Great ads Ed. They have helped me remember what theaters I originally saw some of the films advertised. (Ordinary People and Altered States at the Loew’s Astor Plaza and The Seduction at the Loew’s State). Thanks for taking the time to post.
I was only in this theater three or four times, however my most memorable recollection was discovering the early Martin Scorsese film “Who’s That Knocking At My Door?” I may be mistaken but this was in either 1970 or 1971 (Does anyone know when it played there?). I have been a Scorsese admirer ever since. Also remember seeing my only Andy Warhol film, “Lonesome Cowboys” and “The Harrad Experiment”. I was spared having to sit through the entire film when technical difficulties in the projection room resulted in a refund when they could not continue running the film.
I recently saw the TVM “It’s Good To Be Alive”,(Roy Campanella story) on the Fox Movie Channel and during the opening credits there is a great shot of the Astor Theatre. In the background you can see the Victoria. Another quick scene shows the Harlem Theater. The film was made in the early 70’s with Paul Witfield as Campy. A young Lou Gossett is also in the film. The real Campy bookends the story as he sits at a desk writing his life story. Also, in the opening credits are nice clips of Campy and the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Thanks to both Davebazooka and AAlvarez for the great documentation of the Beekman. Always one of the premiere theaters in NYC. Spent much time in there. Some of the films I saw include Two Lane Blacktop, Slapshot, An Unmarried Woman, Magic, Roadie, Pope of Greenwich Village, Play It At It Lays, Stakeout, Stay As You Are, Frances, Bite The Bullet, Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade,Empire of The Sun and Always.
I was watching the “King of Queens” the other night and the show started with a exterior shot of the UA Crossbay. Am I correct in assuming that is this theater?
My wife and I just got back from a four day weekend in NY. Along with shopping, eating at great resturants, seeing “The Odd Couple” on Broadway, Emanuel Ax at Carnegie Hall, we caught “Mrs Palfrey At The Clarmont” at the Paris. Always an elegant theater the Paris continues to be one of the best places to see a movie. It’s weekends like we just had that make me wish I still lived in NYC.
I remember going to this cinema only once, however, unfortunately I cannot remember what film I saw. What I really want to ask is does anyone remember the Cinemabilia bookstore that was located on 12th street? This was a great bookstore dedicated to films. Books, current and out-of print, magazines, posters, and thousands of stills. Originally, they were located on Corneila Street in the Village. A great place where I spent a lot of time.
In his new book, 700 Sundays, which is based on his Broadway show Billy Crystal mentions the Loew’s Commordore. Billy’s family owned the Commordore record label which recorded some of the great jazz artists of our time including Billie Holliday. One day Billie took young Billy to the Commordore where they saw the great George Stevens western “Shane” with Alan Ladd and Jack Palance. As everyone knows Palance would memorably come back into Billy’s life years later. The only quibble I had with the book is Billy referring to the Commodore as a “little theater”. With close to 3000 seats I would not call the Commordore little. A minor point. The book is a good read and Billy’s family is one of the most interesting I have ever read about. I live in Florida and unfortunately did not have the opportunity to see the show on Broadway. Has anyone seen it?
Warren – Thank you for the correction on Hal Wallis.
I also wanted to note that while Wallis seemed to limited in his view of what Martin & Lewis and Elvis were capable of, he had a lustrous career for many years as a producer with Warner Bros. Casablanca, I Am A Fugitve From a Chain Gang, The Roaring Twenties, Captain Blood are just the tip of the iceberg. Perhaps the M&L and Elvis pictures were just for economic reasons and gave him the ability to do more prestigious films like The Rose Tattoo and Becket.
Just finished reading Jerry Lewis’s recent memoir “Dean & Me.” Jerry paints a wonderful portrait of the nightclub era of late 1940’s and early 1950’s. He also gives a vivid description of the first time Martin & Lewis appeared at the Paramount doing 6 to 7 shows a day. The book is an interesting read, however like his films tends to go overboard sometimes. He continually extols Dean’s comedic talent, and rightly so, and how Paramount’s studio heads (mainly Hal Wallis) played down Dean in their movies while playing up Jerry’s. Of course, Mr Wallis was also responsible in the 1960’s for many of Elvis' films, who along with the Colonel, would not give him a chance either to stretch his abilities.
