Loew's Jersey Theatre
54 Journal Square,
Jersey City,
NJ
07306
54 Journal Square,
Jersey City,
NJ
07306
98 people
favorited this theater
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Haven’t seen any comments here about this past weekend’s Otto Preminger film noir series. I was surprised at the rather light turnout for the Saturday night screening of “Laura†(one of his most notable works). Incidentally, Foster Hirsch’s introductory remarks, commentary and audience Q&A session were enlightening and insightful – they enhanced the movie-going experience, especially for those of us unfamiliar with this director or this movie.
It was announced on Saturday night that the restored “Wonder Morton†organ would be officially “unveiled†to public audiences during the Holiday Film series. In addition to playing prior to a movie, it would be featured in a “sing-along†concert during a show! Watch for future updates and details on the Loew’s Jersey website, or contact the theatre for more information.
Upcoming movies at Loew’s Jersey…
Foreign Film: Saturday, November 24th
8:00 PM: “Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat: Friends 4 Lyf and Death†(2007, 90 min.)
A screening for the local Filipino community*, this new comedy film is currently in theatrical release. It premiered in the Phillipines on October 10th and in the New York City area on November 14-15th.
For movie details and synopsis, read these ImdB and Viva Movies profiles. Also read about it in Jersey City’s Filipino Express Online.
*NOTE: presented in Tagalog language only, no English subtitles.
Holiday Films: December 14th-15th
Friday, Dec. 14th
7:30 PM: “Miracle on 34th Street†(1947, 96 min.)
Saturday, Dec. 15th
6:00 PM: “Mary Poppins†(1964, 140 min.)
Special bonus: restored Robert Morton “Wonder Organ†in concert!
Plus: children can “Visit Santa†on Dec. 15th, 12:30-3:30 PM and receive $1.00 off a child’s admission to the “Mary Poppins†screening.
And BTW, the showing of “The Jazz Singer” was sheer magic to me. The presentation was just perfect in every way. Not only did the projectionist do a flawless job, but the venue is ideal for showing such films. It just wouldn’t have the same impact for me if it was shown in a smaller/newer cinema. I have seen Jolson many times on television, but you’re missing a lot if you don’t see him on the big screen. I now have a new appreciation of Jolson. He could emote effectively enough to make people cry, and he was a good dancer as well (watch his moves in “Toot Toot Tootsie”), and his singing is sublime in a large hall. He was easily one of the best of the 20th Century, and I doubt we’ll see anything like him again.
Good idea, plenum! Thank you. I just left my name and number and am waiting for a reply.
GabeDF,
The best way to find out if the organ is being played is to contact the Loew’s Jersey box office.
They have a phone number posted on their website and they are good about returning calls.
Also, keep checking the website as your call might prompt them to post a notice regarding the organ.
As you may know, the organ is a joint effort between The Friends of Loew’s (who operate the theatre) and The Garden State Theatre Organ Society (who own, restored and play the organ). It’s operation currently requires 2 GSTOS members at each performance (one to play and the other to operate the lift mechanism).
I hope this helps and that you and your friends will be able to enjoy both the theatre and the organ.
Since this is Cinema Treasures, please don’t misunderstand. I have been to many Loew’s films without the organ playing and I have taken guests to such events. In my opinion, the Loew’s is THE perfect venue for showing classic films.
Personally, I would love to see “Laura” on the big screen even without the organ prequel, but since the organ is working and since my guests and I are interested in organs (as are many others, I’m sure), it would be really, really nice if the organ was playing; and it would be nice to know one way or the other ahead of time. That is what I meant to say. Thanks again.
Does anyone know if The organ will be played before Sat. night’s showing of “Laura.” We have folks from out of town and we only want to go if the organ is going to be played. Any information would be helpful. Thank you.
The “Baby Rose Marie” short film initially had no sound (due to improper loudspeaker hook-up). The feature itself was flawless in picture and sound.
I wasn’t sure what type of audience to expect for this screening (in terms of size and make-up), and was surprised to see a more diverse audience than I expected, particularly in terms of age. I thought it would be a mostly older audience, and while there was a large contingent of seniors (who could probably remember seeing this film in their childhood years, and know the words to every Jolson song ever written), there was an even greater number of 20- and 30-somethings, and even some families and children in attendance (surprising given the “novelty†of this film presentation, but then again maybe that’s the aspect that created interest). It’s amazing to see how this place is able to generate a varied interest in classic movies and attract an audience that spans across generations.
Attendance-wise, I thought I heard the figure “234†or “243†mentioned by one of the ticket sellers just before showtime, but maybe it was “342†(perhaps my mind acting dyslexic again)? It was mixed opinion as to what type of response the theatre would get to this “experiment†(as one staffer-in-charge put it).
In terms of ethnicity, it was predominantly white (not uncommon for movie audiences here, but more so than usual) but nonetheless a more racially diverse gathering than I would have expected for this event, with a small number of non-white (black and Hispanic) customers in attendance. There were no complaints from anyone regarding the film’s content â€" people came to see it for its historical significance and the opportunity to experience it in an appropriately authentic and historic setting. Everyone seemed to accept it for what it was: entertainment from another era. There must have been quite a few Jewish people in the audience as well â€" the use of the word “shiksa†in the movie got a hearty laugh (it means “non-Jewish femaleâ€, whereas “goy†is the more generic term for a “gentile†and applies to both sexes).
