about 5 rooms. Not oval shaped. That's the Powerhouse area.

Theoretically, the lower lounge COULD be rebuilt, but in some places, there's low head clearance for return blower ductwork.

I don't know about the heights of the lobby or auditorium.

posted by mahermusic on Aug 28, 2008 at 8:17pm

Mahermusic: Isn't the room under the booth identified on the blueprints as "Publicity Room?"

We spent SO much time chasing the pigeons out of there and cleaning up their mess, it's a shame that an un-repaired broken window has allowed them to move back in.

Yuck!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Aug 29, 2008 at 6:24am

Hi Bob, congrats on being the 1000th comment for the Loews Jersey. On a seperate note, a mutual friend of ours, Bernie A. told me the horror stories you guys had when work first started years ago. I can relate. I remember the first time I walked into the projection room at the Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth N.J. Dead birds, junk, etc. I worked for months cleaning it up. Now the place is for sale, but the booth isnt finished. It makes me sick when I read of how all these old palaces are treated and let to rot.

posted by movie534 on Aug 29, 2008 at 7:21am

Movie534: The absolute worst part when Bob Eberenz (who was 67 at the time) and I started on the booth was the lack of heat or running water. It was mid-winter and actually colder in the theater than outdoors! After cleaning dead pigeons and their crap from everything, we had to go next door to C.H. Martins in order to wash up.

The volunteers working up there now have no idea how easy they've got it!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Aug 29, 2008 at 8:29am

Ahh... yes, Bob is correct. "Publicity Room" is on the actual blueprints.

posted by mahermusic on Aug 29, 2008 at 1:59pm

Thanks so much, Mahermusic. Your answers make me love the Loew's Jersey even more (if that's possible). It upsets me that there is a broken window and that the birds are getting in again. I hope they aren't getting into the projection room. So I'm not nuts for thinking that the Lower Lounge could one day be built?! I love the idea of the big compressors being dumped in the depths of the building. Even backstage, it is quite a building. I have been backstage, but didn't see much of it. I remember seeing the organ blower room, as well as maze of corridors and doors going who knows where. Bob deserves the honor of having the 1,000th comment for this truly great American theatre.

posted by GabeDF on Aug 29, 2008 at 4:36pm

No worries about broken windows in the Publicity Room... it was repaired going on two years now... All is good now, and the room has been clean! (Now, if we could only get that sink down at the end of the room to work!!! I hate going down two flights to the mezzanine bathroom to wash up after working up there!)

posted by mahermusic on Aug 29, 2008 at 4:46pm

Mahermusic. I remember seeing that sink, on the way up to the projection room. I always thought it worked. Hmm, getting it to work could take some time. How many miles of pipe would need to be looked at?! (-; I know just how much of a climb it is up to that projection booth--two flights from the mezzanine (2nd level?, I called that floor the main balcony floor. I think that the mezzanine (loges) floor is a whole level below that 2nd balcony level). Anyway, how hard could that be to climb a few stairs? Don't ask until you've tried it! (-; I've been up there three times so far--twice on my own, and once with a friend from Texas who *had* to see the Vitaphone projector. Very glad to hear that the window was repaired. The Brenographs are still there I assume; and the film vault on the right side? Isn't there a separate splicing room as well, or was that done in the vault? It's been awhile since I've been up there.

"The Apartment" played by Tom Hoehn, on the Balfour/Martin Morton "Wonder" Organ (inside the Loew's Jersey) -- a minor earthquake, but a beautiful one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmbJZ5JGgjg

I'm sure it can be heard from every single room in the theatre? and even outside of it too!

posted by GabeDF on Aug 29, 2008 at 5:01pm

I guesstimate that the auditorium is about 80 feet tall, but I could be wrong. The lobby looks to be about 60 feet tall and the columns in the lobby are probably somewhere around 45 feet tall. The Music Gallery is about 30 feet tall, I think. Just a guess. Come to think of it, my childhood theatre is a full-fledged movie palace, isn't it? One tends to forget things like that when they are so familiar with the place.

I do remember the days when the lobby promenade was cut off by walls and you were restricted to just the mezzanine lobby. I also remember how hard they tried to keep the place up in the 1970s/1980s before it closed.

I also clearly remember an oil painting just before the right side staircase on the right side wall. It was of a maiden. The painting always fascinated me. If I'm not mistaken it was one of the items that was kept after the 1974 "renovation." It's gone now. Don't know where it went.

AND there was an exquisite bronze dome above the ticket booth outside the theatre. That got stripped off at some time after it closed. I wonder who has it? Anyway, wouldn't it be fairly easy to create a fake bronze dome above the ticket booth (kind of like the new fake bronze tickets booths in Radio City?)

posted by GabeDF on Aug 29, 2008 at 5:15pm

Do the blueprints show anything about an elevator? I thought I saw one in there someplace once.

posted by pjacyk on Aug 29, 2008 at 8:06pm

GabeDF,

Brenographs are still there, and film vault as well.

The whole Projection "suite" has 5 rooms: Projection room, Battery room, Rewind room, Supply room and the Rheostat room.

I don't know where the splicing was done. On the actual blueprints, there is a "rewind table" in the rewind room.

Let me pull down the blueprints (they're quite large and unwieldy.) I'll see if I can find out the heights on the Grand Lobby and Auditorium... gimme a few minutes.

posted by mahermusic on Aug 29, 2008 at 8:16pm

Nope, no elevator was ever built in the Jersey, but there are elevators in some of the other Wonder Theatres. (BTW - no luck on the heights. The blueprints I have don't show that info.)

I believe there were possibly two times when decorative items were moved from the theatre. The first was when they triplexed the theatre in the 70's. I believe we lost the three chandeliers in the Musician's Gallery, and possibly water fountains, among other items...

The second was when Hartz Mountain (the owners of the Jersey when it closed in 1986) readied the theatre for demolition, and some higher-level employees (so the story goes) removed light fixtures, the two giant mirrors in frames that were alongside the entrance to the orchestra sections, original lighting fixtures in the auditorium, paintings, etc.

Colin Egan, the DIrector of the theatre, actually received a fixture back from the wife of a Hartz Executive, who, after reading that the theatre WASN'T falling to the wrecking ball, wanted to give it back, and had it dropped off at the theatre one day!

Now, if the REST of the items could find their way back... that would be great!

(Think of the Loews Paradise, and their St. George and the Dragon mechanical tower clock, identical to the one installed here at the Jersey. Someone actually got up to the Paradise clock cupola and STOLE the dragon!!!. Folks, this would not have been an easy thing to do... a sculpted copper dragon... some people are so brazen.)

posted by mahermusic on Aug 30, 2008 at 6:22am

Pjacyk: You'd almost think there would have to be an elevator. Did you every try to climb from the main lobby floor all the way up to the top level of the balcony? Even more so when you consider that a lower level lounge was planned but never built. That's close to 100 feet of stair climbing. There must have been an elevator. Last time I was there I remember seeing the 1929 telephone booths (with glass inlaid wooden doors) and what looks to me like a 2nd coat check room on the mezzanine level. They're on the right (next to the only restrooms--except for that new one on the orchestra floor, in the old Manager's Office, which is just wonderful) as you come up the grand staircase on the left. It's hard to describe the place in writing or even in photos. It is best to see it in person.

posted by GabeDF on Aug 30, 2008 at 6:29am

Whoops... I believe I made a mistake. I think it was the St. George that was brazenly stolen from the Paradise tower clock... is this correct?

posted by mahermusic on Aug 30, 2008 at 6:33am

Nope... no elevator. Never mind the people walking up there... think of the poor kids that had to schlep the film cans up to the projection room! And the projectors... when they came in, had to be CARRIED up to the projection room up the grand staircase. Insane? Yes!... but it had to be done.

The elevator wasn't something that was originally planned, and then slashed due to cost-cutting in May of 1928.... (we'd know because it would be in the blueprints...) it was just never planned.

More neat Jersey trivia: it was the Assistant Manager's office on the Orchestra floor, right next to the grand staircase, that was turned into an ADA restroom. The Manager's office was on the 2nd floor promenade. Behind the wall in the Assistant Manager's office, a large walk-in safe was covered over with sheetrock. That's where all the 35-cent admissions were kept until a run to the bank!

posted by mahermusic on Aug 30, 2008 at 6:41am

Mahermusic said "I hate going down two flights to the mezzanine bathroom to wash up after working up there!"

Boy, in 2001 when we got the booth operating and presented the first 35mm shows, management promised they would replace the broken sink in the booth level bathroom - the one at the end of the hall.

It's 7 years later and management still hasn't replaced that sink??!! You get dirty working with carbon arc. Tell 'em to stop spending money on their comfy office downstairs and take care of the poor volunteer film operators! :)

posted by Bob Furmanek on Aug 30, 2008 at 7:34am

Really, a sink isn't too much to ask for.

Maharmusic: thanks for looking at the blueprints. You're right, that was the Assistant Manager's Office on the 1st floor.

I suppose that the people of the 1920s were in better shape than we generally are today. Or at least they developed the stamina of a mountain climber by climbing up all those steps every day.

Speaking of the fancy office on the left front side, orchestra floor -- what was in *that* space originally? I'm going to guess and say a lounge for the ticket booth girls? or was the Assistant Manager's office a suite?

God bless that wife of the Hartz executive in giving something back to the theatre. Some people have a conscience.

I clearly remember the theatre before 1974. It was in remarkably good condition and still felt and looked completely/totally like a 1920s movie palace. Yes, it was a little dusty in the higher reaches and somewhat dimly lit, but it was cared for. Someone really cared about that place in the 1960s/early 1970s -- much as we do today.

And folk's if you took something from the theatre in 1974 or 1986, please have the decency to return it to where it belongs.

Has there every been any thought to decorating the theatre with new or reproduction items? It's just a thought of mine, but why can't they put a cheap, fake, yet convincing painting in that place against the lobby wall with a red sheet over it (the middle wall between the two auditorium entrances)? It would look better than a red sheet.

Are there any plans to restore the plasterwork and the to paint the interior. It has always been my feeling, that if they just restored one section of the lobby wall (between a set of columns) that it would "sell" complete restoration of the theatre; because I suspect that most people are unaware of just how beautiful it originally was. Yet one red and worn damask wall panel should be left as it is now, in remembrance of the theatre's long history.

I'm sorry, but if they can afford a nice management office, surely they can afford to do a little more decorating in the public rooms? In my opinion, of course.

posted by GabeDF on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:51am

When Bob Eberenz restored the lighting in the large dome over the center aisle, we suggested some paint touch up to partially conceal the "scar" left over from the tri-plexing. However, management wanted it to remain as a reminder of what had been done to damage the theater. Bob and I disagreed.

The Loew's organization began to remove items (tables, chairs, paintings, statues, chandeliers, etc.) from their palaces in the late 1950's. They began to build hotels and wanted to furnish those buildings with the elegant items from their grand theaters. In fact, somebody told us the statue from the mezzanine level water fountain is in a former Loew's hotel in New York City.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Aug 30, 2008 at 12:43pm

GabeDF: Hmmm.... the left front space? Do you mean the office that's tucked away behind the left ticket booth in the outer lobby that Friends of the Loews now uses? If so, it was a store originally. Most movie palaces has retail stores on the outside theatre frontage to generate additional income. Being that it was on such an odd shaped lot, the architects could only fit one little corner store in. It was a little luncheonette that sold cigars. (I think United was the brand???) Actually, if you look up in the photo of the Jersey at the top of this page... you can JUST BARELY see the word "United" above the storefront in the picture. Next to it is the word (which you can't see) "Cigars". The letters and frames, as well as the double doors to this store are down in the Female Usher's Room, in the never-built lounge section.

The store, after it closed, has had a change-around. The area is split by a wall, and the Jersey city Police have a little substation there. The Friends of the Loews share the side closest to the theatre, and for access, they made an accessway through one of the little ticket booths, which is to the left as you walk in. The "management office" is quite tiny with 5 computer stations... one of those cubicle-type affairs.

And now... the "Has-To-Be-Said" Department:

Some of you have read comments posted by Bob Furmanek regarding the Loew's Jersey, and may be wondering why, since his first post on Sept 24, 2004 (!!), it seems like he is poo-pooing the theatre with trivial posts, such as "when I was in charge of programming... things were SO MUCH BETTER..." Take some time to look back and check out all of the posts. As you can imagine, there WAS a disagreement between the Friends of the Loews and Mr. Furmanek. The latter chose to leave on his own accord. (Hey, these things happen in life, don't they?) In the time that Mr. Furmanek has left, much work has been accomplished on the theatre, mostly backstage to bring in concert performers. (revamped dressing rooms, and the installation of two showers. Can you believe the Loews Jersey was built with one... ONE.... shower for all the performers???) Now, mind you... I've been a good boy for the past FOUR years, quietly reading Mr. Furmanek's posts, but it DOES get tiring, reading how... "he doesn't know how many people were in attendance at the movie this past Friday... but when HE was in charge... WOO-HOO... there just HAD to be more people there.

Now, to be fair, not ALL of his posts contain something negative, and some don't even contain the letter "I", as in referring to how "he did something" when he was there. This is refreshing... a nice POSITIVE contribution to these boards. Nothing political in nature, or one-sided.

We still love Bob, and think he's a great guy... Will he ever be placed back in charge of film programming.... most likely not. Why? The easiest way to describe the reason can be summed up in his own words. His posting here on December 10th, 2004 at 9:54 AM can be taken BOTH ways.

Love ya, Bob... but it's been almost 5 years now. Let it go, huh?

posted by mahermusic on Aug 30, 2008 at 2:41pm

Yep, that's the room I was wondering about. Thanks for all of your great answers.

A little commentary on what it used to be like to go to the movies (and still is at the Loew's Jersey)...

"It was a beautiful thing" and it was (warning: just a little off color language here and he sounds like my Dad; but this gentleman expresses *exactly* how I feel about it). I'm sure we can all agree with him...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJHIsRW42m4

posted by GabeDF on Aug 30, 2008 at 4:29pm

Bobs knowledge and contributions to cinema treasures are second to none.Plus, being a A & C buff automatically certifies him as a cool guy.But...he never lets a chance go by to take a dig at the FOL!!

Let it go.......

posted by swampdevil on Aug 31, 2008 at 8:09pm

What theatre in NYC was it that "A&C meet Frankenstein" premiered at back in, I think, 1948? I believe I've seen a photo of Karloff outside the theatre pointing at the poster.

posted by Rory on Aug 31, 2008 at 8:15pm

Swampdevil, what's "A & C"? arthouse & classic films? or perhaps you'd explain what the abbreviation stands for.........

posted by HowardBHaas on Aug 31, 2008 at 8:17pm

I think in this instance the A & C is for Abbott & Costello. "A & C meet Frankenstein" sort of gives it away.
Based on swampdevil's comment I gather that Bob Furmanek is an Abbott & Costello buff.

posted by sam_e on Aug 31, 2008 at 9:18pm

"Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein" had its NYC premiere engagement in 1948 at Loew's Criterion Theatre: http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/criterion48.jpg

posted by Warren G. Harris on Sep 1, 2008 at 6:49am

Gee, I wonder who was there at 9 A.M. for the first showing?!? Thanks.

posted by Rory on Sep 1, 2008 at 7:40am

The 2008-2009 classic film season opens with a weekend featuring one of my personal favorites - sultry cabaret singer and glam actress Marlene Dietrich!

26 Sept. (Friday)
8 p.m.: “Der Blaue Engel” (“The Blue Angel”) (1930, 1:46)

27 Sept. (Saturday)
7 p.m.: “Shanghai Express” (1932, 1:20)
9 p.m.: “Destry Rides Again” (1939, 1:34)

posted by Alto on Sep 10, 2008 at 2:18pm

Loew's Wonder Weekend...

http://loewsjersey.org/content/view/57/

http://www.gstos.org/ww/

The Loew's Jersey organ will be rededicated from October 3 through 5.

As a part of the Weekend, "Flesh and the Devil" with Greta Garbo will be shown on the 50 foot wide screen with theatre organ accompaniment.

So be there or be square (Journal "Square"... Get it? Groan...").

Seriously, this will be a truly historical musical event, and a great show. Don't miss it.

posted by GabeDF on Sep 10, 2008 at 5:14pm

Ralph Ringstadt is at it again! Some more great videos of his performances at the Jersey are on YouTube. Just search on "ralph ringstadt" at Youtube to find five more video performances.

posted by spectrum on Sep 26, 2008 at 2:55pm

How did the Wonder Weekend go? I know Dennis James was playing the Saturday night movie (we had him at the Lafayette a few years ago and he was terrific).

posted by PeterApruzzese on Oct 6, 2008 at 9:21am

I was out at the Loew's for the FLESH AND THE DEVIL and things went pretty well. I've attended screenings here, off an on, since '01. I hadn't been to a screening since November '06 and this screening seemed to be the most well-attended that I've been at. There was a big crowd on hand. Part of the reason for the big crowd, in addition to people like me tbere to see the film, were people affiliated with the Organ Society of New Jersey.

