Nice Post B'way. You got me to thinking which theater got ME intersted in theaters and my answer is Loews Valencia in Jamaica with Radio City a close second. They were two theaters that it almost didn’t matter what was on screen. The space itself was enough entertainment. It saddens me that today’s youth (I’m turning 50 this year and still consider myself young btw) will never know what it was like to go to a movie palace to see regular films; or more importantly, to have a grand choice of palaces to pick from.
While I remember attending occassional films at the Valencia, Radio City, Elmwood, Loews State, I’ll even throw in the Loews Astor Plaza, most of the theaters that I went too were the crummy nabe theaters like the Lefferts, Crossbay and Casino. If only I had the appreciation for theaters then that I do now, I would have had a chance to have seen movies at so many of the palaces that are long gone today.
My partner chuckles about how excited everyone gets at The Ziegfeld when the curtains are closed….then opened before a film. He finds it amazing that anyone cares about that (He’s from Texas!) :–)
But, it is a big deal. Few theaters are truly part of the show anymore. Virtually no theaters do the curtain thing anymore and I absolutely love it when I see it done at the Ziegfeld. Yes, it is one of the main reasons I go there as frequently as I do. It brings me back to the heydey of movie palaces.
Well, I’ve gone off topic. While I grew up in Richmond Hill and Kew Gardens, I have never had a chance to explore the inside of the Keiths. I’ve been in the lobby and, of course, seen all of the photos. This theater deserves to be saved. Unfortuantely, it has to be able to support itself financially. Who is going to come up with the funds necessary for a proper restoration and expect to get it back; especially in these hard times.
It’s encouraging that the Shore Theater in Brooklyn is getting attention. The Kings is in city hands and I am hopeful that it too will be restored. The Paramount is safely in LIU’s hands and it too, may be restored to the public and the other Ketihs in Flushing has a grass roots movement to save it from the wrecking ball. So there is still hope for the Keiths Richmond Hill.
Ziggy, I agree about the blade, but why stop there? The entire marquee should be restored. I know that’s a big wish and that a lot of money would be required, but…..it would be beautiiful and someday…….
Very sad! Very handsome building just sitting there rotting, like the city as a whole. Funny how the fancy street lamp looks brand new. It reminds me of the old saying…..“you can put lipstick on a pig…..but it’s still a pig!”
I completely agree Panzer65. My fear is that the current owner (who bought this theater recently) will probably claim economic hardship. I just don’t see how this theater can survive long term as a flea market/bingo hall. Yes, it has survived decades under this format, but that was under the old owner, who presumably had a much lower operating cost because he had owned the theater for so long. The new owner probably has a significant mortgage that must be paid. I really fear for this theater.
A very pleasant surprise! It loks like there is hope for the Loew’s Coney Island aka Shore Theatre! It may be nominated for landmark status and the City is backing it! Please read article below:
Is this a landmark? For ‘Shore’ it is! By Mike McLaughlin
The Brooklyn Paper
Landmark status awaits â€" at long last, some say â€" at least two historic buildings in Coney Island, including the derelict Shore Theater, but possibly not the most famous site in the amusement area, Nathan’s Famous hot dog restaurant.
Preservationists nominated the façade and interior of the 1920s vaudeville playhouse on Surf Avenue for protective status several years ago, but Mayor Bloomberg’s vast redevelopment plan for Coney Island, which the City Council approved last week, jumpstarted the lingering review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
“The architectural quality is every bit as wonderful as Broadway theaters that have received landmarking,†said Dick Zigun of Coney Island USA, the group that made the request. “The city let us know they’re sympathetic to our request.â€
Zigun said it was urgent for the landmarks commission to evaluate the Shore Theater, owned by fried chicken magnate Horace Bullard, and other iconic structures now that the mayor won the passage of his plan to rebuild a sweeping cross section of the People’s Playground.