Incidentally, there were several customers who identified themselves as members of a local area chapter of the “Al Jolson Society†(yes, one does exist), and they informed me that they held a special screening about two weeks ago at a much smaller venue (a clubhouse or meeting hall-type place, whose name I can’t recall), so there’s your “other†New York area anniversary screening (definitely not on the same caliber as Loew’s Jersey!) â€" although this “Al Jolson Forum†entry indicates yet another New York Metro anniversary screening, to take place on December 2nd at Bellmore Movies on Long Island. And on the same forum is their reaction (“Jolson in Jersey…againâ€) to the Loew’s Jersey screening. (Links found via the “International Al Jolson Society†Website.)
Others in attendance included those affiliated with the Garden State Theater Organ Society â€" organist Ralph Ringstad Jr. arrived before the doors opened, and with the help of the “Wonder Morton†serenaded customers as they strolled into the auditorium (and it sounded great!). Some moviegoers arrived early too, just so they could hear it play. Selections included some Al Jolson standards (“Toot-Toot-Tootsie†got my feet tapping).
I had the opportunity, pleasure and privilege to be able to attend and take part in this event as “volunteer staff†â€" I “worked†the door, so if I took your ticket, then “Welcome…and I hope you enjoyed the showâ€.
I attended the screening of The Jazz Singer last night(11-10-07) The organ was playing before the show,according to the staff this was only the 2nd time it has been played.
There were about 350 people so it was a good turnout.There was a historian there who spoke before and after the film.He was very informative.
The organ played into the start the film.The film came on with no sound, people joked around that this was the silent version of the movie.After 5 min the lights came up and we were told the problem would be fixed shortly.
The film came up again and this time with sound! The print of the film was very good given it age(It was WB vault print)
The movie was GREAT on the BIG screen in a GREAT VENUE!
Jolson in “Blackface” was not offensive IMO.HE just sang as he would have in “White face” Other movies from that time did mock black people in a distasteful way.
Thank you so very much for this video. I was planning on writing a short review, but now I don’t need to. This remarkable instrument speaks for itself in your wonderful new video (which I have played 5 times already!).
Also, thanks for your encouraging words about volunteering. I would be glad to do so, and will do so, sometime very soon.
Here is a special treat for everyone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDmjTlwsE6M
It is also on the Loew’s Jersey home page http://www.loewsjersey.org (at the bottom)
Enjoy!
Dear GabeDF and any other interested folk,
The Loew’s Jersey is always ready to welcome anyone who is passionate about old movie palaces and interested in helping to preserve/restore them.
The range of volunteer duties is very wide and there is no age limits – at the last film there was Toni, a wonderful lady of years (I’ll be discreet about her age) welcoming guests and youngsters helping at the concessions. Whether your special skill is folding programs or restoring faux surfaces, it’s a very rewarding experience.
And the best bonus is being able to poke and peek at all the great places that there is just not enough time for during a film exhibition or a group tour to see.
There are open house volunteer work calls nearly every Saturday (and, of course, when there are films) from 10am to 6pm. You can call the Loew’s box office during the week to confirm or just drop by, press the brass doorbell button next to the classic ticket booth and join on in. Friends of the Loew’s provides insurance coverage for all volunteers plus drinks and lunch.
Quite a building! Thanks for answering my questions. I will be there today for the organ trials. In all my time of visiting the Loew’s, I have never heard the organ. I suppose before 1974 it didn’t work? and after that there was no organ for a very long time. The first time I was there was in 1965. It was my neighborhood movie house while I was growing up. (All of us should be so lucky!)
I also plan on being there for “The Jazz Singer.” It wouldn’t surprise me if you sold out! Wouldn’t that be great?!
Just love the work you’re doing at the Loew’s. Please keep it up!
The room under the booth is the “publicity room” as identified on the original blueprints. That’s where the custom posters were originally made for the film/stage shows from 1929-1935. That room is also the access to the roof and clock tower. You have to climb through a window to get on the roof.
Yes, there is a long passageway from the sub-basement under the lobby that will take you backstage. I’ve walked it during shows, and it’s kind of creepy to hear the film echoing through the long, narrow corridor.
There’s also a large rehearsal room (and radio broadcasting booth) two levels below the stage.
One more quick question. Is it possible to walk from the stage to the lobby (and onto the upstairs backstage rooms) without being seen by the audience? Are there backstage passages from the stage (or under it) to the front of the house)?
Like Bluebeard’s wife, I’m just very, very curious about what lies behind the locked doors, besides being interested in stagecraft and theatrical history.
Thanks again for any info. you might have.
Thanks, Bob. I kind of figured there weren’t, but I was hopeful. Didn’t know about the band cart. That’s quite interesting.
