Baronet Theatre

I passed by this weekend and this house looks closed. Except that the paint job in front, in an Egyptian style, seems in pristine condition and there is no graffiti on the building.

Someone please save this treasure. If the Asbury Park powers to be truely want to revitialize this Historic seaside town, stop tearing down the past, and restore what really matters in this town. Buildings like this, the carousel, Tillie, and many other historic buildings are what made Asbury Park Great. Remove this factor, and you have nothing left to "Bring Back". The big "Developers" don't care about Asbury Park, only their pockets.

I don't have much to add about the Baronet. I was assistant City manager of Reade theatres in Asbury Park in 1965 or 1966. The Baronet was the "art" house. The summer I was there the St. James played My Fair Lady all summer long, the Paramount played Sound of Music all summer and the Baronet played two pictures, Pawnbroker and Zorba the Greek. The Mayfair and the Lyric were the straight commercial houses. Back then all of these theatres did really well.
MikeH

Still closed, as far as I could tell from seeing it this weekend.

The Star Ledger
Farewell to Asbury Park ... again
Sunday, July 03, 2005
BY WALLACE STROBY

"By the 1970s, nearby malls had all but suffocated Asbury's once- thriving business district, leaving the town almost strictly an entertainment destination. Into the mid- '70s there were still six operating movie theaters in Asbury Park -- 1920s-era movie palaces such as the Mayfair and the Paramount, and smaller venues like The St. James, the Lyric, the Savoy and the Baronet. With the rise of the multiplexes, these too soon vanished. The Lyric was the only one to survive, eventually rechristened the Park, an adults-only grindhouse adjoining Palace Amusements that proudly advertised "matinees daily." The Park itself came down last year, along with the Palace."

History & photos:
http://homepage.mac.com/peterlucia/noweverthen/asbury/ap1.2fold/ap1.23.html

Walter Reade bought this theater in the 1950s from the theater chain of Lee Newberry of Interlaken, NJ.

ASBURY PARK WATERFRONT LANDMARK GETS A NEW LEASE ON LIFE


The Baronet Theater, on 4th Avenue in Asbury Park, NJ, one block from the boardwalk, has been given a new lease on life by two area developers hoping to make the art deco gem the centerpiece of a vibrant new downtown arts and entertainment complex.

Opened in 1913 as a vaudeville house, the Baronet was originally called the Ocean Theatre. It was bought and renovated in 1953 by Walter Reade theater chain. In the 1960s, it enjoyed a reputation as the town’s “art film” house, but by the 70s the Baronet was showing films of a somewhat shadier nature. By the end of the decade, it was pretty much out of business.

Asbury Park real estate developer Pat Fasano recently purchased the Baronet, along with the adjacent Fast Lane, a 2700-seat club and concert venue with a stellar past and, Fasano hopes, an equally promising future. The Baronet’s auditorium seats over 500, has a stage with a proscenium arch and still retains the recently refurbished 35 mm film projectors. Fasano intends to bring a mixture of theater, film and cabaret programming to the theater this summer. He has already put several hundred thousand dollars of repairs and improvements into the building, including a new roof, and refitted heating and air conditioning systems. Further improvements include new fire doors as well as improvements to the backstage area. Efforts to secure financial support for the season’s programming are already underway.

Together, Fasano hopes that the Baronet and the Fast Lane will become the anchor for a new arts and entertainment district along 4th ave to the boardwalk, helping to bring downtown Asbury Park alive again as a premiere shore destination.

Yay!

THE ELEMENT OF TIMING

Baronet Theatre revival expected by summer
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 04/6/06
BY VINCE MILLER
STAFF WRITER

The 93-year-old Baronet Theatre in Asbury Park could light back up before the summer with films, cabaret and live theater, according to its latest owners.

The plan is to restore the theater and the Fast Lane nightclub next door as the centerpiece of a vibrant Fourth Avenue entertainment district in Asbury Park, and the owners say they are feeling the local support.

Asbury Park real-estate developer Pat Fasano and partner Dennis Dubrow, Oceanport, bought the properties in December for $1.2 million, Dubrow said.

Fasano, who lives in New Brunswick, also owns the Wonder Bar at Fifth and Ocean avenues, and several shops on Cookman Avenue, Fasano said.

Being one block from the boardwalk, though, the theater and the defunct nightclub next door are in an oceanfront redevelopment zone, so their future depends on Asbury Partners, developers of the area, and city officials.

Dubrow said he and Fasano were not encouraged by an initial meeting they had with Larry Fishman, chief operating officer of Asbury Partners. Fishman could not be reached for comment.

Undaunted, the partners have received building permits and plan to spend up to $100,000 to fix up the buildings.

Renovation work began March 23.

The partners hope to unveil the theater, with historic architectural features intact, by summer.

"We've contracted with Days Awake, a local band, to play for our opening night fund-raiser," Dubrow said.

"We didn't want to invest more than $100,000 until we have a certificate of occupancy," Dubrow said.

The work includes replacing walls and ceilings, washing all 500 seats and installing new carpet, he said. Fire exits and the roof are being fixed, and the heating and air-conditioning units improved.

"This is a masonry building, so it's in good shape," he said.

The stage still has the proscenium arch, and the projection room still houses refurbished 35mm film projectors.

The plan is for the Baronet and Fast Lane to become venues different from what they were in the 1970s, Dubrow said.

Fast Lane was originally the warehouse for the Steinbach Co. But a half-filled bottle of Southern Comfort on the bar last week was a reminder of the days when touring bands "got their start there," Dubrow said.

"Such outfits as the Ramones, Patti Smith and Jon Bon Jovi and Wild Hearts played there," Dubrow said.

Fast Lane is in good structural shape, too, he said.

"But, the interior will be gutted entirely," Dubrow said.

"We plan to make Fast Lane a night club/concert hall. (We) have a contract with Concert East to bring in the talent," Dubrow said. "They own the Starland ballroom in Sayreville and are the No. 1 concert promoter on the East Coast."

Fasano intends to bring a mixture of theater, film, cabaret and seminars to the Baronet.

"Our goal is to embrace the youth of this area and give them a venue to express themselves," he said.

"Our larger goal is to create a new arts district on Fourth Avenue," Dubrow said.

Looking around the immediate area, Fasano remarked, "This isn't redevelopment. It's undevelopment.

"I'm trying to prevent another Long Branch," he said. "I'm trying to save what we have. We don't need eminent domain here."

"This is the last of the Walter Reade theaters, and we want to save it," Fasano said.

The Baronet opened as a vaudeville house called the Ocean Theatre in 1913. The Walter Reade chain bought it in 1953.

In the 1960s, it was the city's art-film house, but by the 1970s, popularity ebbed and it ceased operating by the end of the decade.

Eventually, Walter Burns and Maurice Giberson of New York bought it and tried to restore the Baronet, from 1986 to 1991, but their applications for certificates of occupancy were denied. So, they sold it to Fasano and Dubrow.

Dubrow said the city's reasons for denying Burns and Giberson COs were "ridiculous."

"The applicants had painted the theater red, which the city said was "a color reserved for firehouses.' They also had windows in the theater, and the city said they could not have windows inside. When we bought it, we cemented over the windows."

Dubrow would not predict whether they will get a CO, but the owners claim support from several areas.

"There isn't anyone in city hall, from the mayor on down, who has told me they do not support what we are doing," Fasano said.

Tom Morrissey Productions, New York, is interested in forming a theater group outside of New York and bringing it to the Baronet. New York is "highly competitive and very expensive," Morrissey said.

"We did research on abandoned theaters and came to Asbury Park several times," he said.

Morrissey said a theater company would mean jobs for local people and more business for restaurants, shops and hotels.

"The National Endowment for the Arts says for every dollar spent to produce shows, $20 is spent in the community," he said.

"Our next step is to get community support," Morrissey said. "We will form a nonprofit corporation and a board of directors. We are looking for people who would like to join us either by being a board member or helping as a volunteer."

Support also comes from Arts- CAP, a recently formed local cultural group.

Pam Lamberton, a member of the group's board of directors, said the organization "strongly supports" what Fasano and Dubrow are doing and would be interested in putting on shows at the Baronet.

Dubrow said he has contacted Center Players, a Freehold troupe that staged a production in which his children recently had roles, and was encouraged.

"There's a possibility Center Players could put on plays at the Baronet," he said.

For more information or to arrange a tour of the Baronet and Fast Lane, call Dubrow at (732) 996-6843.

Walter Reade's take-over and re-naming of this theatre was probably due to the company's success with the Baronet on Third Avenue in NYC (opposite Bloomingdale's), which opened in February, 1952, and was a conversion to art house of the subsequent-run Arcadia Theatre.

Word on the street:A certain musician uses this place for After-party's anytime concerts are played up the block at the Asbury Park Covention Hall.

