Kismet Theatre
785 DeKalb Avenue,
Brooklyn,
NY
11206
785 DeKalb Avenue,
Brooklyn,
NY
11206
1 person
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The Kismet Theatre was located at DeKalb and Marcy Avenues in Brooklyn. It opened on April 22, 1922 with Vera Gordon in “Your Best Friend” plus vaudeville on the stage. There were three bas relief stone panels located on the facade above the entrance, which depicted scenes from William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Nights Dream”. Originally an independent, it was taken over by Fox Theatres, and later was part of the Interboro chain, as was the State Theatre, also on DeKalb Avenue at Franklin.
The Kismet Theatre closed in 1962 and became a church until around 2006. I lay unused and was demolished in 2009. The State Theatre was closed in 1965 and is now a community center.
Contributed by
frank tilelli
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Recent comments (view all 14 comments)
Actually went to the Kismet many times as a kid. It was located on Dekalb between Tompkins and Throop Aves (not Marcy) right across the street from the first Waldbaums supermarket. The first picture I remember seeing there was Bambi, somwhere about 1947. When I was a little older my friends and I would get Saturday +PAL passes and spend winter Saturdays watching the customary double feature, four cartoons, serial, and newsreel. I remember also seeing yo-yo contests there. I was a wonderful place, and not bug infested when I was there.
I think the Kismet is a church.
Listed in the 1940 Brooklyn yellow pages. Phone number was EVergrn 8-6148.
This building was in danger of being demolished last March. A photo can be seen here. Even if the building is still standing, it is no longer a church.
I never got to see the inside of the building. My parents moved out of the area when I was 6 months old. LOL I think I said that before. What i would like to do is pick out some theatres that are closed but still standing and check them out. Maybe even the insides.
I don’t know if this building has an inside anymore. Demolition permits were issued, but a stop work order has also been issued. Right now this building is in limbo. Most likely the problem is safety related and will be resolved so work can continue.
Since your located in Maryland, you could check out some Baltimore theaters if it’s not too far from you. There are a large number of Baltimore theaters listed on this site. We can always use updates on the current status of those buildings.
I am closer to DC then Balt. Plus Baltimore is a pain in the butt to get to.
I guess it would be like going from Long Island to Manhattan. Not that far but still a pain to get to.
LOL but if I was in L.I. I could take the LIRR to the city where as there is no direct public transit to Baltimore.
11:00 Mass at St. Ambrose, Then across street to the kismet for a double feature and frivolous socializing. Topped off with pizza from “the burger flame” right next door. Life was good.
St, Ambrose is now Mount Pitsgah Baptist
“The Burger Flame” is now flameless prefab housing
“The Kismet” is now a huge hole in the ground………………..
Life was good.