The Shore Theater, formerly the Loew’s Coney Island, was built in 1925 in a neo-Renaissance style. In addition to staging musicals, it served as a movie theater and has six stories of offices above it.
The auditorium still showed live entertainment through the 1960s, according to Charlie Denson, author of “Coney Island Lost and Found,†But a seedier fate awaited the stalwart.
In Coney Island’s darker days in the 1970s, it was an X-rated movie house.
By the time Bullard acquired the building in 1978, it no longer showed smut. Bullard briefly operated a branch of his Kansas Fried Chicken chain there, though it’s been boarded up for decades and the auditorium’s seat have been ripped out and replaced by concrete slabs.
Denson said that despite the neglect, the Shore represents a key piece of Coney Island’s legacy and should be salvaged.
“All those buildings that went up in the 1920s have a major symbolic value because that is the last time Coney Island had a major redevelopment,†said Denson.
Yet the city’s apparent willingness to save pieces of Coney Island’s glory days, also including a likely designation for Coney Island USA’s home on Surf Avenue, may not extend to the beloved Nathan’s Famous stand opposite the Shore Theater at the intersection of Stillwell and Surf avenues.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission has yet to wrap up its analysis of the classic fast-food joint, even though it was part of the application submitted by Coney Island USA earlier this decade.
Although Nathan’s neon light and unmistakable signage are beloved, the squat building might not have the architectural or historical clout to make it onto the list of local protected sites that also include the Cyclone roller coaster, Deno’s Wonder Wheel ride and the Childs restaurant building, now the Dreamland skating rink.
Indeed, the existing Nathan’s days may be numbered, thanks to the mayor’s redevelopment plan.
A report from the Department of City Planning released in January said the frankfurter Mecca, which dates back to 1916, could be replaced by a hotel, retail or new amusement.
Its possible demolition unleashed an online petition drive on Sunday to save it from the wrecking ball. The petition’s organizers want to obtain 50,000 Internet signatures, though through Tuesday, they had 128.
The future is uncertain for the Shore Theater, too. Once, it was part of the core amusement area, but now it’s in the area targeted for potentially lucrative residential development. If it’s deemed a landmark, its upper floors could be converted to apartments, but the exterior would be unalterable and the theater would be restored.
A landmarks commission spokeswoman said that no hearing is scheduled for the Shore or Coney Island USA buildings, but said the city is interested in conserving both.
While Warren could be cantankerous at times, I still felt that he provided a lot of valuable information. I, personally, am sorry that he is gone, though I do believe he needed to be less confrontional with certain others. Overall, CT is poorer without him.
I agree TJ. Unfortunately, the question is who will pay for the restoration. Personally, I would love to see at least one of the old palaces restored to to show classic films, premieres, festivals and occasional first run films in a Times Square setting. But would it be profitable? Who’s going to put the money in? I love the Ziegfeld, but that theater is a totall different style the the theaters of the golden era. It’s also (kind of) out of the way. I think a more centrally located restored palace in Times Square would get much more traffic than the Ziegfeld.
But if that’s not possible, I also agree that a club is preferable to nothing. New York has not one remaining theater/night club remining from the glory days. Xenon/Miller Theater, Studio 54/Gallo Opera House, Palladium/Academy of Music, Club USA/Forum, Bond’s Intl Casino/Interantional Casino, The Saint/Loews Commodore. The best clubs in New York history were virtually all in historic theaters. At least Studio 54 is still with us as a legit playhouse. Sadly, all of the rest are lost.
p.s. I also think the Liberty (directly across the Street from the Times Square theater) and cocooned within the Hilton Hotel could also be converted into a club if a restoration as a theater is not possible. Instead, it is just sitting in silence.
I just went to Bethlehem today to take my parents to the new Sands Casino in the old Steelwoorks on the outskirts of town. Before we returned to New York, I took a drive through the downtown area and saw a cute little town that is trying to reenergize itself. I spotted the Boyd and it is still open; showing the latest Harry Potter film. Sad to say the the marquee is (IMO) rather dull though other posters above state that the auditorium is handsome.
