Delmar Theatre
3410 Broadway,
New York,
NY
10031
3410 Broadway,
New York,
NY
10031
2 people
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Information would be appreciated about the history of this large movie theatre on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. It was apparently always independently owned and never part of a major chain. Prior to being re-christened the Delmar Theatre in the 1930’s, it was known as the Gotham Theatre. The theatre was situated on the east side of Broadway, near 138th Street.
Contributed by
Warren G. Harris
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Recent comments (view all 24 comments)
I read that the theater was designed by Herbert J. Krapp (it’s a Krapp house!). There is a book that was put out by Rizzoli a few years ago Called “On Braodway” about Broadway from the Battery up to northern Manhattan that lists it as well as the other nearby Krapp house, the Rio.
I walked into the loading dock and storage area as I knew That it would be the stage. I was right. I could clearly see the upstage side of the proscenium arch. Way up in the distance I could make out the dome over the auditorium in the darkness. I could also see what looked like chains hanging from the ceiling that held up the false ceiling of the supermarket.
I forgot one thing. According to the book “On Broadway” Gotham is the original name.
This theatre is mentioned in Rogelio Agrasanchez, Jr.’s excellent book MEXICAN MOVIES I N THE UNITED STATES.
The GOTHAM as the DEL MAR filled the 2500 seat house with Spanish Language films. It hosted the World Premiere of superstar Cantinflas’ PUERTA JOVEN.
Wow, I can’t get over how much the facade—the whole block!—has changed since I lived in the area in the mid-90s. The former supermarket tenant, ‘Extra Super Jumbo’, was basically jury-rigged inside the old theatre, with the old vaulted (and frescoed? if I recall) ceiling exposed. It made for a really surreal shopping experience. It looks like this most recent renovation has probably butchered whatever was left of the old theatre = \
Going by DOB documents and certificates of occupancy, it seems like the theater was converted into a mixed-use building of retail and dance hall/cabaret by 1957, therefore it probably ceased being a movie theater by then. The former theatre still functions as a mixed-use building to this day.
My mom used to go to this theater in the 1940s as a child. It was 10 cents for a whole day of movies/newsreels, etc! Things have sure changed since then. Thanks to those who posted pictures.
Gotham was an interesting name for a 1920’s theatre since the name originated from early nineteenth century satires of New York and Batman comics (1940)had yet to be written.
The Delmar was still listed as a Harris Theatre in the 1959 edition of the Film Daily Yearbook.
Actually, the use of the name Gotham for New York City far predates Batman comics. It was first used by Washington Irving at least a century before this theater was built.
Thanks again,KenRoe.
Still advertising in a Spanish newspaper in 1963 as the Del Mar.