What seemed an ideal Independence Day/July 4th attraction became part of the “Great Christmas Show” in 1972. And the opening date of November 9th also made the patriotic musical the Thanksgiving holiday offering for that year.
This was the first Cinerama feature to actually premiere at the Warner Theatre. “This Is Cinerama” had been a move-over from the Broadway Theatre, which returned to “legit” playhouse.
Dedication of the new “Wurlitzer Hope James Unit Orchestra,” claimed to be the largest theater organ in the world. Cost more than $100,000, and took a year to build.
This photo has been “faked” in some way, but I can’t say how. The Gaiety and Globe were both on the same side of Broadway, but separated by 46th Street. In the photo, the Globe appears to be around the corner from the Gaiety, which isn’t possible.
This was added during the Depression when a retail store became available and was turned into a low-ceilinged lobby that connected to the auditorium…Photo taken in 1947.
This became an auxiliary entrance/exit, used mainly for display purposes and a second box office at busy times.
The main entrance had been switched to Third Avenue when a retail store became available that could be turned into a low-ceilinged lobby connecting to the auditorium.
In the Depression spring of 1935, exhibitor Walter Reade found himself in desperate financial straits. He lost the Astor Theatre to its mortgage holders, and couldn’t get major product for the Mayfair, which he’d been running since RKO Theatres gave up management. Loew’s made him an offer that he couldn’t turn down— a ten-year lease for a rent of $55,000 per annum.
Ad posted on what would have been the 95th birthday of Judy Holliday, who died all too young at 43 from lung cancer. She won an “Oscar” for her performance in “Born Yesterday,” repeating the role she played in the original Broadway stage version.
The pre-Christmas booking of the stage revue followed a successful try-out at the Hillside Theatre in Jamaica, Queens, where it ran for five weeks…This was a full year before the traveling revue played the first of its now legendary engagements at the Apollo Theatre on 125th Street in Harlem.
More than fifteen years later, the musicalized “Mame” with Lucille Ball opened at the Music Hall as part of the annual Easter holiday program. See ad previously posted here for 3/07/74.
Grossed a “strong” $90,000 in first week, according to trade reports, but faced with tough competition from Radio City Music Hall, which in the same period bagged $144,000 with its second week of “Singin' in the Rain” and Easter revue.
The B&W comedy had previously played at Radio City Music Hall, with support from a stage revue.
The future Yuletide evergreen was originally released in the USA during the summer of 1947.
The legendary four-day collaboration between Hollywood Legend and Gossip Queen started on January 22nd, 1964.
What seemed an ideal Independence Day/July 4th attraction became part of the “Great Christmas Show” in 1972. And the opening date of November 9th also made the patriotic musical the Thanksgiving holiday offering for that year.
Advertised on July 2nd, 1942…Olympia featured in top group with “Reap the Wild Wind,” which had been the Easter holiday film at Radio City Music Hall.
This was the first Cinerama feature to actually premiere at the Warner Theatre. “This Is Cinerama” had been a move-over from the Broadway Theatre, which returned to “legit” playhouse.
“Bavu” was a Russian revolutionary portrayed by Wallace Beery.
Marquee of RKO Columbia can be seen at far left.
Single floor, with stadium section at rear.
Dedication of the new “Wurlitzer Hope James Unit Orchestra,” claimed to be the largest theater organ in the world. Cost more than $100,000, and took a year to build.
This photo has been “faked” in some way, but I can’t say how. The Gaiety and Globe were both on the same side of Broadway, but separated by 46th Street. In the photo, the Globe appears to be around the corner from the Gaiety, which isn’t possible.
This was added during the Depression when a retail store became available and was turned into a low-ceilinged lobby that connected to the auditorium…Photo taken in 1947.
This became an auxiliary entrance/exit, used mainly for display purposes and a second box office at busy times. The main entrance had been switched to Third Avenue when a retail store became available that could be turned into a low-ceilinged lobby connecting to the auditorium.
In the Depression spring of 1935, exhibitor Walter Reade found himself in desperate financial straits. He lost the Astor Theatre to its mortgage holders, and couldn’t get major product for the Mayfair, which he’d been running since RKO Theatres gave up management. Loew’s made him an offer that he couldn’t turn down— a ten-year lease for a rent of $55,000 per annum.
The stark B&W drama marked the movie debut of Broadway stage sensation Marlon Brando.
Advertised on June 26th, 1927 with additional claims of “Best Ventilated Theatre in America” and “Temperature Always 68 Degrees.”
This was also the world premiere of the Marion Davies “talkie,” with gala festivities that were rare for downtown Los Angeles.
The State at top of Loew’s circuit ad published on August 5th, 1953.
The feature movie was a “B” melodrama from Republic Pictures.
I can only guess that it was an optical illusion caused by the immensity of the auditorium surrounding it.
World premiere gala was held on the night of June 21st, 1966.
Ad posted on what would have been the 95th birthday of Judy Holliday, who died all too young at 43 from lung cancer. She won an “Oscar” for her performance in “Born Yesterday,” repeating the role she played in the original Broadway stage version.
The pre-Christmas booking of the stage revue followed a successful try-out at the Hillside Theatre in Jamaica, Queens, where it ran for five weeks…This was a full year before the traveling revue played the first of its now legendary engagements at the Apollo Theatre on 125th Street in Harlem.
More than fifteen years later, the musicalized “Mame” with Lucille Ball opened at the Music Hall as part of the annual Easter holiday program. See ad previously posted here for 3/07/74.
Grossed a “strong” $90,000 in first week, according to trade reports, but faced with tough competition from Radio City Music Hall, which in the same period bagged $144,000 with its second week of “Singin' in the Rain” and Easter revue.