Bellmore The Movies
222 Petit Avenue,
Bellmore,
NY
11710
222 Petit Avenue,
Bellmore,
NY
11710
4 people
favorited this theater
Opened in 1922, this may be the oldest operating theater on Long Island. It was one of the first theaters in the area and was originally a silent movie house. Almost it’s whole life it was as a second run and double feature house.
For many years it was operated by KB Theatres, a local chain. When they got rid of it, it spent two years showing offbeat foreign and independent films. The owners tried to run festivals that included 3-D and revivals. They then sold the theater to the current owners who have restored the theater and play first run engagements.
This is one of only a few Long Island single screen movie houses.
Contributed by
RobertR
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Recent comments (view all 49 comments)
A double bill
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It’s my understanding that the owners got seats from the Park East when it closed. That was some time ago.
Is the main name in the introduction correct? Currently listed as Bellmore Movies here:
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According to the current signboard affixed to the front of the theatre the name should be Bellmore Movies. On the destroyed marquee it read The Movies. However, the original, antique marquee read Bellmore. When the old marquee was in place the facade of the building was so rustic that I felt that they should have had a hitching post rather than parking spaces, seriously.
I was just browsing the American Images site and, incorrectly, in Merrick, they have a photo of the theatre with a traditional marquee proclaiming “The Movies”. Still haven’t come upon one of the old “Bellmore” marquee before they modernized the building’s facade.
According to its current signage, the theater is called the Bellmore Movies & The Showplace. This article, which discusses the theater’s programming, also includes seven photos and a video: View link.
Thanks Chris.
Great pictures all,guys.
Contrary to the heading, not the last single screen theatre. There is the Sag Harbor, Montauk and, across the city line the North Shore Towers. Seasonally they also show movies on Ocean Beach, Fire Island, at the Community center.
This was also affectionately called The Itch because of the occasional rodent that would skitter across your feet.