"The Fast Lane nightclub next door..."seems to be a bowling alley, last week after the after-party (please forgive the word-redundancy) it appeared that they were projecting a movie above the lanes.

A few corrections. As I understand it, when Mr. Reade bought the then Ocean Theater in Asbury Park, he was the owner of the NYC Baronet Theater. He hated the marquee at the NYC Baronet, moved it to Asbury Park, and the Ocean became the Baronet. It is kind of obvious when you look at the Baronet Sign above the marquee at The Baronet.
Secondly, nobody uses the Baronet or the Fast Lane for after anything parties because both places are closed. The Baronet will be re-opening in May, with The Fast Lane soon to follow. The 3rd building is The Asbury Lanes and walking into The Lanes in like walking into a great Film Noir classic. Worth the trip to see it.

Here is a photo of the Baronet Theater.

I just came back from my first visit to Asbury Park and came across this theater. It still looks like nothing is going on though it does not look abandoned. Why doesn't any structure in this town have any plaques or info on the histories of these buildings. There appears to be a lot of lost history in Asbury Park and not a lot of action to share it with visitors. If this theater has been renovated or it is in progress, at a minimum, there should be a notice on the box office saying what's going on and what they expect to play there in the future. It was even more frustrating to stand outside of the Paramount Theater (just down the block from the Baronet) and wonder if this place is abandoend or not? Sadly, it looks like it is. The outside is a beautiful seaside fantasy and I would love to see the inside. There is nothing on the outside to tell us. We've been hearing for 10 years about the rebirth of Asbury Park, but I think it will be many many more years before we see any real progress. The new condos are souless and dull and it seems virtually all of the historic buildings are just rotting away! It is those histoirc buildings that would make Asbury worth visiting. Once they are gone, there will be no reason to go there!

Word on the street is that the Baronet is re-opening this coming Friday (7/21). Films showing (not a double feature) are "Poseidon" and "The Notorious Bettie Page" at alternate times. Admission price is supposed to be $2 for all shows and the theatre will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

I'll post more if I come across other info.

I may have my towns and theatres mixed up but somewhere I thought I heard that the Paramount had a bad fire. I think it was closed at the time. Does anyone else remember this or is my memory playing tricks on me?
MikeH

MikeH,
I was a child vacationing with my family in Ocean Grove in the summer of '65. To me the place was a paradise. I remember walking by the St James and Paramount and seeing the photos of SOM and My Fair Lady. Remember seeing Walt Disney's Cinderella at the Mayfair and going to a nearby drive in to see Lord Jim.
I also remember the Swan boat in a small artificial lake by the Mayfair.
Only wish these theaters had survived so I could have seen them as an adult.
Did the St James and the Paramount do well as roadshow houses during this period? Did the middle and lower class families pay hardticket prices for these films? Any memories you have of this time period would be greatly appreciated. Also do you know if SOM and MFL played in Asbury in 70mm or were they 35mm stereo prints?

Vincent
My job in Asbury Park was assistant city manager and advertising director for South Shore theatres. South Shore meant all Reade theatres from Long Branch through Seaside Heights and Toms River.
It included the Shore Drive-In which is probably where you saw Lord Jim. My duties as assistant city manager was to manage the St. James Theatre and to handle the group sales for SOM at the Paramount and MFL at the St. James.
Both of these attractions were in 70mm and both played exclusively in the entire shore area. If I remember correctly, the closest runs of these pictures was one other in North Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. For that reason, both attractions in Asbury Park played on hard ticket (reserved seats) and both played more than a year. The ticket prices were $3.50 for front orchestra and rear balcony, $4.50 for orchestra and $5.50 loge (which was a smoking loge)and we never had a problem getting those prices. Business was terrific. Weekends were sellouts for every show. Weekdays (Mon-Thurs) saw crowds of 50-60% matinee and 70-80% evenings. Except when it rained during the summer.
One of the city manager's duties (he was manager of the Mayfair)was to get up in the morning and get the weather report for the day. If it was raining, or even threatening rain, he would call the managers of the other theatres, (there were 5 total at the time)and tell them we were going into rain day mode. The regular commercial houses would run continuously from 9am until a last show around midnight.
These were the Mayfair, Lyric and Baronet. The road show houses, the St. James and Paramount, would run shows at 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm and 11pm if warranted. Nice day schedule was 2pm and 8pm daily.
On rain days the theatres operated in controlled chaos. Lines never stopped. People would wait three hours in the rain for the next show. Money would be removed from the boxoffices in waste baskets and taken to the office where it was stuffed uncounted into bank bags and taken to the night depository under guard. The cash wouldn't be reconciled to the ticket sales until the next day.
The staff in the commercial houses wore typical uniforms for the day. The manager wore a business suit. But in the hard ticket houses the ushers, doormen and the manager wore tuxedos. The items in the concession stands in the hard ticket houses were upscale items at high prices as opposed to the popcorn, soda, candy in the commercials. At intermission in the hard ticket houses ushers would go up and down the aisles selling orange drink just like the legit houses in New York. The hard ticket houses had a chief of staff and either he or the manager was outside "barking" the attraction and the next show. "Hurry, Hurry, Hurry...get your tickets now for the next showing of "My Fair Lady," winner of 8 academy awards including Best Picture of the Year! Next show starts at 8 o'clock. We still have seating available in the balcony and front orchestra." I still remember the spiel. There I was in my tuxedo and holding a cane!
There are times I don't believe I did that, but truth be told, I wouldn't trade those heady, wonderful times for most of my other experiences in this business.
There's a lot more to tell, like the sandwich men on the boardwalk, the airplanes pulling the banners along the beaches, the magnificent false fronts on the theatres, the dimming of the lights in the auditorium as the overture played and the last people found their seats, the trailers with 24-sheets plastered on their sides being hauled around Asbury and nearby towns. But, I'm afraid the people who run this web site will kick me out if I keep going. It was a great business back then, but those days are gone forever.
Showmanship in movie theatres is dead. I'm glad I retired when I did.

Mike thank you so much for your evocation of the last golden era of Hollywood moviegoing and Asbury's final days as a wonderful vacation resort. So while my family and I were on the beach during the day and on the boardwalk at night you were running things at the these great theaters just a few blocks away. What a great job!
I returned as a young teenager and saw Dolly at the St James on a Sat matinee in July but it was running continuous perfs and the place was absolutely empty. How things had changed in five years. The resort itself seemed quiet.
The next time i returned in the summer of '79 the Mayfair and the St James were a parking lot and the Paramount was a silent hulk.
I bet you didn't realize you were seeing the end of two eras.

Mike wasn't there also a very small second or third run cinema right near the boardwalk at the border of Ocean Grove and Asbury which I seem to remember from the beginning of the 70's which sold tickets for one dollar?

Vincent - I wasn't there in the beginning of the 70s but the only theatre I can think of that would fit your description would have been the Lyric. When I was there it played the first run fare that wouldn't fit in the Mayfair which meant it got some pretty good product as a rule. By the 70s, with what happened in Asbury Park, I
wouldn't be surprised to find it had become a dollar house. The Lyric was in the block between the St. James and the boardwalk on the same side of the street as the St. James. I don't remember the street's name. - Mike

Interestingly from what I can see on the 70mm in New York site the Lyric also played some important hard ticket product like South Pacific and Oliver so it must have been a nice sized house though I have no idea how many seats it had.
When I passed by it during the 80's it was shuttered though I remember some plastered posters on the outside wall for martial arts movies.

Vincent - Not sure what you mean by "the 70mm in New York site." Are you referring to the Lyric in Manhattan? If so, that has nothing to do with the Lyric in AP. I know when I was there the Lyric did not have 70mm equipment. It is conceivable that Reade moved the equipment from the St. James to the Lyric but that would surprise me. By the 70s I'm sure he saw the "handwriting on the wall" as far as AP was concerned. He'd have better use for that equipment than put it in the Lyric. But, who knows? Reade was the ultimate optimist showman. - Mike

The 70mm in New York site also includes opening dates for hard ticket movies that opened in Asbury Park and though I am not sure 100% I believe that SP opened in Todd AO at the Lyric and Oliver played there as well while Funny Girl played at the St James.
Do you recall what the Lyric looked like inside? What kind of theater it was?

Does anyone know what's going on with The Paramount?

Vincent - It was an ok, old-fashioned theatre. It was certainly not a palace like the ST. James or Mayfair. It was much smaller. If it played 70mm I'm surprised.

Just double checked. Yes it showed the Todd AO South Pacific. I would have assumed it would have played at the St James. So it looks like Asbury had 3 deluxe road show houses. Wow.

For the first time in over 25 years a commercial, buy your ticket and get some popcorn movie was shown tonight in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
I am proud to say that Galaxy Theaters successfully opened the Asbury Baronet Theater tonight
It was a glorious success!

asburybaronet - Good Luck! I hope you have a great summer. What kind of product are you playing? Commercial? First run? I hope you
keep us posted on how you're doing. MikeH

MikeH:

Look at my post on 7/18 - right above yours on that same date - for info.