The bad news was the lime rickey machine at the luncheonette next was out of commission and I couldn't get my lime rickey fix.

At the end of the month, the silent PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will also be screening.

posted by hardbop on Oct 6, 2008 at 1:35pm

Attended the Friday night buffet supper and the Jelani Eddington concert, both of which was an outstanding success. All the people from the Garden State Theater Organ Society and the Friends of the Loews should be congratulated for their endeavors in bringing back the "thunder of the Wonder". Looking forward to future concerts.

posted by ErwinM on Oct 6, 2008 at 2:39pm

I have always found the film projection pretty iffy.
They spend so much time and effort to set up these presentations and about 50% of the time there are always problems.
Last week for Destry one of the projectors was out of focus and obviously no one on the staff saw it. It wasn't much but the one projector was perfectly focused so I always wonder why nobody sees this.
I remember one time where they left out an entire reel and then played it after the movie.
With Flesh the film was started with the countdown. Not good.
But the thing that I really thought was amateurish is that they put in an intermission and there wasn't even one.
Just because this was a roadshow doesn't mean it had an intermission.
And even if they did there would have been a title card saying so.
So what did they do?
They turned off the projectors in the middle of a crucial scene!
It just went dead!
I doubt if even it had an intermission when it was first shown they
would have pulled the plug at this point in the movie.
As I said they have gone to so much work, an enormous amount of time, an incredible effort and I'm sure a lot of anguish as well to
make this great theater alive again.
It would be nice if after all this work the presentation of the movie was also top notch.

By the way the film was in very good condition and the accompianist was one of the best if not the best I have ever heard with a silent film. And I have heard a few.
Interesting his thoughts about Mr Irwin. Here is a case where the student boldy outshines his mentor.

posted by LeonLeonidoff on Oct 6, 2008 at 3:35pm

I agree about the intermission. It was an odd place to stop the film, right in the middle of a scene. And the intermission didn't even come in the "middle" of the film. It seemed to come about 3/4's of the way through the film. Very odd.

posted by hardbop on Oct 7, 2008 at 6:29am

First, I want to mention that I enjoyed the previous weekend’s Marlene Dietrich films.

“Wonder Weekend” was fantastic. The highlight for me was the silent film screening (“Flesh and the Devil” starring Greta Garbo) with live organ accompaniment by Dennis James – playing to an audience of approximately 400 film-lovers and theatre organ enthusiasts! The music, scored specifically for this screening, brilliantly complimented the film. The event brought in many new patrons as well as some of the “regulars”.

With regards to the comments about the awkward intermission, I am going to defend the projection crew on this one. The film was spread across THREE reels (and the last reel happened to be about only 30 minutes long) – therefore, the intermission could not occur exactly midway, or else it would require stopping in the middle of a reel (and stopping after the first reel would have been premature). At almost two hours length, the movie, in my opinion, was long enough to justify a break at some point, if for no other reason than to give the organist a rest! Other than the organist and a couple of patrons, nobody else seemed to notice or care, judging by the overall positive response of the audience.

Organist Ralph Ringstad performing with the Silver Starlite Orchestra on Sunday was a great finish to the weekend. GSTOS is already making plans for another organ concert (Sun., 8 Mar. 2009) (mentioned in the “Wonder Weekend” print program).

Meanwhile, just in time for Halloween, there is the much-anticipated screening of the 1925 silent classic “The Phantom of the Opera” with live organ music (Sat., 25 Oct. @ 8 p.m.) – that should be absolutely thrilling! In addition, other horror films that weekend include a Val Lewton double feature: 1942’s “Cat People” and 1945’s “The Body Snatcher” (Fri., 24 Oct. @ 8 p.m.).

Other coming attractions…

The UFO-themed “Culture of Contact” festival, featuring an 35mm print screening of the 1953 sci-fi classic “War of the Worlds” (Fri., 17 Oct. @ 9 p.m.).

Alternative rock band The Magnetic Fields in concert (Thu., 23 Oct. @ 8 p.m.). A crowd of 1500 is expected! (MANY volunteer ushers will be needed - interested parties should contact the theatre.)

Loew’s Jersey and Jersey City present their annual Halloween “Haunted Palace” (Fri. evening, 31 Oct.) – “trick-or-treat” goodie bags, live family entertainment and costume contests for kids of all ages. (Volunteer help wanted.)

…a VERY busy autumn at Loew’s Jersey!

posted by Alto on Oct 7, 2008 at 3:08pm

The organ was like velvet no matter how loud or soft it got, Dennis James playing during the silent film was the best I have ever heard accompany a silent film (a true art form all its own), Eddington blew me away, and whatever that 2nd classical piece was that Lew Williams played sent me to heaven--and by the way--New York isn't the only place now where you can see the orchestra pit travel up (or down) from the basement!

I was brave and climbed the "mountain" to the projection booth. I saw the transformers (and something called rectifiers) for the first time. Does the carbon arc really get to 6,000 celcius? Pretty amazing stuff! Boulevard Drinks is a lifesaver for a quick cup of coffee and a hotdog. Ralph doesn't like Warren and Dubin!? You could have fooled me!

WHAT A WONDERful three days, that will long stand out in my memory as a truly special time. I will be there for the next organ concert in March, as well as many times before then, for the classic films.

posted by GabeDF on Oct 7, 2008 at 3:26pm

I really can't get that Dennis James/Lee Irwin "The Eagle" (Valentino) arrangement out of my head. This is *my* kind of music. It mixes classical and popular themes and just "takes one away" (being the romantic that I am).

This was played by James at the Loew's Jersey on Saturday night (only this the Irwin recording):

http://www.gstos.org/twoia/twoia2.mp3

It may be sacrilege to say so, but James is better than Irwin was.

They could not have chosen a better piece to preface the silent movie at the Loew's Jersey; and what better place to watch it than a 3,300 seat Italian Baroque cinema palace with a movable orchestra lift.

I am finally learning at just how high a plane these cinema palaces used to operate, artistically. I found the experience to be elevating in the best sense. Too bad the Great Depression had to go and ruin things. Going to the movies at a cracker box multiplex is NOT the same thing, by any means; and I choose to not do so, usually. Who needs it? On the other hand, I would have paid far more than I did for this last weekend's events. There is "going to the multiplex" and then there is "going to the cinema--as it used to be" and still should be.

It's not so much the granduer that gets to me as it is the quality of the presentation. "Did they know how to do certain things in the 1920s that we have forgotten how to do?" Certainly. "Who is educated enough today to understand this?" Far too few people, very sadly. Still it is a great feeling when just one person "gets it" and you see it in their eyes; and it is absolutely thrilling when hundreds of people around you "get it." So I'm recovering from my whirlwind weekend -- in Jersey City of all places (my home town--who would have believed it?).

One thing about Jersey City--we generally don't knock down our precious landmarks. We will go out of our way to save them, and 90 percent of the time we succeed.

I am in utter and complete awe at what occurred at the Loew's Jersey this weekend. If you would have told me in 1975 that this would happen someday, I would have laughed in your face. (In point of fact, I literally cried when the theatre lost its organ when it was multi-plexed).

I am in utter and complete amazement over this past weekend. Not in my wildest dreams...(and these were my wildest dreams).

posted by GabeDF on Oct 7, 2008 at 4:58pm

Regarding the organ event this past weekend,

Friday night and Saturday afternoon's concerts were a lot of fun. Didn't make Sunday.

But Saturday night's movie show - what happened? I've been to a bunch of Loews events and, aside from some minor stuff that you can expect from a theater that's not open full time, they are usually good. Except for Dennis James' playing - which was spectacular - the rest of the film show was decidely sub-par. Missing the intermission point at the end of the third reel was a pretty bad error (you could tell the intermission was coming up as he was playing to a climax and they began to raise the organ lift). When the projectionist continued past the intermission point with the film, it took Dennis a good minute or so to find his other music book, start playing (trying to catch up), and the organ guys to lower the console again. Then as the film is moving towards its climax, the screen goes dark at a reel change and the 'intermission' happens. Again, Dennis was caught off guard but handled it as well as possible. Having that intermission incorrectly in that spot really did spoil the ending of the movie.

On the way out, I heard somebody from the organ society complaining loudly about the projection errors and I can't say I blame him.

Looking forward to the Phantom show - my all-time favorite silent movie - and hoping for the best. I don't want to sound too negative, but I so want these shows to be right.

I wrote to the Loews Jersey staff via their website about the problems with Saturday's movie but didn;t hear back. I hope they read this note here (my first posting).

Alto - that doesn't make sense. 35mm films are on 20 minute reels and that is how Loews normally shows them (I've been to enough shows there to recognized when they change from each projector). This was a 6 reel movie, and they incorrectly put an intermission at the end of the 5th reel instead of the end of the 3rd as Dennis most likely told them to. Another thing - why was the film image spilling on to the top black curtain? I've never seen that happen there previously.

posted by JimmyD on Oct 7, 2008 at 6:33pm

Agreed, Jimmy D., the masking at the top of the screen was incorrect for the film presented. Also I went on the tour of the Loew's and when we were in the projection booth, I was pretty sure I saw more than 3 reels. I also strongly suspect that the intermission was presented at the end of the wrong reel.

But I'm not complaining...Despite the lackluster film presentation, Dennis James is a MASTER of the art of playing the organ FOR silent films. I have made this judgment after having heard him play only once. His playing is perfection defined.

Question: when were the lights *under* the marquee installed!? It is a wonderful effect and one I've been looking forward to for a long time.

posted by GabeDF on Oct 7, 2008 at 7:11pm

It amazes me how much hype goes into these weekends, then I read about all these projection problems. I know everyone here is volunteers, but I also know that up till a few years ago, there actually was a person who was a union projectionist running the films. After constantly banging his head against the wall with the people in charge, he left. Any wonder why the shows are the way they are? And to GabeDF, yes, carbons do get extremely hot. I know, because I ran them for the first 7 years I was in the union. I remember climbing those mountains, with film cans in arms. THOSE were great times. I would give anything to do carbons and changeovers again.

posted by movie534 on Oct 7, 2008 at 7:36pm

Re: Marquee underlighting

Those were installed sometime in late spring 2008, I believe for a Verizon commercial shoot. The company was gracious enough to provide funding for the restoration, and the theatre got to keep them as a permanent fixture. They really are a beautiful enhancement.

Hopefully, some other generous party will come along to help complete the marquee's restoration, returning it to its original pre-1949 appearance.

posted by Alto on Oct 8, 2008 at 1:28pm

Following the Loew's Wonder Weekend...
~~EPIPHANY~~
Please, dear lord, take me back to the 1920's. The 2000's are far to barbaric for me.

posted by GabeDF on Oct 8, 2008 at 7:43pm

Not to be a shrill male harpie- I've posted about focus at this theater before- I always find this theater fascinating and I attended several films here several years ago like Great Escape, Patton, Godfather 2, American Graffiti, Mad Mad World. Unfortunately they did tend to be a little or more than a bit out of focus, I politely told the lobby volunteers a number of times but the focus never improved. I also find this to be a problem at the Ziegfeld. After noticing focus in the last 5 or 10 yrs I've come to the conclusion that most projectionists in the NY area, or maybe everywhere, either can't tell or aren't bothered that they're projecting at least slightly out of focus. (true also at Suffern's Lafayette when they showed The Haunting a year ago). BAM Cinematek is the worst imo. Most people are just blessed that they don't notice (audience members that is). Also, more often than not the prints I saw at the Jersey were faded or beat up, no offense intended.

posted by macbear on Oct 8, 2008 at 11:04pm

In response to you macbear, and I am not picking on you or anything, but you must realize this, in the case of Loew's Jersey, they use volunteers, some of which learned to operate projectors on the job, not from a trained person like me. In the case of the Ziegfeld, lets just say its cablevision, and leave it at that. As far as BAM, I have never been there. You also must remember that the projection equipment in use is old, and in some cases parts are not even made anymore. I know this was the case when I was attempting to restore the booth at the Ritz in Elizabeth, N.J. And as you said, film companies are not striking any new 35MM prints, because they all want digital, and this is how they will force everyone to get it.

posted by movie534 on Oct 9, 2008 at 6:23am

You're right Macbear, I don't believe 99% of the public have any issue with focus at the theater. I have been going to the movies for about 40 years and I have NEVER sat in a theater and said to myself "this is out of focus"! Yet, many posters on CT complain about it. Since you are in the business, you obviously have a much more exacting eye (as you should) and, as professionals, we should all try to do our jobs to the best of our abilities. Having said that, my untrained eye doesn't have a problem with focussing at the theaters that I attend and that makes me happy because otherwise it would drive me bananas!

posted by LuisV on Oct 9, 2008 at 8:00am

You know LuisV, its also true that what one sees, another may not. I know in the multiplex I work in, sometimes the manager comes up and says "the picture in theatre 7 is blurry." I'll go take a look only to find its in focus. So whos right, and whos wrong. No one.

posted by movie534 on Oct 9, 2008 at 8:13am

Agreed! However, on another issue that I see commented on regularly on CT: I went to see Bill Maher's Religulous last Saturday night. It was virtually a full house. The commercials had ended and the lights went down and then the screen went blank.

In the old days, when there was a projectionist, the audience would know that the someone was aware of it since there WAS a projectionist. Not today. The screen sat there for at least 5 minutes. Everyone in the theater was waiting for someone (preferably close to the exit) to go tell the ticket take (or someone) that there was a problem. Eventually, someone did. Net result: No previews......It went direct to the film! WooHoo!

posted by LuisV on Oct 9, 2008 at 8:25am

Question about projection: The projectors in the Loew's Jersey are set at about a 20 degree angle in order to reach the screen properly (180 feet away and I would guess about 70 feet lower). Why is it that the image on the screen isn't distorted? One would think it would be wider at the bottom than the top--is that correct? The current projectionist said they do nothing to correct for distortion, and I haven't seen a mention of it on this website--out of focus, problems with the reels--yes; but nothing about angle distortion. What am I missing if anything?

posted by GabeDF on Oct 10, 2008 at 7:26pm

It's an illusion. The screen masking is a correct rectangle, but the aperture plates in the projector are cut in a keystoned pattern which would project as a perfect rectangle from that high angle. You can see that the image is actually wider at the bottom when the end credits roll, especially if they go from side to side. The image is actually being cropped slightly on left and rights sides, varying from a tiny bit at the top to a bit more at the bottom. Most of the time, it's not noticeable.

posted by PeterApruzzese on Oct 10, 2008 at 8:05pm

You beat me to it Peter. I remember in the late 70's, some of the old grindhouses I worked at did not cut the apertures on the keystone, and wow, our image would be 3 feet over on the bottom of the side maskings. If the Ritz in Elizabeth ever gets sold, and gets going, that is one place that will have a heck of a keystone.

posted by movie534 on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:12pm

movie534, your earlier response about an out-of-focus complaint reminded me of my main pet peeve: when a comment about focus is made, the projectionist shouldn't just look at the screen and determine it's in focus - he should go to the booth and re-focus the lens to make sure it's as sharp as possible. I usually sit in the 10th row, and it looks different between the 10th row and the last row. The best way to focus is during the credits, when there is writing on the screen and there is less room for interpretation.

One thing that really irritates me is when I tell an usher that the picture is out of focus, he will invariably go into the theater and check for himself first. It takes every ounce of self-control for me NOT to say, listen, fuckwad, I've been going to the movies for 40 years and I know when it's out of focus!

posted by saps on Oct 11, 2008 at 8:30am

I can't speak to what happened last Saturday during Flesh and The Devil, as I was not there. I am the volunteer projectionist for most of the Friday shows, and I have been running projectors for over 30 years. Please let me clarify some misconceptions.

First, the Loews Jersey is running carbon arc lamps (Ashcraft Super-Corelites for those who care) and presently runs 20 minute reels. Because of this, there is ALWAYS a projectionist in the projection room.

Second, as someone pointed out, from the back of the theatre and the projection room, the movies always look to be in focus. Because of this, we use binoculars to focus.

Third, because of the distance from the projector to the screen, and the size of the screen, any lab printing focus imperfections in the film look terrible. If a reel, or a scene is printed out of focus, there is nothing we can do to compensate for it, and if the focus shifts between scenes in a given reel, it is the film print.

