East 86th Street Cinemas

BoxOfficeBill on July 8, 2005 at 11:37 am

That’s a terrific image of the Casino! I don’t recognize the films, “Confess, Dr. Korda” and “Monpii(?),” but they are typical of the fare there in ‘63. I saw Gustav Grundgens’s “Faust” there around that time. Shortly afterwards (mid-'60s, no?) the theater was modernized and switched to current Hollywood product, first playing subsequent runs to the RKO and Loew’s houses on the other side of the block, and then joining one or another of the Showcase presentations for first-run offerings. I’d practically forgotten the steps up to the auditorium, and even the Tuxedo Ballroom next door. Across the street, above the Automat next to Loew’s, was a fencing studio where you could study (and practice) your swordsmanship. Colorful neighborhood. Thanks for the picture!

sethbook on November 2, 2004 at 12:19 pm

Here’s what I wrote about the old theatre in 1997:

Going to this theatre (to see Mimic) was like being in a time warp, but not in a good way. This theatre was clearly built or remodeled in the 1960s, and has not changed since. The theatre displays its personality in the form of bizarre lampshapes and big chess pieces on the back wall near the projectionist’s peepholes. The seats are originals, and therefore uncomfortable. Seating technology has come a long way since the 1960s. There is something to be said for the upsurge of chain theatres in Manhattan; the seating is vastly improved over the older theatres. If you really can only see a movie here, then by all means, go. Otherwise, pick the Loews Orpheum around the corner on Third Avenue. A trip to this theatre is merely a (bad) trip down memory lane. On the plus side, the woman at the ticket window was very nice. Not the usual surly variety.

Since that time, the theatre has been renovated and features a clean but dark and austere metal design scheme reminiscent of something “Dieter” of SNL sketch fame would like. A vast improvement over the old theatre.