Looking at the pic again, maybe the garage goes back more like 40 or 50 feet from the building line at the threshold of the entrance. But no more than that.
Not that deep… maybe 30 feet or so? And if you look at the pic, it doesn’t run the entire width of the building. You can practically see the entirety of the garage in the photo. Didn’t go inside, but I really didn’t have to. I want to know what’s behind and above the garage.
The image is reversed! Unless that is the Mahtog Theatre and the photo was taken in England (or anywhere else, where motorists keep to the left side of the road)!
I’m trying to figure out how the former auditorium is being used, rvb. I know there is a garage in space that was certainly the rear of the orchestra – perhaps a foyer or promenade behind the last row. The garage appears to go deep enough that it certainly eats up much of what would have been mid-to-rear orchestra seating. We’ve pieced together that portions of the backstage area remains at least at basement level, with the dressing rooms and animal cages for the vaudeville acts. Now, I’m wondering, what about the rest of the space above those areas? The balcony area and the rest of the auditorium?
The theatre is said to have been converted into apartments. However, the apartments that front Middle Neck Road, over the former theater entrance and other first floor storefronts on the block, have been there from the very beginning. Since the actual theatre building, which sits behind the apartments, is all but devoid of windows to this day, there can’t be any apartments in that structure. So what did they convert the space into? That’s my question. Had I seen an attendant or superintendent in the garage area, I would have posed the question directly… but there wasn’t a soul around.
Rvb… any idea what the space is being used for? Can’t be living space back there with no windows. Even if they just expanded the apartments facing Middle Neck Road into the theater space, you’d think there would be windows, no?
I’m sure it isn’t a 35mm presentation. When I saw IAMMMMW a few years back at the Manhasset, it was a disappointing DVD projection. I wish more classics were made available via true digital presentation, if they’re going to do away with actual film projection. DVD resolution on a big screen is just so substandard.
I’ve read above that some of the old backstage areas still exist as storage, but I’m curious if anything else remains. There doesn’t seem to be a sufficient number of windows on any of the exposures to suggest that the building was carved up into additional apartment space. The middle window over the garage entrance looks like it has boxes stored against it and the old windows at the top of the facade seem to be in pretty poor repair to belong to any apartments. Maybe I’m wrong, but who’s going to buy a windowless condo unit? Unless, could all that space be for common facilities like a rec room, gym, etc?
The ornamentation around the garage door suggests that this may have been an original exit at some point. The facade is handsome enough that an alternate theatre entrance could have existed here as well, though I’m not sure what the interior layout was like. I might have to get back here with a proper camera to get some decent shots of the architectural details.
The theatre entrance would have been just off the corner where the Tailor shop is (adjacent to the corner Florist) and under the peak at the top of the roof line. The carved inscription at the top reads Baron Building.
Just curious if having birthday wishes on the marquee is a frequent custom at the Squire. I posted a pair of shots taken at night back on November 24, 2006, and I am just noticing now that the words “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” appear on the northern face of the marquee. In the pics I took yesterday, the southern face of the marquee announces “HAPPY BDAY ANGELA AND ROCK.”
In any event, the sidewalks of Middle Neck Road were as busy as ever and I did spot a number of folks heading into the theatre while I was loitering around.
Of course, the new cinemas are still pretty damn soulless on the inside! That is unfortunate. I mean these chain restaurants construct all these over-the-top dining facilities (I’m thinking P.F. Chang, Cheesecake Factory, Grand Lux Cafe, etc), that I wonder why movie chains don’t put the same thought into interior decor with their new construction. I’m not asking for expensive terra cotta exteriors and ornate plaser-work on the inside trimmed in gold-leaf and mahogany… but it would be nice to have something other than drab unadorned sheet rock walls and plain concrete and stucco-foam facades that are the standard in modern mutliplex construction.
But, I know I ask too much. These corporate lackeys can’t even come up with names for their theater more imaginative than “Stadium 12!”
