A nice local theater that shows mainly main stream hollywood movies, however does squeeze in a foreign or independent film now and then.
Check out the offical website and the story on the elephants.
This theater is shaped liked a box. Multiplex’s at their worst. That said it is only one of I believe two or three theaters in the Bangor area. Subsequently, filmgoers do not have much of a choice. Recently, I had the opportunity to go to Maine and we saw Monster-in-Law at this theater (maybe it was the movie that made me feel this way aout the theater?). The auditorium we were in was large and bland. It was clean and the projection was good.
For years, the Beach Theater was pretty much an oasis in a multiplex desert. A nice small theater that for the longest time was one of the few (let’s not forget the Tampa Theater) venues in this area to show independent and foreign films. Today, some multiplex’s in the area are actually showing films that at one time would only have been available for showing at the Beach Theater. While this is a good thing, let’s remember we still need to support small independent theaters like the Beach, otherwise they will totally disappear.
I agree with Warren. This should be listed under Loew’s. I was there a couple of times as a youngster with my parents. We saw the Bridge on The River Kwai and The King and I.
Don – You are correct about “Sometimes Sweet Susan” on the Lyric marquee in the movie “Taxi Driver.” You assumption about moving it over to the Lyric for the “Taxi Driver” shoot is reasonable. It would be in keeping with the mood of the film to have a porn film on the marquee. There are similar thoughts on this in previous comments.
Here’s a photo I took in 1975. The Lyric had a double feature consisting of Report To The Commissioner and That Man Bolt. Porn had taken over some of the other theaters.
Here’s a photo I took around 1975. At the Harris ,John Wayne was starring in Brannigan. 2nd features was Dionne Warwick and Ossie Davis in Slaves. In the background is the Liberty.
Going to the movies on the east side was always a great experience and you never know who you would run into. One of the many films I saw at the Coronet was Martin Ritt’s film about the blacklist, “The Front”. When the film was over and the crowd began slowly filing out I found myself standing next John Lennon and Yoko. Growing up in the 60’s, and like many others, a fan of The Beatles this was a great thrill. I refained from saying hello, however in my mind I kept screaming to myself “It’s John Lennon! John Lennon!” I managed to stay near them until we left the theater where we went our separate ways. They to Bloomingdale’s and me to Doubledays on 5th and 57th.
Also, there is a photo of the Coronet and Baronet along with a good article on the The Graduate at the following web address. Http://web.infoave.net/-dennmac/review2.html
The Coronet was showing The Graduate and the Baronet had The Comedians
If the address above does not work do a google on Hollis Alpert and The Graduate.
Thanks Lady Rigel. I’ll have to watch the film again and pay close attention to those scenes.
Just as a note Other movies filmed the Bensonhurst area include The French Connection, Dog Daya Afternoon and Sat. Night Fever with it’s classic opening sequence of Travolta walking down 86h St.
Anyone know of any other movies filmed in the area.
RobertR I agree with you. Even as a twin the State was a wonderful theater. In 1976, I saw “Leadbelly” the Gordon Parks film about the blues singer Huddie Ledbetter. The night I went they had a special live performance with Brownie McGee (spelling may be wrong) and others talking about and singing Leadbelly songs. Why isn’t this movie on DVD!
Lady Rigel – What street was that where they filmed the house scenes in Angie? Just wondering if I know the block. I grew up on 81st and 18th Avenue.
During the release of The Bellboy, Jerry Lewis did a promotional tour of Loew’s theaters where the film was playing. Got to see Jerry do about 15 minutes or so of bits before he got back on the bus for his next stop. Along with the Oriental I do know the tour included the Loew’s 46th Street. YOu can see Jerry’s home movies of this tour which are included as extras the DVD.
lady Rigel
– The Oriental was a wonderful theater. I grew up in Bensonhurst and lived about six blocks away from it. Spent a lot of my teen years in the dark of that theater. The Loew’s Oriental can be seen in some scenes of the 1994 film “Angie” with Geena Davis and James Gandolfini.
A nice local theater that shows mainly main stream hollywood movies, however does squeeze in a foreign or independent film now and then.
Check out the offical website and the story on the elephants.
This theater is shaped liked a box. Multiplex’s at their worst. That said it is only one of I believe two or three theaters in the Bangor area. Subsequently, filmgoers do not have much of a choice. Recently, I had the opportunity to go to Maine and we saw Monster-in-Law at this theater (maybe it was the movie that made me feel this way aout the theater?). The auditorium we were in was large and bland. It was clean and the projection was good.