It would be a wonderful step for this town to fully restore this last remaining single screen movie house to it’s former glory and use it as a performing arts center (in addition to films of course). I believe that the casino will bring lots of new business and people to the downtown area and the town can offer them more by having a restored palace.
Just saw Harry Potter at The Ziegfeld last night and, as usual, it was a wonderful experience. The theater was about half full but had had a very enthusiastic audience. The curtains were used and there was wide applause when they did.
Regarding the movie itself…..I enjoyed it, but it was my least favorite of the 6 films.
Obama was speaking at the Hilton across the street for the NAACP’s 100th anniversary and we thought maybe Sacha and Malia might slip into the Ziegfeld………..they didn’t! :–)
I saw that episode and immediately knew that it was the Palace, having previously read the above threads and done some research. From what I can tell, there is virtually no hope for Gary. It is about on par with East St. Louis which has a similar incredible palace (The Majestic) sitting in ruins.
Camden, Detroit, Cleveland and Paterson are also basket cases. Alone among them, Detroit is the only one to have restored palaces.
Prior to now, Philadelphia has not had the authority to landmark interiors?????? Are you kidding me? All of those historic interiors and they have never had any real protection? I find that incredibly hard to believe. Nonetheless, better late than never. Way too late for the Mastbaum and all of the other bygone Philadelphia Palaces, but hopefully the legislative lifeline that will save the Boyd!
LM’s photo from 1970 clearly shows the decay that was the hallmark of much of downtown Brooklyn and Times Square in Manhattan. It’s very sad. But, New York has rebounded. Too late for the Brooklyn Fox, The Capitol, The Roxy, etc…., but not too late for the New Amsterdam, The Beacon, The Hollywood, the St. George and Loew’s Paradise.
Is there any new news about this theater? As downtown Brooklyn continues to develop and gentrify and as BAM continues to expand it “cultural district” with the recently announced renovation of its Majestic Theatre, a newly restored Brooklyn Paramount could do very well.
Thanks to mp775 and to Warren for the fabulous photos. Having lived in Kew Gardens for many years before moving to Manhattan, I still have great fondness for this neighborhood. It is astounding for me to see the area so undeveloped! It makes you think “What were they thinking” when they built this theater in the middle of nowhere. But I guess the answer is that everyone expected the good times of the roaring 20’s were going to go on forever and that the area would quickly develop.
Nonesense, this theater is still very much standing. Nothing is being torn down in this economic environment; especially for new condos! I still think this theater is still standing behind its facade, mostly intact. I do agree that it could be a wonderful addition to Chinatown’s cultural and economic life, but we need to find out what kind of shape it is in.
I could be wrong, but I believe that the increased revenue for movie goers is a result of higher ticket prices; especially for the additional charges for 3D presentations.
I used to be a frequent theater goer, but Hollywood just isn’t producing very many things that I want to see.
I never buy DVD’s any more. Why would I? I have never seen a movie that I own more than twice. If I feel like seeing something I go on “On DEmand” or Net Flix. Buying DVDs is a total waste of money unless you really think you will watch it 4 or more times or you have some emotional tie to the film We all have those special films.
As a matter of fact, I can’t actually remember the last DVD that I bought. It’s been years.
Wow, I agree with Bway! The 42nd Street at the time of that photo (and for many years prior) was one of absolute desolation, danger and despair. I clearly don’t understand how anyone could want a return to that. I could only hope that Woody would be the first mugging victim. We’ll see if he might change his mind then. I truly don’t wish Woody harm but you must realize that when you say you want 42nd to get back it’s grit you are saying that you want a return to the crime, murder and mayhem that made 42nd street the most dangerous street in the city for many years.
If that’s what you’re looking for, please move to Detroit. You’ll get all the “grit” you desire.