That being said, of course and occasional screwup can happen, but they are the exception not the rule. Everyone involved in Friends Of The Loews wants you to enjoy your visit, and of course, come back.

posted by MBD on Oct 11, 2008 at 12:43pm

Focus drift was ALWAYS an issue with the new projectors at the Jersey. The Kinoton's are great machines, but there is a problem with the gates and/or lamphouse which causes the focus to slightly shift, even on brand new prints. It was worse with an older print that might be slightly shrunken and especially bad with dye-transfer Technicolor.

Test loops would be run before the show on both machines to get the focus as close as possible. In order to insure the best possible presentation , there was constant communication throughout the show via radio with the front orchestra section and the booth. Sometimes, focus would need to be tweaked two or three times during the same reel. It was a pain, but it had to be done.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 12, 2008 at 10:43am

Thanks, Peter and Movie for answering my projection question. Now I have a question related to the lighting of the auditorium. It looks like all of the lighting in the auditorium has been restored, so my question is, why is it still so dark in the auditorium? Are the lights used at the same wattage as they were in the 1920s-1940s or are they dim lights? Also, there was to have been (back in '29) a chandelier in the auditorium, but that never happened. I would think that would brighten things up quite a bit. Of course, the walls are much darker now than they originally were, so I imagine that has an effect too. Yet another dream of mine is to someday see the auditorium in all its glorious shiny gold, cream and red. As it is now, it does not look gold or cream or red--but what a space!!!

posted by GabeDF on Oct 13, 2008 at 4:18pm

I agree with MBD, in general, I find the presentations of classic films to be outstanding at the Loew's. I come back again and again, and I usually say "so that's what the movie is supposed to look like." Seeing a classic movie on TV and where it was meant to be presented are two VERY different things. A classic film presentation on a 50 foot wide screen in a real movie palace is almost more than we can ask for in 2008. Does anyone know of any other movie palaces that do this on a regular basis? and I'll qualify it and say, on a 50 foot screen with a live pipe organ pre-quel concert--just like in the good old days?

posted by GabeDF on Oct 13, 2008 at 4:25pm

There's a place in Suffern, NY, I believe...

posted by saps on Oct 13, 2008 at 5:35pm

Saps, Yes I know of the Lafeyette Theatre. I haven't been there, but I will go someday. The Byrd Theatre also intrigues me. The Union County Arts Center (aka Rahway (NJ) Theatre also does it, but the screen is certainly not 50 feet wide, and the organ is 7 ranks vs. 23 ranks, and the theatre seats 1,500. The Loew's Jersey seats (someday) 1,800 in the balcony alone. I can only think of the quotation from Marcus Loew, "We sell tickets to theatres, not movies." An interesting survey would ask the question, "did you come to the Loew's Jersey to see the theatre, the movie, or both?" I am perfectly happy to pay 1/2 the admission fee to just see the theatre, in my opinion.

posted by GabeDF on Oct 13, 2008 at 7:09pm

To Bob F.: I remember the constant radio communication between the orchestra tech and the projectionist. I don't know if that is still done, but I suspect that it is. It was certainly done for the Loew's Wonder Weekend this last weekend.

Imagine a movie house so big that you need radio communication and or binoculars to check on the quality of the presentation! The projection booth is 180 feet from the screen. That is much too far to judge things from the booth.

If you look at the 1929 lighting board, they had intercom communication in the old days in order to constantly monitor the presentation.

posted by GabeDF on Oct 13, 2008 at 7:16pm

The good comments about the "Flesh and the Devil" show surprise me! What ARE you guys talking about? "Good projection"?

I went to Loew's Jersey for the first time in a while for that show and the projection STUNK as it usually does! Always out of focus, always bad adjustment on the lamp houses,and lord help you if it's in widescreen- always out of frame!

One time, I remember they ran "Ben Hur", with almost EVERY reel change out of frame. How embarrassing! Doesn't the staff even care?

I'm not a professional projectionist, but I think it's time the Loew's got a new projectionist staff.

Suffern is a great place to see a film, and I'd like to shake the projectionist's hand there for such a great job, but it's so gosh darn hard to get to from NYC.

On the up side, Dennis James played well though and the film was very good.

posted by Joseph Serf on Oct 14, 2008 at 1:16am

Gabe: The monitors between the backstage light board and the projection booth had nothing to do with the focus. (You can't see the screen clearly from the board.) It was to coordinate lighting and Brenograph effects cues for the stage shows from 1929 to 1935.

The communication utilized several years ago between the orchestra and the booth for the film shows was to maintain focus throughout the program. While the Kinoton's are fine projectors, they are better suited for a smaller venue with a shorter throw.

FLESH AND THE DEVlL was the first time in the theaters history that a silent film was shown with organ accompaniment. However, if there was any such radio communication to the booth, I don't think they would have placed the intermission at the end of reel 5 of a 6 reel feature.

Also, not all of the auditorium lighting is working. There are many burnt out bulbs in the 3 coves, and the bulbs that still work are covered with 80 years of dirt and nicotine. If all the lights were working, that proscenium and ceiling would be much brighter.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 14, 2008 at 9:18am

Allow me to share a story about lighting in the Jersey.

About 7 years ago, Bob Eberenz and I were tracing out speaker lines in the catwalks above the theater. I noticed two ladders that went down on either side of the auditorium into total darkness. Armed with a flashlight and a prayer, I descended the ladder not sure what I would find. About 20 feet down, I found myself behind the side wall on the top of the organ chamber. Looking into the tiny access space, I spotted ancient light bulbs. None of them were working. Nobody was even aware that lighting existed in that particular area of the auditorium!

So I climbed back up and armed myself with a dozen 100 watt bulbs. With one hand holding the ladder and another holding the bulb, I reached as far as I could into the little space and began changing the bulbs. One by one, they lit and I could see how much light they were throwing onto the area. All went well until one of the sockets had a bad circuit and sparked. It scared the heck out of me and it was a good thing I had a strong grip on the ladder. There was a good ten feet between me and the side wall, and the area below me descended into total darkness. I’m not sure how long the drop was and I certainly didn’t want to find out!

When I got back to the projection booth, I was absolutely pitch black from all the dirt. Thank goodness I had worn a protective mask, but my nostrils were still full of black soot.

But the payoff when I got to the orchestra level was worth it. There for the first time in probably 50 years, was lighting above the side chambers throwing a warm glow onto the ornate walls above them. That lighting is still working today. Check it out the next time you are there.

My point to this story is not to take credit for some achievement in the theater (and I hope my use of the first person is not offensive) but to illustrate that the lighting you are seeing now is greatly minimized from what originally existed. When all of the balcony rail lights and side wall lighting is restored, and all the cove and dome lighting is replaced, you will see the beautiful architecture in this magnificent theater come to life once again!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 14, 2008 at 11:39am

I hope the people at the Loew's read this.
When I have mentioned these things in the past they look at me like I am out of my mind. They are very protective of the place and who can blame them.
I just wish as an audience member you could mention things to them and they did not start to bristle.
I have given up on complaining about the focus. And I am sure if I spoke to them about the problems with Flesh and the Devil I would have been banned from the theater for life. Thank God for anonymity on these sites! As well if I were on the staff and noted these issues I would be considered a troublemaker and I am not joking.
What Collin has done is truly amazing in fact it is downright astonishing. But he does remind me of that line in Funny Girl where Walter Pidgeon says to Streisand "this is my theater," and she responds, "so nobody argues with the landlord?"

posted by LeonLeonidoff on Oct 14, 2008 at 11:44am

I know things are not always perfect and yes people who run the Jersey should listen and improve on the projection of its films. Everyone should thank there lucky stars that they have a huge movie palace such as the Loew's Jersey showing American movie classics. Most people who love movies would kill to have a theatre like this where they live.I hope a good deal of money comes there way and they continue to restore such a glorious theatre.brucec

posted by brucec on Oct 14, 2008 at 1:20pm

You're a brave man, Bob. I wouldn't dare do what you did. I'm afraid of gaping holes, especially when I don't know how deep they are. I know the lights you are talking about. Their cleaning and restoration did a lot to bring out the beauty of the front upper side walls. Until they were on, I never noticed that "clam shell" effect in the walls. It also brings out that "jeweled" curtain in front of the organ chamber. When are they going to put the left side "jeweled" curtain back up? I hope it is somewhere safe and sound. It has to be 100 feet high at least.

AND...how on earth do they change the lightbulbs in the main dome in the auditorium? Scaffold or through a little door way up high? Either way, the prospect terrifies me.

The most amazing vertigo inducing place I know of in the Loew's is the "endless" and open flights of stairs to the stage catwalk.

You hit the nail on the head, Bruce: "Everyone should thank there lucky stars that they have a huge movie palace such as the Loew's Jersey showing American movie classics."

posted by GabeDF on Oct 14, 2008 at 3:46pm

Instead of "catwalk" I meant to say "gridiron." Has anyone been up there? Just curious. I'm not going up there.

posted by GabeDF on Oct 14, 2008 at 3:51pm

Lighting under the balcony is reached by a ladder. Lighting on the top is reached by the catwalks, which encircle the coves. Little metal circles (we call them pie plates) are taken off to reach in to the sockets.

posted by mahermusic on Oct 14, 2008 at 4:17pm

Sure had a great time at the Wonder Morton organ shows. A very happy and relaxing weekend trip. Drove all the way from Ohio. Can hardly wait to get back there again for another organ show.

Here are some pictures of the weekend's events, Wonder Morton, Loew's Theatre and people.

http://www.gstos.org/ww/ww-event-photos.htm

posted by pjacyk on Oct 14, 2008 at 7:33pm

Paul: Your pictures are wonderful. Thanks!

Something's wrong with either me or my camera. I've never been able to take even a halfway-decent picture inside the Loew's auditorium.

I love the way the Stanley auditorium looks like it's situated under an open outdoor sky when all those ceiling lights are on.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Oct 15, 2008 at 4:24am

Gabe: I'm afraid of heights too, but I've been up on the grid high above the stage. We had to go up on the stage house roof to clear snow during the winter of '93.

The top of the grid is a maze of cables and wires. If you are interested in stagecraft, it's a fascinating space. There are remnants of the original Cyclorama lines up there. Those were used for the full stage backdrops from the stage show days of 1929-1935.

You actually have to walk a few feet on the grid in order to get to the access space for the stage lines. It's a straight drop down to the stage. After a while, you sort of get used to it.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Oct 15, 2008 at 8:10am

Just wondering..

Is Colin still involved with the theater?

I havent been there since 1996/7....

posted by depaul420 on Oct 15, 2008 at 9:51am

Yes, Colin is still there. Talk about loyalty and commitment to a cause!

posted by GabeDF on Oct 16, 2008 at 3:07pm

Talk about the best Groucho Marx impersonation I've ever seen!

posted by Joseph Serf on Oct 21, 2008 at 8:28am

What a great weekend at the Loews.Sat in particular,with Ralph Ringstad jr on the wonder organ.The phantom of the opera was just a thrilling movie expierience.The crowd was estimated at a whopping 870!!

posted by swampdevil on Oct 26, 2008 at 8:28pm

The Loews Jersey looks like a beautiful movie palace of a theatre, and a perfect place to show great golden oldie-but-goody classic films such as Dr. Zhivago, West Side Story, Lawremce of Arabia and many others. However, I do agree that the photo on the front of this page doesn't look like it does this theatre any justice.

posted by MPol on Oct 26, 2008 at 9:57pm

What's wrong with the intro photo? If anything, the photo is better than the current exterior as the marquee is not the original and kind of mars the Jersey. I hope the day comes when the monstrous current marquee is relaced with a beautiful replica of the original.

posted by LuisV on Oct 27, 2008 at 7:45am

Hi, I'm Robert Minichino, the new technical director at the Loew's Jersey, and I'd like to respond to some of the comments about our film presentation. First, I apologize for any impression of surliness on the part of any of the FOL staff. I would like everyone to know that I always welcome polite, constructive criticism on any aspect of our presentation. If you would like to make any comments after the movie, feel free to ask for me. I'm always there on movie nights and I'll be happy to talk with you as I'm keenly interested in providing the best possible presentation of our classic film program to our patrons.

Certainly we could have been more diligent in the past with keeping the image focused, but I am aware of the issue and I do try to keep on top of it all the time. From my perspective it has gotten better as one of our volunteer projectionists has gotten more experience. It is difficult to focus from the booth, and we continue to have people in the orchestra monitoring the focus for us. There's no excuse for us being out of focus where it can be corrected with a simple adjustment. I'd like to say that we do our best, and I'm happy that this statement is increasingly true.

As MBD mentioned above, we do find that some prints have parts that are out of focus. On our large screen this effect is painfully obvious, particularly from the front rows. Oftentimes we will get a call up to the booth during these scenes and we are unable to improve the focus. In fact, through our binoculars we can often see the film grain sharply defined on the screen at these moments. These problems seem to be confined to older B&W prints as we haven't noticed the same issues with, for example, new color films. I understand that this can be particularly frustrating and distracting, and unfortunately the only remedy I can offer is to sit further back from the screen.

Bob Furmanek had mentioned above that there is a problem with focus drift and the use of our Kinoton projectors, and I must respectfully disagree. At least after Bob Eberenz had installed water-cooled gates with heat filters and additional forced-air cooling, I haven't found any long-term focus drift issues with our projectors in the past few years. I have no experience with any issues that existed before this time as I was not yet involved with the theatre. However, we still do have some focus flutter, particularly with dark scenes on B&W film stock, but this would be unavoidable for any theater with our screen and lamphouse size. Our projectors do have curved gates, which does help, and I can't imagine that any other projector would be much better in this regard.

Finally, the steep downward projection angle (19 degrees) combined with fast lenses and their concomitant shallow depth of field means that we can't always have the entire image in perfect focus. You would notice this effect as the image being more in-focus in the middle than at the top and bottom. Some formats exhibit this problem worse than others. This can be alleviated with the use of perspective-correction adapters that allow us to shift the projected image off of the optical center axis. Once this is done, the projectors can be tilted at a less steep angle, which reduces both keystone distortion and focus issues. Unfortunately, these adapters are expensive and we are operating on a very tight budget. Thankfully, without correction this effect is still slight even on our worst format, and shouldn't be obvious or distracting.

I'm trying to fill some awfully big shoes now that Mr. Eberenz has left us. It is my foremost desire to do justice to his work and memory as well as to our beautiful movie palace by providing the best possible presentation through my work with all of the FOL staff.

posted by Rob Minichino on Oct 27, 2008 at 9:29am

I am pleased to announce that the “Phantom of the Opera” silent film and organ presentation on October 25th set a new attendance record for an FOL movie screening: 817 (according to one of the ticket sellers)! This beat out other major film events, such as the “All About Eve” screening with guest Celeste Holm (earlier this year). From what I am told, it smashed the previous record held by the screening of the rare 1910 Edison Studio version of “Frankenstein” back in April 2003. A second ticket desk had to be opened to accommodate the crowd, which stretched around the corner and up to Magnolia Avenue.

Ralph Ringstad’s performance was sheer brilliance – he composed, as well as played, the original score himself! He never missed a beat and his cues were spot on. And talk about dedication - not only did he perform almost three hours (one hour of entrance music and almost two hours for the movie), he was at the theatre all day (since early morning) practicing and preparing for that evening’s show. Loew’s Jersey is truly privileged to have him as the house organist.

This has been a particularly trying week, with the Magnetic Fields rock concert on Thursday night (almost 1300 in attendance) plus film screenings the following two days. The FOL volunteer staff, operating on a skeleton crew, has been stretched to its limits. Considering all of this, the presentation this weekend, especially Saturday night, couldn’t have been any better. Everyone who contributed deserves credit for this tremendous success.

There is the annual Halloween family event coming up this Friday evening (Oct. 31st @ 6 p.m.), with a crowd of about 800 expected. The theatre needs many volunteers to fill specific positions at this event (as well as to decorate and set-up in advance preparation), so come and show your support!

posted by Alto on Oct 27, 2008 at 2:10pm

I stand corrected - it was 870 for "Phantom of the Opera" (I heard wrong) - even better!

I knew it was going to be a big draw, but this was truly beyond my highest expectations.

A special "thank you" to patrons is posted on the Friends of the Loew's Web site.

posted by Alto on Oct 27, 2008 at 5:18pm

There will be no classic films in November. This is due to the unavailability of prints for what would have been a "James Bond Weekend" (most likely being "held back" due to the upcoming release of "Quantum of Solace" on November 14th). Instead the Friends have tentatively scheduled a "make-up" weekend for 5-6 December, theme not specified, featuring at least one major "blockbuster" movie, title(s) TBA.

