Walker Theater

6401 18th Avenue,
Brooklyn, NY 11204

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Fox Circuit, Randforce Amusement Corp., United Artists Theater Circuit Inc.

Architects: Charles A. Sandblom

Functions: Retail

Styles: French Renaissance, Italian Renaissance

Nearby Theaters

the WALKER Theater in 1979

Located in the Mapleton district of Brooklyn. The Walker Theater was opened on January 5, 1926 with Wallace Beery in “Fireman, Save My Child”. Interior decorations were carried out by Vincent Margliotti. It was equipped with a Wurltzer 2 manual 10 rank theatre organ.

The Walker Theater was converted into a quad by United Artist’s Theatres in 1986. It closed in March 1988 with “Three Men and a Baby”, Satisfaction", “Shoot to Kill” and “Scavengers”. It is now used for retail.

Contributed by Phil Goldberg

Recent comments (view all 82 comments)

phoenix984
phoenix984 on October 13, 2013 at 4:15 pm

No,The photo was taken on 86th street and 18th avenue B/c the address starts w/ the numbers “86.” The walker was on 64th street. the Loews Oriental was on 86th street, which may be the one in the photo. Hey, does anyone recall the old lady matrons that used to walk the aisles w/ flashlights to keep us kids in order? This was in the early to mid ‘60s.

theatrefan
theatrefan on February 6, 2015 at 3:58 pm

How did United Artists originally Quad this place way back in 1986? I cannot seem to remember. BTW I spoke with someone on 18th Avenue & they told me they had a friend that had rescued a bunch of seats from the dumpster outside for their own home theatre in their basement, I wonder if they call it the Walker?

theatrefan
theatrefan on February 6, 2017 at 10:31 am

Slated to become a Target Store – http://bklyner.com/movies-mandee-bensonhurst-target/

Orlando
Orlando on April 19, 2017 at 7:58 am

Actually saw the underside of balcony and saw three circular of original plaster plus part of the front side of the balcony left detail upstairs this past Saturday. If the store stays one level, ?, it might remain. Loved to see what I saw for the last time.

dylanfan14
dylanfan14 on May 10, 2017 at 8:00 am

Does anyone recall a Live Rock and Roll show at this theater? I thought it was an Alan Freed show but not sure.

DavidAE
DavidAE on October 21, 2017 at 3:15 pm

Article on Target with pictures of restored theater décor incorporated into the store.

richardgreen
richardgreen on October 24, 2017 at 5:15 am

Unfortunately the one problem with the restoration project was the original terra cotta brickwork above the main entrance & marquee was left badly damaged and in extreme need of restoration & repair. It’s been in such a state since the Madee/Annie Sez era. If you take a look at theatrefan’s photo in the gallery you will see exactly what I am refering to.

Alan Bell
Alan Bell on November 23, 2019 at 12:24 pm

According to the November 2019 issue of “Signs of the Times” magazine, the Walker originally had 2200 seats with a combination of French and Roman detail. The new marquee for the Target conversion was done by Philadelphia Sign Company of Palmyra, N.J. Dan Herrman was lead project engineer.

palace47_
palace47_ on December 10, 2023 at 9:51 pm

The photo IS the Walker in Bensonhurst. I saw Helen Reddy live, and both Kay Starr & Rosie Clooney live ! The inside of the Target looks terrific !

Mikeoaklandpark
Mikeoaklandpark on December 11, 2023 at 11:58 am

So why did UA quad it than close it 2 years later? SMH

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