Hi George, I’m afraid that I have no new information about this theater. In recent months I was visiting frequently because I was trying to rent out an apartment I own in Kew Gardens. Now that I finally have a new tenant (whew!) I have no reason to go back for another 2 years. Alas, I have not seen anything new in print about the current status of the Keiths either. I suppose that’s not necessarily bad news. However, we need to keep on close eye on this endangered palace.
Just attended a showing today of the movie “Outrage” a documentary of the closeted hypocritical republican politicians and the ongoing efforts to out them. It was supposed to start at 12:50. The commercials were showing with no sound. Then, the screen went blank. At 1:00PM a theater employee entered the auditorium and announced that the start of the movie would be delayed because they had only one projectionist for the entire complex and he was busy in another screen room. Someone then shouted out that the theater was too warm. She said she was sorry and turned on the air conditioning. About 10 minutes later the movie started. No Previews. Pretty good documentary!
I attended Saturday’s screening of Star Trek at the Ziegfeld and, once again, had a wonderful experience. Seeing a film here is always a pleasure. The film is one of the best that I’ve seen in many years and I am not a trekkie. It truly was wonderful. The sound was excellent and YES!!!!! They used the curtains and everyone applauded. I would say that for the 7:00 PM performance, it was about 75% full. The line to get into the theater stretched all the way to 6th Avenue. It’s always nice to see, unless of course, I’m at the end of the line.
Thanks for posting the link Warren. Since this theater is pretty much new I realize that the new theater won’t have it’s own page, but…..the facade was saved and, as per the article, some architectural elements form the old theater were reinstalled in the new. Is there an argument to be made to change the status to open from demolished? I totally understand if the answer is no, but it does still have the same name, it does still have the same location, it does still have the exact same facade and it does still have interior elements from the original (how much I cannot say) so I think an argument could be made to say yes. I throw it open for Cinema Treasure readers to weigh in.
Nice Post B'way. You got me to thinking which theater got ME intersted in theaters and my answer is Loews Valencia in Jamaica with Radio City a close second. They were two theaters that it almost didn’t matter what was on screen. The space itself was enough entertainment. It saddens me that today’s youth (I’m turning 50 this year and still consider myself young btw) will never know what it was like to go to a movie palace to see regular films; or more importantly, to have a grand choice of palaces to pick from.
While I remember attending occassional films at the Valencia, Radio City, Elmwood, Loews State, I’ll even throw in the Loews Astor Plaza, most of the theaters that I went too were the crummy nabe theaters like the Lefferts, Crossbay and Casino. If only I had the appreciation for theaters then that I do now, I would have had a chance to have seen movies at so many of the palaces that are long gone today.
My partner chuckles about how excited everyone gets at The Ziegfeld when the curtains are closed….then opened before a film. He finds it amazing that anyone cares about that (He’s from Texas!) :–)
But, it is a big deal. Few theaters are truly part of the show anymore. Virtually no theaters do the curtain thing anymore and I absolutely love it when I see it done at the Ziegfeld. Yes, it is one of the main reasons I go there as frequently as I do. It brings me back to the heydey of movie palaces.
Well, I’ve gone off topic. While I grew up in Richmond Hill and Kew Gardens, I have never had a chance to explore the inside of the Keiths. I’ve been in the lobby and, of course, seen all of the photos. This theater deserves to be saved. Unfortuantely, it has to be able to support itself financially. Who is going to come up with the funds necessary for a proper restoration and expect to get it back; especially in these hard times.
It’s encouraging that the Shore Theater in Brooklyn is getting attention. The Kings is in city hands and I am hopeful that it too will be restored. The Paramount is safely in LIU’s hands and it too, may be restored to the public and the other Ketihs in Flushing has a grass roots movement to save it from the wrecking ball. So there is still hope for the Keiths Richmond Hill.
Reregistering.
Ziggy, I agree about the blade, but why stop there? The entire marquee should be restored. I know that’s a big wish and that a lot of money would be required, but…..it would be beautiiful and someday…….