On the attached website you will find a couple of photos and short articles on the Bleecker St Cinema.
View link
Warren – He looks real young!
For years, the Beach Theater was pretty much an oasis in a multiplex desert. A nice small theater that for the longest time was one of the few (let’s not forget the Tampa Theater) venues in this area to show independent and foreign films. Today, some multiplex’s in the area are actually showing films that at one time would only have been available for showing at the Beach Theater. While this is a good thing, let’s remember we still need to support small independent theaters like the Beach, otherwise they will totally disappear.
You can see the Bleecker in Paul Mazursky’s Willie and Phil. Later in the film the lead characters are shown coming out of the Waverly.
I agree with Warren. This should be listed under Loew’s. I was there a couple of times as a youngster with my parents. We saw the Bridge on The River Kwai and The King and I.
Does anyone know when this theater closed?
Myrtleave – Great ads. I love seeing this stuff.
Don – You are correct about “Sometimes Sweet Susan” on the Lyric marquee in the movie “Taxi Driver.” You assumption about moving it over to the Lyric for the “Taxi Driver” shoot is reasonable. It would be in keeping with the mood of the film to have a porn film on the marquee. There are similar thoughts on this in previous comments.
Here’s a photo I took in 1975. The Lyric had a double feature consisting of Report To The Commissioner and That Man Bolt. Porn had taken over some of the other theaters.
View link
Here’s a photo I took around 1975. At the Harris ,John Wayne was starring in Brannigan. 2nd features was Dionne Warwick and Ossie Davis in Slaves. In the background is the Liberty.
View link
I would like ‘em too.
Thanks much!
RobertR – I don’t know for sure, however, I wonder if it was a rock n roll show or was he himself just touring theaters to romote “Rock, Rock, Rock”.
I found this on the web long ago. Not sure where or who to credit.
A great shot of the marquee.
View link
Took this in 1976
View link
Here’s a photo I took back in 1977.
View link
Here’s a photo I took back in the 70’s/ Brian DePalma’s Obsession was playing at both theaters.
View link
Sorry about the above address. This should work.
http://web.infoave.net/~dennmac/review2.html
Going to the movies on the east side was always a great experience and you never know who you would run into. One of the many films I saw at the Coronet was Martin Ritt’s film about the blacklist, “The Front”. When the film was over and the crowd began slowly filing out I found myself standing next John Lennon and Yoko. Growing up in the 60’s, and like many others, a fan of The Beatles this was a great thrill. I refained from saying hello, however in my mind I kept screaming to myself “It’s John Lennon! John Lennon!” I managed to stay near them until we left the theater where we went our separate ways. They to Bloomingdale’s and me to Doubledays on 5th and 57th.
Also, there is a photo of the Coronet and Baronet along with a good article on the The Graduate at the following web address. Http://web.infoave.net/-dennmac/review2.html
The Coronet was showing The Graduate and the Baronet had The Comedians
If the address above does not work do a google on Hollis Alpert and The Graduate.
Thanks Lady Rigel. I’ll have to watch the film again and pay close attention to those scenes.
Just as a note Other movies filmed the Bensonhurst area include The French Connection, Dog Daya Afternoon and Sat. Night Fever with it’s classic opening sequence of Travolta walking down 86h St.
Anyone know of any other movies filmed in the area.
RobertR I agree with you. Even as a twin the State was a wonderful theater. In 1976, I saw “Leadbelly” the Gordon Parks film about the blues singer Huddie Ledbetter. The night I went they had a special live performance with Brownie McGee (spelling may be wrong) and others talking about and singing Leadbelly songs. Why isn’t this movie on DVD!
Great ads Jerry!
Lady Rigel – What street was that where they filmed the house scenes in Angie? Just wondering if I know the block. I grew up on 81st and 18th Avenue.
During the release of The Bellboy, Jerry Lewis did a promotional tour of Loew’s theaters where the film was playing. Got to see Jerry do about 15 minutes or so of bits before he got back on the bus for his next stop. Along with the Oriental I do know the tour included the Loew’s 46th Street. YOu can see Jerry’s home movies of this tour which are included as extras the DVD.
Bill,
the ads are great stuff! Thanks for sharing them.
lady Rigel
– The Oriental was a wonderful theater. I grew up in Bensonhurst and lived about six blocks away from it. Spent a lot of my teen years in the dark of that theater. The Loew’s Oriental can be seen in some scenes of the 1994 film “Angie” with Geena Davis and James Gandolfini.