Granada Theater

Worked at the "GRANADA THEATRE" Brooklyn, NY in 1972. Your listing incorrectly says it did not have a balcony, it did. Before it was taken over by Golden Theatres, it was run for years by Max Scheiring. I believe it was built by "Cinema 5" Theatres.

I also worked at the Granada from 1960-
1974. There was a balcony and a loge. It opened in 1924 as the Filmland replacing an open-air theatre. It then became the Crescent and the Acova Village in late '20's and early '30's. It became the Granada in 1932. It also had a stagehouse with dressing rooms. It became $1.00 house in late 1968 as it was my local moviehouse when Mr. Schiering was leasing from Cinema V. The Golden"s followed in late 1974 and made the theatre more successful by booking films that were more popular with the everchanging neighborhood. By
1981, Cinema V took the building back and RKO/Century were the final lessee's when it closed in 1983. The building then became a C-TOWN Supermarket and then an eletronics and bargain store. The building is still STANDING today as the RiteAid Drugstore (what else?). The building is on Church between Rogers and Nostrand Avenues. The balcony and the backstage may still be intact since the were covered over that last time I was in the building some ten years ago.
Three window arches are still visible from the street and the fire escapes have been removed. There are alleyways on each side of the building.

The Granada Theatre was located at 2819 Church Ave. and it seated 1563 people.

Why does this theatre have two listings? Couldn't they be combined into one?

Sorry Warren, we weren't aware this was in here twice, we'll combine them.

Hello;
I decided to say that the theater was not at the corner of Nostrand and Church, but in the middle of the block on Church Avenue. I remember the first show I saw there was the Jungle Book. I recall the theater had these red, circular lights on the walls after the houselights dimmed. IF YOU ASK ME THEY SHOULD'VE RESTORED THE PLACE. Too bad many Brooklyn Movie Palaces went to their reward. Why did they have to do it?
Sincerely
Alan G. Wasenius

When "The Jungle Book" opened Christmas 1967 at the Granada it became the theatre's longest running booking. It played a then unheard of 7 weeks. The co-feature was "Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar". The only other theatre in the borough playing the duo was Century's Marine. The grosses lead Walt Disney to book both "The Happiest Millionaire" (3 Weeks) in Feb. and "Blackbeard's Ghost" in March, both of which I saw here and hooked me on moviegoing weekly at the age of 11. The Granada also played "Mary Poppins" (3 or 4 weeks) on first run with the Brooklyn Fox in 1965 prior to the Oscars. After it won Oscars that following year, "Mary Poppins" returned in 1966 and played at the Loew's Kings and then at the Century's Rialto for a couple of runs during its' reissues.

The Granada was in the middle of the block with Abruzzo's Luncheonette and The Pickwick Book Shop to it's right and a photography store to it's left. An alley ran down the left side at an incline and was used for sledding by us kids in the late 30s and 40s. My first movie was Bambi. I remember every Saturday going to the movies to see many cartoons in a row, a serial and a double feature. A colored sheet of heavy paper with the porogram printed on it was passed out as you turned in your ticket. At the end of the afternoon a color was anounced and anyone holding that color won a prize. If anyone has memorabilia from the Granada I would like to purchase it. Herb Fayer zert@101-fm.com

As a former employee of this theatre (1969-1974), I have several of the one sheets of movies that played there. While I was there, the Binn's Driving School was near the left side and a real estate office on the right. I'll never forget the theatre name in neon pink above a opaque glass covered marquee (flourescent backlit) with a "baby blue" border around the entire marquee. The pink neon name reflected off the copper-stoned building at night giving it it's neighborhood charm. The "blue noen" was removed in 1971. How I miss this place and yet it will live on within me forever. Remember the Bickford's on the same street closer to Nostrand Avenue.

I believe that the theatre's name after Filmland and before Granada was Avoca Villa. It appears as such in Film Daily Year Books. And in the June 25, 1930 issue of New York State Exhibitor, it was reported that "Rugoff & Becker has leased the Avoca Villa Theatre, Church Avenue near Nostrand, for 21 years and will renovate." It was apparently R&B that re-named the theatre the Granada.

This former kid from Brooklyn remembers that neon sign. I don't know about its later years, but the tubing was exposed in the 1960s. To me that looked glorious.