Very sad! Very handsome building just sitting there rotting, like the city as a whole. Funny how the fancy street lamp looks brand new. It reminds me of the old saying…..“you can put lipstick on a pig…..but it’s still a pig!”
I completely agree Panzer65. My fear is that the current owner (who bought this theater recently) will probably claim economic hardship. I just don’t see how this theater can survive long term as a flea market/bingo hall. Yes, it has survived decades under this format, but that was under the old owner, who presumably had a much lower operating cost because he had owned the theater for so long. The new owner probably has a significant mortgage that must be paid. I really fear for this theater.
A very pleasant surprise! It loks like there is hope for the Loew’s Coney Island aka Shore Theatre! It may be nominated for landmark status and the City is backing it! Please read article below:
Is this a landmark? For ‘Shore’ it is! By Mike McLaughlin
The Brooklyn Paper
Landmark status awaits â€" at long last, some say â€" at least two historic buildings in Coney Island, including the derelict Shore Theater, but possibly not the most famous site in the amusement area, Nathan’s Famous hot dog restaurant.
Preservationists nominated the façade and interior of the 1920s vaudeville playhouse on Surf Avenue for protective status several years ago, but Mayor Bloomberg’s vast redevelopment plan for Coney Island, which the City Council approved last week, jumpstarted the lingering review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
“The architectural quality is every bit as wonderful as Broadway theaters that have received landmarking,†said Dick Zigun of Coney Island USA, the group that made the request. “The city let us know they’re sympathetic to our request.â€
Zigun said it was urgent for the landmarks commission to evaluate the Shore Theater, owned by fried chicken magnate Horace Bullard, and other iconic structures now that the mayor won the passage of his plan to rebuild a sweeping cross section of the People’s Playground.
The Shore Theater, formerly the Loew’s Coney Island, was built in 1925 in a neo-Renaissance style. In addition to staging musicals, it served as a movie theater and has six stories of offices above it.
The auditorium still showed live entertainment through the 1960s, according to Charlie Denson, author of “Coney Island Lost and Found,†But a seedier fate awaited the stalwart.
In Coney Island’s darker days in the 1970s, it was an X-rated movie house.
By the time Bullard acquired the building in 1978, it no longer showed smut. Bullard briefly operated a branch of his Kansas Fried Chicken chain there, though it’s been boarded up for decades and the auditorium’s seat have been ripped out and replaced by concrete slabs.
Denson said that despite the neglect, the Shore represents a key piece of Coney Island’s legacy and should be salvaged.
“All those buildings that went up in the 1920s have a major symbolic value because that is the last time Coney Island had a major redevelopment,†said Denson.
Yet the city’s apparent willingness to save pieces of Coney Island’s glory days, also including a likely designation for Coney Island USA’s home on Surf Avenue, may not extend to the beloved Nathan’s Famous stand opposite the Shore Theater at the intersection of Stillwell and Surf avenues.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission has yet to wrap up its analysis of the classic fast-food joint, even though it was part of the application submitted by Coney Island USA earlier this decade.
Although Nathan’s neon light and unmistakable signage are beloved, the squat building might not have the architectural or historical clout to make it onto the list of local protected sites that also include the Cyclone roller coaster, Deno’s Wonder Wheel ride and the Childs restaurant building, now the Dreamland skating rink.
Indeed, the existing Nathan’s days may be numbered, thanks to the mayor’s redevelopment plan.
A report from the Department of City Planning released in January said the frankfurter Mecca, which dates back to 1916, could be replaced by a hotel, retail or new amusement.
Its possible demolition unleashed an online petition drive on Sunday to save it from the wrecking ball. The petition’s organizers want to obtain 50,000 Internet signatures, though through Tuesday, they had 128.
