Lost Memory: Timely and very interesting question concerning “the Spirit of Riviera Theater” as I feel that there is a discussion about to take place on the Hollywood/Minneapolis concerning “orbs”.
This site goes into the topic of orbs which many will find interesting. The author titles the report……the trouble with “orbs” and we are given a rather clear explanation as to what they really are, according to Troy Taylor.
I certainly hope this art deco at its best is being restored to its former glory and beauty. What happened to this theatre that it as allowed to deteriorate over time?
This is a fascinating theatre especially with the constrasting photos of then and now. I truly hope it is being restored to its former glory and beauty.
This theatre sounded very quaint in a quaint NC community. It being art deco made it very special, imo, and now it is gone forever like so many others.
sam_e: Always good to read your posts on the Buffalo theatre scene both then and now. The saying “the more things change the more they stay the same” isn’t always true and certainly not in the theatre world. The one theatre that comes to mind is the Roxy in NYC with that photo of Gloria Swanson among the ruins! Such a shame to have lost that theatre.
And in the current issue of Heritage there is a photo of the former Hens and Kelly department store which was a famous landmark/store in its day! Sometimes I wish I could take a time machine back and make these wonderful vintage photos come alive as I would certainly check out many of the grand theatres, but thank goodness Buffalo still has the beautiful Shea’s. The lobby is awesome and one that shouldn’t be missed by any theatre buff.
I wish the City of Buffalo had left Main as it were and not closed it to traffic, only pedestrians as it sure changed the look and feel. When I look at the 50’s postcard photo and all of the cars back then it’s like looking at a cruise-in today with the old gems. I especially like the T-bird heading east on Main and the lady crossing the street with her stylish skirt.
sam_e: Thanks for that information so the next time I’m in downtown Buffalo on Main I’ll be sure to look around (and up)even more closely. I’ll be there for a Shea’s production of Mamma Mia in October, but will not wait until then.
I just sent Cass Warner Sperling an email and inserted this Warner link as I’m sure she’ll find it most interesting as are the other Warner theatres listed on CT.
The fact that the architect, John Eberson built this one makes it even more wonderful to know that this theatre still stands as one in Butler PA was torn down to build a bank! Interesting to read that some feel the theatre balcony is haunted like some old houses as there will always be folks who believe the stories for whatever reason(s).
Bart: Your report on a theatre with the Warner name was interesting though I wish the interior had stayed a single screen venue. There is an annual Harry M. Warner Silent Film Festival in New Castle PA each April. I met Harry’s granddaughter, Cass Warner and she signed her book, Hollywood Be Thy Name. If you have interest in the personal Warner Brothers story, I recommend it. The festival website is http://academics.sru.edu/warner/index.htm
Nice to read that a parking lot is now where the Florida Theatre once stood and was enjoyed by so many theatre goers. Such a shame!
How did a closeup of that face get to be photographed…from what level or location?
Sorry about the duplicate post as I got impatient, again.
I just went back and looked at the face photo and I see the eyes closed so it doesn’t appear, to me, to be looking at anyone or anything.
I just went back and looked at the face photo and I see the eyes closed so it doesn’t appear, to me, to be looking at anyone or anything.
Lost Memory: Timely and very interesting question concerning “the Spirit of Riviera Theater” as I feel that there is a discussion about to take place on the Hollywood/Minneapolis concerning “orbs”.
This site goes into the topic of orbs which many will find interesting. The author titles the report……the trouble with “orbs” and we are given a rather clear explanation as to what they really are, according to Troy Taylor.
http://www.prairieghosts.com/trouble.html
After viewing the photo on this link with description one can see that that face is high above the marquee and the word RIVIERA.
Lost Memory: I’ve seen this theatre, in person, and have noticed the face above the front facade and marquee.
SchineHistorian: Glad to see that you entered an ‘orb post’ as I, for one, hope that we get an informed answer to this particular ‘orb photo’, asap!
It’s a shame, imo, that this art deco John Eberson Warner has been multiplexed.
I certainly hope this art deco at its best is being restored to its former glory and beauty. What happened to this theatre that it as allowed to deteriorate over time?
This is a fascinating theatre especially with the constrasting photos of then and now. I truly hope it is being restored to its former glory and beauty.
Why would someone change the original name from Granada to Suburban World? The name change reminds me of a B movie title.
This theatre sounded very quaint in a quaint NC community. It being art deco made it very special, imo, and now it is gone forever like so many others.
I can’t believe that Greensboro chose to demolish this theatre for whatever reason(s).
Go to this Cinema Tour site and you can view 2 vintage National Theatre photos. http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/18735.html
Lost Memory: Great article about the former theatres of Greenville SC which I forwarded to my Buffalo friend, Jerry.
sam_e: Always good to read your posts on the Buffalo theatre scene both then and now. The saying “the more things change the more they stay the same” isn’t always true and certainly not in the theatre world. The one theatre that comes to mind is the Roxy in NYC with that photo of Gloria Swanson among the ruins! Such a shame to have lost that theatre.
And in the current issue of Heritage there is a photo of the former Hens and Kelly department store which was a famous landmark/store in its day! Sometimes I wish I could take a time machine back and make these wonderful vintage photos come alive as I would certainly check out many of the grand theatres, but thank goodness Buffalo still has the beautiful Shea’s. The lobby is awesome and one that shouldn’t be missed by any theatre buff.
I wish the City of Buffalo had left Main as it were and not closed it to traffic, only pedestrians as it sure changed the look and feel. When I look at the 50’s postcard photo and all of the cars back then it’s like looking at a cruise-in today with the old gems. I especially like the T-bird heading east on Main and the lady crossing the street with her stylish skirt.
sam_e: Thanks for that information so the next time I’m in downtown Buffalo on Main I’ll be sure to look around (and up)even more closely. I’ll be there for a Shea’s production of Mamma Mia in October, but will not wait until then.
I just sent Cass Warner Sperling an email and inserted this Warner link as I’m sure she’ll find it most interesting as are the other Warner theatres listed on CT.
The fact that the architect, John Eberson built this one makes it even more wonderful to know that this theatre still stands as one in Butler PA was torn down to build a bank! Interesting to read that some feel the theatre balcony is haunted like some old houses as there will always be folks who believe the stories for whatever reason(s).
Bart: Your report on a theatre with the Warner name was interesting though I wish the interior had stayed a single screen venue. There is an annual Harry M. Warner Silent Film Festival in New Castle PA each April. I met Harry’s granddaughter, Cass Warner and she signed her book, Hollywood Be Thy Name. If you have interest in the personal Warner Brothers story, I recommend it. The festival website is http://academics.sru.edu/warner/index.htm