“They plan on renovating the IMAX at this theater sometime this year to match that of the Lincoln Square imax.”
According to opening day press, the Lincoln Square IMAX screen is 8 stories high. The Empire may install laser projection, but matching the Lincoln Square screen would be quite an architectural feat.
The 1937 Film Daily Yearbook (like Cinema Treasures) lists the Franklin and the Prospect as two separate and different theatres. Unlike the Franklin, the Prospect had only 1400 seats and later became the Olympic.
The Apollo and Lyric combined into one theatre (now the Lyric). Both had entrances on 42nd street but the auditoria were on 43rd street. The Times Square was on 42nd street and remains vacant.
According to Catholic.org the ratings started in 1933 but were only available to Catholics who enquired at the time. According to the New York Times, the public postings of film ratings by the Catholic Legion of Decency started on December 16, 1934. (NYT, Dec 7, 1934). So, although it was not common knowledge, the film was already “Condemned” by the Legion when it showed at RCMH that Christmas, as it made their first “Condemned” listing in 1933.
“Original Poster”. He was commenting on the ad in the photo section for “FLYING DOWN TO RIO” being a Christmas booking while condemned by the Legion of Decency.
The OP was about “FLYING DOWN TO RIO”. I took a quick look on IMDB and found a long thread on the many sexual double entendre comments in the film’s dialogue as well as a rather graphic see-through chorus line on an airplane wing.
Not very well advertised to anyone not looking for it. I didn’t even know FANTASTIC BEASTS had any 70mm prints until the post above. In this era when major films don’t need to buy a newspaper ad, these things easy go unnoticed outside of the fanboy bubble.
Welcome to Cinema Treasures, bonebacker2. By all means feel free to share your memories here. Most of us are more than willing to hear your accounts, and not judge them. I was a manager at theatres for over 43 years from the 70’s to the turn of the century. Most sexual acts against children in theatres occurred in suburban theatres during Disney films during that time. They never happened during more adult films. I thought your “LILI” report was enlightening and hope your share more from your growing up with cinema in NYC during the magical fifties era.
A recent search on this site found that at least one of the three rooms that were once the Orpheum Dance Hall showed films as the KINGS, NEW PARIS, and PUSSYCAT CINEMA sometime in the 70’s and 80’s.
Such great news. (I already have tickets.)) It seems to be the theatre created around the show FOLLIES.
“They plan on renovating the IMAX at this theater sometime this year to match that of the Lincoln Square imax.”
According to opening day press, the Lincoln Square IMAX screen is 8 stories high. The Empire may install laser projection, but matching the Lincoln Square screen would be quite an architectural feat.
The 1937 Film Daily Yearbook (like Cinema Treasures) lists the Franklin and the Prospect as two separate and different theatres. Unlike the Franklin, the Prospect had only 1400 seats and later became the Olympic.
Thanks, Rivest. But how did you get a pic posted on CT comments and not the photos section? And can those without Newspapers.com membership see it?
No. B.B. Kings is further west, past the Selwyn (American Airlines).
The Apollo and Lyric combined into one theatre (now the Lyric). Both had entrances on 42nd street but the auditoria were on 43rd street. The Times Square was on 42nd street and remains vacant.
Not ALL Broadway theatres showed movies.
According to Catholic.org the ratings started in 1933 but were only available to Catholics who enquired at the time. According to the New York Times, the public postings of film ratings by the Catholic Legion of Decency started on December 16, 1934. (NYT, Dec 7, 1934). So, although it was not common knowledge, the film was already “Condemned” by the Legion when it showed at RCMH that Christmas, as it made their first “Condemned” listing in 1933.
“Original Poster”. He was commenting on the ad in the photo section for “FLYING DOWN TO RIO” being a Christmas booking while condemned by the Legion of Decency.
The OP was about “FLYING DOWN TO RIO”. I took a quick look on IMDB and found a long thread on the many sexual double entendre comments in the film’s dialogue as well as a rather graphic see-through chorus line on an airplane wing.
Myron, both films opened at RCMH first run, but “premiered” elsewhere.
Not very well advertised to anyone not looking for it. I didn’t even know FANTASTIC BEASTS had any 70mm prints until the post above. In this era when major films don’t need to buy a newspaper ad, these things easy go unnoticed outside of the fanboy bubble.
How did you know that this theatre was showing it in 70mm?
“MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE 2”, “GLADIATOR” and “THE PERFECT STORM” all out-grossed “X-MEN” that summer.
I think the Trans-Lux Newsreel was the first purpose built twin in the city, if you don’t count roof garden cinemas.
First? Here is a reliable source to dispute that
The seventh screen was carved out of the ground level retail space after Cineplex Odeon had trouble leasing it out to anyone else.
Now it’s Spring 2017. It would been have quicker to just knock it down and start all over again.
‘Cineworld at the Empire Theatre’ is the new name.
Welcome to Cinema Treasures, bonebacker2. By all means feel free to share your memories here. Most of us are more than willing to hear your accounts, and not judge them. I was a manager at theatres for over 43 years from the 70’s to the turn of the century. Most sexual acts against children in theatres occurred in suburban theatres during Disney films during that time. They never happened during more adult films. I thought your “LILI” report was enlightening and hope your share more from your growing up with cinema in NYC during the magical fifties era.
Hated the musical “HAMILTON” but applaud his efforts here.
Here is a marquee shot as the Pussycat Cinema.
A recent search on this site found that at least one of the three rooms that were once the Orpheum Dance Hall showed films as the KINGS, NEW PARIS, and PUSSYCAT CINEMA sometime in the 70’s and 80’s.
“The Understanding Heart” is the newest title, opening in NY in early May 1927, so 1927 is a good guess. The other two titles opened in late 1926.
How derelict for this poster to totally ignore the cinema history of the Hudson. http://cinematreasures.org/comments?page=2&theater_id=2971