I never tire of watching David Lean’s famous classic love story “Brief Encounter”. I wonder what cinema was used in the scene where the two lovers went to see a movie? I know the pipe organ intermission music was not played by actress Irene Handl.
Hi Ken… How you brought back vivid memories of being stationed in ‘Guz’ in the latter 1950’s at HMS Drake. And yes, my navy blue bell bottoms graced those seats quite a few times; standing at attention for “God Save The Queen” and/or when VIP’s entered. And how about those fabulous nautical curtains!!!
There must be numerous historic buildings in the U.S. which, at one time housed a theater but failed, then converted into retail or storage space. Just think of what ‘treasures’ must be hidden behind layers of paint, false walls and so on.
Having downloaded the WDAY article, I found it partially interesting, but, for a journalistic point of view, it was very poorly written and somewhat boring due to repetition of the same words!
As for the the huge marque, it has way to much wasted space which could display show times and stars names or even “Coming Soon” attractions. Have a look at San Francisco’s fabulous Castro Theatre… Hint! Hint!
Hi there Larry & Blaine… Keep ongoing with the wonderful film programme and memorable organ music. See my post on Facebook! Cheers from Katy & Simon in Port Orchard, Washington.
For decades, countless kids buy tickets for the Disney feature then sneak into the “X” rated auditorium. Keeping the under-age audience members out of the “adult” flicks will require an usher to verify the correct ticket before allowing entry. And WHO will pay for the extra door person to keep things legal? Exactly!
Julia… you are such a dear lady. You make going to a cinema what it’s all about… pure SHOWMANSHIP.
If every real cinema operator was to sign this petition, then I believe we could really force the issue about this digital switch. Without being able to see the projector, I challenge ANY audience member to compare the absolute difference between celluloid and digital. The numbers will be staggering as to who is correct against the losers who are blowing it out of you know where! I dare you to accept the challenge.
This beautifully designed and awesome facade looks more like a massive pipe organ grill… all we need is for a Wurlitzer to rise magically and entertain the excited movie patrons as they pour into lobby for the next show!
Being a typical far-sighted movie fan I have found the rear seating is best for me. One misses the fuzz when seated down front and typically the film is best focused from the back. The only drawback is those idiots who are totally obsessed by checking their cellphone for a text message. And oh yes, how I so enjoy getting in their face regarding the house rules of turning OFF the phone during show time. I’m NOT at all polite!!!
On this very special “Thanksgiving Day” of the year, I feel most privileged in saying a big THANK YOU to all of my fellow members of “CT”, for their many past and exciting contributions to this wonderful website. Please, don’t stop with the never ending stories and glorious historic theater photographs. As Clint Eastwood once said “Go Ahead… Make My Day.” You really do!
Three cheers for fellow “Brits” to devise something unique, especially for outdoor entertainment and inexpensively operated… even when it rains… which is more often than appreciated!
My wife and I have gone through these excellent photographs several times and still find it difficult to believe that these varied property owners have failed to take care of such priceless gems. They should be ordered to sign them over to others who are capable of saving historic buildings for future generations to enjoy. Our nation-wide archaic laws need to be seriously changed and NOW before it’s too late because they’ll never come again!!!
My firm belief is that NO cinema or theater is complete without at least one set of working curtains. As my old boss in England told me when I was an apprentice projectionist… “Lad, it’s the magic of what is behind the curtains that keeps the audience in a state of excitement for the show to begin”. I also learned that the timing of the curtains closing on time was to never to reveal a blank screen! “Now that” he concluded “spells professionalism” and I’ve never forgotten my training.
I’ve just spent an entire morning wading through these endless stories and pictures all loaded with fascinating facts and with such consummate detail. I’m so glad I was able to be an audience member at just a few Vaudeville programmes which came to the old Empire/Gaumont in Southampton. They’re right you know…“Those were the days”… gone but not forgotten.
Fred Astaire’s song “I’m In Heaven” is what I immediately said to myself when I first saw this wonderful Art Deco auditorium… Perhaps Gene Kelly would have put it another way “Sssmarvelous”… But I feel that “There’s No Business Like Show Business” best fits this picture.
Last night I watched “Conan” TWICE (11pm & 1pm), just to drink-in the fabulous stage and double balconies! The lighting and camera shots were superb but I was disappointed NOT to see the beautiful curtains used -as they do so from his L.A. show. Will some please call and put the word in the stage managers ear… I’ll be hopefully watching.
Thanks Don, you’ve posted another ‘bute’ for us to see. I especially enjoy cinema facades with a tower and horizontal blade. Eye-catching lighting is important, too, especially indirect or even Neon. Architects… take note!
Following the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in SLC I booked the magnificent Capitol Theatre for a onetime live, on-stage Variety Show. This was a special program of entertainers and Color Guards for a “Give-What-You-Can "Fund Raiser” for the American Red Cross. They were experiencing herculean costs following the tragic “911” disaster. Complimentary admission were afforded to the public including written invites to local Civic & State officials, but the attendance was very disappointing even though it was widely covered via press, radio and television spots. My video of the 3-hour event is still heartwarming to watch and I’m very grateful to ALL who donated their time, numerous door-prize gifts, financial aid and talent. The Wurlitzer organ was a really big hit!
