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

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