Fair Theatre
90-18 Astoria Boulevard,
East Elmhurst,
NY
11369
90-18 Astoria Boulevard,
East Elmhurst,
NY
11369
18 people
favorited this theater
Showing 226 - 250 of 358 comments
There is nothing new under the sun. And by the way, just where are some of these public conveniences located?
NOW look what you’ve done! You’ve driven him away! First he was overcharged in 1977, and now this…
Sorry, LittleParkwiththeTrees. (Are you Native American, by the way?) Porn theater afficianados are apparently very protective of their turf. I think you stepped over the line when you implied there was a pervert in the men’s room 30 years ago. Next time, just say you had a warm, comfortable, lovely experience at a reasonable price, and you’ll be welcome.
listen cretins, i just thought i would engage this forum with a story of my past. it is a true story and if u don’t believe it, well, f-u, basically. and it WAS $7.25 that the lady charged us…each. if this is the kind of unfriendly and cynical “know-it-all” stupidity this forum deals out, then i’m outta here.
Gol darn it, what is this world coming to? It’s getting so you can’t even believe stories told by anonymous posters hiding behind screen pseudonyms about their first porn theater experience in the 70s anymore.
Why in my day, we’d keelhaul the poor feller, but now they’ll probably pin a medal on ‘im and put him on the tee vee.
I obviously need some sleep.
Don’t believe a word about the ‘wiener adventure.’ SNL had a skit with a phone sex girl who forfeited the money when the client said ‘wiener.’ Go put some mustard on your own and see if you can find a bun for it. All porno movies in Manhattan were $5 in the 70’s and I don’t think anything kin Queens was doing ‘old pervert’ porno yet.
I arlier mentioned the Lefferts in Kew Gardens. My bad. It was the Austin. The show artsy movies now, lots of yuppies in that area.
LittleParkwiththeTrees: I find your statement a little suspect. If you were in the 9th garde, back in 1977, then that would make you about 14 years old. Even as lax as things were back then, I seriously doubt no one asked for ID. As for $7.25 admission? Well, in all the years I
ve been attending movie theaters, porn or legit, Ive always been charged a round figure. These places dont want to deal with loose change. I attended the fair in the early 90s, and the admission then was $7.00. Oh, and by the way, the fair was not the only porn theater in Queens. There was the Earl in Jackson Heights, The Lefferts in Kew Gardens (legit now) and another one, cant recall the name, on jewel Avenue. Sorry, but youre story sounds more like an adolescent fantasy!!!the fair is in queens. it was the only porno theater around. maybe that’s why.
$7.25 in 1977 ?!? Whew! Seems to me there was a (small) porn theater on 8th avenue with an admission of just $2.00 or so, just a few years later. Maybe more? Maybe $4.00? (East side of 8th Ave.; c. 45th st, + or – a block?)
saw my first and only porno film there back in 1977 – 9th grade – me n my friends thought it would be cool to get into a porno movie…little did we know. the lady at the ticket window didn’t even ask our ages – just $7.25 please. it was dark n dank with alot of guys just walking around. went to take a pee in the bathroom n a perverted old man stood next to me staring down at my wiener!!! got outta there real fast n promised myself never to go to a porno theater again! never have!
‘“mm,” I doubt that the closing of the Fair Theatre would be a loss to anyone but the owners’
This is what is so tiresome, since several people have said they enjoy the place. Now someone comes and tells them that it won’t be a loss to them, because they should prefer something else, or whatever else this arbiter of taste thinks they should do. It’s insulting that he should say that to people who, for example, travel all the way from Brooklyn for the relaxing feel they get at this theater. I agree with mikemovies that the management should be alerted that an inspector may show up about the smoking.
Warren, while I treasure your breadth and scope of cinema knowledge and resources, I do think it was a bit much to call 311 on a place that you haven’t even been to. On the other hand, I do think flip-flops is a bit over-the-top, as well.
