While staying with relatives at 41-23-95th St, Elmhurst, L.I., from March to July 1951, I often went to the Corona for Saturday morning kids shows with neighborhood boys Artie Hopkins and Tommy.
I also clearly remember seeing “The Thing” and the marquee had creepy looking things hanging from it.
Upon entering the auditorium, I stupidly sat down where a seat was missing, which caused my parents to laugh out loud during a tense moment in the film.
The greengrocers shop next door was owned by a friendly Italian gent named Sid and he always addressed me as the “Limey Kid."
I went back in 1998 to show my wife… and all was gone, but ah, such happy memories still linger on at age 68!
It’s always nice to see movies in 3D… but NOT on a white screen. At the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, they correctly drop the big SILVER screen for their 3D presentations; “Nightmare Before Christmas”, etc.
What wonderful news for the L.B. residents…but it has come a little bit too late for me… I recently moved to central Oregon and am now enjoying the “single screen” movie houses up here; Palace Theatre, Silverton., Bagdad Theatre & Broadway Theatre, Portland and the awesome Elsinore Theatre in Salem.
Well done everyone!!!
I am totally addicted to your fabulous site and enjoy every aspect of what is offered; facts, letters, photos and much more. It pleases me to give your address to people whom I think are interested in what you have created.
Also glad to have contributed my hometown listing of Southampton, England.
And to think that I foolishly took the day off from work to watch a poorer version of last year’s re-hash of the year before! Next year I shall tune in to see how flies mate!
I might add that Ms. Anita Monga booked a zillion films for the Castro Theatre. She is no longer associated with them but I’m sure you could find her (somehow) living in the SF east bay area.
San Francisco’s venerable CASTRO THEATRE www.castrotheatre.com is one of the best bets in the Bay Area. They have lots of great film festivals and their calendar has the best selection of “indi & import” flicks. Plus, they have a fabulous Wurlitzer organ that draws the crowds!
Tell them Simon (former Brit doorman) sent you.
Having worked in cinemas and theaters since I was a teenager, I am now retired and presently usher at the Regal on a part time basis.
I should also add that the twin “T” shaped hallways, connecting from the main lobby, are also cleverly light with a concealed rainbow of Neon by each auditorium entrance.
Furthermore, the multi colored carpeting catches the lighting effect nicely while the slab stone walls help give an appearance of added height and length.
Manwithnoname… theater or theatre… I have always placed the latter spelling when writing about an actual place; Strand Theatre. Otherwise the Strand is a nice theater -ER not RE!
However, it should be spelled how the actual owner prefers it.
Yes, starting and ending times are MOST important…
The evening performances need to be staggered especially for the Box Office and Concession Stand personnel.
Many patrons are so disorganized when they arrive at a multiplex; They don’t have their money or plastic ready and the cashier has to ask if you have a membership card (to earn points).
Another sensible thing that families/groups don’t realize is that only the ticket buyer need stand in the queue. The rest of them should step aside s as to save the congestion! This should also apply when getting their drinks and munchies.
I firmly believe that attendance would improve greatly if evening start times were set to accommodate those who leave work, fight the rush hour traffic and need restaurant time. 6:30pm & 7pm is too early for new release films.
Howard and William make mention of “Disney” alterations but, as many theater buffs seem to forget, the awesome DESIGN of the so-called “Disney” alterations were made by the fabulous theater architect JOSEPH MUSIL.
Why wont Disney ever bow and give credit to those forgotten back room boys and girls?
You can see a marvelous full wall display of the Majestic Crest Theatre (models) in Joe’s AMERICAN MUSEUM of THEATRICAL DESIGN, located in Santa Ana. Call him for a special appointment: 714-550-7795….. NOW!!!
With present public interest in the theater I strongly suggest that City Hall seize the place for its own protection before it’s too late and beyond reasonable repair.
The owner is a greedy, selfish old man who is depriving the locals and visitors of their unique island cinema.
By reopening the Village, this will bring further trade for the local shops and eateries. The City will further receive additional taxes and parking meter income.
You could ask locals about the history of this place or research the records at City Hall. When I did a major search of information for my book the “files” were located in the basement.
Most of the “Theaters and Cinemas” were listed on small index file cards and many were written in pencil and somewhat contradicting to each other.
Best of luck. P.S. Take your bed, food and drink with you. You’ll need it as their is a ton of ancient history down there!!!
I apologize for invading the Odeon, Holloway, spaces BUT would dearly love to see any photos of the auditorium (original or restoration) of my much missed ODEON in SOUTHAMPTON.
My thanks to Kev Phelan (Aug 16) for the above link to the historic exterior shots of the (now destroyed) cinema I patronized so often!
While staying with relatives at 41-23-95th St, Elmhurst, L.I., from March to July 1951, I often went to the Corona for Saturday morning kids shows with neighborhood boys Artie Hopkins and Tommy.
I also clearly remember seeing “The Thing” and the marquee had creepy looking things hanging from it.
Upon entering the auditorium, I stupidly sat down where a seat was missing, which caused my parents to laugh out loud during a tense moment in the film.
The greengrocers shop next door was owned by a friendly Italian gent named Sid and he always addressed me as the “Limey Kid."