TJ – It was interesting to see. It was late for me also, and from the TCM website you could not tell if was on before or after the movie.
I recorded it and watched it last night. For the record, it was on after the movie which would have been about 1:15AM .
The other night TCM showed Hitchcock’s Psycho. Following the movie was an eight minute newreel called “Releasing Psycho” which was all about the ‘no one will be admitted after the show starts’ campaign. The eight minute clip had extensive views of the DeMille.
These are great photos Dave. Appreciate very much you sharing them with us.
One correction. The 1962 photos had to be taken in 1965. “How To Murder Your Wife” is being shown at the Cinema 1. I assume the 1962 date refers to the completion of the theater being built and not when the photos were taken.
Never the less, these are splendid photos. As I view the photos wonderful memories flood my head reliving the many times and terrific movies I saw at these theaters.
As a former Loew’s theater you should be able search for this theater when you click on the previos names button, however it does not show up in the listing of Loew’s and former Loew’s theaters. I knew this theater as the Loew’s Commodore. Remember seeing the Three Stooges live on stage as they toured promoting their new movie which I believe was Have Rocket, Will Travel.
This is a wonderful theater. My wife and I have lived in the Tampa Bay area for about 8 years now and going to the Tampa theater brings back memories of some of the wonderful theaters from where I grew up in New York. We have seen a wide variety of films here like The Bicycle Thief, Adam’s Rib, Mark of Zorro (silent verison with the wonderful Rosa Rio on the organ), The Spanish Prisoner, In The Bedroom, Winged Migration, Rabbit Proof Fence and most recently, Born in Brothels and Ladies in Lavender. A real treasure!
Great ads Ed. They have helped me remember what theaters I originally saw some of the films advertised. (Ordinary People and Altered States at the Loew’s Astor Plaza and The Seduction at the Loew’s State). Thanks for taking the time to post.
I was only in this theater three or four times, however my most memorable recollection was discovering the early Martin Scorsese film “Who’s That Knocking At My Door?” I may be mistaken but this was in either 1970 or 1971 (Does anyone know when it played there?). I have been a Scorsese admirer ever since. Also remember seeing my only Andy Warhol film, “Lonesome Cowboys” and “The Harrad Experiment”. I was spared having to sit through the entire film when technical difficulties in the projection room resulted in a refund when they could not continue running the film.
Tynan was one of many authors. John Lennon was another.
DOn’t forget about the WALKER and further down 18th Ave.(Near MacDonald Ave. under the L) the CULVER.
I believe a current view of The Midway was seened in this week’s episode of “King of Queens.”
I recently saw the TVM “It’s Good To Be Alive”,(Roy Campanella story) on the Fox Movie Channel and during the opening credits there is a great shot of the Astor Theatre. In the background you can see the Victoria. Another quick scene shows the Harlem Theater. The film was made in the early 70’s with Paul Witfield as Campy. A young Lou Gossett is also in the film. The real Campy bookends the story as he sits at a desk writing his life story. Also, in the opening credits are nice clips of Campy and the Brooklyn Dodgers.
EdSolero… That was SethLewis who say The Maltese Bippy.See the posting just before mine.
Thanks to both Davebazooka and AAlvarez for the great documentation of the Beekman. Always one of the premiere theaters in NYC. Spent much time in there. Some of the films I saw include Two Lane Blacktop, Slapshot, An Unmarried Woman, Magic, Roadie, Pope of Greenwich Village, Play It At It Lays, Stakeout, Stay As You Are, Frances, Bite The Bullet, Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade,Empire of The Sun and Always.
The Fillmore East was originally the Loew’s Commodore.
I was watching the “King of Queens” the other night and the show started with a exterior shot of the UA Crossbay. Am I correct in assuming that is this theater?
My wife and I just got back from a four day weekend in NY. Along with shopping, eating at great resturants, seeing “The Odd Couple” on Broadway, Emanuel Ax at Carnegie Hall, we caught “Mrs Palfrey At The Clarmont” at the Paris. Always an elegant theater the Paris continues to be one of the best places to see a movie. It’s weekends like we just had that make me wish I still lived in NYC.