Something no one has mentioned but when I was a kid in the 50's they had an small kiddie asmusement park owned by the same people who owned the Granada. I remember having a birthday party there in late 50's

My grandmother and great-grandmother lived at 2525 Church Avenue until the early 1970s. I think this was the first movie theater I ever went to, beginning a life-long love affair. We saw Jason and the Argonauts, circa 1963. I also saw The Greatest Story Ever Told, and Mary Poppins. As I recall we sat in the balcony.

That was a nice balcony, eh saps? I think I may have sat there with my family when we lived in Brooklyn.

Lived in an apartment on the corner of Church and Nostrand Ave.,
above the subway and drug store, mid 50's. The Granada was a big theater located on the same side of the street about half way to Rogers Ave. I love the Saturday shows...House on Haunted Hill with Vincent Price, etc., news reels, cartoons, double features and the
old time on screen races...each kid got a number ticket, and if your
guy won the race, everyone who had his number won a prize. Great
times, gone forever. I could go on!

This was probably before my time, I'm not old enough to remember dish nights and stuff like that. I would like to add that in the 1980s I went to Brooklyn College and lived out on Long Island. My Mother would take me in to Kings County Hospital, where she worked, and sometimes I took the bus. When the Nostrand Avenue Bus passed the Granada I saw that old marquis and it was like seeing an old friend.

Is the marquis still there? I know the place was changed to a retail store. Then again it's also said the Granada was demolished.

the marquee is long gone but the structure is still standing. It's a Duane Rade or Rite Aid wih a drop celiing on the ground floor. Some reminants of the theatre may exist above that drop ceiling

That's too bad

Lived in Flatbush through the 60's as a kid (off Church near Holy Cross Cemetary). Loved the Granada Saturday double feature monster movies, candy and half a day of fun. Saw Hard Days night and Help openings on flatbush ave (what theatre?) couldn't hear a thing from all the girls screaming...it was a wonderful place to grow up...i had more freedom than most (my mom worked two shifts alot as a nurse)wish things were as simple for kids now as they were then.

When did the Granada finally close?

I used to go to this theatre when the Rugby went porn. Last movie I saw thier was Earthquake

In 1961 I went with my mother & sister to see a double bill of "Breakfast at Tiffany's"and "Two Women." When I moved to the neighborhood in the 1970's,I saw return engagements of "Finian's Rainbow" and "Star !". There was a Chock Full O' Nuts next door. Nice theater. frankie from Brooklyn

The certificate of occupancy for this building was issued on January 12, 1927. It was a newly constructed building. Owner listed as Filmland Players Inc. Architects last name was Rappold. 1536 total seats.

Does anyone remember or know what happened to the grey haired matron who used to work there. I went to Holy Cross Down the block and I lived on Nostrand and Linden. So I was pretty much at the kiddie matinee every Saturday. She was always there with her button and flashlight.

Dead, no doubt. Ask not for whom the bell tolls...

We lived a half-block from the Granada on Church Avenue in the 1930s and 1940s. The grey-haired matron at that time was Mrs. Paramour, or Paramore. I started going to the movies there even before I started kindergarten at P.S. 246 and the matron assured my folks that she would look after me. She was also active in the Republican Club located a block or two away, near Bedford Avenue, and after we entered World War II, Mrs. Paramour marched me and others up to the club to join patriotic sing-alongs of "Praise The Lord and Pass The Ammunition," and other anthems. Neighborhood kids -- Fayers, Cahills, Latanzas, Tompkins, Ornsteins -- also played softball in the lot adjacent to the theater, breaking an occasional window when a long ball cleared the fence and headed toward Martense Street. The bravest among us also climbed the high tower at the back of the Granada building, going up the ladder to the water tank. It would be much appreciated if someone could tell me if that tower and water tank still exist now that the building is a Rite Aid drugstore. (I need the information for a story I am writing.) Moviegoing at the Granada actually ruined my life. I could have been a doctor, or a great violinist, or who knows what. Instead, after hanging out at the Granada as a kid, I spent my working years as a writer in television and film, and only recently retired to try writing fiction, a lot of it about the old days in Brooklyn. -- (signed) Skonnert.