This means back-to-back December film weekends, with a “Holiday” series featuring “The Bishop’s Wife” and “Oliver!” on the evenings of Friday the 12th and Saturday the 13th respectively. In addition, Santa will "visit" the theatre on Saturday afternoon. There will also be live entrance music playing ½ hour before each show on the “Wonder Morton” organ, with the likelihood of an audience sing-a-long as part of the program.

posted by Alto on Nov 3, 2008 at 5:39pm

I heard from someone I know who works at the Loews that they are trying to get "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" for Dec.6.

posted by YankeeMike on Nov 13, 2008 at 12:33pm

Here are the "bonus" films for December:

5 Dec. (Fri.) - "Island Weirdness" double-feature...
8:00PM: Island of Lost Souls (1932, 1:15) –- The Most Dangerous Game (1932, 1:03)

6 Dec. (Sat.) - Transitioning from Halloween to Christmas means thrills and chills in-between...
3:00PM: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993, 1:16)
7:30PM: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981, 1:55)

posted by Alto on Nov 13, 2008 at 4:08pm

A wonderful article (with several photos) in "The New York Times" about the Loew's Jersey Theatre:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/nyregion/new-jersey/16loewsnj.html

Check out photo no. 6 and be utterly amazed...

This building is an *international* treasure.

posted by GabeDF on Nov 15, 2008 at 10:40am

That NY Times article is a nice piece of propaganda for FOL but not entirely accurate.

The bird shit is still all over the upstairs the last time a volunteer who I know there let me in to see the room. I was even greeted by a dead pigeon on the floor. Charming!

Plaster damage seems to get worse everytime I'm at the Loew's. That is unacceptable.

The "soft focus" as expressed above is, no offense, a load of bull being offered to people who are dumb enough to believe it. I've seen the same prints in NYC and they looked nice and sharp there.

Also, my volunteer friend tells me the marquee was restored for a commercial shoot but the company shooting, NOT by FOL. They should not be taking credit for other peoples' work!

posted by Joseph Serf on Nov 16, 2008 at 1:08am

Yes Joseph, I too know someone who once was a projectionist there, and he says basically the same things you do. Most of the focus problems are because the gates in the projectors are plastic, as opposed to metal that 99% of projectors use. You couple that with the intense heat comming off the carbon arc, and as my friend said, the gates could melt away.

posted by movie534 on Nov 16, 2008 at 4:10am

Joseph Serf:

Stop spreading lies. THAT is unacceptable.

a) There's NO bird droppings anywhere in the projection room. I doubt you have ever been allowed in there, since there now are many thousands of dollars of restored equipment in there. You may have been thinking about the state of the room pre-FOL and pre-restoration, 'cause there sure aren't any dead birds laying around. Stop lying.

b) I have been involved with the Loew's since 1998, and have not noticed plaster being damaged to a greater extent. I HAVE seen steps taken to make sure the plaster does NOT get worse, until the new molds can be created. Stop lying.

c) I think I'll believe our house projectionist, over someone who's jealous over the Loew's Jersey, and doesn't want them to succeed.

d) FOL restored the marquee back to usable condition (for a LOT less than was quoted to us) back in the mid-90's. You and your "supposed friend" are a croc. Stop lying.

Oh, and welcome to our board! (but stop lying.)

posted by mahermusic on Nov 16, 2008 at 6:55am

The marquee was indeed restored by FOL and I've personally spent many hours working on the marquee. We were very happy to be able to negotiate the purchase and installation of the lamps on the underside of the marquee as part of a commercial shoot contract. Because of our previous restoration work, re-lamping the marquee only required purchasing and installing the bulbs in their sockets. I don't mean to minimize this because, as anyone who has worked on signs or marquees before can tell you, this is no small feat in itself. Nevertheless, FOL volunteers have done much of the work to get the marquee to its current state. Furthermore, our limited budget and volunteer time require us to make hard decisions on where to direct our resources, and without this shoot we would not have been able to re-lamp the underside of the marquee so soon. In retrospect, seeing how stunning the newly-relamped marquee looks, I think we should have done this sooner!

As far as bird poo is concerned, the publicity room beneath the projection booth, which had its feathered occupants evicted prior to the public opening, suffered a broken window about two years ago and consequently a new pigeon infestation. I'm happy to report that the window was repaired and the room was cleaned once again not long thereafter. It did sit closed-off for some time until we were able to clean it, but as this was an area of the building not accessed by the public or staff (and one which shouldn't have been included on any tour), this was left until our summer "working months" to clean.

I'm offended that anyone thinks my honest appraisal of the focus situation is "a load of bull." I must also contradict the assertion that the Delrin gate runners and pressure skate in our projectors have anything to do with focus. I have contacted several technical experts familiar with the Norelco/Kinoton projectors and their Delrin gates, and they agree with my assessment. Even Kinoton's largest projector, which supports lamphouses much hotter and larger than ours, still has Delrin gate components and works without focus troubles.

Regardless, as I'm installing the Norelco 35/70 projectors that do have metal gate runners, we'll be able to see the difference if there is any. I'm not expecting this to improve focus, but the new projectors give us the ability to show new film formats. It'll also give me the ability to send a big "I told you so" to a few of our vocal detractors. :)

No matter what the tone of the comments, I appreciate that they come from a desire to see the Loew's do better. I share that desire, even though I may disagree with some of your assessments and suggestions, and I spend the greater part of my spare time effecting it. I prefer nice comments, though. :)

posted by Rob Minichino on Nov 16, 2008 at 10:07am

I agree completely with Maher and Rob. I've been an eyewitness to the theatre and it's goings on since 1965 -- on and off. I've known it very well, since 1997 (and from 1965 to 1986).

I only see the Loew's getting better and I believe (as does TNYT) that the theatre is "on a roll" right now, perhaps due in part to the wonderful "new" organ, as well the ability to see, in the Loew's Jersey, the old classics on a 50 foot wide screen in one of the best (though not largest) of the old palaces.

Some folks might think this is tacky, but I have an idea. Why can't we put a billboard (don't have a heart attack--hear me out first) over the main doors, on that very wide black archway, that says "WELCOME TO LOEW'S WONDER THEATRE!!!" in period typeface.

In the very early days, this archway was lit in "electric back lit letters" (see the top photo in this page), and I do know that later on the King's had such a sign in the very same arch way. Just a thought. It might get people even a little more excited about being outside of the theatre, and it may prompt them to come in.

The sides of the marquee restored in the 1990s as you mentioned, and now the underside, is a real draw. It is dazzling to walk under that marquee now.

posted by GabeDF on Nov 17, 2008 at 3:38pm

P.S. The "billboard" would simply be painted (gold letters, maroon background), but it would follow the graceful French curve of the main entrance ceiling. Just a thought. It would be historically accurate to a period in the Loew's life, and I did see it at the Kings. Such a billboard would be well lit by the new underside lighting.

posted by GabeDF on Nov 17, 2008 at 4:01pm

There are no dead birds or bird droppings in the projection room or any other area of the theatre that I am aware of. I note that "movie534" hides behind an unidentifiable user id, and quotes a former projectionist without giving his name. That should tell you everything you need to know about "movie534", who at best posts things beyond his knowledge level. I have been on the projection staff of the Loews Jersey since they resumed running movies in 2001, and I know all three of the projectionists who are no longer with the project. I would have a hard time believing that any of them would be spreading this crap.

I have a simple suggestion for those such as "movie534" who don't like our shows. Don't attend. If you think films look better in NYC on screens that are a quarter of ours size, go see your movies there. End of problem.

/Mitchell
Loews Jersey Projection Staff

posted by MBD on Nov 18, 2008 at 7:10am

I'm with Mitchell on this. Film Forum in NYC may have a sharp picture, but when I sit in the front row there I still feel I'm at home looking at my front projection TV. When I sit in the front row at the Loew's, I am overwhelmed. And that's something you can't get at home.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Nov 19, 2008 at 5:00am

So Mitchell, you are the big wig top notch projectionist since 2001. WOW!! I have been an IA UNION projectionist (something you wouldn't even know about I guess) since 1976, I'm guessing before you were even born. As far as hiding behind an id, I'm not hiding, the person I know who worked that booth years ago was Bernie, thats all I'm putting up on a public site. And as far as anything else goes, so you are going to be the big man to run 70MM? Well lets see I was doing that as far back as 1984. Oh, but thats right I dont know anything. And if you think I dont appreciate old movies and theatres, I just hope the Ritz in Elizabeth N.J. gets sold to a private group soon, so I can get my screen, dolby CP-55 sound and carbon arc projection up and running. Oh and did you ever run IMAX? Ever see an IMAX system?? So before you say I'm hiding, know who you're talking to. I may not know what some people on Cinema Treasures do, but I've FORGOTTEN things you'll never even learn. And good luck with your Norelco projectors, they are a hell of a machine. I ran them too!!!

posted by movie534 on Nov 19, 2008 at 5:19am

I also agree with Bill Huelbig, in that sitting in the front row of a palace is unlike anything else you can expeirience. Thats why i'm glad to see places like Jersey City and Elizabeth and Red Bank among others get saved from the wrecking ball. The ONLY thing I can agree with Mitchell the projectionist on is that going to a shoebox to see a movie is like seeing a picture on a cell phone.

posted by movie534 on Nov 19, 2008 at 5:31am

My God, when did this site become a venue for personal attacks?

You are embarassing yourselves, please stop.

posted by vito on Nov 19, 2008 at 8:32am

I'm sorry vito, and I apologize. But it really gets me when someone says I'm hiding. I have nothing to hide. You personally know me from the old Amboys days with Ted, Jimmy, and the boys, and from White Plains. We may had our disagrements, but I respected you and valued what you said, and I always felt the same from you. I was only making the point that others on this site have the same opinions of the presentation, so what does that say. By the way how are you doing? Good health I hope, and have a safe holiday season.

posted by movie534 on Nov 19, 2008 at 9:34am

Since I was mentioned by name, I would like to take the time and go on the record in saying that although, I may have had disagreements in the past, I fully support Friends of the Loews in what they are doing at the Loews Jersey Theatre. I not only support them, I've seen many movies there over the past 2 years and feel I've worked hard in renewing friendships with most of the people at the theatre. I can only wish for both FOL's and the theatre's success.

Bernie Anderson, Jr

posted by BEARoxy on Nov 19, 2008 at 9:57am

I am pretty sure I rememnber you from Amboy, and hiring you for
White Plains.The White Plains booth was 100% manager/operator at first and then we brought 306 in to split with the managers.
I recall walking around the booth after you came in and thought, well hiring you was a good decision cause the booth immediatlely transformed into a more professional envirement. I especially appreciated the work you did on setting up the interlocks.
Your apology is accepted and appreciated. Also, I know what you mean by "our disagremnts" we sure had a few of those. I was under a lot of pressure to keep that White Plains theatre from falling into hell, it was a real nightmare at times. I thought I wouild never recover from that IMAX installation. We sure needed,and I fought for, two men per shift running that thing, especially the IMAX 3-D.
After that I retired, I had had enough.

posted by vito on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:02am

To movie534, I owe you an apology. Most of my anger was aimed at the Mr. Serf who posted before you. I scrolled up/down too quickly. Your post, although I don't fully agree with it, was rather innocuous. Best of luck with The Ritz project, and if The Count Basie ever runs film again, I will try and get down to see one of your shows. There can never be too many theatres running classic films on the big screen.

PS.

While I have one year on you for length of time as a projectionist, and have run Norelco AA's, it was 35mm only. I've never run 70mm.

posted by MBD on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:06pm

Ah, see how much better when all get along. :)
Bye the way MBD, you also need to give credit to movie534 for being able to handle Amboy which was not an easy both to operate.
The booth was huge and the HVAC system was not adaquit, making it hot in spots in the summer and cold in the winter. couple that with a fickle automation system that did not always behave and you have a challenging job at best. Then there was that ex-projectionist turned Managing Director (me) giving the both guys unwated advice. UGH!

posted by vito on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:32pm

Question: how many large movie palaces (such as the Loew's) are showing classic films on a 50 foot wide screen?

The immensity of the experience of seeing a movie at the Loew's really struck me when I saw "The Jazz Singer" on that huge screen. Not only was Jolson's performance stunning, and the picture size huge, but there is something about seeing a film in a darkened movie palace that cannot be matched anywhere; and I would think that the experience is very rare today.

So all prosperity and goodness to the FOL and the Loew's Jersey!

I CANNOT WAIT to see "Oliver!" at the Loew's. I'll be in the 10th row center. That's my favorite area in which to sit. I also like to sit on the right side just under the balcony edge.

A long time ago, I used to pick with "neighborhood" of the auditorium I like to sit in. That was in Radio City. I had my favorite spots there too.

Multi-plexes and homes do not provide drastically different vantage points, as can be found in large old movie palaces. That sense of changing perspective is something I really enjoy.

Heck, I even enjoyed sitting in the "peanut gallery" in the last row of the balcony all the way on the left side (did so at the Loew's). I did this when they showed "Fantasia" in the 1970s. I spent almost all of my time just looking at the theatre and listening to the music. I still remember the event.

I miss the ambient sounds in the balcony lobbies that come from the auditorium doors being open--esp. the sound from that 3 level lobby that is closed off now. I would think that in the "good old days" one could enjoy the music of the show just fine from that balcony lobby. I think that was the mid-level lobby, over the loges lobby (with the restrooms). It is another vast space at the Loew's.

posted by GabeDF on Nov 19, 2008 at 4:30pm

To MBD, I hope one day I can get up to the Loew's to see a movie, and meet you. Only problem is I work every Friday and Saturday. And to Vito, my dear friend, its good to know you are doing well. It was my pleasure to help you in White Plains, just too bad my back (which has gotten worse by the way) did not see it the same way. Amboys was a trip wasn't it? Reminds me of that old song, 'havin a heat wave...' I now work for an indy, but cannot move or lift any prints off platters. Goona be 50 in January, and aint worth nothing anymore. MBD, I wish I could see 'Oliver' on your huge Scope screen.

posted by movie534 on Nov 19, 2008 at 7:28pm

I'm there for most Friday movies, almost never there on Saturdays. If you ever make it up to the Jersey on one of our movie Fridays, please ask for me.

/Mitchell

posted by MBD on Nov 21, 2008 at 7:28am

I will do that.

posted by movie534 on Nov 22, 2008 at 9:45pm

The Loews Jersey looks like a spectacular movie theatre, both inside and out. At the risk of sounding somewhat obsessive, what would be the chances of showing something such as West Side Story, Dr. Zhivago, Sound of Music, or many other favorite classics there, including Lawrence of Arabia? just curious, because Loews Jersey looks like a perfect movie palace for all of these great films.

posted by MPol on Nov 22, 2008 at 10:53pm

Off of the top of my head, I know we've shown at least Lawrence of Arabia and The Sound of Music in the past, and we'll probably be showing all of the films you've listed some time in the future as well. Additionally, once we are ready to show 70mm, we will likely be scheduling 70mm showings of Lawrence of Arabia and West Side Story.

posted by Rob Minichino on Nov 23, 2008 at 7:54am

How did Oliver play and look?

posted by paljoey on Dec 15, 2008 at 9:37am

I don't know if this was ever linked here before, but the Trans Siberian Orchestra filmed their "Christmas Canon" video here, and it's a sight to behold, with the beautiful Jersey's interiro clearly seen:

http://music.aol.com/video/the-christmas-canon/trans-siberian-orchestra/1362239

posted by Bway on Dec 15, 2008 at 10:11am

Wanna be in Hollywood? This is as good as it gets!

posted by Meredith Rhule on Dec 18, 2008 at 8:23pm

Upcoming classic movie screenings…

ROGER MOORE AS JAMES BOND

Fri. - 30 Jan.
8:00 PM: “The Man with the Golden Gun”

Sat. - 31 Jan.
3:30 PM: “For Your Eyes Only”
7:30 PM: “Octopussy”

SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY SHOW

Sat. - 14 Feb.
7:30 PM: “City Lights” with Charlie Chaplin, plus live music on the “Wonder Morton” theatre organ!
____________________________________

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS...

Ushers needed for upcoming *Loew's-Down Blues* concert on Friday, 23 Jan., 7:30-11:00 PM.
Assistance also appreciated at movie screenings. To volunteer: e-mail loewsjersey@gmail.com

Free admission and refreshments for volunteer staff at all events!

posted by Alto on Jan 11, 2009 at 1:11pm

So of the Moore Bond films which is the best?
can only go to one.

posted by paljoey on Jan 20, 2009 at 4:02pm

Out of that group, I'd say "The Man with the Golden Gun". My real favorite Moore is "The Spy Who Loved Me" but that's not being shown.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Jan 20, 2009 at 7:18pm

I attended the Saturday screening of For Your Eyes Only (the one of the three I wanted to see the most), and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I've never been disappointed by a visit to the Loews, and as usual, the Loews organizers provided quality support, with Bond memorabilia in the lobby and an introduction with information on the movie from a Cinema Retro writer (if I remember correctly).

