Cameo Theatre
25-15 Steinway Street,
Astoria,
NY
11103
25-15 Steinway Street,
Astoria,
NY
11103
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New old tax photo, circa 1950-51, added to gallery
Two fuzzy pix as the Olympia from American Classic Images uploaded.
Interestingly, if you look at the CT listing for the Cambria in Cambria Heights, there is some discussion about the Cameo being known as the Cambria for a period of time. No reference to that here though even in the AKA portion.
As a summer temp letter carrier I had the opportunity to see the theatre before it would open each day. In the late 50’s it seemed well maintained and a cozy if austere space.
The listed address of this theatre is incorrect. It should be 25-15 Steinway St.(with a zip code of 11103)– 22-15 Steinway is north of Astoria Blvd. This theatre is south of Astoria Blvd. It is located between 25th Ave and 28th Ave on the east side of Steinway St. It was gutted around the late 80’s / early 90’s (don’t remember exactly when) and became an electronics importer / exporter store. I remember being inside and one could not tell it used to be a theatre – When this store closed down it sad empty for a long time, then appeared to totaly rebuilt again to its current configuration as a medical center on the first floor and I believe more offices above.
In the sixties the Olympia would get most of the Elvis movies first..Being an avid Elvis fan at the time I rember this theater well
The Olympia was not closed due to complaints, but due to an arson fire that gutted it.
me and my friend stole a case of beer from Bohemian Hall (now the BEER GARDEN) & gave it to them when we were 13 for $5 & free admission to see Beyond the Valley of the Ultra Vixens after we bought whippets from Jolly Joint! Yeehaw! dito
This block has changed. It is now kind of a little Cairo as it is dotted with Arab-owned businesses, most of them coffee shops where patrons could smoke those hookahs or whatever those huge waterpipes are called. The no-smoking ban in bars really put on a crimp on these businesses.
This was the place I saw my first porn flick. My cousin and myself heard through the Grapevine that this theatre didnt ask for proof of age. This was the truth I was 15 he was 13. They let us right in to see “Debbie Does Dallas” and “Count The Ways”. These were our first porno experiences. When we tried to go back a few weeks later we were not let in. I guess it depended on the mood of the male cashier. The worst part about it was being constantly molested by the male staff!! I personally will never forget this place.