Interesting, C. I I completely disagree with those who feel photos such as these are exploitative or distortions of reality. I think the author of the article you posted hits the nail squarely on the head with his criticism of that line of thinking. These photos document structures that might otherwise pass into oblivion. Even if the structures were to eventually be restored and re-opened to the public, the photos can serve to remind us of what we almost lost and that abandoned buildings such as these can still hold great promise. Additionally, the photographs themselves hold great emotional and aesthetic impact. They might be alternately sad, haunting, awe-inspiring, nostalgic, alarming, stunningly beautiful or any combination of these.
“Ruin porn!” Ha. That makes me laugh. Guess I’ve been involved in “ruin porn” for quite a number of years! I wonder what aspect makes it a controversial genre of photography – unless they are referring to the illegal (and often physically dangerous) breaking and entering that is sometimes committed in order to get interior photographs? I typically don’t ever cross that line, much as I’d often like to (although I did squeeze past a chained gate ages ago to snap some shots at the condemned Ederle Pool in Flushing Meadow Park).
This is a great collection of photos, CWalczak. Looks like a lot school or lodge auditoriums included, judging by the huge windows along the side walls in some of the photos. Of course, that takes nothing away from the tragic beauty of these ruins.
Here’s a 1972 image from the great American Classic Images website, with a classic early ‘70’s grindhouse feature advertised on the marquee.
A pair of stores (one ladies shoes and apparel, the other mens suits and shoes) occupy the old theater building, which now has an address of 1298 & 1298A. The edifice above the entrance has been clad in blue signage that appears to be made of the soft but sturdy material used for commerical awnings. From the looks of it, the eagle that once crowned the cornice above the entrance may still be there under a dome shaped extension of the signage material.
Public records show that the entire lot (which encompasses several buildings) has been owned by the same company since 1968. That company had offices at 1290 Fulton Street out of a furniture store called Fulton Outfitters. The address 1292 is currently one of the storefronts to the right of the former theatre entrance (which today seems to have been expanded from the adjacent 1290 Fulton, where the owners had their offices back in 1968). All of these addresses are encompassed by the one tax lot, so it appears it was a case of one the tenants buying the parcel from their landlord, possibly with the idea of expansion. Looks like several (if not all) of the shops fall under the umbrella of “The Fulton Stores.” The theatere probably had a lease that ran out (or was bought out) in ‘76.
The oldest Certificate of Occupancy on record for the lot is dated April 10, 1935, for the address 1292 and lists a show room and cabaret on first floor and “dance space” on the second floor. The next C of O, dated November 15, 1948, was issued for the address 1296/1298 Fulton Street and includes a “Motion Picture Theatre, no stage, no dressing rooms” with max 570 “persons accommodated” on the first floor and Projection Booth on the mezzanine. A later C of O dated June 25, 1951, for address 1292/94 Fulton, provides for a restaurant and a laundromat on the first floor, with music and dance studio on second floor. I think this tells us that at the time of operation, the theatre was located at 1296/1298 Fulton Street. Perhaps the proprietors had office space at some point in the adjacent building at 1292 Fulton.
Google map the address and use the Street View feature to get a more-or-less current image of the building.
A few mouse-clicks down into the DGA’s website is this photo gallery, which features excellent views of the theatre’s current interior. It appears that the first few rows from each orchestra section were removed in order to bring the screen wall forward (allowing for a wider sheet) and add a small platform stage. Apart from that, the layout of the theatre looks much as it does in the vintage photos Warren posted on May 22, 2008. Not sure when the red drapery was added.
I’m positive this is where I saw a brilliant new (at the time) 35mm print of Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove” in the mid 1980’s. The DGA’s page also includes information regarding the technical facilities, along with a diagram of the theatre. Click on the images to enlarge them.
Sadly, it appears that the 70mm projector’s have been removed. The technical specs skew towards all manner of digital presentation with only a passing mention of “35mm composite” capabilities. The DGA’s Los Angeles facilities (which appear to have been purpose-built) include both 35mm and 70mm capabilities.