And, yes, if they had screened The Spy Who Loved Me, I would have attended that screening as well - it would have been something to see Stanley Kubrick's (uncredited) lighting work, for the Supertanker scenes, on the big screen.

posted by JamesInManhattan on Feb 2, 2009 at 10:34am

If there is one aspect of the great Loews Jersey that I appreciate the most it is their wonderful sense of choice in selecting films that resonate with the overall audience... not exactly "popular" films all of the time, but film programs with a "theme". (ie James Bond, Adventure heroes etc.)
I'm also grateful to Colin and the other Friends of the Loews for presenting films that might not have been very popular during their initial release, but now "deserve" a second look. (Two films that I always "turned my nose up" at [being the snobby little Sean Connery fan that I was at an early age] were "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" and , the above-mentioned "For Your Eyes Only"... they are now two of my favorite Bond films.)

Friends of the Loews deserves the support of every classic film fan in the Nj/Ny metro area. We seem to be in an age of shrinking interest in movie theaters that show classic films. We need to keep this jewel alive and shining.

posted by bolorkay on Feb 16, 2009 at 1:25pm

Chaplin's "City Lights" made for a memorable Valentine's Day show on Feb. 14th - presentation was tops, with a quality print and the "Wonder Morton" in the always-capable hands of house organist Ralph Ringstad Jr.

Audience turnout was beyond expectations, with an impressive 608 in attendance - I suppose that those lovers of romantic films would wish that Valentine's Day occurred on a Saturday more often! (That won't happen again until the year 2015.)

And in less than two weeks, another great…

FILM NOIR WEEKEND

27 Feb. (Fri.)
8:00 PM: “Chinatown” (1974)

28 Feb. (Sat.)
3:00 PM: “Night and the City” (1950)
7:00 PM – special double feature: “The Killing” (1956) –- “Niagara” (1953)

PLUS: Noted author, film historian and professor Foster Hirsch makes yet another guest appearance, introducing each movie and hosting audience Q&A sessions afterwards. Dr. Hirsch will also sign copies of his latest book, an updated edition of “The Dark Side of the Screen: Film Noir.”

posted by Alto on Feb 16, 2009 at 6:09pm

Hello everybody. Thank God Jersey gets it. My namesake theatre was taken down and OH, what a loss. Radio City was a lovely little project-and I'm glad everyone stills loves that sunrise arch-but NOTHING beats the original. But it's gone, all gone. In Ben Hall's book, "The Best Remaining Seats", your wonderful edifice was mentioned as one of the 5 "wonder" theaters but one without the Morton 4/23. How nice that he is now wrong. How lovely the perfume of the popcorn in the grand foyer and, as you approach your seat, the increasing presence of that Morton! The sound, the comfort, the politeness of the staff and those big bright pictures on that big bright screen. How grand it is to be, as Gloria Swanson said in "Sunset Boulevard", one of those "wonderful people in the dark". Keep up the good work, FOL. Do not let the little voices distract you.It's a grand place, if not the grandest, place to see the show. And every year, it's grander yet! Your Loews Jersey is truly New Jersey's Cathedral of the Motion Picture. Count me in to be in line, waiting for the box office to open and for the popcorn to pop. When I heard Mr.Ralph play that Morton, I got a little misty eyed, as I never thought I would ever hear that sound again, wafting up the aisles, into the lobby....

posted by Roxy Rothafel on Mar 4, 2009 at 9:28pm

If you like the music, come to the Loew's on Sunday, March 8th, when the Garden State Theater Organ Society presents a pops concert featuring the Wonder Morton and Grand Piano in the capable hands of Tom Hoehn and Avery Tunningley. Doors open at 2:30PM, show begins at 3PM. $15 general admission, $13 for seniors/children.

posted by stanley1 on Mar 5, 2009 at 8:16am

If I may, a big warm thank-you to the Friends of The Loews for the spectacular film noir series this past weekend! "Nobody does it better" than you folks! And also a debt of gratitude must be paid to Dr. Foster Hirsch for adding so much insight into the films that weekend beyond what was on the screen. A truely fascinating and engaging speaker. His enthusiasm was really infectious. ( I wonder if he teaches film classes at any of our local colleges?)
If there is one thing that the Loews Jersey excels all other film establishments in has to be the sense of education that one always leaves the theater with... and this weekend was no exception! Especially when introduced to a film such as Jules Dassin's, "Night and The City"!! For me, this film helps reinforce the phrase,"they don't make them like that anymore."
Please keep up the great work, FOL! I look forward to standing on line this month!

posted by bolorkay on Mar 5, 2009 at 2:48pm

For our March shows, The Landmark Loews Jersey is presenting a weekend of black & white ghost stories rarely seen on the big screen:

Fri March 27th at 8pm

....The Uninvited (1944)

Sat March 28th at 6pm

....The Ghost & Mrs. Muir (1947) Studio Archive Vault Print.

Sat March 28th at 8:30pm

....The Innocents (1961) Studio Archive Vault Print.

posted by MBD on Mar 7, 2009 at 1:53pm

While Puerto Rican pop singer Don Omar is the credited star of the music video “Canción de Amor”, it is the theatre that truly shines here. The following footage offers some fantastic interior views of the theatre, including backstage, stage, auditorium and grand lobby areas.

Here is a brief, behind-the-scenes, “making of” mini-documentary (narrated in Spanish):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlGKx_PPu-s

Here is television coverage on Univision Network's entertainment and celebrity gossip news program “Primer Impacto” (the Spanish-language equivalent of “Extra”):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmZt2GRUXh0

And here is the final product (filmed on location in October 2007):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiKG51Yxw5E

posted by Alto on Mar 11, 2009 at 5:18pm

Another Loew's Jersey idea. Since the balcony will be reopening in the foreseeable future, I have an idea. On either side of the balcony there are three coves. I was reading somewhere about the Brooklyn Paramount, that at one time, they had projected idyllic scenes on coves like the ones in the Jersey. What would it take to paint these coves in a dark white (almost silver or gray). Then there could be six very simple "one slide projectors" which would project idyllic garden scenes onto the cove walls. What would it cost? Not much I would think. It would make a major difference in terms of presentation and wonder over the room. When that gets boring, keep the violet/red/blue/gold floodlights and turn them on with the projectors still running. When the movie/show starts, turn off the projectors and turn on 1/4 of the violet floods. I think this is how it would have been done in the 1920s. Just a thought.

I am so glad the old seats are going back in the balcony after they are restored!! Haven't some of them already been restored? What the plan regarding the left side fire escape? I would imagine that the restrooms are going to need to be in better condition before the balcony re-opens.

The Loew's is going to be too great for words, once the balcony is reopened. It will be the talk of the tri-state area and the country.

posted by GabeDF on Mar 23, 2009 at 4:59pm

I can't really speak to any plans we have for the side coves, but I would assume our aim would be to return them to their original state, whatever that might have been. I think they might have had curtains in them to emulate opera boxes (these weren't meant to be "windows" like you might find in an atmospheric). The original incandescent lighting strips still exist, but are currently unused (they are not lamped). These are controlled at the stage lighting board and I assume they are set up for the 3 color circuits like the rest of the house and stage lights. Right now they are painted a greenish-blue color on the inside, and most of them have blue neon lighting.

One idea I had for using single slide projectors (we have a few of them already) was to project an image of the triplex "scar" on the underside of the balcony for demonstration purposes after it is restored.

All of the seat bottoms and backs have already been reupholstered (all of the seats, both balcony and orchestra, were done at once) and are awaiting installation. The current work involves cleaning and painting the seat standards, and refurbishing and painting the hinges for the seat bottoms. Our volunteers are making good progress on both fronts.

We are working on getting a grant to fund the work needed on the fire escapes to get the balcony open. We may be able to open the loge (lower section of the balcony) before the fire escapes for the upper part of the balcony are restored, but I can't make any promises.

posted by Rob Minichino on Mar 24, 2009 at 9:55am

You guys at the Jersey really know how to get things done. I can't believe what you and everyone else who has worked there over the years have pulled off. It is most impressive.

posted by Life's too short on Mar 25, 2009 at 3:23pm

Agree with Life's too short. It is almost a miracle.

If the loges could be reopened, I could die peacefully (many years from now -- I hope). Imagine walking down those l-o-n-g tunnels (esp. the one on the left side), through the French doors, and then WHAM -- what a sight!!! easily on of the most impressive proscenium arches in the world, and THE BEST view for movies and stage performances.

I don't see why they can't be reopened since they at the same level as the 2nd floor of the lobby. I suppose it's up to the Fire Dept. They've been good to the Loew's so far, for which I am most grateful.

This is very good news. I hope it happens soon. Just opening the loges would double the impressiveness of the Loew's Jersey, in my opinion.

posted by GabeDF on Mar 25, 2009 at 4:30pm

Here are some flickr photos of the Loew's Jersey.
1. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettyblade/1771362824/sizes/o/in/photostream/
2. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettyblade/1770616301/sizes/o/in/photostream/
3. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettyblade/1771525254/sizes/o/in/photostream/
4. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettyblade/1771525254/sizes/o/in/photostream/
5. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettyblade/1771678446/sizes/o/in/photostream/
6. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettyblade/1771009545/sizes/o/in/photostream/

posted by Chuck1231 on Mar 26, 2009 at 4:40pm

Nice job, Chuck. I hope to visit this place someday. If only they had more frequent performances like every other weekend.

posted by JodarMovieFan on Mar 26, 2009 at 6:05pm

I just received word that Loew's Jersey is presenting a free, 35mm screening of ISLE OF THE DEAD tonight. You can't beat that price.

But better than that, the pre-show organ concert will be played by Bernie Anderson - one of the premier theater organists on the East Coast. Bernie never fails to entertain and this will be his debut on the restored Wonder Morton!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Mar 27, 2009 at 9:38am

Last night's festivities, Bernie Anderson at the organ (what a great performance!) and Val Lewton's"Isle of the Dead" was a great beginning to this month's always-entertaining film programs at the Landmark Loews. The Loews is, beyond a doubt my favorite venue for classic films in the NJ/NY area. The programmers really try their best to bring films to the giant 50ft. screen that have rarely been exhibited.(Really looking forward to tonight's "Ghost And Mrs. Muir" and "The Innocents" - when was the last time those tiles were seen on a theater's marquee? The 1940' or 50' ?)

I have one concern about the theater that has been brought home to me over the years while attending the Loews monthly film programs.

Can anyone tell me if progress is being made toward improving the ventilation system at this wonderful venue? During the winter months there is not much of a problem but last night, during the screening of "Isle of The Dead" I felt a distinct issue with temperature and (for some of us)"air movement" (or lack of.).
Now don't get me wrong, I love the Loews, I spent the greater part of my childhood there. (and I will continue to be a patron)..I just want to see it grow into the best type of venue of its kind for all of us and our kids.

posted by bolorkay on Mar 28, 2009 at 8:49am

The engineering is underway for restoring the air conditioning and the heating system is now in the hands of a talented professional who is donating his time to do essential maintenance.

The Loew's Jersey is very lucky to have volunteers like that. The same holds true for the projection crew.

It's probably too much to ask but please, if you get the chance at your next visit, shake the hand of the ticket taker or usher. I have suggested, more times than I can remember, to the Director of the Loew's Jersey and to the Friends of the Loew's to print the names of volunteers that have contributed during the season in the final program of the season. Unfortunately, the response has been less then receptive. But that is just a single opinion.

Everyone there, from the top of the organization to the smallest volunteers, does their best out of a love and generosity that deserves nothing but praise.

I'll even throw a "thanks" to Jersey City. The City might be a difficult force for the Loew's to deal with but Jersey City does pay the utility bills.

posted by plenum on Mar 28, 2009 at 4:40pm

The volunteers should be thanked in writing, in my opinion, for a variety of different reasons. Mostly they deserve a little recognition. It's not like it would cost a lot of money to make it happen. I'm not sure I understand the resistance to the idea, unless those in charge of programming just don't understand that people feel good when they are thanked.

posted by Life's too short on Mar 28, 2009 at 5:22pm

This afternoon I read the original New York Times review of "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" from June 1947:

http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?_r=1&res=9A07E6DA123CE13BBC4F51DFB066838C659EDE

Tonight at the Loew's Jersey I felt like I'd gone back to 1947, watching the film at Radio City Music Hall. I'd seen it countless times on TV and video, but never in a theater. And what a theater to see it in for the first time. Even before the show started I had a great "Mrs. Muir" experience walking around the upstairs gallery, with its heavy velvet drapes and large ornate mirrors, as Bernard Herrmann's most beautiful score played from unseen overhead speakers. I must've spent a half hour up there and didn't even notice.

Later that evening came "The Innocents", in a breathtakingly beautiful black and white CinemaScope print. Under the right circumstances, the Loew's Jersey can be quite a scary place when the lights go down - that huge empty overhead space, the booming echo chamber effect - perfect for "The Innocents". No wonder the audience screamed and gasped at all the right moments.

Coming April 25th: a 50th anniversary screening of "Journey to the Center of the Earth", with special guest Arlene Dahl in person. The Loew's echo is going to work wonders for that particular soundtrack.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Mar 28, 2009 at 8:53pm

Hi...I was at the theatre Friday and heard the explanation given from the stage for the error in unable to show the scheduled title. I just want to be clear on this...Universal is now striking a print of the 1944 version of "The Uninvited"...meaning The Loew's advertised the screening of a film for which there was no print in existence? It's a great venue and deserving of support, but clearly the people responsible for programming have little or no film savvy. Is it asking too much to do some very basic research?

posted by screensaver on Mar 28, 2009 at 11:22pm

Somehow it got mixed up with the 2009 release "The Uninvited", which came and went from theaters a couple of weeks ago.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Mar 29, 2009 at 7:11am

Obviously there was a mix up. My point was it appears those running The Loew's didn't bother to conduct the most basic research to determine if a print of the 1944 version of "The Uninvited" even existed before advertising that they were screening the film. Reportedly, a new print is now being struck by Universal confirming no print was available for screening. I believe it was stated from the stage they were unaware of the 2009 release of the film with the same title. If your responsibility is booking films and you're in the movie theater business, how is that possible? Again, please don't misunderstand, the place is well worth one's support, this instance just makes one question the competency of those booking movies there.

posted by screensaver on Mar 29, 2009 at 9:07pm

They did make amends for their mistake by showing "Isle of the Dead" (quite a good '40's horror substitute for "The Uninvited") and charging no admission for it. "The Uninvited" is tentatively scheduled to be shown at the end of May.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Mar 30, 2009 at 8:25am

One cannot take seriously people such as the above "screensaver", who registered here at CinemaTreasures last Saturday solely to leave his negative comments. While constructive criticism is always welcome, this person appears to have some sort of agenda against Friends Of The Loews, and clearly did not listen to the explanation of why The Uninvited (1944) was not available. May I suggest that you do not come back, since you are so unhappy with The Landmark Loews Jersey.

posted by MBD on Mar 31, 2009 at 11:27am

My comments were to explore WHY what took place had occurred. The only way errors can be prevented in the future is to honestly look into why they happen, not to ignore them, gloss over them or pretend they did not occur. If that in itself is negative or not to be taken seriously, so be it. I also stated twice the Loew's was well worth supporting. Nice of you to ignore that portion. Why does it matter when I registered? Yes it was after the Friday show. Am I to write about the mix-up before it happened? It appears it may be you that has some sort of protect-at-all-cost agenda. I think The Loew's is a treasure. I also happen to think Friday's mishap was an unnecessary blunder. That's all. Let's move on.

posted by screensaver on Mar 31, 2009 at 10:01pm

It’s another weekend of classic films at The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre located on Journal Square in Jersey City, New Jersey, this coming April 24th and 25th on our huge 50 foot wide CinemaScope screen.

The Landmark Loews Jersey was the last of the five Loews Wonder Theatres built in the New York City metro area. Opened in 1929, it has been entertaining area movie goers ever since. The theatre is currently being operated and restored by the volunteer organization Friends Of The Loews. Located directly across from the PATH subway station connecting Manhattan with Jersey City, it is also easy to reach from most area highways.

All Show Are Presented In 35mm With Genuine Carbon Arc Projection.

Friday April 24th at 8pm - A Lion In Winter (1968) - We will be running the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences archive print. Director of the film, Anthony Harvey, will be there in person to speak about his career and the film.

Saturday April 25th at 7:15pm - Journey To The Center Of The Earth (1959) - We will be running the restored 20th Century Fox’s Archive Vault Print. Actress Arlene Dahl from the film will be there in person to speak about her career and the film.

Visit The Landmark Loews Jersey web site for details.