I went back in 1998 to show my wife… and all was gone, but ah, such happy memories still linger on at age 68!
Oh Bob, stop it!… you’re making me homesick… again!!!
It’s always nice to see movies in 3D… but NOT on a white screen. At the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, they correctly drop the big SILVER screen for their 3D presentations; “Nightmare Before Christmas”, etc.
What wonderful news for the L.B. residents…but it has come a little bit too late for me… I recently moved to central Oregon and am now enjoying the “single screen” movie houses up here; Palace Theatre, Silverton., Bagdad Theatre & Broadway Theatre, Portland and the awesome Elsinore Theatre in Salem.
Well done everyone!!!
I am totally addicted to your fabulous site and enjoy every aspect of what is offered; facts, letters, photos and much more. It pleases me to give your address to people whom I think are interested in what you have created.
Also glad to have contributed my hometown listing of Southampton, England.
And to think that I foolishly took the day off from work to watch a poorer version of last year’s re-hash of the year before! Next year I shall tune in to see how flies mate!
I might add that Ms. Anita Monga booked a zillion films for the Castro Theatre. She is no longer associated with them but I’m sure you could find her (somehow) living in the SF east bay area.
San Francisco’s venerable CASTRO THEATRE www.castrotheatre.com is one of the best bets in the Bay Area. They have lots of great film festivals and their calendar has the best selection of “indi & import” flicks. Plus, they have a fabulous Wurlitzer organ that draws the crowds!
Tell them Simon (former Brit doorman) sent you.
Having worked in cinemas and theaters since I was a teenager, I am now retired and presently usher at the Regal on a part time basis.
I should also add that the twin “T” shaped hallways, connecting from the main lobby, are also cleverly light with a concealed rainbow of Neon by each auditorium entrance.
Furthermore, the multi colored carpeting catches the lighting effect nicely while the slab stone walls help give an appearance of added height and length.
Manwithnoname… theater or theatre… I have always placed the latter spelling when writing about an actual place; Strand Theatre. Otherwise the Strand is a nice theater -ER not RE!
However, it should be spelled how the actual owner prefers it.
As of this date, the furniture store occupying the Pix has moved out and the facade looks a sorry sight.
Yes, starting and ending times are MOST important…
The evening performances need to be staggered especially for the Box Office and Concession Stand personnel.
Many patrons are so disorganized when they arrive at a multiplex; They don’t have their money or plastic ready and the cashier has to ask if you have a membership card (to earn points).
Another sensible thing that families/groups don’t realize is that only the ticket buyer need stand in the queue. The rest of them should step aside s as to save the congestion! This should also apply when getting their drinks and munchies.
I firmly believe that attendance would improve greatly if evening start times were set to accommodate those who leave work, fight the rush hour traffic and need restaurant time. 6:30pm & 7pm is too early for new release films.
The actual size of the procenium arch width and hight would be extremely helpful!
Correction on the above studio phone number: 714-667-6959… sorry!
Howard and William make mention of “Disney” alterations but, as many theater buffs seem to forget, the awesome DESIGN of the so-called “Disney” alterations were made by the fabulous theater architect JOSEPH MUSIL.
Why wont Disney ever bow and give credit to those forgotten back room boys and girls?
You can see a marvelous full wall display of the Majestic Crest Theatre (models) in Joe’s AMERICAN MUSEUM of THEATRICAL DESIGN, located in Santa Ana. Call him for a special appointment: 714-550-7795….. NOW!!!
Thanks, Ken, for the additional info. Any pictures available?
Ken… Many thanks for the added info. Also the nice photo from “flickr”
So sorry to read about your loss. It’s a shame that more people don’t support their local cinema but the “cold” multiplexes rule.
What wonderful old telephone exchange names we had years ago. Ours in Miami, Fla was TUxedo8-7726.
With present public interest in the theater I strongly suggest that City Hall seize the place for its own protection before it’s too late and beyond reasonable repair.
The owner is a greedy, selfish old man who is depriving the locals and visitors of their unique island cinema.
By reopening the Village, this will bring further trade for the local shops and eateries. The City will further receive additional taxes and parking meter income.
Location, location, location would really help a prospective buyer!
in the greater L.A. area, you could also add Disney’s El Capitan, Grauman’s Chinese, Bay and…
My mother and I laughed ourselves silly during a screening of “When Comedy Was King” -a look back at the really funniest films produced.
What is the address of the “theater”?
You could ask locals about the history of this place or research the records at City Hall. When I did a major search of information for my book the “files” were located in the basement.
Most of the “Theaters and Cinemas” were listed on small index file cards and many were written in pencil and somewhat contradicting to each other.
Best of luck. P.S. Take your bed, food and drink with you. You’ll need it as their is a ton of ancient history down there!!!
I apologize for invading the Odeon, Holloway, spaces BUT would dearly love to see any photos of the auditorium (original or restoration) of my much missed ODEON in SOUTHAMPTON.
My thanks to Kev Phelan (Aug 16) for the above link to the historic exterior shots of the (now destroyed) cinema I patronized so often!
Mr. Musil’s name is listed under “Theater Architects” but it only lists ONE… I wonder why??? There are so many to his credit!