Two photo/articles in this weeks Tacoma Weekly newspaper indicate “Groups express new life interest in the Lakewood Theatre”. The second story is of “Mr. Theatre”, the late 53-year old former Executive Director Marcus Walker, who lost his battle with cancer last March. A special birthday candlelight ceremony will be held at 5pm in front of the Lakewood Town Center along with a special street renaming for “Marcus Walker Way”. He will be remembered around Tacoma as “the go-to guy.
This is wonderful news for the Broadway district! There’s nothing better than a hotel with a theater. When living in the L.A. area a decade ago, it was like trying to get into Fort Knox. When this place was a church, the “Mafia-looking guard” at the front door, firmly refused admittance if you did not have a reservation for the Sunday service.
Ah yes… such fabulous memories of being a regular Saturday morning “Minor” at the ABC Broadway, Portswood, Southampton. An entire 4 hour morning, and all for the price of (6d) sixpence. Regretfully no organ at the Broadway but scratchy old recordings of the “Minor’s Song” and “Happy Birthday” (which I still have a 45rpm of). Then, for those of us who had a birthday were invited onto the stage by Uncle Bob (I had at least 6 birthdays a year -ha!) where they ran the spotlight across us. They even put the words on the screen as countless hundreds (of ‘orrible) nippers screamed/sang their little lungs out. As the lights went down and the huge curtains opened, the thunder of pounding feet and bedlam sent clouds of dust up through the film rays. Always a cartoon plus an exciting serial of Cops & Robbers or a Western. And, oh yes, we received a free ticket for the next Saturday. WHAT HAPPY, INNOCENT DAYS… Thank you, dear old Uncle Bob and ABC.
LOSTMEMORY… Please remove your post as this account is no longer working. In fact, I sincerely wish that everyone who has disabled their photos, etc., would PLEASE review their CT account and remove what’s NOT available. It’s so utterly frustrating to do all this scrolling up & down along with clicking this and that, only to find there’s no one home! Get my meaning?
The above photo of the old time commissionaire reminds me of the classic British picture “The Smallest Show On Earth” with the remarkable Bernard Miles standing outside the Bijou… a film I shall never tire of watching, especially as Peter Sellers is the drunk projectionist and Margaret Rutherford as the dotty old cashier.
I never tire of watching David Lean’s famous classic love story “Brief Encounter”. I wonder what cinema was used in the scene where the two lovers went to see a movie? I know the pipe organ intermission music was not played by actress Irene Handl.
Hi Ken… How you brought back vivid memories of being stationed in ‘Guz’ in the latter 1950’s at HMS Drake. And yes, my navy blue bell bottoms graced those seats quite a few times; standing at attention for “God Save The Queen” and/or when VIP’s entered. And how about those fabulous nautical curtains!!!
There must be numerous historic buildings in the U.S. which, at one time housed a theater but failed, then converted into retail or storage space. Just think of what ‘treasures’ must be hidden behind layers of paint, false walls and so on.
Having downloaded the WDAY article, I found it partially interesting, but, for a journalistic point of view, it was very poorly written and somewhat boring due to repetition of the same words! As for the the huge marque, it has way to much wasted space which could display show times and stars names or even “Coming Soon” attractions. Have a look at San Francisco’s fabulous Castro Theatre… Hint! Hint!
Hi there Larry & Blaine… Keep ongoing with the wonderful film programme and memorable organ music. See my post on Facebook! Cheers from Katy & Simon in Port Orchard, Washington.
For decades, countless kids buy tickets for the Disney feature then sneak into the “X” rated auditorium. Keeping the under-age audience members out of the “adult” flicks will require an usher to verify the correct ticket before allowing entry. And WHO will pay for the extra door person to keep things legal? Exactly!
Julia… you are such a dear lady. You make going to a cinema what it’s all about… pure SHOWMANSHIP. If every real cinema operator was to sign this petition, then I believe we could really force the issue about this digital switch. Without being able to see the projector, I challenge ANY audience member to compare the absolute difference between celluloid and digital. The numbers will be staggering as to who is correct against the losers who are blowing it out of you know where! I dare you to accept the challenge.
This beautifully designed and awesome facade looks more like a massive pipe organ grill… all we need is for a Wurlitzer to rise magically and entertain the excited movie patrons as they pour into lobby for the next show!
Being a typical far-sighted movie fan I have found the rear seating is best for me. One misses the fuzz when seated down front and typically the film is best focused from the back. The only drawback is those idiots who are totally obsessed by checking their cellphone for a text message. And oh yes, how I so enjoy getting in their face regarding the house rules of turning OFF the phone during show time. I’m NOT at all polite!!!
On this very special “Thanksgiving Day” of the year, I feel most privileged in saying a big THANK YOU to all of my fellow members of “CT”, for their many past and exciting contributions to this wonderful website. Please, don’t stop with the never ending stories and glorious historic theater photographs. As Clint Eastwood once said “Go Ahead… Make My Day.” You really do!