The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre

posted by MBD on Apr 13, 2009 at 1:10pm

This is a 2009 photo of the Loew's Jersey.

posted by Lost Memory on Apr 15, 2009 at 4:53pm

If anyone reading this today plans to attend the Saturday showing of "Journey To The Center Of The Earth" and meet Arlene Dahl, could you please ask her if she knows anything about Fox putting the film out on Blu-ray for its 50th anniversary this year? Wish I could be there, but I only just found out about this and I live too far away.

posted by Rory on Apr 23, 2009 at 7:48am

Rory: I'll do it, if I can. I hope to get some pictures of her also. If I'm successful, I'll post links to them here.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 23, 2009 at 4:36pm

Thanks, Bill. Too bad Pat Boone and especially Diane Baker can't be there. This year is also the 50th anniversary of "The Best of Everything" with Baker. I wonder if there's anyone who'd love to see that on a big screen again?

posted by Rory on Apr 23, 2009 at 9:14pm

About 2 or 3 years ago Diane Baker appeared at a Motion Picture Academy screening of "The Diary of Anne Frank" in NYC, together with Millie Perkins and Richard Beymer.

I saw "The Best of Everything" at the Chelsea Cinemas in NYC a couple of years ago. They show it about once a year. They have a weekly series of camp classics like "Valley of the Dolls", "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?", etc.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 23, 2009 at 9:30pm

As expected, the Loew's Jersey's cavernous echo made the score for "Journey to the Center of the Earth" sound better than it's ever been heard before (by me, anyway). Arlene Dahl is an incredibly nice, gracious person. Her post-screening interview with Foster Hirsch was extremely entertaining. I didn't get to ask Rory's question about the Blu-Ray release, but I did get her autograph:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/arlene.jpg

and a picture with her:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/DSCF0009-2.jpg

Here is a poor quality 60-second video from my digital camera where she talks about Bernard Herrmann's score for the film:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7w8wROTOdE

Finally, the Loew's marquee by day and by night:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/DSCF0001-5.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/DSCF0035-3.jpg

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 25, 2009 at 10:04pm

Thanks, Bill. Boy, I wish I could have been there. How did the print look? I know Fox did a restoration for the 2004 DVD, but I wonder if they've since done even more (such as a high definition scan of the negs and further digital clean up)? I think that if Arlene Dahl signed your copy of the DVD she would have mentioned if she'd been asked to contribute anything to a new Blu-ray release, but hopefully Fox has enough brains to be working on that. I've read that Dahl and James Mason didn't get along on the set of JTTCOTE. Did she mention anything about that and what else of interest did she have to say about the production that you can remember? I've also read that Clifton Webb was originally going to play the professor. Anyway, thanks for posting what you have. While this was going on last night, I finally got around to hanging my original JTTCOTE half-sheet poster in my new apartment, and --by the way -- that dreadful recent version (which is apparently getting a sequel) premiered on HBO last night. Blaaah! The '59 version is still king.

posted by Rory on Apr 26, 2009 at 11:52am

Arlene did talk about James Mason. She said he wasn't easy to work with at first, and she also heard from a crew member that he didn't want her to play the role. He thought she wasn't good enough as a actress. But she'd already been cast - in fact producer/co-writer Charles Brackett was a good friend of hers and created the character of Carla (who doesn't appear in the Jules Verne novel) with her in mind.

When she heard what James thought of her, she figured she'd have to be extra good in her scenes with him. She worked extra hard and eventually earned a compliment from James: "You know, you're pretty good". She said hearing that from him meant more to her than an Academy Award would have.

She also talked about Bernard Herrmann, as you can hear in the YouTube clip, calling him a musical genius. He visited the set more than once, and seemed to take inspiration from those visits - the score really captures the feeling of what it'd be like to descend into the interior of the earth.

Arlene also talked about the locations: they shot in Carlsbad Caverns NM and the surrounding area for three months, then back to the Fox studio in Hollywood for three more months. She mentioned the large number of bat caves at Carlsbad. She was afraid of them, but Pat Boone liked them so much he earned the nickname "Bat Boone". She also complimented Pat on his acting. She was impressed at how hard he worked on his performance.

All in all, a great evening with an extremely charming lady. And the CinemaScope print was perfect.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 27, 2009 at 4:35am

Ms. Dahl was sensational, but I wish the person who interviewed her had done some homework. He stated that JOURNEY was a low budget film which is far from accurate: it was an "A" picture from Fox all the way. He also speculated as to whether or not the film was intended as a vehicle for Pat Boone. It was. Boone originally had 5 songs in the film, but 4 were cut. (Boone's production company worked with Fox on the film, and they were wise to realize that the pacing needed to be tightened.)

He also commented on the fabulous score and wondered if there was a soundtrack available on CD. There is, and it was released by Varese Sarabande in 1997.

A little bit of prep and research would have made the interview that much better.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Apr 27, 2009 at 6:19am

Another funny thing Arlene told us: she only had one stand-in, but Gertrude the Duck had three!

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 27, 2009 at 7:16am

Thanks, Bill, for those sensational photos ! I was there with my grade school friend on his maiden voyage to the Loew's, and he was predictably dazzled by it and the lovely Miss Dahl. She autographed my CD of the 1989 concert she did with Jane Russell and the fabulous Dottie Lamour ! My friend was put off by the idea that there was a $20.00 fee which provided access for "special people." Those of us who support the Loew's are rather special, too !

posted by frankie on Apr 27, 2009 at 8:31am

Thanks Bill for the further details of what Arlene Dahl had to say. Too bad the interviewer hadn't done his research. I've often wondered how long the shoot was on JOURNEY. I know that the "underground ocean" stuff on the beach was shot at Leo Carrillo State Beach, and you can tell in the film that the cave there is extended by the use of Emil Kosa Jr. matte paintings. Other locations around southern California were used such as the Amboy Crater National Landmark and "Little Lake and Fossil Falls" near Lone Pine, but for the most only stand-ins for the principal actors were used, as was a stand-in for Mason for the shots actually taken in Edinburgh, Scotland. Anyway, both this film and I turn fifty this year. I didn't see JTTCOTE until it was shown on WABC in New York in the late sixties.

posted by Rory on Apr 27, 2009 at 8:55am

I think Arlene said about 6 months. The real shocker was her saying that Darryl Zanuck made them re-dub the entire film because he thought the American audience wouldn't understand the accents. Nowadays, it'd be just dandy since no one in America speaks English anymore !!!!!

posted by frankie on Apr 27, 2009 at 9:24am

I think her memory is a little hazy there. Some of the dialogue was looped, but most was not. I suspect that Zanuck ordered the accent change shortly after the start of production.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Apr 27, 2009 at 9:32am

WHATEVER ! It was a thrill to have a real, live movie star right before our eyes at a real, live movie palace ! Yes, you CAN go home again ! Thank you, Loew's Jersey !!!

posted by frankie on Apr 27, 2009 at 9:35am

Amen!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Apr 27, 2009 at 10:06am

I was thinking about it and I believe Miss Dahl's memory might also be a little hazy as to the length of the shooting schedule. I doubt they shot in Carlsbad for three months, probably more like three weeks. I've watched this movie many times and very little of the interior of the earth stuff is Carlsbad, most is actually the sound stages at Fox, with many of rock sets reused in THE STORY OF RUTH and THE LOST WORLD the following year. However, the shooting at Carlsbad may have been longer as I've read that Alexander Scourby started shooting there as Count Saknussem, but was replaced by Thayer David. By the way, JTTCOTE was Fox's Christmas release for December 1959 and opened at the Paramount Theatre in NYC. Go to the page for that theatre and there's a couple comments by people who remember seeing it there back then. Pretty cool.

posted by Rory on Apr 28, 2009 at 5:44am

When I did interviews for our Abbott and Costello book (as well as the two 3-D Expo's in Hollywood) you learn that veteran performers can have tricky memories, just like any other senior citizen. Don't get me wrong, it's great to hear their stories, but don't believe everything you hear!

The most accurate materials are usually the daily production reports on file at the studio. They tell you exactly what happened - warts and all - on a daily basis throughout the shoot.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Apr 28, 2009 at 6:12am

Some more "Journey" stuff:

The New York Daily News review - a positive one, but I would have given it one more star:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/verne2.jpg

The ad for the Paramount Theatre engagement:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/verne1.jpg

The ad for the State Theatre engagement in Jersey City, around the corner from the Loew's ... and the only one of the three great Journal Square showplaces that did not survive in some form. It's now an apartment building.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/fabian1.jpg

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 28, 2009 at 9:01am

Here's one more:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/verne.jpg

Look for the small print at the very bottom: Late Film 11:45 PM. How I would've loved to see "Journey" at the Paramount and get out at 2 in the morning!

posted by Bill Huelbig on Apr 28, 2009 at 9:57am

There are some decorative elements in the Jersey very similar to the NY Paramount.

Those ads are great. Thanks Bill!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Apr 28, 2009 at 10:05am

Did anybody see "The Lion in Winter"? How was the print, especially the color?

posted by HowardBHaas on Apr 29, 2009 at 12:55pm

I didn't see that show but heard it was very good. The always dependable Mitchell was in the booth.

The presentation of JOURNEY was excellent. Mr. Minichino has done a fantastic job in maintaining and calibrating the equipment. The 4 channel stereo audio was perfectly balanced between both projectors, and the low level notes in Bernard Herrman's fabulous score rattled your seat but didn't blow the speakers!

Changeovers were smooth, with my only criticism being the clipping of a few seconds at the head of each reel. (Threading on a higher number on the academy countdown would do the trick.) The carbons were bright and well balanced. They maintained their consistency that night and the picture looked excellent. I even caught the focus being tweaked a few times to insure optimum sharpness, and that’s always a good thing! When a reel began one perf out of frame, it was immediately adjusted.

The print was derived from a new 35mm preservation element and the color was perfect. It was exactly how the film would have looked first run in 1959.

Bravo gentlemen, it was an excellent presentation!

posted by Bob Furmanek on Apr 29, 2009 at 1:16pm

Did anybody see "The Lion in Winter"? How was the print, especially the color?

The print was in excellent condition, the color perfect.

posted by MBD on Apr 29, 2009 at 1:44pm

I was criticized by some for leaving "negative" commentary regarding the programming incident involving "The Uninvited" in March. Credibility to those or any other comments on this site is only earned when they are objective and balanced. It is important to report when things go smoothly as well as when there are mishaps. So to be fair, I too want to acknowledge the excellent presentation this past weekend with "The Lion In Winter" and "Journey to The Center of The Earth". The weekend featured quality prints and gracious guests. The weekend film series was executed extremely well.

posted by screensaver on Apr 29, 2009 at 4:33pm

Thanks to Bob Furmanek. Note my entry above. Search for "New York Paramount and the Loew's Jersey". It's about 3/4 from the bottom -- since this Loew's Jersey page could make a nice book on its own! The Loew's Jersey and NY (Times Square) Paramount were *very* similar theatres, designed by the same firm.

posted by GabeDF on Apr 30, 2009 at 6:36pm

When we were fighting to save the Loew's, I sent some literature to Jerry Lewis and asked if he would write a letter in support of our efforts. (I've known him since 1982 and worked for him for several years.) He wrote a letter which received attention with the press and the city council, and told me how much the theater reminded him of his beloved Paramount. He not only had some great times there with Dean, he had worked there as an usher when he was a teenager!

Next time Jerry is in New York, I would love to do an event with him at the Jersey.

posted by Bob Furmanek on May 1, 2009 at 6:26am

I think I told this story before, probably on the Paramount page, but Jerry showed off his old ushering skills when my mom went to see "My Friend Irma" at the Paramount in 1949, and he took her ticket. I guess he and Dean were part of the live stage show.

posted by Bill Huelbig on May 1, 2009 at 7:57am

Jerry has pictures of him at the front door taking tickets!

posted by Bob Furmanek on May 1, 2009 at 8:01am

Lewis's work at the NY Paramount was sheer brilliance, the like of which we will never see again.

Thanks for sharing your story of Jerry Lewis and the Loew's. I'm so glad to hear that he supported the theatre in those difficult days. The Jersey may be the "Best Remaining" road show house left in America. It is steeped in 1930s vaudeville (and popcorn).

One of the best fairly recent live acts I saw at the Jersey was Uncle Floyd's 30 minute "program." People forget (I should talk, I'm 47) just how clever and funny old vaudeville could be. It was often absolutely brilliant. After all, "Who's On First?" was a vaudeville act, performed live at the State Theatre in Journal Square many times by some comedy named Abbott and Costello. The Three Stooges were often found live at the Stanley, and of course Bing was live at the Loew's.

In any case, Floyd's show was never to be forgotten. As I watched it, I said to myself, "so this is what vaudeville was like."

Jerry Lewis is one of the very last vaudeville stars, and a native Newark-ite, I believe. So glad to learn he doesn't forget his roots.

posted by GabeDF on May 1, 2009 at 6:14pm

Folks, this was the wonderful theatrical reality of the Loew's Jersey at one time. In addition to being a "Temple of the Motion Picture Art" is was also a grand old vaudeville house (for a very few and much too short number of years):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_efvfxmJDGQ

It was New York vaudeville, only better and a little looser.

"Duke Ellington, Bing Crosby, Jean Harlow, Burns and Allen, Bing Crosby, Bill Robinson, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Cab Calloway, to name just a few" were regulars at the Loew's. Today, this boggles the mind.

Jack Benny was often the MC at the Loew's Jersey in the early 1930s. At that time this theatre was "classy" and not the somewhat dusty though wonderful place we know today. The place deserved and got an elegant and urbane and very funny announcer.

Typical Loew's Jersey entertainment from the middle 20th Century. The LJ was as smart and as bright and as mainstream as you could get in America in the mid-20th Century:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wNK1Jt4JLg

Back then the ushers said, "no standing in the aisles, please stand behind the ropes, there are plenty of seats in the upper balcony." They even had a coat check room.

posted by GabeDF on May 1, 2009 at 6:33pm

The GREAT Loew's Jersey Wonder Organ does it again (in full stereo hi-fi)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgfA9_BEuSg&fmt=18

with a band in the pit--yet (with an orchestra lift that goes up and down).

My understanding is that the Loew's Jersey is the 10th largest remaining theater in America (give or take a few); and I think its future is very bright.

Well, I'm sure these are enough posts for one night. I hope my love for the place comes through my writing.

posted by GabeDF on May 1, 2009 at 6:49pm

Thanks, Gabe, for that Jack Benny/Groucho clip. YouTube is such a wonderful source for old '50s TV clips. Here's another one: Arlene Dahl as the mystery guest on "What's My Line?" in 1959, plugging "Journey to the Center of the Earth":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTbcvphPWv4

posted by Bill Huelbig on May 1, 2009 at 7:50pm

Great clip! Thanks. Wish I could have seen the film at the Loew's.

posted by GabeDF on May 2, 2009 at 10:05am

Does anyone know if they will be showing "The Uninvited" at the end of May? I know they said they were tentatively aiming to have a new print by that time. Thanks.

posted by M.H. on May 6, 2009 at 2:20pm

"The Uninvited" is scheduled for Saturday May 30th, tentatively paired with "Rebeca" on the same evening.

The weekend of May 15-16 we will be presenting "It Happened One Night", "Dinner At 8", and silent film "The General". See the theatre's web page for more info on this show.

posted by MBD on May 7, 2009 at 4:09pm

Thanks MBD,

Great to hear that "The Uninvited" has been scheduled for the end of May !

I can't think of a better venue for this terrific ghost story than the grand, old Loews Jersey. What a perfect match.
Bob

posted by bolorkay on May 10, 2009 at 3:41am

More "spring chills" - Saturday evening, May 30th - "bonus" May films:

6:00 PM: *The Uninvited* (1944, 1:39) - starred Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey, Donald Crisp.
("make-up" screening for March 27th - yes, it will be the correct print!)

8:15 PM: Alfred Hitchcock's *Rebecca* (1940, 2:10) - starred Sir Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, George Sanders.

posted by Alto on May 10, 2009 at 11:23am

This coming weekend, May 15th and 16th, The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre located on Journal Square in Jersey City, New Jersey will be presenting 3 more classic films from the golden age of motion pictures.

The Landmark Loews Jersey was the last of the five Loews Wonder Theatres built in the New York City metro area. Opened in 1929, it has been entertaining area movie goers ever since. The theatre is currently being operated and restored by the volunteer organization Friends Of The Loews. Located directly across from the PATH subway station connecting Manhattan with Jersey City, it is also easy to reach from most area highways.

All Show Are Presented In 35mm With Genuine Carbon Arc Projection.

Friday May 15th at 8pm - It Happened One Night (1934) – Frank Capra’s screwball comedy featuring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert.