Looking forward to getting up there for a show next weekend.

Nice history & old photo:
http://asburypark.net/news/choice/2000.html

TC - Thanks for posting that article. There's some really interesting stuff in it, especially about the Baronet. - MikeH

what will all these tourists and residents do for entertainment if there is none....NO music, no theatre, no bowling, no stone pony????
What are these developers thinking? What is happening to the american dream, to the dream being close to home. Why do we have to leave our home to find good entertainment! Historic grounds!YOu tear out all the entertainment what is there left to do....why must you build so many homes, and leave the people with nothing to do. Having the soul of art and music around you is what makes the your "once lived life" worthy of living..fullfilled with good music good food and beauty of art. Please dont tear down the heart of asbury..my kids deserve to see what once was could still be, and be even better!
PLEASE KEEP THE PAST CLOSE TO WHAT AMERICA and ASBURY REALLY STANDs FOR...a starting place for everyone to dream and succeed

Does anyone know where to get showtimes for this theater?
The phone number on the internet is disconnected and Galaxy has nothing on their homepage!!

Here's the website I found:

http://www.asburybaronet.com

I plan to be there for the Sunday matinee.

TC....For your viewing pleasure at the Baronet Theater for July 28 we have the following:

Kinky Boots
Rated PG-13, 1 hr 46 min
Showtimes: 9:15

Over the Hedge
Rated PG, 1 hr 27 min
Showtimes: 7:15

Would you like popcorn and a soft drink? Enjoy the show. :)

Also try this link:

http://movies.yahoo.com/showtimes/showtimes.html?z=Asbury%20Park,NJ&nt=10&date=20060728

good news for the Baronet, at least for the time being...the theater is now officially open for business with a discount price policy, and a few mini concertrs have been booked for the venue as well. Let's all hope that there is enough public response to keep the Baronet going and save it from "mondo condo"

Just Got back from the Hot Rod Show at the Asbury Lanes Fantastic Stuff !! But the best SURPRISE was the Baronet Theater was OPEN!!! It was showing Movies all Day the inside looks GREAT!!! The Only Way to Keep this Great old venue Alive & to Keep Eminent Domain Away is To PATRONIZE THE BUSINESS THAT ARE TRYING TO BRING BACK ASBURY PARKS GLORY !!! If They can't get the Money to pay for their efforts, to revive the area then developers can do what they want. Go to the Asbury Lanes bowl A game or two, sit in the lounge & have a cocktail, see A show there, ( Yes the Lanes also have Bands play !! I saw Dick Dale There). Go to the Baronet & see A movie, Remember that it is up to us the public to support the efforts of the local business that are trying, & we have to do it NOW!! If we just sit back & say Somebody should do something about the Eminent Domain Problem, Then SOMEBODY WILL; THE DEVELOPERS, & you my friend will be OUT!!! The Buildings on 4th Ave are Historic Landmarks that can never be recaptured or rebuilt once they are destroyed!! I have seen it in every jersey shore Town I have been to, Asbury is one of the last Shore Towns That have any great old buildings left that can still be preserved, IT STARTS WITH YOU.

Here'a shot of my ugly old mug showing " A Prairie Home Companion", at the Baronet. I feel like a "reel" projectionist again! I love this vintage Brenkert & Ashcraft equipment. It produces a beautiful & quality presentation! This photo was taken on Saturday September ninth, 2006.


http://doctorgrooveband.com/baronet-9-9-06.JPG

Now Showing:

AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH (PG)
*Documentary* 2006
A documentary on Al Gore's campaign to make the issue of global warming a recognized problem worldwide.

Showtimes:
Friday, September 15th at 7:15 p.m., 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 16th at 7:15 p.m., 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 17th at 2:00 p.m.

COMING SOON:
Fall is here...and the Classics are back! Starting Saturday, September 23rd we will beging a series of classic cinema presentations!

Also:
Spend Halloween at the Baronet!

Friday, October 27th at 8:00 p.m.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
*Silent Horror* 1925
This silent classic is still impressive, even after seventy-nine years! Lon Chaney's performance is easily the highlight of the movie. His ghostly movements about his underground lair are haunting even by today's standards. LIVE Organ accompaniment by Jeff Barker!

Saturday, October 28th at 7:30 p.m.
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE
*Horror* 1962
In a decaying Hollywood mansion, Jane Hudson, a former child star, and her sister Blanche, a movie queen forced into retirement after a crippling accident, live in virtual isolation. Starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. "...but ya are in that chair, Blanche!"
*BABY JANE SPECIAL*
FREE Admission to anyone dressed like Baby Jane. Prize for the Freakiest Baby Jane outfit!

Saturday, October 28th at 10:30 p.m.
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
*Muiscal/Horror* 1975
A newly engaged couple have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick.
Come and join the Baronet...the perfect venue... in reviving an old tradition. Leave your coffins and dust off your old Rocky Horror duds and live life like it was the 70's and 80's ...before the Internet and MySpace destroyed American pop culture! This is a shout-out to all Rocky Horror-heads to come and perform!

Email us at: asburybaronet@optonline.net

Just returned from a screening of AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH. The Baronet looks terrific, excellent atmosphere. Just needs to lose more of the leftover must and mold scent. And to get the word out--only a few people were in attendance. I'm sure more patrons would come if they knew about it. Look forward to catching more shows there, especially some of the Halloween lineup.
JKane

Here is a recent photo of the Baronet's marquee. The lights change to every color in the spectrum. Very attractive!

http://doctorgrooveband.com/9-09-06-baronet-marquee.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shyspics/196675239/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shyspics/196569054/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/roxydynamite/197772179/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shyspics/196587286/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/glc315/210071596/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shyspics/196675237/

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

SEE a great movie for FREE at the BARONET THEATER 205 4th Avenue, Asbury Park
LEARN about Responsible Development and what's happening in YOUR neighborhood
CONNECT with others from your community

Reminder to see the acclaimed movie TWO SQUARE MILES at the historic Baronet Theater on Sunday, October 22 at 2pm. Director Barbara Ettinger, Asbury Park Councilman Jim Keady and a host of other knowledgeable speakers will talk about Responsible Development in OUR shore community after the screening. See you there!

Vincent and Mike H.
I'm a new member to this site but not new to the area. I still live about 5 minutes away from Asbury park. You were talking about a theater on the Boardwalk in Ocean Grove. I remember it well but never saw a film there. How I remember it was that I took a picture of The Palace Amusements Lit up at night and the lights caused a reflection of the ferris wheel onto Wesley Lake. You can also see
Part of the Mayfair which was next store to the Amusements. I took this picture from the Ocean Grove Side of the Boardwalk Standing right in from of this Movie House. It was called the Strand open only for the summer Months and the front and Markee faced toward
Wesley lake. Right after you passed the North End Hotel Strand was on your left on the boardwalk as you headed town the asbury Casino arcade. I was never inside but I don't think it was very big. I believe it was also a Walter Reade operation and if not it was part of the Arcadia chain that also owned the Riverli in Belmar. I can't Remember what year the North End hotel was torn down after a fire but that was when that whole area of the Ocean Grove Boardwalk became empty. I took the photo I talked about probably mid to late 60's I have to do some research. I still have that photo but can't find the Negatives which may have a picture of the strand on it. It will be Black and white which I developed in my basement darkroom my Dad built. I haven't given up looking for them and if I find a picture I try to post it.
While the sign above it said strand Most everyone called it the Ocean Grove Strand not to confuse it with the stand in Lakewood which is owned by an ocean county arts group and still operates today. If anyone else remembers this Summer movie house please post a comment. There was also another place across from the Ocean Grove
gates on Main Street Where Clancys Tavern and other stores sit.
This is actually neptune. My late Dad told me about Silent films and vauderville and how growing up he would make extra money walking the dogs used for the live animal acts. When I asked him about the silent films he told me that most of the time there was a piano player and when there was a fast chase or something like that the piano player would pick up the tempo. A lot of serials used to play there with a cliffhanger at the end and you had to come back next week to find out what happens. Admission was about 15cents. The Savoy Theater on Maddison Ave in asbury does not get mentioned much these days. The markee is gone. The glass doors are still there but I'm told the owner of the entire building is using it as a warehouse. I was in it one Late 70s early 80s when it opened back up as a movie house. I seem to remember it had an upper level of seats. In my Dad's day some great entertainers played vaudervile there.
Of all the theaters I saw movies in growing up by Two Favorites were the Mayfair with the moving clouds on the ceiling and The saint James. A photographer friend of mine has a photo of the Staint James the summer they ran Bridge over the River quay (excuse spelling) and errected a wooden bridge over cookman ave with the movie banner hanging in both sides. I seem to remember you could actually walk across it. Well just a few notes about my memories from someone who is not too old (mid 50's)THe asbury park historical Society has a fountain that was at the Mayfair. They haven't found a home for it yet. Maybe it could become part of the Historic Baronet Just a thought. I plan on being at the Baronet for Phantom with the live Organ Score. Hope to see a lot of historical movie buffs at this one.
Friday Night at 8p.m There Phone number is back up 732-807-3317 Rocky Horror and Baby Jane playing Saturday. Anyone else remember the Strand in ocean Grove post a coment.