Three cheers for fellow “Brits” to devise something unique, especially for outdoor entertainment and inexpensively operated… even when it rains… which is more often than appreciated!
My wife and I have gone through these excellent photographs several times and still find it difficult to believe that these varied property owners have failed to take care of such priceless gems. They should be ordered to sign them over to others who are capable of saving historic buildings for future generations to enjoy. Our nation-wide archaic laws need to be seriously changed and NOW before it’s too late because they’ll never come again!!!
My firm belief is that NO cinema or theater is complete without at least one set of working curtains. As my old boss in England told me when I was an apprentice projectionist… “Lad, it’s the magic of what is behind the curtains that keeps the audience in a state of excitement for the show to begin”. I also learned that the timing of the curtains closing on time was to never to reveal a blank screen! “Now that” he concluded “spells professionalism” and I’ve never forgotten my training.
It makes one want to take up religion just to bask inside this beautiful building.
I’ve just spent an entire morning wading through these endless stories and pictures all loaded with fascinating facts and with such consummate detail. I’m so glad I was able to be an audience member at just a few Vaudeville programmes which came to the old Empire/Gaumont in Southampton. They’re right you know…“Those were the days”… gone but not forgotten.
Fred Astaire’s song “I’m In Heaven” is what I immediately said to myself when I first saw this wonderful Art Deco auditorium… Perhaps Gene Kelly would have put it another way “Sssmarvelous”… But I feel that “There’s No Business Like Show Business” best fits this picture.
Last night I watched “Conan” TWICE (11pm & 1pm), just to drink-in the fabulous stage and double balconies! The lighting and camera shots were superb but I was disappointed NOT to see the beautiful curtains used -as they do so from his L.A. show. Will some please call and put the word in the stage managers ear… I’ll be hopefully watching.
Thanks Don, you’ve posted another ‘bute’ for us to see. I especially enjoy cinema facades with a tower and horizontal blade. Eye-catching lighting is important, too, especially indirect or even Neon. Architects… take note!
Following the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in SLC I booked the magnificent Capitol Theatre for a onetime live, on-stage Variety Show. This was a special program of entertainers and Color Guards for a “Give-What-You-Can "Fund Raiser” for the American Red Cross. They were experiencing herculean costs following the tragic “911” disaster. Complimentary admission were afforded to the public including written invites to local Civic & State officials, but the attendance was very disappointing even though it was widely covered via press, radio and television spots. My video of the 3-hour event is still heartwarming to watch and I’m very grateful to ALL who donated their time, numerous door-prize gifts, financial aid and talent. The Wurlitzer organ was a really big hit!
Two photo/articles in this weeks Tacoma Weekly newspaper indicate “Groups express new life interest in the Lakewood Theatre”. The second story is of “Mr. Theatre”, the late 53-year old former Executive Director Marcus Walker, who lost his battle with cancer last March. A special birthday candlelight ceremony will be held at 5pm in front of the Lakewood Town Center along with a special street renaming for “Marcus Walker Way”. He will be remembered around Tacoma as “the go-to guy.
This is wonderful news for the Broadway district! There’s nothing better than a hotel with a theater. When living in the L.A. area a decade ago, it was like trying to get into Fort Knox. When this place was a church, the “Mafia-looking guard” at the front door, firmly refused admittance if you did not have a reservation for the Sunday service.
Ah yes… such fabulous memories of being a regular Saturday morning “Minor” at the ABC Broadway, Portswood, Southampton. An entire 4 hour morning, and all for the price of (6d) sixpence. Regretfully no organ at the Broadway but scratchy old recordings of the “Minor’s Song” and “Happy Birthday” (which I still have a 45rpm of). Then, for those of us who had a birthday were invited onto the stage by Uncle Bob (I had at least 6 birthdays a year -ha!) where they ran the spotlight across us. They even put the words on the screen as countless hundreds (of ‘orrible) nippers screamed/sang their little lungs out. As the lights went down and the huge curtains opened, the thunder of pounding feet and bedlam sent clouds of dust up through the film rays. Always a cartoon plus an exciting serial of Cops & Robbers or a Western. And, oh yes, we received a free ticket for the next Saturday. WHAT HAPPY, INNOCENT DAYS… Thank you, dear old Uncle Bob and ABC.
LOSTMEMORY… Please remove your post as this account is no longer working. In fact, I sincerely wish that everyone who has disabled their photos, etc., would PLEASE review their CT account and remove what’s NOT available. It’s so utterly frustrating to do all this scrolling up & down along with clicking this and that, only to find there’s no one home! Get my meaning?
The above photo of the old time commissionaire reminds me of the classic British picture “The Smallest Show On Earth” with the remarkable Bernard Miles standing outside the Bijou… a film I shall never tire of watching, especially as Peter Sellers is the drunk projectionist and Margaret Rutherford as the dotty old cashier.
Can any other cinema or theater boast the number of owner and name changes? Local movie-goers must be dizzy when trying to remember the present name!