I remember going to this cinema only once, however, unfortunately I cannot remember what film I saw. What I really want to ask is does anyone remember the Cinemabilia bookstore that was located on 12th street? This was a great bookstore dedicated to films. Books, current and out-of print, magazines, posters, and thousands of stills. Originally, they were located on Corneila Street in the Village. A great place where I spent a lot of time.
In his new book, 700 Sundays, which is based on his Broadway show Billy Crystal mentions the Loew’s Commordore. Billy’s family owned the Commordore record label which recorded some of the great jazz artists of our time including Billie Holliday. One day Billie took young Billy to the Commordore where they saw the great George Stevens western “Shane” with Alan Ladd and Jack Palance. As everyone knows Palance would memorably come back into Billy’s life years later. The only quibble I had with the book is Billy referring to the Commodore as a “little theater”. With close to 3000 seats I would not call the Commordore little. A minor point. The book is a good read and Billy’s family is one of the most interesting I have ever read about. I live in Florida and unfortunately did not have the opportunity to see the show on Broadway. Has anyone seen it?
Complete Beatles did play at the Festival
Warren – Thank you for the correction on Hal Wallis.
I also wanted to note that while Wallis seemed to limited in his view of what Martin & Lewis and Elvis were capable of, he had a lustrous career for many years as a producer with Warner Bros. Casablanca, I Am A Fugitve From a Chain Gang, The Roaring Twenties, Captain Blood are just the tip of the iceberg. Perhaps the M&L and Elvis pictures were just for economic reasons and gave him the ability to do more prestigious films like The Rose Tattoo and Becket.
Just finished reading Jerry Lewis’s recent memoir “Dean & Me.” Jerry paints a wonderful portrait of the nightclub era of late 1940’s and early 1950’s. He also gives a vivid description of the first time Martin & Lewis appeared at the Paramount doing 6 to 7 shows a day. The book is an interesting read, however like his films tends to go overboard sometimes. He continually extols Dean’s comedic talent, and rightly so, and how Paramount’s studio heads (mainly Hal Wallis) played down Dean in their movies while playing up Jerry’s. Of course, Mr Wallis was also responsible in the 1960’s for many of Elvis' films, who along with the Colonel, would not give him a chance either to stretch his abilities.
TJ – It was interesting to see. It was late for me also, and from the TCM website you could not tell if was on before or after the movie.
I recorded it and watched it last night. For the record, it was on after the movie which would have been about 1:15AM .
The other night TCM showed Hitchcock’s Psycho. Following the movie was an eight minute newreel called “Releasing Psycho” which was all about the ‘no one will be admitted after the show starts’ campaign. The eight minute clip had extensive views of the DeMille.
Bill
would love to hear any memories you would like to share. Performers,
Murray The K, the theaters.
These are great photos Dave. Appreciate very much you sharing them with us.
One correction. The 1962 photos had to be taken in 1965. “How To Murder Your Wife” is being shown at the Cinema 1. I assume the 1962 date refers to the completion of the theater being built and not when the photos were taken.
Never the less, these are splendid photos. As I view the photos wonderful memories flood my head reliving the many times and terrific movies I saw at these theaters.
Great! Glad to see the name change!
As a former Loew’s theater you should be able search for this theater when you click on the previos names button, however it does not show up in the listing of Loew’s and former Loew’s theaters. I knew this theater as the Loew’s Commodore. Remember seeing the Three Stooges live on stage as they toured promoting their new movie which I believe was Have Rocket, Will Travel.
This is a wonderful theater. My wife and I have lived in the Tampa Bay area for about 8 years now and going to the Tampa theater brings back memories of some of the wonderful theaters from where I grew up in New York. We have seen a wide variety of films here like The Bicycle Thief, Adam’s Rib, Mark of Zorro (silent verison with the wonderful Rosa Rio on the organ), The Spanish Prisoner, In The Bedroom, Winged Migration, Rabbit Proof Fence and most recently, Born in Brothels and Ladies in Lavender. A real treasure!
Zelig played there also.
Here’s a link to the Brooklyn Library site with a photo of the Walker. Abbott & Costello’s “It’s Ain’t Hay” was the attraction.