Saturday May 15th at 6:00pm - Dinner At Eight (1933) – Staring John and Lionel Barrymore along with Jean Harlow.

Saturday May 15th at 8:30pm - The General (1927) – Buster Keaton’s silent comedy classic with live organ accompaniment on the Loews Jersey Theatre’s Morton Wonder Pipe Organ.

Visit The Landmark Loews Jersey web site for details.

The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre

posted by MBD on May 11, 2009 at 10:07am

Can you tell us who is going to play the organ for the movie Saturday night? I'm looking forward to making the double feature.

posted by JimmyD on May 14, 2009 at 6:26am

Very nice photo: well-balanced and moody. Really shows off the digninty of the place.

posted by Life's too short on May 14, 2009 at 8:34am

Ralph Ringstad, Jr. will be playing. Go to The Garden State Theatre Organ Society for more info on the organ.

posted by MBD on May 14, 2009 at 12:30pm

A video with scenes from the movie pre-show a few weeks ago. The super organ is shown too filling the whole theatre with music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJxdVT51szc&fmt=18

posted by pjacyk on May 14, 2009 at 11:04pm

Great video, pjacyk. It really captures the awe and wonder of the Loew's Jersey and her great Robert Morton organ. One can only hope that it will inspire even more people to come to the show.

Tonight: "Dinner at Eight" at 6:00 pm and "The General" at 8:30 pm.

Don't miss it. It is the golden age of Hollywood come to life in 2009.

posted by GabeDF on May 16, 2009 at 6:21am

Announced this past weekend: the film season will conclude with great family entertainment – animated classics! (Exact times TBA soon)

5 June - Friday

Evening feature: “Spirited Away” (2001, 2:05)

6 June – Saturday

Late afternoon: classic animated shorts (Looney Tunes, Betty Boop, etc.)

Evening feature: “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” (1988, 1:44)

posted by Alto on May 18, 2009 at 6:18pm

Alto, is that the original foreign-language version of "Spirited Away" with subtitles. or is it the dubbed American version?

posted by T228 on May 19, 2009 at 4:44pm

It is the dubbed English version - Lauren Holly, Michael Chiklis, Suzanne Pleshette, Jason Marsden, Daveigh Chase, John Ratzenberger and David Ogden Stiers are among the large cast providing voices.

Since this is intended to be a “family-friendly” show (and not a foreign film festival), I doubt that the audience FOL is trying to attract would want to suffer through over two hours of Japanese-language dialogue with English subtitles (sorry to those “purists” out there). There have been exceptions, where only original, foreign-language versions of family films were available (such as “White Mane").

posted by Alto on May 20, 2009 at 2:34pm

This coming Saturday, May 30th The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre located on Journal Square in Jersey City, New Jersey will be presenting the first of our final 2 shows of the season.

The Landmark Loews Jersey is located directly across from the PATH subway station connecting Manhattan with Jersey City, it is also easy to reach from most area highways.

All Show Are Presented In 35mm With Genuine Carbon Arc Projection.

Saturday May 30th at 6:00pm - The Uninvited (1944) – Rescheduled from an earlier date with a newly struck print!

Saturday May 30th at 8:15pm - Rebecca (1940) – Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller.

The following weekend, June 5th and 6th, an animation weekend as our final shows of the season.

Friday June 5th at 8:00pm - Spirited Away (2001) – Acclaimed Japanese animated feature film about a little girl lost in a surreal world. Dubbed into English Version.

Saturday June 6th at 3:00pm – A collection of classic cartoons from the golden age of Hollywood, all in 35mm!

Saturday June 6th at 7:30pm - Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) – I know who framed him, do you?

Visit The Landmark Loews Jersey web site for details.

The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre

posted by MBD on May 27, 2009 at 9:59am

Beautiful photos of a beautiful theater.

posted by Bway on May 28, 2009 at 11:27am

Thought this would be of interest...
(Boxoffice Magazine 1/13/75 (Eastern Edition) p.E-3)
"The new Loews triplex in Jersey City recently reopened following conversion and thus far business is reported to be very good, according to manager Ann Rauch. Theatre 1, which had been the balcony in the original house, now seats 1,078. The original downstairs, now divided into Theatre 2 and Theatre 3, seats 524 in each of the new units. Reopening attractions were "Amazing Grace", "Scenes From a Marriage", and "Murder on the Orient Express." The original Loews' Jersey City Theatre was opened more than 50 years ago. This is the first of the so-called "movie palaces" in the North Jersey area, most fo which are located in cities such as Newark, Paterson, Passaic, as well as Jersey City, that has undergone conversion from single to multi-unit operation."

posted by ediemer on Jun 15, 2009 at 7:19pm

Wow, very nice.

Excellent photo composition.

posted by Life's too short on Jun 16, 2009 at 1:00am

Kudos to the FOL! Great season of classic films, especially with your screening of "The Uninvited". You folks really came through on your promise.

I'm already looking forward the fall season.... I hope there will be more mystery, horror and science fiction.
Once again, thank you for all of your hard work, FOL.. You guys are the best!

posted by bolorkay on Jun 24, 2009 at 12:35pm

Picture.. 1964.. behind the bus..

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?650

posted by Local619 on Aug 10, 2009 at 5:14pm

Too bad that beautiful vertical sign is no longer extant. I heard that it had to come down because of structural issues. Oh well. Maybe someday we'll be seeing a replica put up, as has been done at Shea's in Buffalo and at the Fox in St. Louis.

posted by ziggy on Aug 17, 2009 at 1:20pm

That's a pretty interesting double feature from that picture. "From Russia with Love" and "Twice-Told Tales" with Vincent Price.

posted by William on Aug 17, 2009 at 2:02pm

What a great picture of a great-looking theatre! Thanks.

posted by MPol on Aug 17, 2009 at 3:45pm

Ziggy, I agree about the blade, but why stop there? The entire marquee should be restored. I know that's a big wish and that a lot of money would be required, but.....it would be beautiiful and someday.......

posted by LuisV on Aug 17, 2009 at 3:54pm

Hello LuisV,

You're right about the marquee needing to be restored. I guess I was focused on the vertical because, well, because it's GONE! The restoration of the marquee might not be so farfetched. Quite a few replicas of old marquees have gone up, most notably on the Paramount in Times Square, which isn't even a theatre any more. Chances are the frame for the original marquee is still there, buried behind the fluorescent panels currently in place.

posted by ziggy on Aug 19, 2009 at 7:45am

Great point Ziggy! I do see the day when, once the interior is completed, the focus can shift to the outside. My preference would be marquee first then the blade. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE theater blades, but the main theater focal point is the marquee and the Jersey had a beauty. The blade would be the feather in the cap so to speak.

posted by LuisV on Aug 19, 2009 at 11:05am

I'm looking forward to the restoration of the upper balcony cross-over lobby.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Aug 19, 2009 at 11:07am

I always like seeing a classic movie here, even though I haven't been in a while.

posted by saps on Aug 19, 2009 at 12:47pm

As much as I would love to see the cross-over lobby brought back to original working order, what I'm really hoping for is work to begin on the ventilation/AC system at the Loews (a costly project, I'm sure)...... when that is accomplished, then the possibilty of summer classic film programs might become a reality. I know the summer is when the FOL does most of their renovations, but to have a couple of weekends of "summer" film classics wouild be something to be hoped for.

posted by bolorkay on Aug 21, 2009 at 7:44am

I believe the AC is being worked on this summer.

posted by Bob Furmanek on Aug 22, 2009 at 7:24am

How about the restoration of the dome over the center ticket booth? It doesn't need to be bronze. It could be a composite material, and it could be copied from the King's which I believe still has the same dome. I with you on the marquee, the blade, and the upper balcony lobby restorations.

Any way, here are some *amazing* backstage interior shots I found on the web. Many thanks to jeffs4653, whoever you are:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25854373@N03/sets/72157621477571129/

posted by GabeDF on Aug 26, 2009 at 4:23pm

That's my friend Jeff S! His comments can be found all over CT, mostly on the Lafayette Theater page.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Aug 26, 2009 at 4:46pm

Wow, that picture is great. I just recently joined this website and am amazed at the memories that it is bringing back!!!!! so much so that I went last night to one of the old theatres in Rutherford, NJ that I went to as a kid and posted my experience on that movies page. Now I want to visit all of the theatres that are still there. That is my plan and I aim to do it and post as I go to each one. Since I still live in the Northern NJ area I can get to most of them pretty easily. I will keep you all posted.

posted by Debbie Annett on Sep 7, 2009 at 12:13pm

Hi Debbie,

I'm curious.....what theaters in our area have you visited or do you plan to visit? (theater name and location, please)
I'd really like to find some of the old movie palaces, especially in Northern NJ, that I've never visited.
Personally some of my favorites are The Lafayette, in Suffern, NY, the Cedar Lane, in Teneck, and (of course) the Loews Jersey.
It would be great to pool our knowledge of some of the great theatres that are still around and operational.(I checked the list of theatres in the general North NJ/New York area on "Cinema Trasures" but, sadly many of those that I was familiar with are either closed and/or demolished. I wonder if I am missing some?)

posted by bolorkay on Sep 7, 2009 at 1:51pm

The Landmark Loews Jersey will begin it's fall season of classic films on the weekend of October 2nd & 3rd. All the titles have not been confirmed yet, but the show will include Harold Lloyd's 1923 silent comic masterpiece, Safety Last with live organ accompaniment on the Loews Jersey's Morton Wonder Theatre Pipe Organ.

posted by MBD on Sep 8, 2009 at 12:29pm

On the weekend of October 2nd and 3rd, The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre located on Journal Square in Jersey City, New Jersey will open it’s 9th season of classic films. Since it is also the theatre’s 80th Birthday Jubilee, we will be presenting a selection of films either set in, or filmed in, the 1920’s when the Loews Jersey was young!

The theatre is located directly across from the PATH subway station connecting Manhattan with Jersey City, it is also easy to reach from most area highways. Discounted parking is located directly behind the theatre.

All Show Are Presented In 35mm On Our Huge 50 Foot Wide Screen

Friday October 2nd at 8:00pm – “The Untouchables” (1987) Follow the exploits of Elliot Ness and his G-Men as they take down Al Capone back in the violent days of the roaring 20’s.

Saturday October 3rd at 4:00pm – “The Coconuts” (1929) One of the Marx Brothers earliest and funniest films, watch as they wreak havoc on a Florida hotel and it’s unfortunate guests.

Saturday October 3rd at 8:00pm – “Safety Last” (1923) One of silent comedian Harold Lloyd’s wildest and best films, it features the famous scene of him high above a street hanging off a clock. There will be live organ accompaniment on the Landmark Loews Jersey’s Mighty Morton Theatre Pipe Organ.

Visit The Landmark Loews Jersey web site for details.

The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre

posted by MBD on Sep 13, 2009 at 2:41pm

I'm puzzled by the fact that they still call this theatre the Loew's Jersey, since "Loews", as it is now known, has nothing to do with the theatre now. The Loews name is now owned by Sony after multiple mergers. I'm surprised that they don't have problem with this non-Loews theatre still using the name. Just curious.

posted by MarkDHite on Oct 4, 2009 at 10:10pm

Another puzzling thing to me is the architectural styles of this and a few other late Loew's movie palaces. This theatre while attributed to Rapp and Rapp has none of their hallmark grand sweeping features and large ornamental details. It looks very much like the work of Thomas Lamb's firm. The lobby is remarkably similar to Lamb's beautiful Keith Memorial Theatre in Boston, and comparisons to Lamb's San Francisco Fox auditorium have been made before. Did the leading theatre designers sometimes share designers or even designs in the mad productive period of movie palace building in the late 20's? Do any of you architecture scholars out there have a theory?

posted by MarkDHite on Oct 4, 2009 at 10:28pm

One more comment: The Jersey's French curve marquee looks like Lamb all the way. Thanks!

posted by MarkDHite on Oct 4, 2009 at 10:35pm

The name "Loews" is now owned by AMC Theatres, not Sony, which has not had an interest in movie theaters in almost a decade. This theater uses the original pre-1968 name (with apostrophe) "Loew's". It was always called "Loew's Jersey" so why not keep the name? The name "Loew's" is evocative of the classic era of movie palaces this theater so lovingly maintains.

posted by Ian M. Judge on Oct 4, 2009 at 10:41pm

Its the same thing for the theatre in Brooklyn N.Y. Everyone still refers to it as Loew's Kings, and will continue to if it ever comes back to life.

posted by movie534 on Oct 5, 2009 at 6:24am

I didn't say I thought there was anything wrong with it, I'm surprised that AMC (of course, not Sony now) thinks it's okay since Loews is a registered trade owned by them.

posted by MarkDHite on Oct 5, 2009 at 1:30pm

I'm sure that architects were aware of the work of their competition in the design of movie palaces. Considering the Loew/Lamb connection it is not surprising that Rapp & Rapp might attempt to design in the style of Lamb for one of their Loew's commissions. While the Loew's Jersey is stylistically similar to Keith's Memorial, Loew's Midland, and the San Francisco Fox, it easily to tell that it is not a Lamb design. Thomas Lamb, even at his most outrageous, shows a discipline, subtlety, and a level of taste seldom evident in the work of Rapp & Rapp. His ornament is always finely detailed and relatively historically correct. His sense of proportion is flawless and the arrangement of space is always logical. Rapp & Rapp on the other hand, tended to go to extreme lenghts for visual and spatial effects that often appeared overwrought.

posted by jazzland on Oct 5, 2009 at 4:24pm

I buy tickets to theaters, not movies. Bring on the razzmatazz. The bigger the better. And don't forget the free dishes.
-Old Timey Moviegoer.

posted by saps on Oct 5, 2009 at 4:27pm

I hear you saps! The only theater that I currently buy tickets to is the Ziegfled. All other theaters, I buy tickets to the movie. Quite a change for the old days.

posted by LuisV on Oct 6, 2009 at 12:25pm

I think that the "Wonder Theatre" project was begun by the Publix theatre chain, for whom Rapp and Rapp had done a lot of work. Loew's inherited the project as part of an agreement with Publix, and probably kept the same architects and plans.

I agree with you, jazzland, the Jersey is most absolutely not by Lamb. It does not have his touch at all. It is most absolutely by Rapp and Rapp. To go with MarkDHite's reasoning, it may bear a resemblance to the San Francisco Fox, but it also bears a resemblance to the Times Square Paramount (by Rapp and Rapp), so I suppose THAT theatre must be by Lamb also.

Jazzland is perfectly correct when he says that Lamb had a sense of taste different from Rapp and Rapp, and that his details are more finely wrought. Lamb's architecture looks like it was built line upon line. Rapp and Rapp's tends to look like it was created with a frosting spreader. This is not meant to disparage their work at all, it's just that the two had different styles. Rapp and Rapp went for the grand gesture, and Lamb went after the details. I guess it's similar to the way some paintings are best viewed close up and some look better from a few feet away, but you wouldn't say one is better than the other.

posted by ziggy on Oct 6, 2009 at 3:04pm

Hmm. Perhaps that's the difference between the Loew's Jersey and Loew's Midland (or the SF Fox). Perhaps Lamb vs. R&R is only visible from 5 feet from the walls.

posted by GabeDF on Oct 9, 2009 at 3:55pm

Thanks for the comments, guys!

posted by MarkDHite on Oct 10, 2009 at 12:36am

I agree with a lot that you've said regarding the more rigorous and formal designs of Lamb vs the stunning effects of the Rapps. In general I do find Lamb's work more satisfying. But on the other hand, decorative detail aside, Rapp&Rapp could manipulate space and create vistas and unexpected little intersections in a way that is breathtaking and unforgettable.

posted by MarkDHite on Oct 10, 2009 at 12:46am

This coming weekend of October 23rd and 24th, The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre located on Journal Square in Jersey City, New Jersey, will continue its 80th Birthday Jubilee and 9th consecutive year of classic films with an early Halloween Horror Show.

Located directly across from the PATH subway station connecting Manhattan with Jersey City, it is also easy to reach from most area highways. Secure discounted parking is located directly behind the theatre. Have your parking ticket validated when you buy your ticket.

All Show Are Presented In 35mm With Genuine Carbon Arc Projection On Our Giant 50 Foot Wide Screen.

Friday October 23rd at 8:00pm – Carrie (1976) This is the film where we learned not to pick on girls with psychic powers. They mightn’t get pissed…

Saturday October 24th at 4:00pm – The Wolf Man (1941) Even a man who is pure at heart and says his prayers by night may become a wolf when the wolf-bane blooms and the moon is full and bright. The man in this film certainly does.

Saturday October 24th at 7:30pm – Rosemary’s Baby (1968) Produced by William Castle and directed by Roman Polanski, this creepy film reminds us not to have sex with demons.