I’ve been on the tour of the Loew’s several times, but I have never actually been backstage (except to see the projection booth—a true wonder to see in 2007). Do you know what’s on the floor below the projection booth? If you look at almost any photo of the exterior of the Loew’s, you can see two floors of windows. I believe the top one is the projection booth, but what is on the floor under that? Old offices, I would assume.
Also, it would be fascinating to sometime see the trap room, dressing rooms, and the big room under the lobby. Here’s hoping I get to do it one day.
Two questions regarding the theatre building, perhaps someone out there might have the answer: The Kings Theatre had (or has) 2 stage elevators (besides the orchestra pit elevators). I know that the Jersey has a trap room under the stage, but by any chance does the Jersey have stage elevators there as well?
I am aware that the firm that designed the theatre was Rapp & Rapp. But is there any chance that auditorium was designed by Thomas W. Lamb (as a consultant)? The reason I ask is that the Jersey auditorium looks almost exactly like the Loew’s Midland and The Fox Theatre in San Francisco, and both of these were designed by Lamb.
It really sounds its going to be a great event. I really wish I could be there to see it. Anyway I’ll be at the Loews the following week for the Otto Preminger films.
To clarify, according to the FOTL website, this is the only ANNIVERSARY-YEAR screening scheduled for the NYC metro area (another anniversary screening, presented by AMPAS, recently took place at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA). If there is, in fact, a second screening scheduled (sometime in the future) for the NYC area, I can find NO mention of it anywhere. Since FOTL obtained a special 35mm print for their screening, perhaps they could tell you where it will be shown next.
This local news article from the Jersey City Reporter (10/27/2007) provides detailed information about the much-anticipated 80th anniversary screening at Loew’s Jersey. (Hudson Reporter online)
Here is an excellent article that originally appeared in the Jewish Journal online (9/21/2007) with background and history about the film itself. (“All About Jewish Theatre†Website).
This commentary offers further critical analysis and a fantastic nighttime photograph of Warners’ Theatre where the movie premiered on October 6th, 1927. (“Alternative Film Guide†website)
A quick Internet search of other sites indicates that this anniversary seems to be getting a lot of publicity and interest – it should be a big event!
Since I’m going to be out of town on Nov.10 I will unfortunatly miss seeing the Jazz Singer. When and where is the other screening scheduled in the NYC area?
Just announced – upcoming November film programs…
Al Jolson’s “The Jazz Singer†(1927) â€" Special 80th Anniversary Screening:
Nov. 10th (Saturday), 7:30 p.m.
The movie that changed Hollywood forever with the introduction of sound, this is the first of ONLY two anniversary-year screenings scheduled for the entire NYC metropolitan area – a RARE opportunity to see this historic film on the BIG screen.
With commentary by Ron Hutchinson of The Vitaphone Project.
The Films of Otto Preminger:
Nov. 16th (Friday)
8:00 p.m.: “Where the Sidewalk Ends†(1950) (book signing 7:00-7:55 p.m.)
Nov. 17th (Saturday)
4:00 p.m.: “Angel Face†(1952) (book signing 3:00-3:55 p.m.)
8:30 p.m. “Laura†(1944) (book signing 7:30-8:25 p.m.)
With film discussions, audience Q&A sessions, and book signings by Foster Hirsch, film professor at Brooklyn College, and author of the new biography “Otto Preminger: The Man Who Would Be Kingâ€.
Visit http://www.loewsjersey.org for further information and/or updates.
Info about the Wonder Morton is at www.gstos.org/wonder.htm
Attendance at the 7 p.m. showing of “Frankenstein†on Saturday night was the best that I have personally seen since I began visiting this theatre 18 months ago (March of 2006) â€" the center orchestra seats were crowded from the stage all the way to the rear rows – many families with young children were present, and their behavior was exemplary (quiet, courteous and respectful of others throughout the show). Attendance petered out somewhat for the 9 p.m. screening of “Bride of Frankenstein†with a mostly adult audience remaining.
The presentation was first-rate for both features. What I love about this theatre is how its ambience and décor work so well with certain types of movies. It provides a setting that allows these classic horror films to “shine†and look their best. With the house lights completely darkened, the interior takes on a sullen, gray, almost “lifeless” appearance – the glow from the screen gets “caught†on the ornately textured walls, the old carved and creviced surfaces casting gloomy shadows. These visual sensations, along with the sound echoing off of the walls, create a moody, “hollow†atmosphere reminiscent of a setting associated with haunting and suspense.
I’m disappointed that I didn’t get to hear the restored “Wonder Morton†organ put through its paces (although it looks impressive enough just sitting on display). For me, the ultimate classic Halloween cinematic experience would be to watch a silent film such as “Phantom of the Opera†on that huge screen while the theatre organ majestically plays on, filling this tremendous space with energy and excitement.
“Frankenstein” and “Bride of Frankenstein” last night were both excellent presentations. Hard to explain why, but that wonderful echo the Loew’s Jersey adds to a movie’s dialogue, especially movies like those two, really makes it something special.
It sounded great although all the sound seemed to come from the right side of the theatre. I was sitting in about the seventh row off the center asle. Maybe they are still working on the organ pipes on the left side of the theatre.
If anyone heard it, how was the organ?! Nice and loud I hope!