We lived a half-block from the Granada on Church Avenue in the 1930s and 1940s. The grey-haired matron at that time was Mrs. Paramour, or Paramore. I started going to the movies there even before I started kindergarten at P.S. 246 and the matron assured my folks that she would look after me. She was also active in the Republican Club located a block or two away, near Bedford Avenue, and after we entered World War II, Mrs. Paramour marched me and others up to the club to join patriotic sing-alongs of "Praise The Lord and Pass The Ammunition," and other anthems. Neighborhood kids -- Fayers, Cahills, Latanzas, Tompkins, Ornsteins -- also played softball in the lot adjacent to the theater, breaking an occasional window when a long ball cleared the fence and headed toward Martense Street. The bravest among us also climbed the high tower at the back of the Granada building, going up the ladder to the water tank. It would be much appreciated if someone could tell me if that tower and water tank still exist now that the building is a Rite Aid drugstore. (I need the information for a story I am writing.) Moviegoing at the Granada actually ruined my life. I could have been a doctor, or a great violinist, or who knows what. Instead, after hanging out at the Granada as a kid, I spent my working years as a writer in television and film, and only recently retired to try writing fiction, a lot of it about the old days in Brooklyn. -- (signed) Skonnert.

A C/O was issued for a new building at this address on January 12, 1927. Purpose of building: 1536 seat motion picture theater. The owner was Filmland Players Inc. That would explain the orginal name of this theater. The name of the architect on the certificate is G. W. Rappold. I'm not familiar with that name but he is the listed architect.

Skonnert;
If you liked the old Brooklyn Movie Houses and was involved in television, I know someone who is trying to restore the Loew's Kings, and is the producer for a local Brooklyn Cable Show. He was the producer of Wonderama. I can place his E-Mail here for you if you like. Please RSVP on this board.

Gustavelifting:
Thanks for the information on the Loew's Kings. I went there with my old man to watch Police Athletic League (PAL)fights on stage. I also used to box in a backyard near the Granada and once or twice at the Flatbush Boys Club. I think it's great that someone is working to restore one of the old neighborhood theaters but I probably have little to add to his effort. I am still interested in that Granada water tower, if anyone has any information. Best, Skonnert.

You don't have to give money, bruce1 on the Loew's Kings section or this site can help. Let's just say we know a guy who is forming a committee to help the Kings. He can probably give you contact information on that section. If you are still interested then you can go to http://cinematreasures.org/theater/1360 or contact him at thats.brooklyn@verizon.net and get the info.

I used to go to the Granada every Saturday afternoon for the Kiddie Matinees.They would have 2 horror or action/adventure films and cartoons and a horse race in which prizes were won. In the mid 60's
it became a Showcase theatre and featured Brooklyn runs of "The
Greatest Story ever Told"," Mary Poppins","The Americanization of Emily," etc.

I saw "Les Dioblique" here when I was around 14. Before leaving the theatre had to sign an agreement that I wouldn't reveal the ending to my friends.

This ad is for a kung fu double feature that day-and-dated with the nearby Rugby Twin:

Golden Arm - Daily News 12/14/80

The co-feature is never identified and my edition of the paper doesn't have a Brooklyn movie clock.

This movie clock from 1982 shows the theater under RKO Century's management:

NY Post Movie Clock 3/10/82

In 1973 I saw SUMMER WISHES,WINTER DREAMS along with THE WAY WE WERE for a $1.00! In front of the theater they had a sign that asked: "Who will win the Oscar-Barbra Streisand or Joanne Woodward?"Both had been nominated for these films. On Oscar night Susan Hayward opened the envelope and declared Glenda Jackson the winner for A TOUCH OF CLASS. I always thought that Barbra and Joanne were better in the wonderful Grenada! Memories!

This NY Times story confirms a previous comment posted here that this theater was known as Avoca Villa in 1930.

NY Times Jun 15, 1930

"Brooklyn Cinema Theatre Lease.

Realty Associates has leased Avoca Villa, a motion-picture theatre at Church Avenue near Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, for twenty-one years to a corporation controlled by Edward N. Rugoff and Herman Becker. The aggregate lease will approximate $500,000".

On March 14, 1928, weekly Variety reported that the Filmland, which had been financed by neighborhood residents through stock flotation, was in dire straits. The theatre, which opened in 1927 and was barely earning a profit, needed to raise $100,000 more to pay debts:
"The stockholders were highly indignant when a meeting was called by Shalto Kirk and Frank J. Curran, who hold large blocks of stock in the venture. Kirk and Curran told the neighborhood investors that the mortgages on the property had been foreclosed and the property disposed of at a sheriff's sale. Louis Principe, holder of the second mortgage, which the sale price was insufficient to satisfy, bought in on the property. Principe is also a stockholder and was at the meeting.

