A bit more on the plan to convert the Cinema 150 to a concert venue: many of the existing seats will remain in place, with a “pit” at the front and luxury boxes in the back. Is this the best and highest use of the theater? Probably, considering the realities of the marketplace. This distinct building at a very heavily traveled intersection will be saved, and its location across the street from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a pretty good fit for a well-managed concert venue. News reports indicate that its capacity will be about 1,100, filling a gap in Little Rock for medium-sized events.
Ohhhh, and no one has mentioned that the Paris has a real balcony. It’s a terrific place to see a film and was a great refuge from today’s snow storm. Bride and Prejudice: Bollywood on a wintry day —— fun!
I have no objection to the present use of the Montauk. It’s certain that porn has been a factor in keeping hundreds of theaters standing years after they might otherwise have met the wrecking ball. Here’s an ironic thought, though: I would love to see the interior of the Montauk, but I’m afraid I’m not broad-minded enough to attend a gay porn theater. If only they could have an occasional “open house” event with a mainstream or oldie film. Meanwhile I hope that the gay community continues to patronize it —– it IS a treasure.
AndyT
commented about
Cine 42on
Feb 19, 2005 at 4:25 pm
The open-mindedness by most folks who are intrigued by Cinema Treasures is a key factor in making this site interesting. Oddly enough, our hobby has a slight relationship with something (porn) that gets almost everyone’s blood boiling one way or the. Keep in mind that it was porno that saved hundreds of theaters from the wrecking ball for years. Many of them were rehabilitated at least partly as a result of their X-rated survival. Additionally, who are any of us to be critical about another’s sexuality or choice of films? As if I don’t already have enough to think about … . lololol.
Jesset—-thank you for sharing your information on the Moorlyn. I wish everyone in the theater business had your enthusiasm. Keep it up — I’m sure you are an important part of a great movie-going experience. See you next summer!
I don’t think so —– I know I didn’t. I believe that these theaters were not even included in specific movie display ads, and the owners certainly didn’t spend money on advertising.
I think that most of us were unable to distinguish between the various theaters even when they were showing films. Ownership did little to establish identities for the grind houses —– the prospective customer simply walked up the street until they were seduced by a triple feature. I think there were few of us that said “Let’s go to the Selwyn.”
There’s a good corporate choice —– razor wire instead of employee presence —– nothing like a cheap roll of razor wire that sets such a great atmosphere —– hmmmm …
Note the recent succesful outpouring of community support recently for Pale Male (the hawk nested on a Fifth Avenue co-op (coop??). Let’s pay some attention to this —– keep it in front of the news media, let our local politicos know and maybe most important, communicate our displeasure to Sloan-Kettering. There is no certainty that we can do anything, but if we remain silent the Beekman will join the rest of our lost Treasures.
For those who aren’t familiar with the Beekman, it is a gorgeous and unique theater compared to today’s cookie-cutter megaplexes. The seats are wide and comfortable and the auditorium sends a signal of warmth and welcoming. The Beekman programs a mix of mainstream and “art” films reflecting the sophistication of its Upper East Side audience. Loss of the Beekman will be a catastrophe for those who believe movie-going should be something special.
There is little reason to think of the Sunrise as one of the first theaters to be built as a multiplex. The mid to late 1970s saw hundreds of multiplexes built across the country. The Sunrise was not ground breaking in any way. Probably the most unusual thing is the fact that it continues to operate —– irrespective of a questionable safety issue (1990 was a long time ago folks), there is a huge population nearby and Valley Stream will certainly continue to be a perfect place for a multiplex, or two as exist now.
Twinned, tripled, quadded or 24-screened former decent theaters are abominations as most folks on this site would agree. The Metro’s plywood remodeling doesn’t count for beans in the architectural discussion.
A bit more on the plan to convert the Cinema 150 to a concert venue: many of the existing seats will remain in place, with a “pit” at the front and luxury boxes in the back. Is this the best and highest use of the theater? Probably, considering the realities of the marketplace. This distinct building at a very heavily traveled intersection will be saved, and its location across the street from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a pretty good fit for a well-managed concert venue. News reports indicate that its capacity will be about 1,100, filling a gap in Little Rock for medium-sized events.