Jay N.

Vincent and Mike H.
I'm a new member to this site but not new to the area. I still live about 5 minutes away from Asbury park. You were talking about a theater on the Boardwalk in Ocean Grove. I remember it well but never saw a film there. How I remember it was that I took a picture of The Palace Amusements Lit up at night and the lights caused a reflection of the ferris wheel onto Wesley Lake. You can also see
Part of the Mayfair which was next store to the Amusements. I took this picture from the Ocean Grove Side of the Boardwalk Standing right in from of this Movie House. It was called the Strand open only for the summer Months and the front and Markee faced toward
Wesley lake. Right after you passed the North End Hotel Strand was on your left on the boardwalk as you headed town the asbury Casino arcade. I was never inside but I don't think it was very big. I believe it was also a Walter Reade operation and if not it was part of the Arcadia chain that also owned the Riverli in Belmar. I can't Remember what year the North End hotel was torn down after a fire but that was when that whole area of the Ocean Grove Boardwalk became empty. I took the photo I talked about probably mid to late 60's I have to do some research. I still have that photo but can't find the Negatives which may have a picture of the strand on it. It will be Black and white which I developed in my basement darkroom my Dad built. I haven't given up looking for them and if I find a picture I try to post it.
While the sign above it said strand Most everyone called it the Ocean Grove Strand not to confuse it with the stand in Lakewood which is owned by an ocean county arts group and still operates today. If anyone else remembers this Summer movie house please post a comment. There was also another place across from the Ocean Grove
gates on Main Street Where Clancys Tavern and other stores sit.
This is actually neptune. My late Dad told me about Silent films and vauderville and how growing up he would make extra money walking the dogs used for the live animal acts. When I asked him about the silent films he told me that most of the time there was a piano player and when there was a fast chase or something like that the piano player would pick up the tempo. A lot of serials used to play there with a cliffhanger at the end and you had to come back next week to find out what happens. Admission was about 15cents. The Savoy Theater on Maddison Ave in asbury does not get mentioned much these days. The markee is gone. The glass doors are still there but I'm told the owner of the entire building is using it as a warehouse. I was in it one Late 70s early 80s when it opened back up as a movie house. I seem to remember it had an upper level of seats. In my Dad's day some great entertainers played vaudervile there.
Of all the theaters I saw movies in growing up by Two Favorites were the Mayfair with the moving clouds on the ceiling and The saint James. A photographer friend of mine has a photo of the Staint James the summer they ran Bridge over the River quay (excuse spelling) and errected a wooden bridge over cookman ave with the movie banner hanging in both sides. I seem to remember you could actually walk across it. Well just a few notes about my memories from someone who is not too old (mid 50's)THe asbury park historical Society has a fountain that was at the Mayfair. They haven't found a home for it yet. Maybe it could become part of the Historic Baronet Just a thought. I plan on being at the Baronet for Phantom with the live Organ Score. Hope to see a lot of historical movie buffs at this one.
Friday Night at 8p.m There Phone number is back up 732-807-3317 Rocky Horror and Baby Jane playing Saturday. Anyone else remember the Strand in ocean Grove post a coment.

Jay N.

Sorry for the double Vincent Mike H post above. I must have hit a wrong key and when my screen went blank I retyped it again thinking I lost the info when actually it was being posted. Anyway the Theater I talked about where they had Live acts and Silent films was called the Rialto. A well know asbury park Photographer remembers it well.

Jay N.
I remember others talking about a theatre in Ocean Grove but I never
saw it as it was before my time in Asbury Park. Vincent goes back further in Asbury's history. Perhaps he remembers. Mike H

Jay N.
I remember others talking about a theatre in Ocean Grove but I never
saw it as it was before my time in Asbury Park. Vincent goes back further in Asbury's history. Perhaps he remembers. Mike H

Update and corrections. I handle the Reade/Rosenburg theatre archives dating from 1908 to the close of the firm in 1974 to Seacost Theatres (Gage) and Music Makers. The only local theatre with 70mm capability was the St James with installed Todd-AO in July 1958 premiering SOUTH PACIFIC and closing with CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH in March 1972. The chief projectionist was George Clark who started his career with Comerford Theatres, and lived in Ocean Grove. The 70mm presentations at the St. James included SOLOMON AND SHEBA, PORGY AND BESS, THE ALAMO, BEN-HUR, KING OF KINGS, CLEOPATRA, SPARTACUS, MY FAIR LADY, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, CAMELOT, GONE WITH THE WIND, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, WEST SIDE STORY, BECKET to name a few. The Paramount (Boardwalk) was strickly 35mm magnetic stereo presentation for roadhsow. Roadhsow reserved seat enagements had one evening show usually at 8 p.m. and matinees only on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at usually at 2 p.m. rarely would there be continous daily showings of 70mm product due to the nature of the film (running time) and exhibition contracts. In the case of SOUND OF MUSIC at the Paramount (June 1965 to October 1966) the engagment was 35mm magnetic stereo, a reduction from 70mm stereo Todd-AO that was exhibited at the Rivoli, New York City and Bellevue, Upper Monclair, NJ. I still have Reel One, 35mm magnetic stereo, of SOUND OF MUSIC. Interesting note, SOUND OF MUSIC had no Overture for Act One and the projectionist was instructed to use the Entr'acte music reel as Overture. I also have the complete film soundtrack recorded in stereo from a direct feed into a "reel to reel" tape recorder.
The Lyric Theatre (Thomas Budd projectionist) had 35mm magnetic stereo capability and did the Mayfair Theatre. Going back to 1954, the dawn of CinemaScope 4-channel magnetic stereo for the Reade chain, Reade had the Mayfair (Asbury Park), Paramount (Asbury Park), Paramount (Long Branch), Carlton (Red Bank) and Strand (Freehold) the
projectionist/technicians patch and mix all 4-stereo channels to one channel for the center screen speaker. Fox lowered the boom by threating withhold of product unless the films where show correctly.
During that period Fox began to issue optical mixdowns for monophonic presentation, so Reade was spared legal actions. The Strand (Scenario)located at the North End Hotel was strictly 35mm optical and was the Baronet (Ocean). The Mayfair has roadshow status only for the exhibition of James Hoyce's ULYSSES in early 1967. The Lyric and Ocean used roadshow dfue to the overflow of product available. Example, Baronet roadshowed A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS and the Lyric roashowed Fellini's LA DOLCE VITA
I hope this clarifies a few statements. As director of Cinema Centre
Motion Picture Research Library, established in 1963, I attempt to keep the historical theatrical records and exhibition records correct for broad and individual research projects.

what does roadshow mean?
Do you have any pictures or info regarding the Ocean/Baronet theatre on 4th ave in asbury?

Here are two example of Roadshow presentation/policy. The first is from the original Theatre Management book (1927)used at the Mayfair Theatre (Asbury Park) at the opening operations August 1927. The second is from a book I used for instruction on the Motion Picture Industry and dated 1972. The third example is for the presentation of EL CID (1961) which did play at the Paramount (Asbury Park) as a specialty film with non-roadshow and hard ticket policy but presented as roadshow quality starting 22 June 1962:


ROAD SHOWS

The super type of motion picture, such as “The Birth of a Nation,”
“Way Down East,” “The Covered Wagon,” “ The Ten Commandments,”
“The King of Kings,” “Ben Hur,” and “The Big Parade,” are placed before the
public for first showing through an en unusually profitable, and brings additional prestige to the industry.
Furthermore, after I is exploited as a road show, it is then released through the
regular distributing machinery for exhibition in the regular motion picture theaters.
The exploitation that such pictures receive on the original basis is of great value
in attracting a tremendous patronage for the play when it is shown in the motion
picture theater at regular prices. Advertising of road shows is done in a dignified
manner, and includes new
tirely different distributing agency than that
through which other photoplays are released. Such pictures are handled exactly on
the same basis as a “legitimate stage” attraction. Of course, the motion picture feature
which is to be exploited in this manner must be one of unusual merit. It must
have “epic quality.” It must have the “epic” call,
striking deep into the emotions.

The feature is first given a premier in a legitimate theater in New York at
advanced prices (generally $1.65 for the best seats). If the motion picture registers
with the public as a truly unusual offering, approximately ten to twelve road
companies are organized. Routings are arranged through the legitimate theaters
of the country. Each road company consists of traveling projection equipment,
with expert projectionists and advertising men, a manager, a musical conductor, and
a number of key musicians. The companies are booked in such fashion as to
cover most of the important cities throughout the land. In that way it is soon shown in
practically every outstanding community.

