I was told by a octogenarian that when he was small, he remembered a unisex bathroon. Not that many people in Johnstown,NY remember this movie house now.
I remember seeing “Beaches” in one of the splt theatres that had originally been a part of the balcony section before the theatre finally closed. The seats were very uncomfortable. I had seen “Spartacus” there when the Mayfair was renamed the DeMille. It was much more comfortable to see a movie there then.
As the I remember, when I went to the NY Paramount, the stage shows were always done in front of the curtain. Did the theatre have a back stage area & fly for scenery, etc?
The Garden theatre probably build an open air theatre behind it(Enternace may have been on New Utrecht Ave.)If so, it did not last long. By 1927, Loew’s 46th Street(Universal)theatre was built and the Garden soon became a second & third run house. It was in very bad condition when I was a child. As I mentioned, it was torn down by the mid 1950’s.
This Garden theatre was definately torn down in the 1950’s. (I live a few blocks from it as a child) It was built before 1919 as I have pre World War II .If you look at the description above, it had a roof that opened. It was never used after the theatre was air conditioned. The address was 4601 New Utrecht Avenue. A supremarket was built afterwards, and that was followed by a lumber store and yard which is there now.
The Garden theatre was the first or second theatre build next to the trains in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn. (West End and Garden theatres were built before the “el” structure was put up.)
I was at the Paradise one time during the early 1970’s. I was impressed by the beauty and grandeur of one of the largest atmospheric theatres. Many of the people I know in New York are anxcious to go the Paradise, now that it is reopening. I wish all those concerned in its operation much success.
The manager (who is religous)of the now furniture-warehouse of former Loew’s 46th theatre is extremely negative and insulting when it has anything to do with the history of the building. He said, (See Theatrerat’s post of April 28th,2005)
“I am tired of wierdos and cultists trying to see what is left of the theatre. It is closed, and that is that!”
Many religous groups of Borough Park did not want any theatres when they moved into the neighborhood. They had and have political influence. The nearby Boro Park theatre had riots outside when it showed Yiddish shows on Saturday.(The Sabbath).The theatre shortly closed (after showing “X” rated films in retaliation) I am sure the banks were aware of this.
A lot of people mention the restoration of Loew’s Kings, but I think it would be a great idea to try and restore the Walker. It was a beautiful theatre, and it would be more afforadable than many of the other closed movie palaces.. I now live very far from Brooklyn, so I can’t get involved in this idea. Perhaps someone living in Brooklyn who has strong feelings for the Walker can get a group together.
New Grand (formely Johnstown Opera House)theatre was on North Market street, but was not at 20 North Market street- that was the address 0f Smalley’s(Johnstown) theatre. (An older theatre, called the Grand was on the same location as Smalley’s until it was destroyed in a fire in 1828) Perhaps some member can find out the correct full address of the New Grand theatre.
Mr.Melnick & Mr.Crowley have done a super job on this web site.
They are both creative and intelligent. I respect anything they do in maintaining CINEMA TREASURES. I am sure there are many members who feel as I do.
Since a child, I have always loved the movie palaces. I have extenisvely lectured, and even wrote a radio show, that encouraged people to appreciate the theatres that are left. However, we are living in new century with different needs. Sadly because of the huge expenses, just so many movie palaces can be saved. The owners of the Hard Rock Cafe are simply trying to make a living. I do not put them down for using a part of the FORMER Parmount building. They did not destroy it. Our love of the movie palaces must be kept in perspective if we are to have any positive influence.
When going to Loew’s 46th Street, I seem to recall a large statue on top of the proscenium. I do not notice it in Warren’s picture. Did Loew’s do some decorative changes when it bought the Universal? Also, unlike the Oriental and Fortway, I don’t think Loew’s 46th Street or Loew’s Boro Park had an organ.
The Garden theatre was demolished in the 1950’s. I went there as
a child. It was called the “dump” in its last years. It was built before World War I. Originally, before air conditioning, the roof opened at night. A supermarket and now a lumber store and yard occupy the site where the building once stood. (The theatre is listed
in Cinema Treasures.
The Garden theatre was demolished in the 1950’s. I went there as
a child. It was called the “dump” in its last years. It was built before World War I. Originally, before air conditioning, the roof opened at night. A supermarket and now a lumber store and yard occupy the site where the building once stood. (The theatre is listed
in Cinema Treasures.
A plain looking theatre (inside and out)-especially when compared to nearby Loew’s 46th Street and Loew’s Boro Park theatres.
I totally agree with Warren that the Paradise must be more versatile in its bookings if it hopes to succeed and survive.
I was told by a octogenarian that when he was small, he remembered a unisex bathroon. Not that many people in Johnstown,NY remember this movie house now.