I hate it when jobs get in the way of cinema!
Just as Bakersfield is a perfect example of an awesome city. Life is great!
Ohhhh, and no one has mentioned that the Paris has a real balcony. It’s a terrific place to see a film and was a great refuge from today’s snow storm. Bride and Prejudice: Bollywood on a wintry day —— fun!
I have no objection to the present use of the Montauk. It’s certain that porn has been a factor in keeping hundreds of theaters standing years after they might otherwise have met the wrecking ball. Here’s an ironic thought, though: I would love to see the interior of the Montauk, but I’m afraid I’m not broad-minded enough to attend a gay porn theater. If only they could have an occasional “open house” event with a mainstream or oldie film. Meanwhile I hope that the gay community continues to patronize it —– it IS a treasure.
It doesn’t work even WITH a password.
… so what were those steamed-up windows all about???
The open-mindedness by most folks who are intrigued by Cinema Treasures is a key factor in making this site interesting. Oddly enough, our hobby has a slight relationship with something (porn) that gets almost everyone’s blood boiling one way or the. Keep in mind that it was porno that saved hundreds of theaters from the wrecking ball for years. Many of them were rehabilitated at least partly as a result of their X-rated survival. Additionally, who are any of us to be critical about another’s sexuality or choice of films? As if I don’t already have enough to think about … . lololol.
Jesset—-thank you for sharing your information on the Moorlyn. I wish everyone in the theater business had your enthusiasm. Keep it up — I’m sure you are an important part of a great movie-going experience. See you next summer!
My second to Vito’s comments. One of the great pleasures of this site is the extreme care with which it is maintained. Thanks again!
I don’t think so —– I know I didn’t. I believe that these theaters were not even included in specific movie display ads, and the owners certainly didn’t spend money on advertising.
I think that most of us were unable to distinguish between the various theaters even when they were showing films. Ownership did little to establish identities for the grind houses —– the prospective customer simply walked up the street until they were seduced by a triple feature. I think there were few of us that said “Let’s go to the Selwyn.”
There’s a good corporate choice —– razor wire instead of employee presence —– nothing like a cheap roll of razor wire that sets such a great atmosphere —– hmmmm …
The only theater anywhere near here that is in worse shape is the Sutton.
Note the recent succesful outpouring of community support recently for Pale Male (the hawk nested on a Fifth Avenue co-op (coop??). Let’s pay some attention to this —– keep it in front of the news media, let our local politicos know and maybe most important, communicate our displeasure to Sloan-Kettering. There is no certainty that we can do anything, but if we remain silent the Beekman will join the rest of our lost Treasures.
For those who aren’t familiar with the Beekman, it is a gorgeous and unique theater compared to today’s cookie-cutter megaplexes. The seats are wide and comfortable and the auditorium sends a signal of warmth and welcoming. The Beekman programs a mix of mainstream and “art” films reflecting the sophistication of its Upper East Side audience. Loss of the Beekman will be a catastrophe for those who believe movie-going should be something special.
The website has disappeared.
There is little reason to think of the Sunrise as one of the first theaters to be built as a multiplex. The mid to late 1970s saw hundreds of multiplexes built across the country. The Sunrise was not ground breaking in any way. Probably the most unusual thing is the fact that it continues to operate —– irrespective of a questionable safety issue (1990 was a long time ago folks), there is a huge population nearby and Valley Stream will certainly continue to be a perfect place for a multiplex, or two as exist now.
There were a number of other quonset movie theaters in the country as documented elsewhere on this site.
Twinned, tripled, quadded or 24-screened former decent theaters are abominations as most folks on this site would agree. The Metro’s plywood remodeling doesn’t count for beans in the architectural discussion.
Hmmm —– a drive-in named “dent”? I realize that’s the neighborhood, but what WERE they thinking?
Joe —– my guess is that you made a very good business decision.
The last film I saw here was “The Patriot”. Great screen, comfortable seats … and gone. So sad!
Jeeez —– that was the Kimball? Saw the fire on the news —– they just referred to it as a “business block”.
It seemed as if this theater was continuous James Bond in the 60s. A nice place then —– it sounds like it still is.