Road showing naturally requires a large organization and a direction of high
executive ability. The road showing of motion pictures was first established by
J.J. McCarthy, who has created an organization which specializes in this work.
Men of a representative type, experienced in the administrative department of
the spoken drama and grand opera, comprise the personnel. The managers of these
companies are true executives of experience, and the publicity writers are trained
journalists. Each company is capable of giving a standardized presentation so that
the staging, the advertising and the musical accompaniment of every unit is of the
same quality as that showing in New York.

The road shows differ entirely in policy from the regular motion picture theaters.
Only two performances are given daily, one in the afternoon and the other at night.
Every seat is reserved, and the performance begins at the specified time. This is
a distinct advantage, because spectators see the picture from the beginning and follow
the story through; whereas in motion picture theaters, frequently, patrons drop in
in the middle of a feature. The entire entertainment of a road show consists of
the one picture, without any supplemental film or other units. Therefore such
super features generally must be of sufficient length to make up a full evening’s
entertainment.

There is a marked advantage in having an orchestra travel with the company
to synchronize the music perfectly with the moods of the picture, because the
orchestra stays with the particular company and thus is able to perfect its playing
of the score, brining out the full volume and variety of the score.

The merits of the picture are emphasized to the exclusion of all else and
exploitation is concentrated on the big film. In this way nothing but the feature
is sold to the public; and because it is handled this way, its publicity is
exclusive.


The type of picture that can be thus marketed is very rare, but a showing of
this sort is
ROAD SHOWS

The super type of motion picture, such as “The Birth of a Nation,”
“Way Down East,” “The Covered Wagon,” “ The Ten Commandments,”
“The King of Kings,” “Ben Hur,” and “The Big Parade,” are placed before the
public for first showing through an entirely different distributing agency than that
through which other photoplays are released. Such pictures are handled exactly on
the same basis as a “legitimate stage” attraction. Of course, the motion picture feature
which is to be exploited in this manner must be one of unusual merit. It must
have “epic quality.” It must have the “epic” call,
striking deep into the emotions.

The feature is first given a premier in a legitimate theater in New York at
advanced prices (generally $1.65 for the best seats). If the motion picture registers
with the public as a truly unusual offering, approximately ten to twelve road
companies are organized. Routings are arranged through the legitimate theaters
of the country. Each road company consists of traveling projection equipment,
with expert projectionists and advertising men, a manager, a musical conductor, and
a number of key musicians. The companies are booked in such fashion as to
cover most of the important cities throughout the land. In that way it is soon shown in
practically every outstanding community.

Road showing naturally requires a large organization and a direction of high
executive ability. The road showing of motion pictures was first established by
J.J. McCarthy, who has created an organization which specializes in this work.
Men of a representative type, experienced in the administrative department of
the spoken drama and grand opera, comprise the personnel. The managers of these
companies are true executives of experience, and the publicity writers are trained
journalists. Each company is capable of giving a standardized presentation so that
the staging, the advertising and the musical accompaniment of every unit is of the
same quality as that showing in New York.

The road shows differ entirely in policy from the regular motion picture theaters.
Only two performances are given daily, one in the afternoon and the other at night.
Every seat is reserved, and the performance begins at the specified time. This is
a distinct advantage, because spectators see the picture from the beginning and follow
the story through; whereas in motion picture theaters, frequently, patrons drop in
in the middle of a feature. The entire entertainment of a road show consists of
the one picture, without any supplemental film or other units. Therefore such
super features generally must be of sufficient length to make up a full evening’s
entertainment.

There is a marked advantage in having an orchestra travel with the company
to synchronize the music perfectly with the moods of the picture, because the
orchestra stays with the particular company and thus is able to perfect its playing
of the score, brining out the full volume and variety of the score.

The merits of the picture are emphasized to the exclusion of all else and
exploitation is concentrated on the big film. In this way nothing but the feature
is sold to the public; and because it is handled this way, its publicity is
exclusive.

------

A hard-ticket roadshow attraction implies reserved seats on an
exclusive first run. Such a picture usually plays with an intermission
and in some ways parallels a legitimate theatre performance.
The producer and distributor enter into roadshow policy with the
idea of setting up the picture as an extraordinary motion picture.
There are extremely large investments in most of these pictures,
which are exhibited on large screens in 70mm., Cinerama, D-150,
or others. For the exhibitor, a roadshow may mean higher costs for
union treasurers instead of regular cashiers, added expense for group
sales people, and increased personnel. The scale for projectionists
may also be higher than for a traditional run.

Nat D. Fellman
National General Theatres, Inc.
1972

______

CUE SHEET FOR PRESENTING THE 35MM PRODUCTION OF

"EL CID"

Running Time:

Actual Screen Picture Time
2 hrs. 50 minutes

Opening Music
3 1/2 minutes

Opening of Picture to Intermission
1 hr. 50 minutes

Silent Intermission (Recommended)
12 minutes

Intermission Music
3 1/2 minutes

Post Intermission to Picture end
1 hr.

Exit Music
2 minutes

Overall with Intermission

3 hrs. 11 minutes



CURTAIN CUES

Determining your curtain feet:

Determine the exact number of seconds that are required for the curtain to open, basing your timing on a point from which the signal is given until the curtain completely clears the screen masking. Multiply this by 1.5 which will give you the curtain feet for your theatre. (For example, If the curtain time is 15 seconds the curtain feet would be 22.5).

When this has been determined then cue the film as follows:

Opening

There is approximately 3 minutes and 25 seconds at the opening ahead of the picture. The curtain should be fully opened by the time "Samuel Bronston Presents" appears superimposed over the title background. Wind the print down until you see "Samuel Bronston Presents" on the title. Count back from this point the number of curtain feet and put a piece of masking tape on the blank leader at that point.

Approximately 2 and 1/2 minutes after the music starts you should begin to dim your lights and have the lights well dimmed by the time the tape comes through the machine. This is your cue to signal the curtain open and the lights completely out.

Distributed by ALLIED ARTISTS PICTURES CORP., 165 West 46th Street, New York 36, N. Y. PLaza 7-3070
Closing at end Of intermission:

The intermission comes at the end of the 7th reel. To mark your film wind the film through until you come to the dead fade out at the end of the intermission title. Count back your determined number of curtain feet. At this point, using a standard academy cue marker put a curtain closing cue at the lower right hand corner of the picture. This will bring the curtain closing at exactly the point when the Intermission title has completely faded Out. Do not close any sooner.

Opening after intermission

The projector is to be started after 12 minutes of elapsed time. There are 3 minutes and 20 seconds of music ahead of the picture. This is the most important cue of the picture. The curtain must be completely open when this scene comes on full. This scene opens with a picture of two large doors. Count your curtain feet back from the point where you own just make out these two doors after the fade in. Put a piece of masking tape on the black leader at this point, similar to the opening. The curtain should be opened then in the same manner as in the original opening. This will start your curtain so that it will be fully opened when the doors open and Charlton Heston comes through the doors. We repeat, THIS CUE IS A MUST!
Closing Cue:

There are important credits on the end title so measure your curtain feet back from the dead fade out at the last end title so that the curtain will come completely closed as the title fades out. Put a curtain cue at the lower right used of the film, the same as reel 7. There are approximately 2 minutes of music on black leader after the end title fades out.

Contour Curtain:

If your theatre has a contour curtain in front of the traveler, this contour curtain should be taken out at the time the lights start to dim, approximately 1 minute before the end of the opening music.

FADER CUES

The sound level of the picture is reasonably sustained throughout, however, there are many scenes where the dialogue is spoken softly for dramatic affect. This necessitates a sufficiently high level to make such dialogue clearly audible.

There is one important fader cue which will materially enhance the excitement which the picture conveys to the audience. This has to do with the jousting scene in real No. 3. Here is the cue; when the king drops his arm to start the jousting, raise the fader 2 points, (4DB). Leave the fader at this level during the entire jousting scene. Lower to normal after the end of the joust, when Heston walks over to the king and says "to whom does Calahorra belong?"