The future is uncertain for the Shore Theater, too. Once, it was part of the core amusement area, but now it’s in the area targeted for potentially lucrative residential development. If it’s deemed a landmark, its upper floors could be converted to apartments, but the exterior would be unalterable and the theater would be restored.
A landmarks commission spokeswoman said that no hearing is scheduled for the Shore or Coney Island USA buildings, but said the city is interested in conserving both.
While Warren could be cantankerous at times, I still felt that he provided a lot of valuable information. I, personally, am sorry that he is gone, though I do believe he needed to be less confrontional with certain others. Overall, CT is poorer without him.
I agree TJ. Unfortunately, the question is who will pay for the restoration. Personally, I would love to see at least one of the old palaces restored to to show classic films, premieres, festivals and occasional first run films in a Times Square setting. But would it be profitable? Who’s going to put the money in? I love the Ziegfeld, but that theater is a totall different style the the theaters of the golden era. It’s also (kind of) out of the way. I think a more centrally located restored palace in Times Square would get much more traffic than the Ziegfeld.
But if that’s not possible, I also agree that a club is preferable to nothing. New York has not one remaining theater/night club remining from the glory days. Xenon/Miller Theater, Studio 54/Gallo Opera House, Palladium/Academy of Music, Club USA/Forum, Bond’s Intl Casino/Interantional Casino, The Saint/Loews Commodore. The best clubs in New York history were virtually all in historic theaters. At least Studio 54 is still with us as a legit playhouse. Sadly, all of the rest are lost.
p.s. I also think the Liberty (directly across the Street from the Times Square theater) and cocooned within the Hilton Hotel could also be converted into a club if a restoration as a theater is not possible. Instead, it is just sitting in silence.
I just went to Bethlehem today to take my parents to the new Sands Casino in the old Steelwoorks on the outskirts of town. Before we returned to New York, I took a drive through the downtown area and saw a cute little town that is trying to reenergize itself. I spotted the Boyd and it is still open; showing the latest Harry Potter film. Sad to say the the marquee is (IMO) rather dull though other posters above state that the auditorium is handsome.
It would be a wonderful step for this town to fully restore this last remaining single screen movie house to it’s former glory and use it as a performing arts center (in addition to films of course). I believe that the casino will bring lots of new business and people to the downtown area and the town can offer them more by having a restored palace.
Just saw Harry Potter at The Ziegfeld last night and, as usual, it was a wonderful experience. The theater was about half full but had had a very enthusiastic audience. The curtains were used and there was wide applause when they did.
Regarding the movie itself…..I enjoyed it, but it was my least favorite of the 6 films.
Obama was speaking at the Hilton across the street for the NAACP’s 100th anniversary and we thought maybe Sacha and Malia might slip into the Ziegfeld………..they didn’t! :–)
Ooops! My mistake. Of course, Cleveland has restored palaces as well! I don’t know what I was thinking.
I saw that episode and immediately knew that it was the Palace, having previously read the above threads and done some research. From what I can tell, there is virtually no hope for Gary. It is about on par with East St. Louis which has a similar incredible palace (The Majestic) sitting in ruins.
Camden, Detroit, Cleveland and Paterson are also basket cases. Alone among them, Detroit is the only one to have restored palaces.
Prior to now, Philadelphia has not had the authority to landmark interiors?????? Are you kidding me? All of those historic interiors and they have never had any real protection? I find that incredibly hard to believe. Nonetheless, better late than never. Way too late for the Mastbaum and all of the other bygone Philadelphia Palaces, but hopefully the legislative lifeline that will save the Boyd!
LM’s photo from 1970 clearly shows the decay that was the hallmark of much of downtown Brooklyn and Times Square in Manhattan. It’s very sad. But, New York has rebounded. Too late for the Brooklyn Fox, The Capitol, The Roxy, etc…., but not too late for the New Amsterdam, The Beacon, The Hollywood, the St. George and Loew’s Paradise.