Visit The Landmark Loews Jersey web site for details.

The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre

posted by MBD on Oct 19, 2009 at 2:41pm

"Carrie" was a lot of fun tonight. Judging from the screams and gasps near me during the final scene, there were some people there who'd never seen it. Probably the biggest gasp came when the teacher played by Betty Buckley slapped the student played by Nancy Allen. Back in 1976 that wasn't yet grounds for a major lawsuit.

George Stevens Jr. is coming to the Loew's to introduce one of his dad's masterpieces, "The Diary of Anne Frank", on Sunday 11/15 at 3 PM. It should look fantastic in CinemaScope on the Loew's big screen.

posted by Bill Huelbig on Oct 23, 2009 at 8:06pm

If I am ever in Jersey I will check this place out for sure.I worked for Loews in Nashville Tennessee way back then , But our show places were nothing like this one. I am glad it has been resorted instead of torn down.Those were the days.Check out the Loews Crescent, Loews Melrose, adn Loews Madsion Sites.

posted by tlsloews on Oct 31, 2009 at 4:15pm

In answering MarkDHite's post above from Oct 4th inquiring how Loew's Jersey can still be called LOEW'S Jersey... the answer is actually quite interesting, and deals with a law on the books in the State of NJ. When a building is sold, or there's a change of location of a store, the name of the business or store must be removed from said building.

An example:

A Boscov's department store had to close one of it's locations because of the current economic climate. The last thing they did was to pull the name and logos off the exterior. If they didn't, the new owners could open up a store called "Boscov's".

In 1986, when Hartz Mountain bought th Loew's Jersey from the Loew's Corporation, the end result wasn't that the building was going to be shuttered and sold to a new tenant... it was to be demolished. There was NO REASON to pay for a company to come in and remove the word "Loew's" off the marquee, since, in a matter of months, it was going to come down with a wrecking ball anyways... RIGHT???

Well... WHOOPS... It didn't come down... and Hartz Mountain sold it (Loew's name intact) to the City of Jersey City, who then signed a long term lease with F.O.L.

F.O.L. (and Jersey City, for that matter) get to, you guessed it... call the Loew's Jersey the LOEW'S JERSEY!

Last little tidbit:

The "Loew's" name WAS removed from the Loew's Kings. Only "Kings" was left on the marquee, however "Loew's Paradise" WAS left intact, and I believe it was restored, although I don't believe they were actually calling it with the Loew's name attached like the Jersey does.

posted by mahermusic on Nov 9, 2009 at 7:16pm

Terrific picture posted by MBD on 10/19. When Hartz Mountain bought the site in 1986, what were they thinking? What plans did they have for the site?

posted by Hector Priamson on Nov 9, 2009 at 7:36pm

You can take the Loews name off the theater, but most people will call it that anyway.The Sears Tower is still called Sears although they have nothing to do with it anymore.

posted by tlsloews on Nov 10, 2009 at 10:03am

This Sunday 11/15/2009 at 3pm

Special Screening Commemorates 80th Anniversary of Anne Frank's Birth and the 50th Anniversary of the Motion Picture Dramatization

Starring Millie Perkins, Joseph Schildkraut, Shelley Winters. Directed by George Stevens.
Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Anne Frank's Birth

George Stevens (director of such Hollywood classics as "Shane", "Giant", and "The Greatest Story Ever Told"), with the blessing of Otto Frank (Anne's father and the only surviving member of the Frank family), directed this adaptation of the award-winning stage play based on Anne Frank's writings, "The Diary of a Young Girl." In Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, 13-year-old Anne Frank, a German Jew, is forced into hiding in the annex of a building with her family and another family. Struggling to survive while hiding and waiting, all the while hoping and praying for Holland to be liberated by the Allies, Anne's story details the terror of a life of persecution and reveals the inspiring courage of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Shelley Winters received an Academy Award for her role, which she donated to the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam.

The Screening will be hosted by George Stevens, Jr.

posted by MBD on Nov 10, 2009 at 10:37am

Is this going to be at the LOEWS JERSEY it does not say on the post listed above?

posted by tlsloews on Nov 10, 2009 at 11:03am

Sunday 11/15/2009 at 3pm at The Landmark Loews Jersey

posted by MBD on Nov 10, 2009 at 11:32am

mahermusic, the reason the Loews name was taken off of the marquee at the Kings was because right after Loews stopped showing movies there it was briefly ran for a year or two under different ownership as just The Kings

posted by beardbear31 on Nov 10, 2009 at 11:09pm

beardbear31: That's understood, but what I'm saying is that because that was done, another entity couldn't take the theatre over and legally call it the Loew's Kings again... although that's what people will continue to call it going forward.

posted by mahermusic on Nov 11, 2009 at 6:49am

Hector: The Loews Jersey Saga is a screenplay by itself! In 1986, Hartz Mountain bought the Loews Jersey to tear it down and build their own office tower on the site. It took years and years of work by preservationists (actually just regular people) that formed into a non-profit group aimed at saving the theatre called "Friends of the Loew's" to stop the demolition until, finally, Hartz Mountain gave up. Colin Egan, the Managing Director, tells a great story about how, after years of fighting against Hartz Mountain to save the Loew's, Hartz finally decided it wasn't in "their best interest" to try and tear it down. (This is after offering to save the lobby portion with chandelier, and tear down the rest of the theatre... thoughts were that this would placate the preservationists... but Friends of the Loew's wasn't in it to save a theatre lobby), so, long story short, the Hartz Mountain attorney ended up having lunch with Friends of the Loew's to best facilitate selling off the theatre. The cost was $400,000... and it came down to a single City Council vote well past Midnight in a sardine-packed city council chambers... and the vote was FOR saving the Loew's Jersey. Man, you can't make this stuff up. Someone should write a book...

posted by mahermusic on Nov 11, 2009 at 6:34pm

Thanks mahermusic. A great story indeed - if only it could be replicated with the Loews Kings, among a scarce few others.

posted by Hector Priamson on Nov 11, 2009 at 6:40pm

This coming weekend of November 20th and 21st, The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre located on Journal Square in Jersey City, New Jersey, will continue its 80th Birthday Jubilee and 9th consecutive year of classic films.

Located directly across from the PATH subway station connecting Manhattan with Jersey City, it is also easy to reach from most area highways. Secure discounted parking is located directly behind the theatre. Have your parking ticket validated at the theatre’s boxoffice.

All Show Are Presented In 35mm With Genuine Carbon Arc Projection On Our Giant 50 Foot Wide Screen.

Friday November 20th at 8:00pm – Monsieur Verdoux (1947)

Starring Charlie Chaplin. Also starring Mady Correll, Isobel Elsom, Audrey Betz, Ada May and Martha Ray. Directed by Charlie Chaplin. (124mins.)

Chaplin called this film his "cleverest and most brilliant," but he is certainly not portraying his familiar "Little Tramp." Here, he plays a suave serial killer who makes his living marrying and murdering lonely rich women. Chaplin turned this shocking conceit into a black comedy that seems surprisingly modern to us today -- especially in its presentation of the hypocrisy of societies that condemn murder committed by individuals but glorify war.

Saturday November 21th at 2:00pm – For Whom The Bell Tolls (1943)

Starring Gary Cooper, Ingrid Bergman, Akim Tamiroff, Katina Paxinou. Directed by Sam Wood. (157mins.)

Based on the novel by Ernest Hemingway, "For Whom the Bell Tolls" is a romantic drama set against the turbulent tapestry of the Spanish Civil War. Though downplaying the extreme ideological aspects of the war (which Hollywood found uncomfortable), the film is otherwise largely faithful to Hemingway's writing and boasts excellent performances, torrid love scenes and first-rate Technicolor photography.

Saturday November 21th at 7:30pm – Forbidden Planet (1956, CinemaScope)

Starring Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen. Directed by Fred Wilcox. (98 mins.)

One of the most famous science fiction movies ever made. A pre-comedy Leslie Nielsen as a space traveler who discovers the planet where expatriate Earth-man Pidgeon has built a one-man empire with his daughter and Robby the Robot -- which became a sci-fi icon and progenitor of robotic portrayals on both the big and small screens. Great special effects for the day, the film also boasted lavish use of the wide-screen CinemaScope and Perspecta Stereo.

Visit The Landmark Loews Jersey web site for details.

The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre’s Vitaphone Projector

posted by MBD on Nov 15, 2009 at 12:33pm

First time visiting yesterday to see For Whom The Bell Tolls. My wife and I loved the movie and walking around this terrific theater.
I used to go to Loew's Kings and Metropolitian in Brooklyn as a kid, but they were already declining.

The organ music before the filw is a great addition, It would be fun to have a cartoon or comedy short pre-feature to round out the expereince.

We'll be back soon.

posted by DougMovieFan on Nov 22, 2009 at 2:08am

Interesting comparison between Loew's Midland (by Thomas Lamb) and the Loew's Jersey (by Rapp & Rapp). First, it looks as though the design came from the same source book, to the paint color in the coves. Second, which architect used a heavier hand with detail? In this view, the Jersey looks more refined and delicate. The Midland came 6 years before the Jersey. It almost looks as though whom ever the architects were, they had refined their style by the time the Jersey was built.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/4137303376_2f394f30ce_b.jpg

In 1929, both Rapp bros. were long gone, but Thomas Lamb was very much alive.

Just wondering...

posted by GabeDF on Nov 26, 2009 at 4:26pm

On the weekend of December 4th and 5th, The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre located on Journal Square in Jersey City, New Jersey, continues its 80th Birthday Jubilee and 9th consecutive year of classic films with its final screenings of 2009.

Located directly across from the PATH subway station connecting Manhattan with Jersey City, it is also easy to reach from most area highways. Secure discounted parking is located directly behind the theatre. Have your parking ticket validated at the theatre’s boxoffice.

All Show Are Presented In 35mm With Genuine Carbon Arc Projection On Our Giant 50 Foot Wide Screen.

Friday December 4th at 8:00pm – Holiday Inn (1947)

Starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds. Music by Irving Berlin. (101mins.)

This great chestnut of a movie has been a holiday tradition for generations. It introduced Irving Berlin's timeless song "White Christmas" and “Easter Parade”, each of which later spawned their own movies. Crosby plays a retired nightclub crooner who buys a Connecticut inn and decides to only open it on holidays, when he stages nightclub-esque revues -- which naturally allows for some very memorable song-and-dance numbers. And, of course, the plot includes an amiable rivalry between Crosby and Astaire for Reynold's affections. The scene in which Crosby first sings "White Christmas" is a very enjoyable part of film history and a great moment in our popular culture.

Don't miss the chance to see this tradition on the BIG screen.

Saturday December 5th at 7:30pm – Modern Times (1936)

Starring Charlie Chaplin & Paulette Goddard. Directed by Charlie Chaplin. (89mins)

In addition to starring and directing, Chaplin wrote the film's script and arranged the music for the recorded sound track that also included sound effects but no dialogue -- this was Chaplin's last "silent" film. One of Chaplin's greatest works, it is a hilarious but also poignant satire of the struggles of modern life -- as relevant today in the "information age" as it was when new, in the "machine age." The episodic nature of the plot allows Chaplin to perform some of his most memorable comedic routines, including the iconic scene of Chaplin rolling through the gears of an enormous machine.

Visit The Landmark Loews Jersey web site for details.

The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre

posted by MBD on Nov 29, 2009 at 10:53am

To get an idea of how a silent film sounds with excellent organ accompaniment, check out these recent Youtube videos of a 1926 film "The winning of Barbara Worth" with magnificent organ accompaniment by Bernie Anderson - real original silent film-type music!

This was recorded during a showing at the Bound Brook theater in September 2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTVEYP7-V0w&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTVEYP7-V0w&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX97iCDuKpI&feature=channel

That's over 20 minutes of film and organ bliss!

posted by spectrum on Jan 18, 2010 at 4:08pm

Sorry, here's the third one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spRrLgMNzi4&feature=channel

And as a bonus: a ten minute scene from the original "Phantom of the Opera"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg7ZvBFfZ8s&feature=channel

posted by spectrum on Jan 18, 2010 at 4:17pm

Bernie Anderson is my personal favorite of all the GTOS organists. I wish they would use him more often at their events. Here is a clip of Bernie Anderson playing the Wonder Morton Theatre Organ at The Landmark Loews Jersey:

Bernie Anderson at The Landmark Loews Jersey

After all, this is The Landmark Loews Jersey thread...

posted by MBD on Jan 21, 2010 at 8:37am

Looking at the upcoming film schedule this year, are there 70mm movies in the works at all? (Hopefully, not 2001 or Lawrence of Arabia) There aren't titles listed for many of the series, which I suspect is because the titles/availability have been confirmed.

posted by JodarMovieFan on Jan 21, 2010 at 7:06pm

This coming weekend of January 29th and 30th, The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre located on Journal Square in Jersey City, New Jersey, continues its 80th Birthday Jubilee and 10th consecutive year of classic films with its first screenings of 2010. This season, we are saluting the decades that the Landmark Loews Jersey has been entertaining us, starting with some classic films from the 1930’s.

Located directly across from the PATH subway station connecting Manhattan with Jersey City, it is also easy to reach from most area highways. Secure discounted parking is located directly behind the theatre. Have your parking ticket validated at the theatre’s boxoffice.

All Show Are Presented In 35mm With Genuine Carbon Arc Projection On Our Giant 50 Foot Wide Screen.

Friday January 29th at 8:00pm – The Thin Man (1934)

Starring William Powell & Myrna Loy. Also starring Maureen O’Sullivan, Nat Pendleton. Cesar Romero.
Directed by W.S. Van Dyke (93 minutes)

This adaptation of Dashiell Hammett’s novel defined the genre of movie that succeeds in the unlikely but exquisitely entertaining mix of mystery and sophisticated comedy. Nick Charles (Powell) is a private investigator who has just retired after marrying wealthy socialite Nora (Loy) – only to be goaded by his thrill-seeking bride into investigating the recent disappearance of an inventor. The film succeeds in no small part because of the electric chemistry between Powell and Loy – who as Nick and Nora remain one of Hollywood’s most legendary on-screen couples. Their witty repartee, which often makes them seem more like saucy secret lovers than a married couple, is still great fun to listen to 76 years later. The film’s stylish Deco sets and wardrobe also gave a much needed taste of glamour to Depression-era audiences. Though originally planned as a “B picture” it proved immensely popular and inspired five sequels plus countless imitations.

Saturday January 30th at 6:30pm – Top Hat (1935)

Starring Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers. Also starring Edward Everett Horton, Helen Broderick, Eric Blore.
Music by Irving Berlin. (99 minutes)

"Top Hat" is classy, Depression-era escapism at its best. If the storyline is a typical mistaken-identity romantic comedy, what puts the movie in a class all its own is the stunning combination of an Irving Berlin score, the incomparable choreography and dance of Fred Astaire, the charismatic screen chemistry between Astarie and Ginger Rogers, and a dynamite supporting cast. (Look for Lucille Ball in a small role.) The Deco-infused sets, plus Mark Sandrich’s deft direction – which can best be described as effervescent – burnish the luster of “Top Hat” to a fine sheen and have made the film the epitome of 1930s glamour.

Saturday January 30th at 8:40pm – Gold Diggers Of Broadway 1933

Starring Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell, Guy Kibbee, Warren Williams, Ginger Rogers, Sterling Holloway. Choreography by Busby Berkeley. Directed by Mervyn LeRoy. (96minutes)

If Busby Berkeley’s name is still synonymous with over-the-top musical numbers, “Gold Diggers of 1933” is one of the best showcases of the outrageously lavish choreography, seemingly endless chorus lines, fluid camera work and dizzying overhead compositions that were his hallmark. And in addition to Berkeley’s signature talent, the movie also boasts an amazing mix of comedy, gritty Depression-era commentary, romance and pre-Production Code sex. A sweet love story between Ruby Keeler and Dick Powell unfolds while unemployed showgirls struggle to survive hard times by pragmatically using their “assets” to charm backers for a new show. There’s the cheekily salacious “Pettin’ in the Park” number, Berkeley's jaunty "We're in the Money" extravaganza that features coin-clad chorus girls and Ginger Rogers singing in Pig Latin, and the downbeat finale "Remember My Forgotten Man" that is firmly rooted in the grim realities of the 1930s. All of this makes “Gold Diggers of 1933” one of the best pre-Production Code musicals, and one of the best remembered movies of the 1930s.

Charlie Daniels GEICO Commercial Filmed At The Landmark Loews Jersey

GEICO Lizard Visits The Landmark Loews Jersey

Visit The Landmark Loews Jersey web site for details.

The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre

posted by MBD on Jan 25, 2010 at 10:25am

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