I can see now that “Warren” is on a mission. A mission to show everyone what a total ass-hole he is. Sounds like the poster child for “anger management”. This guy has some serious mental issues. Now, he not only wants to take “down” the theater, but the police department, fire department and local residents. This guy is probably already well known by the above mentioned agencies. He probably calls them several times a day, with inane complaints. It would be nice, if the owner does have “underworld” connections. Would be nice hearing they found “Warren” somewhere out on a runway at La Guardia airport.Maybe what “Warren” actually would like to state is that he resents the fact that the areas he mentions, Jackson Heights/East Elmhurst/Corona, are predominantely hispanic and asian, and let
s not forget the "homos" at the Fair. This is most likely the thing that makes our little "Warren" ticked off. Seems he suffers from a common malady these days. Its called “Anal retentivitus” also called “ Control freakness syndrome” and the more common name “ wet noodle”. “Warren” please. get a life. Take a deep breath, clear your brain cell, and then move on, and quit trying to control the rest of the world, especially since it doesn`t recognize you, or care that you actually exist.Perhap’s the Fair Theatre is not the type of movie theatre that you prefer fella. It is still a movie theatre that some people enjoy attending. Why would you say that it doesn’t matter if the Fair Theatre closes. Any movie theatre that closes is a loss no matter the type of movies that are shown. Should the owner actually have ‘underworld connections’ as you claim; I would not want to be in your shoes if the owner finds out your true identity. Why do you persist in causing trouble for other’s. This was not one of your typical nasty acts fella. This was a vicious act. Perhap’s someone should alert theatre management that an inspector could be visiting them at anytime.
I agree with mikemovies, that is truly one of the jerkiest things I’ve heard, interfering with somebody else’s club. The place is not my favourite thing, but I’ve had some good times there, and it’s ridiculous to interfere with someone else’s club. Have you really the energy to now go out and try to get all cigarette smoking policed in all private housing—because that is the only way you are going to make sure that a ‘cigarette addict’ does not get careless. I hope you get nowhere with your infantile 311 complaint.
Perhap’s your just a troublemaker. You have exposed your nasty nature many times here fella. This is a new low for you. How often do you attend this theatre fella. Should the Fair Theatre have to close everyone can point fingers at you.
I went to a porn theater, and a debate on smoking broke out.
(This isn’t really a variation on “I went to a boxing match, and a hockey game broke out” but … well, I guess you had to be there. Carry on.)
It’s always something around here.
I
m quite familiar with the "law" about smoking in NYC, including "the borough of Queens". Let me ask you, how many times do you attend the Fair theater? Judging from your statement, not at all, because you were obviously not aware of people being allowed to smoke there. Id also like to ask you, when was the latest “disaster” at a movie theater in recent memory". No one stated that cigareete smoking could not be damaging to health, but as I said before, unless you are subjected for long periods of time, with smoke in your face constantly, youre not very likely to contract some medical problem. The people that would likely have a medical issue, would be the smokers themselves, but for whatever reason, addiction or simple enjoyment, they choose to smoke. I, personally, have been attending the Fair theater for at least 10 years, if not more, and have yet to see any "disaster" or even monor mishap, because someone was smoking. Just because you object to smokers, does not give you the "right" to interfere with others "rights". If the management of the theater has chosen to allow smoking, then they know well the consequences if a fire dept. inspector gives them a surprise visit. Im also positive, that there have been others in the past that HAVE reported this so called “problem” to the fire department. And, as you can see, the theater still chooses to allow smoking. In todays society, we have more and mopre “control” issues by some people. Are you acquanted with the fact that the Fair shows predominantly X rated films? maybe we should also report that? After all it might make people “crazy” or cause them to go out and commit all kinds of “sex” related crimes. Arent those "disasters" also? I really get a kick out of the hysteria some people get into, because someone smokes. Who knows. I might run into you there and not care for your cologne. It might make me sick to my stomach. Thats also a “health” issue. Maybe I should go into a tizzy and call the health department and report it, so they can take the proper “control” actions. This is not just about smoking, its about making more and more useless regulations and "laws" to stop people from enjoying some personal freedom. Do you call the 'authorities" about the crap they put in McDonalds hamburgers? Do you call the government to complain about all the porn sites, that small children could see? Do you make calls to report all the motor vehicle emmisions? Thats stuff is worse, and WE ARE ALL exposed. Then there is the simplest solution to your “concern”. Don`t go there, and let the rest of us “vulnerable” “unprotected” peasants worry about the horrific disasters, yet to happen!!!Well, with all due respect, NYFoggdawg. I am a patron there, not weekly, but maybe once a month. I am also a smoker. There are enough places in this city where smoking is prohibited. I agree, in some cases. If you
