During the early silent era, the Forest Theatre drew patronage from all over the city to hear a gigantic instrument made locally by the Detroit Organ Company.
The Hollywood became the Warner Theatre on August 15th, 1947, with the much anticipated film version of the long-running stage play, “Life With Father.” Advertising included a proclamation signed by NYC Mayor William O'Dwyer that “It is no more than fitting that the Broadway scene have a theatre bearing the name of the company so widely recognized for its great achievements in motion picture entertainment. Welcome, Warner Theatre!”
On right side of photo, note separate entrance to “Colored Balcony”…At the time, the Broadhurst was displaying a “false front” for “The Asphalt Jungle,” to capitalize on the zooming popularity of starlet Marilyn Monroe.
The Alec Guinness comedy opened on the night of October 15th with a single screening for the benefit of the “March of Dimes.” Regular continuous performances for the American premiere engagement started the next day.
The final “legit” booking at the original El Capitan was Edward Everett Horton in “Springtime for Henry,” which gave its final performance on January 10th, 1942.
Produced for the African-American market, “The Duke Is Tops” is best remembered for the screen debut of Lena Horne. About five years later, when she’d become a famous MGM star, the movie was rushed back into release as “Bronze Venus.”
The Gayety closed as a burlesque theatre on November 15th, 1914, and was quickly transformed into the Strand for a grand re-opening with movies on Thanksgiving Day (11/26).
Ad published on January 31st, 1934, a time when the Apollo had fierce neighborhood competition from similar “live” presentations at the Lafayette Theatre and Harlem Opera House.
The new Gifts Theater had an invitational unveiling on the night of November 23rd, 1917, and opened to the public the next day, with “Polly of the Circus” as the feature attraction.
During the early silent era, the Forest Theatre drew patronage from all over the city to hear a gigantic instrument made locally by the Detroit Organ Company.
Right side of artist’s sketch shows drive-in entrance to two acres of free parking behind the theatre.
This group ad covers a period in May, 1950.
The Hollywood became the Warner Theatre on August 15th, 1947, with the much anticipated film version of the long-running stage play, “Life With Father.” Advertising included a proclamation signed by NYC Mayor William O'Dwyer that “It is no more than fitting that the Broadway scene have a theatre bearing the name of the company so widely recognized for its great achievements in motion picture entertainment. Welcome, Warner Theatre!”
Usage of “blade” is frowned on here. The preferred word for such signs is “vertical,” though “upright” would also be acceptable.
The Harding had its grand opening on Monday, October 12th, 1925. I’ve posted an ad in the Photos Section.
A radical change for the Bardavon, which never had such lavish exterior signage in its lengthy history.
True to the film’s title, but adding a hyphen in the overhead sign…Still racially segregated.
On right side of photo, note separate entrance to “Colored Balcony”…At the time, the Broadhurst was displaying a “false front” for “The Asphalt Jungle,” to capitalize on the zooming popularity of starlet Marilyn Monroe.
Published on January 25th, 1931.
The cinema management also operated a multi-lane bowling alley in Whitehall Center when it originally opened.
Both side walls adjacent to the stage had artwork that glowed in the dark.
In a later modernization, a new marquee and vertical used only “Loew’s” and eliminated “State.”
The Alec Guinness comedy opened on the night of October 15th with a single screening for the benefit of the “March of Dimes.” Regular continuous performances for the American premiere engagement started the next day.
The B&W musical comedy was produced and released in Great Britain in 1936 as “Land Without Music.”
The final “legit” booking at the original El Capitan was Edward Everett Horton in “Springtime for Henry,” which gave its final performance on January 10th, 1942.
Produced for the African-American market, “The Duke Is Tops” is best remembered for the screen debut of Lena Horne. About five years later, when she’d become a famous MGM star, the movie was rushed back into release as “Bronze Venus.”
Note how center portion was set back far enough to avoid collision with pillar of elevated subway.
Named in honor of the previous Normandie on East 53rd Street near Park Avenue, which opened in 1938 and was demolished circa 1950.
Judging from the artwork, the former Tuxedo was treated to some modernization, including a new marquee and entrance.
The Gayety closed as a burlesque theatre on November 15th, 1914, and was quickly transformed into the Strand for a grand re-opening with movies on Thanksgiving Day (11/26).
“Tabloid Opera” consisted of six classical singers performing selections from famous operas. The repertoire changed from program to program.
Ad published on January 31st, 1934, a time when the Apollo had fierce neighborhood competition from similar “live” presentations at the Lafayette Theatre and Harlem Opera House.
The Gifts is at the top of the grouping.
The new Gifts Theater had an invitational unveiling on the night of November 23rd, 1917, and opened to the public the next day, with “Polly of the Circus” as the feature attraction.