Terminal Theatre
47 Fourth Avenue,
Brooklyn,
NY
11217
47 Fourth Avenue,
Brooklyn,
NY
11217
2 people
favorited this theater
The Terminal has been restored to its original beauty and was named for the Brooklyn terminal of the Long Island Railroad, which is a few blocks away.
In its last days it was screening Spanish-language movies before closing in the 1960s.
The current occupants are the second church to use the site, and they have done a great job to make this old lady look like she once did.
Contributed by
philipgoldberg
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Recent comments (view all 19 comments)
NYC issued a c/o to a New building at this address in August of 1926. Purpose of building was a 1666 seat motion picture theater. Why it took a year to issue the c/o is a mystery to me.
Does anyone know a site where I can find pictures of The Terminal as it looked in 1950? I am working on a memoir of growing up in South Brooklyn (now the area is included in Park Slope). The only pictures I have are how it looks now as a Spanish church. Thanks for any help.
Saw the movie “SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT” last Tuesday. It was filmed mostly- if not entirely- in Brooklyn. In the beginning of the film, there are a number of street scenes; one very quick shot of a movie theatre with the name Terminal. The marquee is blank. The letters of the name seemed to be written, but not connected. The year had to be 1985 or 1986.
Ken—Was the movie from 1985 or the setting IN the movie 1985. If it’s the latter, I’d need pictures of at least 30 years earlier. I supposed I will have to spend some time in Brooklyn libraries (I live in Massapequa NY)and research in some historical societies' material. I contacted the pastor of the church now working out of the Terminal building requesting pictures, but I got no reply at all.
Grace- the movie was released in 1986; I’m assuming Spike Lee filmed it in 1985 and/or 1986.The setting was the mid 80s. Yes, New York libraries and the historical society might do the trick. Did you contact the pastor by letter? If possible, try to get to the church and see the pastor in person. I suspect that would be more fruitful. Even if no pictures result, perhaps he…or long time members of the congregation…have some memories to share.
Ken—I contacted the pastor by letter. I suppose the best would be to go there in person. Right now, I am very immersed in the writing of this book. I will, in the future, revisit my old “stomping ground” and mine my memory. My book will begin with a poem I wrote about the Williamsburgh Bank (a few blocks from the Terminal, so I will be back. I have been out of Brooklyn for more than 40 years and it’s true what they say about not taking Brooklyn out of the gal! Thanks for the correspondence.
The Terminal Theater can be seen on the right in this photo. The date given for the photo is December 4, 1959.
Lost Memory, I purchased a pictorial book on Park Slope and this picture was included. Thank you. Last summer, I visited the area and saw the church. I went in and the pastor was there. He was very gracious to me. I told him of my interest in the building when it was a theater, that I was working on a book about South Brooklyn in the 50’s and he allowed me to take pictures of the inside. They have done a beautiful job of restoring the interior. The theater seats were replaced by regular chairs and the marquee was removed. I stood at the altar and faced the back of the church and swear I could see The Terminal Theater again. It was heart-stopping for me. Loved it. Loved it.
Two exterior photos can be found here: View link
Here’s a vintage view (possibly 1938-39) of the Terminal Theatre. The second vertical sign in the background belonged to a store specializing in stoves and other kitchen equipment: View link