"The neighborhood co-oop venture was financed at over $600,000, but just how much actual stock was sold is not disclosed. First and second mortgages for $200,000 and $32,000 cover the property. Kirk stated that $23,000 had already been pledged toward the reogranization plan, but after the purpose of the stockholders' meeting had been explained, over 300 of those attending walked out in indignation. Those that remained swelled the total pledge to $50,000-- half the desired amount.

"Some 850 stockholders are interested in the Filmland Theatre. The irate ones said something about an 'official' investigation."

Circa 1943-45 every Saturday morning they'd show kids' auto races, silents, that we all thought were screamingly exciting and funny. My memory is that the cars were soapbox-derby types. At the end of the film, there'd be a winner, and whoever had the winning number on their ticket would get a prize. I'd love to see at least one of these again, but I've searched for years and haven't been able to find any for sale, or even noted anywhere. Does anyone have a clue? Chaplin made a short called something like "Kids' Auto Races", but these shorts, which were different every week, had nothing to do with Chaplin.

There is a posting elsewhere on CT about the shorts, but I don't recall where or all the details. But the series was originally made in silent days and called "Race Nights" and shown at theatres to boost attendance ala Bingo and Screeno. Later, in the sound era, they had music and narration added and were shown at afternoon kiddie shows as "Race Matinees." Only two episodes are known to have survived, and are in one of the California film archives.

Hi Warren - Are you a movie genius? You seem to know everything.Anyway, thanks; it's the first information I've ever found on these films. But after seeing your message I tried both titles with IMDb, Cinema Treasures, Google and Yahoo, and found nothing. If you ever come up with more information, or, better yet, a source, I've love to hear from you.

The information is right here at Cinema Treasures. If I can just find under what listing, all will be revealed!

I'll cross my fingers.

The racing comedy series was not originally silent, but used many actor/comedians from the silent slapstick era. The series was originally produced in 1933 by Andrew L. Stone as "Race Night," designed to boost attendance during the Depression. Members of the audience holding a ticket corresponding to the number worn by the winner would get a prize, usually merchandise donated by a local store. The shorts were reissued in the 1940s and 50s for kiddie showings as "Race Matinee." Two episodes, one called "Relay Race" and the other "Bicycle Race," are in the collection of the UCLA Film & Television Archive. I posted this information here previously on 7/3/05 at the listing for the New Howard Theatre (Howard Beach, Queens), and perhaps other listings as well. Once seen, the episodes will never be forgotten, though it's ultra-difficult to find information about them. It took me many years to find what little I did, and that was only when doing some research on Andrew Stone, who became a prominent producer-director of feature films.

Warren - Once again, many thanks! I just tried checking Andrew Stone out for those films. No soap on IMDb, and no info on the two shorts there or on Google. But maybe someday...It could be I'm thinking of a different series, as I don't remember any adults being in these things, just kids, and maybe just soapbox racers. But of course I'm going with a memory that has to reach back a long, long time. So you're probably right about all of it.

Hey Orlando and Bruce. I too worked at the Granada in 1973 and 1974. Good times. Mr. Scheiring (as we called him) owned the place and was a good man. Hey Orlando, is he still around? I figure if anybody would know it would be you. What was that other guy that worked upstairs with us Bruce. Remember how packed that place was for Lady Sings the Blues. That was one movie I didn't mind watching 30-40 times. I dont think we should mention what went on in the storage room where they kept the popcorn. Hey Bruce, you still taking the 10:10 to Ronkoamo? Orlando, dont know if I ever thanked you for helping me get the job there, so Thanks. How are you guys doing anyway. Having lived in the area I to remember when I was a kid going to the Saturday matinee and watching the horse race on the screen. I even wone once and got a game (dont ask me what it was). The old lady in the white hair Orlando, guess shes not with us anymore huh. She was a riot. And the manager, poor fella, he always seemed so overwhelmed. Maybe it was because he wore his pants up at his chest. Remember 4 Gs dinner across the street. We would go there for a 15 min break. The guy behind the counter would tell us to talk to the wall. Good times. And yes there definetly was a balconey as thats where they put me and Bruce and the other guy although Bruce would try to make his move downstairs. Hope to hear a response from you guys. And to all, Brooklyn Rocks. Howard

Jerry, that was his name. It just came to me.

Artie the camera man

1972 Photo

1976 Photo

Does anyone remember Tony and Nelson from the Granada 1975-1977?
Tony went on to the Ruby..

During 1972-77 there was a lady who managed the place..heavy smoker black hair..what was her name?