One of the biggest losses of the theatre district was the Hotel Astor(French-Reinassance) between 44th and 45th streets on Broadway. It had style and elegance, complimenting the theatres around it. Many still feel it was a huge error to tear it down.
When the restoration of 42nd street were first made it sounded like the outside would be done with more taste. As far as the sarcastic remarks of some of the above posts, there was a sense of balance to the Broadway lights & buildings of years ago. Were you around then? The Broadway area of today has lost a certain charm. I used to work in the area for many years. It’s not the same now. So much has been lost and replaced with mega edifices. And yes- when the original theatres (some now restored) were built at the turn of the last century, Times Square was fashionable, not gaudy as later years.
This gives a bad reputation to Portland Oregon when it comes to preservation. A distinctive theatre like the Oriental should never have been destroyed. It is a cultural and historical loss. Where were Portland’s creative leaders when needed?
All those lights and signs outside the revitalized 42nd street theatre district has made it looked gaudy and ineffectual. Those who put them up should remember the old saying that sometimes less is more.
In response to some of the above negative comments, “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” An attempt was made to create an atmosphere in this theatre and honor Flo Ziegfeld. The interior was much better than many of the late 1960’s & 70’s movie houses. It is unique in its own way, even if it wasn’t built during the movie palace era. There are many people for over a quarter of a century who have felt their movie going experience has been enhanced when attending the Ziegfeld. To them, there are many pleasant memories associated with this theatre.
Oscar Hammerstein(I) did not fail running the Manhattan Opera House.
After 4 years, the Metropolitan Opera House offered Hammerstein
1.2 million dollars not to produce operas for 10 years. He accepted this and went on to other things, eventually selling the theatre.
The Mark Hellinger is the only building standing in the theatre district that was built(by Warner Brothers) as a movie palace (originally called the Hollywood). Many notable legitamate musicals
played here such as “My Fair Lady.” Perhaps someday it will again
return as an entertainment center-as it rightfully showed. When James Nerderlander sold this gorgeous theatre, it showed his greed, lack of creativeness and showmanship. The Broadway theatre district is now arts for money’s sake."
I often used to go with my Dad when I was very young to the Astor. I remember seeing a British film about a boy piano prodogy who is kidnapped. I am not positive of the title
ERD
commented about
Playhouseon
Dec 1, 2005 at 9:43 am
It is too bad an innovative management couldn’t make a success of
the Playhouse as a performing arts center. It was such an attractive theatre with a long history.
Again, I would like to express my thanks for the continued work and effort Patrick, Ross, and staff keep putting into CINEMA TREASURES. It has turned out to be one of the top web sites on the internet. It is uniquely creative,informative, and educational. C.T. has been a positive force in bringing an awareness to countless people of the need to save former movie palaces, which are national treasures and part of our country’s heritage. Through its members, it has exposed important historical cultural information on this subject that should be remembered and appreciated.
Another victim of the modern advancements & changes. What a shame Manhattan couldn’t save some of these beautiful theatres located in different sections of the city. Of course, that would not be profitable, and that is the major goal in real estate.
Patsy, here is information on Gloversville,NY:
Gloversville is a city located in Fulton County, New York.
The City of Gloversville is located in the northern part of the Town of Johnstown. With the City of Johnstown, Gloversville is one of the “Twin cities."
Via NYS Thruway:Take NYS Thruway (I-90) to Exit 28 – Fultonville, follow Rte 30A North to intersection of Rte 30A and Rte 29A, turn left onto Rte 29A (E. Fulton St.); at the intersection of the 4th traffic light, the library will be to your left.
The West End theatre was built on New Utrecht avenue when the West End train line was on street level. It was one of the earliest movie theatres built in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn
A sad commentary how profit and greed still can win and step on the
cultural preservation and needs of a community. There are people who have intelligence, but unfortunately lack social sensitivity.
The Schine brothers appreciated the start they got in Gloversville,NY- and were extremely loyal to the city. They not only lived there, but maintained their headquarters in Gloversville through the mid 1960’s when the chain was forced to dissipate. Many stars used to come and make courtesy appearance at the Schine’s Glove theatre. (See Schine’s Hippodrome theatre and Glove theatre on CINEMA TREASURES.)
When I was a child,I used to go many times with my dad to the Embassy in the 1950’s. The showing included a newsreel and shorts. It was comfortable, cozy, and a nice looking little movie theatre.
Those considering the Kings theatre should also look into restoring the beautiful Walker theatre in Brooklyn which is intact.(See Walker site on Cinema Treasures) If I lived closer to New York I would start a group myself.
While there is complications with heavy traffic, isn’t it good to know that Cinema Treasures is exposing such a large amount of people to a subject that means so much to us members.
This building was demolished in December,2005. A Toyota car dealership will be in its place by May.
One of the biggest losses of the theatre district was the Hotel Astor(French-Reinassance) between 44th and 45th streets on Broadway. It had style and elegance, complimenting the theatres around it. Many still feel it was a huge error to tear it down.