ALLIED ARTISTS PICTURES CORPORATION

Sorry the 1927 Roadshow data doubled up on the above. To answer your question on a Ocean Theatre picture. The archives has an original 4x5 negative from the Reade collection. This has not been made into a postive print as the major Reade Theatres have taken priority (Mayfair, St. James, Lyric, Paramount [Asbury Park] and Paramount [Long Branch]). The Paramount, Long Branch, was Reade/Rosenburg most important second showcase motion picture palace, the Mayfair being the first. The name Rosenburg was changed to Reade. The Paramount Long Branch was originally the Broadway Theatre (August 1912 opening)
and built on the site of the old wooden St. James Episcopal Church (now located at Broadway and Slocum, Long Branch). In September 1929 the Broadway was closed for renovations and restructuring and, under the financing of Paramount Publix Theatres, opened on Friday, 16 January 1931 as the Paramount Theatre (knows as "The Theatre Beautiful" and embellished with Spanish-Moorish interior) and premiering GANG BUSTERS. The theatre closed Sunday, 13 September 1959 with DARBY O'GILL AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE and CAST A LONG SHADOW. It was slated for demolition in June 1961 and the event never happened. I used the theatre for test screenings of Roadshow product (BEN-HUR, GUNS OF NAVARONE, SOLOMON AND SHEBA, THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD, LORD JIM, BARABBAS and DOCTOR ZHIVAGO) under the permission of the Walter Reade/Sterling Organization (Home Office: Deal Road, Oakhurst, NJ). The property went through several hands after that and I proposed a restoration in 1975 (after the unfortunate demise of the Mayfair and St. James Theatre, Asbury Park (September 23 - December 13 1974). The city administration was not interested and so I put the project on hold until 1997 when I met with Long Branch city officials and presented in City Hall the potential of a proposal and video of the Paramount and excerpts of films that where exhibited there during the 28 year career of the establishment. The property has now been recognized as workable and is now in the process of restoration and use with a projected opening date of 2008.

KUDOS to the Baronet personnel for the presentation of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1925). It was like stepping back in history and watching the the primal beginnings of a small town theatre getting grabs on a a sensational film. It was very interesting to step into a theatre I had not visited since May, 1976 (quality check for Universal's SENSURROUND release of MIDWAY). I purchased three tickets, two for myself and friend, and one for my mother, having been, as I would put, deceased before here time to enjoy the film of her birth (1925-2006). I would star rate the presentation at 4.75 out of 5. Why such a rating? All gear (managment, projection, organist) where in place.
The .25 lesser points - proper black masking of the screen, use of curtains to open and close the presentation, the unfortunate, overly loud of Gershwin music (should have been lower orchestral pieces from Bach's Toccata and Fugue, Gounod's Faust opera, Thaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet - Overture Fantasy or Swan Lake (two previous being key signature music of Universal 1930s horror/melodrama films from Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy and so forth), I noticed the stage area has been more pronouced and stage lighting to left and right. lighting should be removed and the stage unclottered. Personnel - dress should be formal and announcement of the film should be by separate printed bills (if needed). Most important is that you don't count tickets sold, but respect for the audience as experiencing a "special event" presentation. The house should be, considering the presentation, SOLD OUT or 85% capacity. DVD acknowledgement should not be mentioned at $9.99 home purchase/own situation. This is unprofessional with a captive audience. I restored PHANTOM in July 1977 from nitrate elements and two-color Technicolor and struck a Gaylord Garter organ score for the overall fullness. Note: the organist was exceptional on every (my critical view) dramatic development of the film. BRAVO!!!!! Considering the Baronet is getting a foot hold on film exhibition - my re-evaluation is a resounding 5 stars. I know what it is to present a get "balls to the wall" greatness of exhibition and the crew at the Baronet pulled that off in a special way - paving the way for greatness of motion picture exhibition.

If anyone wants to forward or comment or contact - my name is Don Griffith (yes, related to David Wark Griffith and Gladys Smith [Mary Pickford] two confounders of United Artists - with Fairbanks and Chaplin. Email address is cinema70@yahoo.com or cinema_centre@yahoo.com BTW - JayN - hope you enjoyed the show.

If anyone wants to forward or comment or contact - my name is Don Griffith (yes, related to David Wark Griffith and Gladys Smith [Mary Pickford] two confounders of United Artists - with Fairbanks and Chaplin. Email address is cinema70@yahoo.com or cinema_centre@yahoo.com BTW - JayN - hope you enjoyed the show.

Seems like double postings happen. The Savoy Theatre (Asbury Park) and Baronet, since I didn't keep track of ownerships, was handled by Mr. Esposito of the Beach (Palace) (Arcadia/Reade) Theatre, Bradley Beach. Mr. Esposito was employed by Walter Reade Organization, and his mother was employed by the City of Long Branch. He was closely associated with Winifred Colton, employed by Walter Reade - associated with the Paramount and Strand (Grand to Strand to Baraonet) Long Branch. I belive Mr. Crawford, mother, Shirley associated with Wheelock Signals, Branchport Ave, LB, is projectionist and working, at the time of 1974, at the Lyric Thetare. KUDOS to both!!!!!!!

I am a freelance radio producer (who grew up 10 minutes from Asbury Park) doing a story for American Public Media on the Baronet Theater and the battle over its survival or seizure. I would be delighted to speak with people who attended the theater during the 1970s and before, citizens who do not want to see the theater seized for luxury condo development, and citizens who want to see other waterfront property built in its place. If you would like to speak out, please e-mail me at sgoldberg28@gmail.com Thanks for your help!

Scott Goldberg

Apparently, the Baronet going retro grindhouse with some upcoming shows featuring Fulci, Joe D'Amato flicks & Eraserhead. See:
asburybaronet.com

The current owner of the Baronet has sold the Baronet along with the Fawst Lane Club (next store), The Wonder Bar and the F & H Paint Store Building to Asbury Partners (The Asbury Park Re-developers). Pat Fasano did not sell the Liquor Licenses were not sold. Fasano said he is in negotiations with Asbury Partners to operate The Baronet, The Fast Lane and The Wonder Bar as a tenant after the closing. Whether these buildings will be preserved lines in the hands of new owners Asbury Partners and the Asbury Park City Council who according to local newspaper "The Tri-City News" to demand minor adjustmentsin the redevelopment plan the Paint building and the Theater two historic buildings. As for the Fast Lane and the Wonder Bar the paper said they could be located to new space at a later date should anyone want to keep them open. I guess we will just have to wait to see what happens, Meanwhile the Asbury Grind Web Site says it's all over for the Horror Flicks it had been showing. There is one more event listed and thats a local movie premere in Feb

jvn

In the Asbury Park Press - 01/12/07 by Steve Bove: "Originally named Ocean Theatre, the 500-seat, art-deco movie house now known as The Baronet opened and began showing silent films in 1913. The theater was purchased in 1953 by the Walter Reade Circuit, which also owned The Baronet Theatre in Manhattan.

Not long after, Reade grew unhappy with his New York establishment's marquee and moved the sign to Asbury Park; hence Ocean Theatre became The Baronet."

The Ocean was renamed the Baronet in the early 1960s and the sign was not taken from the New York Baronet/Coronet complex. The Ocean was not the first name change. After the closure of the Paramount Long Branch, NJ (which was to be opened only during the summer months and this never materialized) Reade redecorated the Strand, across the street (which was originally the Grand until 1924) and opened it as the Baronet.

Just correcting the Bove misinformation

Reade never grew unhappy with New York City establishment and acquired the Mayfair on 7th Ave and 47th Street and named it in honor of Cecil B. DeMille. Across from the Loew's State, plans were underway to contruct a new theatre - The Walter Reade - and move his New York offices, including Continental Distributing to this new site. This time period was 1968-1972. This never came to fruition. Reade died from a skiing accident in 1973. The organization cut back operations in the 1973-1975 period and lost the Mayfair and St. James theatres in the organization restructuring. Repair, rehabilitation of the two edifices proved too costly and profitability could not be guaranteed due to the recent racial unrest in the city and the stubborn political stance of the mayor and city administration.

Reade never grew unhappy with New York City establishment and acquired the Mayfair on 7th Ave and 47th Street and named it in honor of Cecil B. DeMille. Across from the Loew's State, plans were underway to construct a new theatre - The Walter Reade - and move his New York offices, including Continental Distributing to this new site. This time period was 1968-1972. This never came to fruition. Reade died from a skiing accident in 1973. The organization cut back operations in the 1973-1975 period and lost the Mayfair and St. James theatres in the organization restructuring. Repair, rehabilitation of the two edifices proved too costly and profitability could not be guaranteed due to the recent racial unrest in the city and the stubborn political stance of the mayor and city administration.

If you call the Baronet Phone number there is a message that they will be closed the Weekend of the 19th but that there are movies concerts etc. planned for the future and to call back in the middle of the week. Apparently the owners pulled the plug on the Grindhouse movies because of the reputation the theater was getting and the type of patrons that were attending. The movies (DVD) were free until the final weeks when they asked for a $2.00 donation. They were only getting between 6-10 people at these screenings which means the theater was loosing money. I don't think they sold that much popcorn and candy. Hopefully they will start showing more mainstream 2nd or third run movies.