re in a very confined area, or public transportation or even the work place. Or anywhere, where you are subjected to continous exposure to cigarette smoke, but this is a public theater. I dont know about you, but most people there dont spend the entire day and night there. One of the reasons there is a good crowd there, even with rate hike, is the relaxeed and casual atmosphere. Regardless of any city ordinance, smokers also have rights. Cigarettes are legal, are sold everywhere and the same city government that passes those ordinances, is the same city government that puts plenty of cash in their coffers from the exhorbitant taxes on tobacco products. All the "health" rhetoric, true or not proven, is just a lame excuse to tap a healthy cash source. With so many places now prohibiting smoking, then Im very,very sure that you, and others like you are rarely subjected to “second” hand smoke. I sincerely doubt if you will develope any health issues from spending a few hours, at most at the Fair. You say, you want to stop the smoking, without it shut down. Well, think about this, if they enforce people not smoking, then more people will begin to go outside to smoke, attracting uneeded attention to the theater. Then youll hear from the complainers that there are too many "men" congregating outside. People will then hog the privacy booths even more, in order to sneak a smoke. I, ,myself, live in Brooklyn. I travel there by public transportation. Its a good hour and a half each way, but I enjoy the atmosphere and ambience and socializing in an all male setting. I also enjoy having a cup of coffee and enjoying a cigarette. As long as Im not blowing the smoke directly in your face, whats the problem? Maybe you should be more concerned by the patrons that bring in beer, and Ive seen some quite inibreated. Ive seen arguments and tempers flair because of the alcohol. They also serve alcoholic drinks in the attached restaurant.We live in a time where there are too many “control” freaks that want to take away every little personal freedom available. What to eat, drink, and yes smoke. Obviously, the “staff” isnt complaining. in fact, some of them also smoke. We both know what kind of atmosphere prevails at the Fair, there are very few, in fact, I believe only two places like this in the 5 boroughs. The other place being here in Brooklyn. What worries me, is your statement, and I quote, "Wed be doing the place and everyone in it a huge favor"! That sounds to me like a bit of a “control” freak issue on your part. I, for one, and many others, resent when one individual decides he knows better what is and isnt good for us. I, personally cannot stand the constant use of cell phones, and the individuals having loud, obnoxious conversations right next to me when I watch a film or am trying to hold a conversation with someone, yet Im not seeking to “create” a movement to ban the phones (or the talkers). Wouldnt it be better to just adopt a "live and let live" attitude. Like I said bfore, I doubt seriously that you, or anyome else there will develop any serious medical issues. I happen to know some of those patrons personally, that do not smoke, but are not so disturbed as to seek "suggestions" to stop the smoking. I seriously believe that the Fair theater is a "dinosaur" and its days are numbered, why speed up the process. If this response seems a little long winded, I apologize, but I also have strong feelings about loseing the few personal freedoms left out there. We have become a too “politically” correct society. The Fair is a theater from a long past era. Its a small treasure, why not let it fade away naturally, rather than hastening its demise. Thats one of the great things about the Fair, a place were a guy can still go to, let his hair down, without a lot of "anal" retentive regulations and regulators. I could have easily answered your posting by stating, "if you dont like the smoke" then dont go there, but, I understand you have the same rights as I do to attend the theater, without being given "conditions", dont I have those same rights? Thank You, and enjoy the movies!!!Would appreciate any suggestions for stopping the smoking at this place (without getting it shut down). We’d be doing the place and everyone in it a huge favor.
“As the bus starts to turn left off the blvd. get off"
I assume flip-flops meant to say get off at the next stop — otherwise this could be pretty dangerous.
(And yes, I DO always have to be a smartass.)
They are still very much open and in business. Want to know how to get there from manhattan? You can take the M60 bus from Manhattan or the N train to Astoria Blvd station and then the M60 bus down Astoria blvd. As the bus starts to turn left off the blvd. get off, continue walking down Astoria Blvd. It
s on the right side of the street. Cant possibly miss it.Hey! I’ve been asleep at the switch. Saw notices of comments but thought they’d be “archival” or depressing “post mortems”.
Did not close?!? still open, still showing porn?
Belatedly: what was the consensus on travel logistics (from Manhattan)?
The owners continue to make improvements and freshen up the theater’s appearance. About three weeks ago, new carpeting was installed in all of the major public areas: the entry hall, lobby, auditorium aisles and two small video lounges – it is done up in a rather busy (if somewhat flamboyant) “swirly wreath” pattern featuring a rich contrasting color scheme of deep plum, dusty rose and ivory that complements the interior’s red, black and gold trim accents. Overall, the appearance and effect is surprisingly tasteful, dare I say even luxurious, and gives the place a vintage feel that compliments the theater’s style and heritage.
Even the outside received “the royal treatment”: permanent, all-weather red carpeting was laid in front of the entry doors, filling the large, recessed vestibule up to where the building’s facade meets the sidewalk. An employee goes outside and vacuums it every day!
However, with all of the illegal smoking going on about the place, how long will it maintain its appearance? Carpets and cigarettes are not a good match – lack of ashtrays will have indifferent patrons snuffing out lit butts and flicking ashes everywhere. It almost begs the question: why bother to make improvements if you’re going to allow them to be ruined?