When the restoration of 42nd street were first made it sounded like the outside would be done with more taste. As far as the sarcastic remarks of some of the above posts, there was a sense of balance to the Broadway lights & buildings of years ago. Were you around then? The Broadway area of today has lost a certain charm. I used to work in the area for many years. It’s not the same now. So much has been lost and replaced with mega edifices. And yes- when the original theatres (some now restored) were built at the turn of the last century, Times Square was fashionable, not gaudy as later years.
This gives a bad reputation to Portland Oregon when it comes to preservation. A distinctive theatre like the Oriental should never have been destroyed. It is a cultural and historical loss. Where were Portland’s creative leaders when needed?
All those lights and signs outside the revitalized 42nd street theatre district has made it looked gaudy and ineffectual. Those who put them up should remember the old saying that sometimes less is more.
In response to some of the above negative comments, “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” An attempt was made to create an atmosphere in this theatre and honor Flo Ziegfeld. The interior was much better than many of the late 1960’s & 70’s movie houses. It is unique in its own way, even if it wasn’t built during the movie palace era. There are many people for over a quarter of a century who have felt their movie going experience has been enhanced when attending the Ziegfeld. To them, there are many pleasant memories associated with this theatre.
Mr. Farley is correct The theatre I mentioned in the above post was located at 311 West 34th Street.
Oscar Hammerstein(I) did not fail running the Manhattan Opera House.
After 4 years, the Metropolitan Opera House offered Hammerstein
1.2 million dollars not to produce operas for 10 years. He accepted this and went on to other things, eventually selling the theatre.
This movie house adds to the entertainment uniqueness of Manhattan.
It is always an enjoyable movie going experience attending the Paris.
The Mark Hellinger is the only building standing in the theatre district that was built(by Warner Brothers) as a movie palace (originally called the Hollywood). Many notable legitamate musicals
played here such as “My Fair Lady.” Perhaps someday it will again
return as an entertainment center-as it rightfully showed. When James Nerderlander sold this gorgeous theatre, it showed his greed, lack of creativeness and showmanship. The Broadway theatre district is now arts for money’s sake."
I often used to go with my Dad when I was very young to the Astor. I remember seeing a British film about a boy piano prodogy who is kidnapped. I am not positive of the title
It is too bad an innovative management couldn’t make a success of
the Playhouse as a performing arts center. It was such an attractive theatre with a long history.
Again, I would like to express my thanks for the continued work and effort Patrick, Ross, and staff keep putting into CINEMA TREASURES. It has turned out to be one of the top web sites on the internet. It is uniquely creative,informative, and educational. C.T. has been a positive force in bringing an awareness to countless people of the need to save former movie palaces, which are national treasures and part of our country’s heritage. Through its members, it has exposed important historical cultural information on this subject that should be remembered and appreciated.
Continued from above post:The Glove theatre is a on Main Street, a few blocks down.
Another victim of the modern advancements & changes. What a shame Manhattan couldn’t save some of these beautiful theatres located in different sections of the city. Of course, that would not be profitable, and that is the major goal in real estate.
Patsy, here is information on Gloversville,NY:
Gloversville is a city located in Fulton County, New York.
The City of Gloversville is located in the northern part of the Town of Johnstown. With the City of Johnstown, Gloversville is one of the “Twin cities."
Via NYS Thruway:Take NYS Thruway (I-90) to Exit 28 – Fultonville, follow Rte 30A North to intersection of Rte 30A and Rte 29A, turn left onto Rte 29A (E. Fulton St.); at the intersection of the 4th traffic light, the library will be to your left.
The West End theatre was built on New Utrecht avenue when the West End train line was on street level. It was one of the earliest movie theatres built in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn
Probably one of the most beautiful former movie palace theatres left
in our country.
A sad commentary how profit and greed still can win and step on the
cultural preservation and needs of a community. There are people who have intelligence, but unfortunately lack social sensitivity.
The Schine brothers appreciated the start they got in Gloversville,NY- and were extremely loyal to the city. They not only lived there, but maintained their headquarters in Gloversville through the mid 1960’s when the chain was forced to dissipate. Many stars used to come and make courtesy appearance at the Schine’s Glove theatre. (See Schine’s Hippodrome theatre and Glove theatre on CINEMA TREASURES.)
I remember going with my friends to the Astor as a teenager when it was remodeled in the late 1950’s. I think I saw “ON THE BEACH” there.
By the time I got to see films in this theatre it was very plain looking. Most of its charm had been removed.
When I was a child,I used to go many times with my dad to the Embassy in the 1950’s. The showing included a newsreel and shorts. It was comfortable, cozy, and a nice looking little movie theatre.
Those considering the Kings theatre should also look into restoring the beautiful Walker theatre in Brooklyn which is intact.(See Walker site on Cinema Treasures) If I lived closer to New York I would start a group myself.
While there is complications with heavy traffic, isn’t it good to know that Cinema Treasures is exposing such a large amount of people to a subject that means so much to us members.