Hellman Theatre

More description here: Boxoffice

Saw the “The Longest Day” at the Hellman after required reading in English class at Albany College of Pharmacy of Cornelius Ryan’s book about the D-Day invasion.The black and white film version was a great experience to view . Both projection and sound was splendidly displayed. For me this was my best movie viewing experience to that time. The trailer that day was for “Lawrence of Arabia”. Breathtaking on both ! Too bad we lose these theaters. Ray, Charlotte,NC

This theatre was twinned in the 70’s, not 80’s as reported above. I ran a house in the market and moved to Albany in early 1980. The house was already a twin at that time.

This is from Boxoffice magazine in April 1960:

ALBANY-The new 1,060-seat Hellman Theater on Upper Washington Avenue which Neil Hellman is building at a cost estimated at $500,000, will open April 27 with the first upstate New York showing of “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies”.

The Hellman, constructed as a memorial to Neil’s father, the late Harry Hellman, a pioneer Albany exhibitor, will have a 52-foot wall-to-wall screen, eight stage and 12 wall speakers and the most modern design and deluxe equipment. Designed by Sidney Schenker, Paterson NJ architect, the house will “represent the new concept of a motion picture theater’s functions”, according to general manager Alan Iselin. Mannie Friedman, whose exhibition experience covers 23 years, will be the house manager.

The blue and gold seats are also the colors of the University’s mascot.

Here is a 1970 ad for John and Mary:
http://gravediggervideo.com/ads/johnmary7001.jpg

The address listed for this theater is:
1365 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12206