The closing for the sale of this property has not been finalized and considering the developer has no plans on record for this block means the theater will be open for a while. We should support the continueing efforts to keep this historic theater open

Jay

At the Baronet on Saturday Feb. 3rd Paul Greens School of Rock presents Jesus Christ Superstar. Doors open at 7p.m. There are more great events scheduled for the Baronet and the Fast Lane next store.
Check them out at www.ASBURYBARONET.COM

Lets support the effort to keep this theater open.

This Friday the 16th 10pm at the Baronet the NJ premier of "The Redsin Tower" with special guest director Fred vogel and film crew!!!
More information at www.myspace.com/asburygrinhouse www.toetagpictures.com

This Friday the 16th 10pm at the Baronet the NJ premier of "The Redsin Tower" with special guest director Fred vogel and film crew!!!
More information at www.myspace.com/asburygrinhouse www.toetagpictures.com www.theredsintower.com

This Friday the 16th 10pm at the Baronet the NJ premier of "The Redsin Tower" with special guest director Fred vogel and film crew!!!
More information at www.myspace.com/asburygrinhouse www.toetagpictures.com www.theredsintower.com

oops

The baronet-The Asbury Grindhouse will be showing to Back to Back movies at the Baronet theatre for FREE This Friday the 9th!!! Doors will be open at 9:00 pm come on down and grab some popcorn and a seat. Cant beat the price.....info @ www.myspace.com/asburygrindhouse

Hope to see you there!

The baronet-The Asbury Grindhouse will be showing to Back to Back movies at the Baronet theatre for FREE This Friday the 9th!!! Doors will be open at 9:00 pm come on down and grab some popcorn and a seat. Cant beat the price.....info @ www.myspace.com/asburygrindhouse

Hope to see you there!

Are they showing the films in 35mm?

The Showing on Fri the 9th was cancelled due to lack of communication, sorry. Things at this theatre are not going as planned for the Asbury Grindhouse so please be patient with us as we try to figure this out....Thanks for you support!
www.myspace.com/asburygrindhouse
IF you enjoyed what we were doing there or never had the chance to come out and wanted to please email asburybaronet@optonline.net and let them know how you feel, Thanks agian to any one who will take a few min. to let the Manegment hear their thoughts.
Please help. Your freinds at the Grindhouse

Apparently the Burlesque show this past saturday was a huge sucess. I was not there but did get reports. I was there however about a week ago when the Historical group ran a showing of the PBS Documentary Greetings from Asbury Park. There was a large crowd in attendance and was asked about the future of the theater the former owner said that Madison markee(excuse spelling) the firm that is overseeing the entertainment portion of Redevelopment in Asbury Park would like to see a community theater in Asbury. They recently toured the theater and were very impressed and until such time as there are plans for third avenue or they build a new one somwhere the owner whi is in the process of selling the property to Asbury Partners has been asked to keep it up and running. Could be a year 2 years who knows when there will be redevelopement plans for the Baronet, Fast Lane and Bowling Alley. I suggest you start looking into another location to show your Grindhouse Films as I don't think the new entertainment developers who as respected nationally want these kind of films in There Theater. Furthermore the members of this site who have been working to preserve this theater would like to see classic films shown on the Historic 36mm equipment that is stil in tack in the projection booth. A number of my friends would like to see another silen film night with live piano or organ music like this theater did with Phantom on Halloween. I'm sure most regulars to this site would agree with me and if they do I hope they will post a comment or reply. I attended a few of thye grindhouse movies and felt out of place since I have no Tatoos or have pierced lips etc. Also there was hardly anyone in the theater and that's no fun. I like a crowd. I welcome oposingt comments or views from the Grindhouse gang and of course the serious historical movie buffs that frequent this site. Grindhouse May you Rest In Peace. I think it's over.

Apparently the Burlesque show this past saturday was a huge sucess. I was not there but did get reports. I was there however about a week ago when the Historical group ran a showing of the PBS Documentary Greetings from Asbury Park. There was a large crowd in attendance and was asked about the future of the theater the former owner said that Madison markee(excuse spelling) the firm that is overseeing the entertainment portion of Redevelopment in Asbury Park would like to see a community theater in Asbury. They recently toured the theater and were very impressed and until such time as there are plans for third avenue or they build a new one somwhere the owner whi is in the process of selling the property to Asbury Partners has been asked to keep it up and running. Could be a year 2 years who knows when there will be redevelopement plans for the Baronet, Fast Lane and Bowling Alley. I suggest you start looking into another location to show your Grindhouse Films as I don't think the new entertainment developers who as respected nationally want these kind of films in There Theater. Furthermore the members of this site who have been working to preserve this theater would like to see classic films shown on the Historic 36mm equipment that is stil in tack in the projection booth. A number of my friends would like to see another silen film night with live piano or organ music like this theater did with Phantom on Halloween. I'm sure most regulars to this site would agree with me and if they do I hope they will post a comment or reply. I attended a few of thye grindhouse movies and felt out of place since I have no Tatoos or have pierced lips etc. Also there was hardly anyone in the theater and that's no fun. I like a crowd. I welcome oposingt comments or views from the Grindhouse gang and of course the serious historical movie buffs that frequent this site. Grindhouse May you Rest In Peace. I think it's over.

Jay,
Lets give some credit where credit is due.If it wasnt for the "kids w/ tattoos" there would be NO shows at the Baronet,NO live music at the lanes or the fast lane.Lets be thankful for the great shows and live music on that block and enjoy while we can.With that being said,i agree with you.Im 45 and a regular at classic movie houses like the Loews Jersey and Lafayette in Suffern.Id love to see more classic fare at the Baronet.It would certainly draw some bigger crowds and they may even head over to the lanes for a drink and some music after the show.This is coming from a guy who loves grindhouse and B movies.......your only gonna get so many folks out to see "Faces of death"...ya know!

I love grindhose B pictures. I worked at a few, back in the day. My concern is the upkeep of the historic 35mm projectors, & carbon arc lamps, at the Baronet. The last time I ran a show at the Baronet was 10-31-06. I have a feeling that a dvd projector is now being used?

Crazy Bob:
The two times I went to the Asbury Grindhouse Movies they were runing DVD's The theater now owns a projector. Someone from the Grindhouse group can correct me if I'm wrong but I believe all there movies were on DVD which means the last time those projectors were run was for the Halloween Phantom Silent Film night and even then the Rocky Horror 2nd feature was on DVD. I'm still waiting for the opportunity to run them at least once before the new entertainment developers build a new community theater somewhere in the city. As I stated above in a previos comment the Baronet is safe for another year or longer as there are still no plans for that block and there are more important things on the table right now like meeting a deadline to get the howard johnson and bandshell pavilion preserved and refurbished by memorial day. On another note there might be a drive in theater operating in Wall Twp before the summer ends. May not open till summer as final approvals have not been optained yet from the town yet. It goes before the town council either april or early may. Was told an outside firm will be seting in up and runing it not the Race car people. I'll keep you all posted . It will be great to have another Drive in in NJ besides the Delsea Drive in.

Crazy Bob:
The two times I went to the Asbury Grindhouse Movies they were runing DVD's The theater now owns a projector. Someone from the Grindhouse group can correct me if I'm wrong but I believe all there movies were on DVD which means the last time those projectors were run was for the Halloween Phantom Silent Film night and even then the Rocky Horror 2nd feature was on DVD. I'm still waiting for the opportunity to run them at least once before the new entertainment developers build a new community theater somewhere in the city. As I stated above in a previos comment the Baronet is safe for another year or longer as there are still no plans for that block and there are more important things on the table right now like meeting a deadline to get the howard johnson and bandshell pavilion preserved and refurbished by memorial day. On another note there might be a drive in theater operating in Wall Twp before the summer ends. May not open till summer as final approvals have not been optained yet from the town yet. It goes before the town council either april or early may. Was told an outside firm will be seting in up and runing it not the Race car people. I'll keep you all posted . It will be great to have another Drive in in NJ besides the Delsea Drive in.

Just thought I would post this update on the theater.
THe Baronet is still open on weekends with special movie screenings mostly dvd fron independent producers and stage shows both vauderville, etc. AS for 35 mm films on a regular basis that has not been happening. At Least this historic theater is still serving a purpose as a community theater. It was used recently for the Garden State Film festival along with the Paramount and Convention Hall. Some shows are tied in with events at the Fast Lane and Bowling Alley Next store.The redevelopers who now own the property want to keep it operating since they have no immediate plans for the block.
732-807-3317 is the Baronet Phone number for information on upcoming events.

Little death collective and The historic Baronet theater invite you to join us for a very special occasion...
An Evening with Crispin Glover

When: May 4th and 5th
Doors at 7:30pm,
Show at 8:00pm,
Where: The baronet theater
205 4th ave.
Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Tickets available at ticketweb.com

There will also be some tickets available at the door before showtime!

A live appearance with Crispin, plus a screening of his film, "What is it?", followed by his BIG SLIDESHOW, a Q&A session, and book signing.....