I remember seeing “Beaches” in one of the splt theatres that had originally been a part of the balcony section before the theatre finally closed. The seats were very uncomfortable. I had seen “Spartacus” there when the Mayfair was renamed the DeMille. It was much more comfortable to see a movie there then.
As the I remember, when I went to the NY Paramount, the stage shows were always done in front of the curtain. Did the theatre have a back stage area & fly for scenery, etc?
The Garden theatre probably build an open air theatre behind it(Enternace may have been on New Utrecht Ave.)If so, it did not last long. By 1927, Loew’s 46th Street(Universal)theatre was built and the Garden soon became a second & third run house. It was in very bad condition when I was a child. As I mentioned, it was torn down by the mid 1950’s.
correction: as I have pre World War II pictures.
This Garden theatre was definately torn down in the 1950’s. (I live a few blocks from it as a child) It was built before 1919 as I have pre World War II .If you look at the description above, it had a roof that opened. It was never used after the theatre was air conditioned. The address was 4601 New Utrecht Avenue. A supremarket was built afterwards, and that was followed by a lumber store and yard which is there now.
The Garden theatre was the first or second theatre build next to the trains in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn. (West End and Garden theatres were built before the “el” structure was put up.)
I was at the Paradise one time during the early 1970’s. I was impressed by the beauty and grandeur of one of the largest atmospheric theatres. Many of the people I know in New York are anxcious to go the Paradise, now that it is reopening. I wish all those concerned in its operation much success.
The manager (who is religous)of the now furniture-warehouse of former Loew’s 46th theatre is extremely negative and insulting when it has anything to do with the history of the building. He said, (See Theatrerat’s post of April 28th,2005)
“I am tired of wierdos and cultists trying to see what is left of the theatre. It is closed, and that is that!”
Many religous groups of Borough Park did not want any theatres when they moved into the neighborhood. They had and have political influence. The nearby Boro Park theatre had riots outside when it showed Yiddish shows on Saturday.(The Sabbath).The theatre shortly closed (after showing “X” rated films in retaliation) I am sure the banks were aware of this.
A lot of people mention the restoration of Loew’s Kings, but I think it would be a great idea to try and restore the Walker. It was a beautiful theatre, and it would be more afforadable than many of the other closed movie palaces.. I now live very far from Brooklyn, so I can’t get involved in this idea. Perhaps someone living in Brooklyn who has strong feelings for the Walker can get a group together.
I remember going with my dad and brother back in the 1950’s to see an Alex Guiness film. It was a charming movie house that added to New York’s charm.
Kudos, Mr. Rankin. Your explination is very well expressed.
New Grand (formely Johnstown Opera House)theatre was on North Market street, but was not at 20 North Market street- that was the address 0f Smalley’s(Johnstown) theatre. (An older theatre, called the Grand was on the same location as Smalley’s until it was destroyed in a fire in 1828) Perhaps some member can find out the correct full address of the New Grand theatre.
The Universal theatre (Loew’s 46th Street) was in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn, not Sunset Park.
It seems a shame that Johnstown, which calls itself “Historic Johnstown,” allowed such a treasure to be destroyed.
Mr.Melnick & Mr.Crowley have done a super job on this web site.
They are both creative and intelligent. I respect anything they do in maintaining CINEMA TREASURES. I am sure there are many members who feel as I do.
Since a child, I have always loved the movie palaces. I have extenisvely lectured, and even wrote a radio show, that encouraged people to appreciate the theatres that are left. However, we are living in new century with different needs. Sadly because of the huge expenses, just so many movie palaces can be saved. The owners of the Hard Rock Cafe are simply trying to make a living. I do not put them down for using a part of the FORMER Parmount building. They did not destroy it. Our love of the movie palaces must be kept in perspective if we are to have any positive influence.
I remember occasionally going to the Albermarle in the late 1940’s, 50’s & 60’s. It was an attractive theatre that was well maintained.
I would like to thank Warren for his expertise information & contributions he has given to this site. It is greatly appreciated.
When going to Loew’s 46th Street, I seem to recall a large statue on top of the proscenium. I do not notice it in Warren’s picture. Did Loew’s do some decorative changes when it bought the Universal? Also, unlike the Oriental and Fortway, I don’t think Loew’s 46th Street or Loew’s Boro Park had an organ.
The Garden theatre was demolished in the 1950’s. I went there as
a child. It was called the “dump” in its last years. It was built before World War I. Originally, before air conditioning, the roof opened at night. A supermarket and now a lumber store and yard occupy the site where the building once stood. (The theatre is listed
in Cinema Treasures.
The Garden theatre was demolished in the 1950’s. I went there as
a child. It was called the “dump” in its last years. It was built before World War I. Originally, before air conditioning, the roof opened at night. A supermarket and now a lumber store and yard occupy the site where the building once stood. (The theatre is listed
in Cinema Treasures.