Is there any new news about this theater? As downtown Brooklyn continues to develop and gentrify and as BAM continues to expand it “cultural district” with the recently announced renovation of its Majestic Theatre, a newly restored Brooklyn Paramount could do very well.
Thanks to mp775 and to Warren for the fabulous photos. Having lived in Kew Gardens for many years before moving to Manhattan, I still have great fondness for this neighborhood. It is astounding for me to see the area so undeveloped! It makes you think “What were they thinking” when they built this theater in the middle of nowhere. But I guess the answer is that everyone expected the good times of the roaring 20’s were going to go on forever and that the area would quickly develop.
Nonesense, this theater is still very much standing. Nothing is being torn down in this economic environment; especially for new condos! I still think this theater is still standing behind its facade, mostly intact. I do agree that it could be a wonderful addition to Chinatown’s cultural and economic life, but we need to find out what kind of shape it is in.
I could be wrong, but I believe that the increased revenue for movie goers is a result of higher ticket prices; especially for the additional charges for 3D presentations.
I used to be a frequent theater goer, but Hollywood just isn’t producing very many things that I want to see.
I never buy DVD’s any more. Why would I? I have never seen a movie that I own more than twice. If I feel like seeing something I go on “On DEmand” or Net Flix. Buying DVDs is a total waste of money unless you really think you will watch it 4 or more times or you have some emotional tie to the film We all have those special films.
As a matter of fact, I can’t actually remember the last DVD that I bought. It’s been years.
Wow, I agree with Bway! The 42nd Street at the time of that photo (and for many years prior) was one of absolute desolation, danger and despair. I clearly don’t understand how anyone could want a return to that. I could only hope that Woody would be the first mugging victim. We’ll see if he might change his mind then. I truly don’t wish Woody harm but you must realize that when you say you want 42nd to get back it’s grit you are saying that you want a return to the crime, murder and mayhem that made 42nd street the most dangerous street in the city for many years.
If that’s what you’re looking for, please move to Detroit. You’ll get all the “grit” you desire.
Hi George, I’m afraid that I have no new information about this theater. In recent months I was visiting frequently because I was trying to rent out an apartment I own in Kew Gardens. Now that I finally have a new tenant (whew!) I have no reason to go back for another 2 years. Alas, I have not seen anything new in print about the current status of the Keiths either. I suppose that’s not necessarily bad news. However, we need to keep on close eye on this endangered palace.
Just commenting to get future comments.
Just commenting to get future comments.
Just attended a showing today of the movie “Outrage” a documentary of the closeted hypocritical republican politicians and the ongoing efforts to out them. It was supposed to start at 12:50. The commercials were showing with no sound. Then, the screen went blank. At 1:00PM a theater employee entered the auditorium and announced that the start of the movie would be delayed because they had only one projectionist for the entire complex and he was busy in another screen room. Someone then shouted out that the theater was too warm. She said she was sorry and turned on the air conditioning. About 10 minutes later the movie started. No Previews. Pretty good documentary!
I attended Saturday’s screening of Star Trek at the Ziegfeld and, once again, had a wonderful experience. Seeing a film here is always a pleasure. The film is one of the best that I’ve seen in many years and I am not a trekkie. It truly was wonderful. The sound was excellent and YES!!!!! They used the curtains and everyone applauded. I would say that for the 7:00 PM performance, it was about 75% full. The line to get into the theater stretched all the way to 6th Avenue. It’s always nice to see, unless of course, I’m at the end of the line.
Thanks for posting the link Warren. Since this theater is pretty much new I realize that the new theater won’t have it’s own page, but…..the facade was saved and, as per the article, some architectural elements form the old theater were reinstalled in the new. Is there an argument to be made to change the status to open from demolished? I totally understand if the answer is no, but it does still have the same name, it does still have the same location, it does still have the exact same facade and it does still have interior elements from the original (how much I cannot say) so I think an argument could be made to say yes. I throw it open for Cinema Treasure readers to weigh in.