Veteran actor Crispin Hellion Glover, who has appeared in over 30 films, including RIVER'S EDGE, CHARLIE'S ANGELS, THE DOORS, WILLARD, DEAD MAN, BACK TO THE FUTURE, WHAT'S EATING GLIBERT GRAPE, WILD AT HEART, THE PEOPLE VS. LARRY FLYNT the upcoming BEOWULF, THE WIZARD OF GORE, and BOB BAILEY'S DISCO BALLS will tour his debut feature film as a director, WHAT IS IT? Glover's appearances in San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, and now Asbury Park, will include a q & a after the film screening and a presentation of his "Big Slide Show" which features illustration and commentary from eight of his books, followed by a signing of his books RAT CATCHING, OAK MOT, and What it is, and how it is done. WHAT IS IT? premiered at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival and won Best Narrative Film at the 2005 Ann Arbor Film Festival. In the same year Mr. Glover was awarded the prestigious Maverick Award from the Method Fest which was presented to him by esteemed film director Werner Herzog.


SYNAPSIS of "WHAT IS IT?"

Known for creating many memorable, incredibly quirky characters onscreen as an actor, Glover's first effort as a director will not disappoint fans of his offbeat sensibilities and eccentric taste. Featuring a cast largely comprised of actors with Down's Syndrome, the film is not about Down's Syndrome. Glover describes it as "Being the adventures of a young man whose principal interests are snails, salt, a pipe and how to get home as tormented by an hubristic racist inner psyche." In addition to writing and directing WHAT IS IT?, Glover also appears in the film as an actor in the role of "Dueling Demi-God Auteur and The young man's inner psyche." Fairuza Balk voices one of the snails....


"What Is It? is an outre, bewildering, unnerving, surreal, blackly comic film. It is brilliant in its sensitivity and humanity and infantile in its excess." -- Darius James, Spin

Crispin Glover is weird and wonderful... Crazy in a Good Way." -- Joel Stein, Time magazine..

"Scenes with naked women in elephant masks, Shirley Temple, Glover being lowered deus-ex-machina style into a Maxfield Parrish scene...It's like Fellini on psychedelics -- wildly creative but completely twisted." -- Jane Ganahl, San Francisco Examine

"It's unlike anything I've ever seen before...the unrestrained id of an artist at full frenzy, unafraid to mount onscreen what others would judiciously edit out. Glover's film is like that the fever dream of a crazy person. "

--Dennis Dermody
Paper Magazine

trying to locate info on my grandfather Elmer Vaughn who was a projectionist at one of the theaters in the Asbury park area during the early 1920s. We found out that he was murdered while walking home with his brother George.

Thank you

Paul Vaughn email Imdoor007@msn.com

I had the honor to be hired to show Crispin Glover's "What Is It?", at the Baronet 5/4 & 5/5/2007. The Baronet is a change-over booth, and, still has two carbon arc lamps, and two projectors. His feature film came on five reels. The theatre had large crowds both nights.

Crispin did a live prensentation of his short stories, then then movie was shown. After that, the house lights came up, and Crispin came back out on the stage have a question and answer session. To top off the evening, he came out in the lobby to meet the patrons, and sign autographs.

I got to hang out with Crispin, and I'll tell you the he is a genius, and just an all around nice person! He spent some time in the projection booth with us, and my wife took a picture of Crispin challenging me to arm wrestle!
http://doctorgrooveband.com/crispin-glover-crazybob5-5-07.JPG

check out the Baronet site at asburybaronet.com. Looks like asbury partners will be running things from now on at the theater. They recently bought the property from the previous owners. Uncle floyd was scheduled for june but now no events are listed on that site just a redirect to visit a my space site about hedwig and the angry inch who played there in April. Hope they still run 35mm films from time to time.

16 May 2007:
Ziegfeld Theatre enthustiasts,
You have the opportunity to capture theatre and film history at the Walter Reade Theatre [Lincoln Center] at the end of this month. Being presented is the Stanley Kubrick's BARRY LYNDON which showcased at the Ziegfeld in December 1975. In note, I recollect Rex Reed, lighted pen to page and noting the showing with Intermission my questioning of his annoyance of the film which he gave an excellent review thereafter, in publication. Leon Vitali (Lord Bullington of the film) will be present at the theatre for the 35mm positive struck from the internegative. In addition, John Schselinger's DAY OF THE LOCUST, which premiered at the Cinema I, will be presented at two performances with William Atherton (Todd Hackett of the film) in a question and answer session. Both films are American/UK cinema masterpieces. I advise your particaption at these events as a mark of excellence to yourselves and the brilliant recollections that serve as the base of all that you aspire toward. Your performance checks are:
http://www.filmlinc.com/wrt/onsale/schlesinger4.html
for DAY OF THE LOCUST (the Day Hollywood collapsed and fell into an $88,000 hole - Esquire, September 1974)
and the cinematic masterwork filmed without artificial lighting - BARRY LYNDON
http://www.filmlinc.com/wrt/onsale/barrylyndon.html
1975 was a critical year in American film.
When you screen the films at Walter Reade, obtain the DVDs of both films for better analysis.
If you don't have access;
DAY OF THE LOCUST is Fri May 25: 3:30
Sat May 26: 6*
*Q&A with William Atherton
and BARRY LYNDON
May 27: 3 & 7
May 28: 3 & 7
May 29: 3 & 7

Respectfully,

Don Griffiths
Cinema Centre CEO

Asbury partners plans on keeping this theater running. Upcoming events include a number of film festivals and other events. There should be something every weekend. It good to hear that there are no
plans at the moment to tear it down. A new web site I have heard will be up in the future. For now go to
http://www.my space.com/asburybaronet for info on events.

Jay

Jersey Shore Film Festival:
Some great films including a salute to Alfred Hitchkock will be shown at the Jersey Shore Film Festival from Aug. 16th thru Sept. 1st. at The Baronet Theater in Asbury Park and The Herbert Axelrod Theater at the Jewish Y on Grant Ave. in Ocean Twp. Two Hitchkock films will be shown using the Historic 35mm Projectos at the Baronet. For more information on films and showtimes visit their website at www.jerseyshorefilmfestival.com

The status of this theater should be changed to open. I passed by last weekend and they were advertising a lineup of award winning short films for the evening performance.

You are correct. I think someone tried to e-mail the webmaster of this site about updating the top of this page and including a photo and either got no results or was told the site was making some software changes and the info could not be changed at this time. Meanwhile the theater will be closing for aq few months for renovations by the new owners. The roof leaks ect.
Jay

A correction from a few feet above:

"Mr. Crawford, his mother Shirley, associated with Wheelock Inc. of Branchport Ave, etc".

Right name, wrong Shirley, my mother never worked for Wheelock. There are quite a few Crawfords in the area, so repeat names are very possible (I have 3 other Gary cousins that I know of!)

Some night photos of the Baronet Theater can be seen here. I don't know the year these photos were taken but it appears that the Baronet was still open at the time.

This is a recent photo of the Baronet Theater.

So, this theater looks abandoned. Anyone have any word on what's going on here?

Not yet. Asbury Partners the citys redeveloper bought the theater last year along with the Fast Lane which is next door and the Wonder Bar. As a result of a letter they gave the city council saying they would not tear it down until they could either move it (which I think is impossible) or build a new one somewhere else in the city away from the redevelopment zone the theater seems safe from demolation for now. The last event to run there was a film festival at the end of the summer. After that they said they were cl,osing it to do some repairs especially on the roof which has some leaks. So far nothing been done and it's been siting all winter. I guess to find out what the future plans are one might go to a Wednesday evening City Council meeting and ask about during the public comment portion of the meeting.

Jay

Here is another recent photo of the Baronet Theater.

This is a May 2008 photo and nothing appears to be happening with this theater.

BTW....Function should be Unknown.

:( Really missing seeing movies at this great theatre. Are the knocking it down next. Went by it today looks that way to me. Anyone have any info? If that us the case than I hope Asbury burns to the ground as it turns into another trendy wasteland like SOHO oh i mean Red Bank. Really reflects the culture in Monmouth County$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Asbury should only dream of turning into Red Bank. Asbury has been a pit for decades. It's amazing that any progress has occurred at all condiering the corrupt govenment. But, there has been progress. There are new restaurants, some new condos and luxury residences, and at least the Paramount has been spared and has come back to life. But, there is much, much more to do. I would hopr that the Baronet would be part of the new Asbury, but make no mistake Asbury needs all the help it can get.

Just passed by this theater yesterday and it looks abandoned and what you can see of the inside looks very disheveled. The building to the east has been torn down. The "club" to the west also looks shuttered leaving just the sad looking bowling alley to the west of it.

The Paramount just down the street looks like a hotbed of activity and that is great to see but I think this theater is a goner.

Indeed Luis, the Paramount is doing some shows. I just worked on a few concerts there within the past month.

Here is a recent photo.