Also came across this brief article from examiner.com, noting the vestiges of Floral Park’s cinematic heritage that remain in the Floral Terrace catering hall (as well as a Firestone Tire Shop that was once the Lily Theatre)on Jericho Turnpike. The article also notes that theater seats from the famous and long lost Roxy Theatre in Manhattan are now located in a former meeting hall at the old Masonic Temple, built in 1929 at 29 Tulip Avenue!
This photo of the Floral is included in the article, along with a vintage image of the Lily. The movie playing listed on the Floral’s marquee must have been in re-release, as it was first released in 1920.
The title on the banner under the Lily’s canopy in the above photo is “Bella Donna,” starring Pola Negri. According to IMDB.COM, that romance was released April 1, 1923.
Here’s a brief article from examiner.com, noting the vestiges of Floral Park’s cinematic heritage that remain in the Firestone tire shop and Floral Terrace catering hall on Jericho Turnpike. The article also notes that theater seats from the famous and long lost Roxy Theatre in Manhattan are now located in a former meeting hall at the old Masonic Temple, built in 1929 at 29 Tulip Avenue!
Here’s an updated link to the Floral Terrace Ballroom photo gallery, which provides over 20 shots of the upstairs ballroom and its incorporation of the Floral Theatre’s original coffered ceiling. The upper arch of the proscenium and sounding board, as well as the crowing arches to what must have been the organ pipe chambers, are clearly visible.
This page provides a brief and sketchy history of the building, from the same website. According to that history, the theatre opened on April 27, 1927, with a bill that included “The Princess of Hoboken” and the Hal Roach short, “Duck Soup.” There is a listing on IMDB.COM for a film titled “The Princess from Hoboken,” which is given a release date of April 1, 1927. Meanwhile, the short feature “Duck Soup” is noteworthy as being the very first film in which Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy appear as a comedic “team.” They had appeared together in two previous short films, but this was the first time they played their classic “Stan” and “Ollie” characters.
The page also makes mention of an organ that was installed at a cost of $25,000, but does not offer any further details. Similarly, a date of April 11, 1929, is given for the first “talkie” to play the Floral, but no other information – such as the title of the feature – is provided.
Snapped this pic and that one late Friday afternoon on the way home with my cell phone.
Chatted up a worker who was standing by the fence. There was a bit of a language barrier, but I gathered from the discussion that the original interior of the theater will be restored and preserved. So I imagine that, while the roof is still partially opened to the weather, the major interior architectural elements must be protected somehow from exposure.
Thanks, saps. Took a bit of a hiatus. Posted tons when I was at my busiest on this site 2005-2008. Guess I had just run out of salient things to posts. But, now I feel like I might have new things to contribute here and also wanted to renew my notifications for comment updates on these threads. I miss being connected to the various informational posts and goings on at various theaters. Not to mention the nice sense of community on this site. In short… it’s good to be back!
Are those premieres or engagements? Not sure how “Thor” or “Super 8” will fare, but those other three should ensure a healthy Box Office surge for this theatre!
From grindhousedatabase.com comes, at long last, this photo of the Mini Cinema from around 1969 or 70. “Love Camp 7” was a definite 1969 release, not sure if either of the films called “The Animal” at imdb.com are the same as the title featured on the Mini’s flat marquee.
Looks like this may have been soft porn on screen when it opened, plus the “burlesque” acts – all eleven of them! Can’t figure out if Marinka & Dawn performed their act 11 times? Or were there 11 acts? I’m thinking the former – otherwise the cast and crew may have outnumbered the audience for most performances!
Found this image of the Avon 42 at grindhousedatabase.com. Looks like it was stage shows only at this point. This is an image of the block from bridgeandtunnelclub.com that was taken in 2004 just before all these shops closed for demolition to begin. The Avon 42 was located in the building behind the sign that has the 133 W. 42nd address on it, it has a very shallow yellow awning at the roof line.
Also found this small photo on the grindhouse database site that seems to show the Avon 42 setting up shop at a different location – and showing films again. Marquee looks the same, but the building looks to be entirely different.
A sort of karaoke-cabaret establishment called Spotlight Live opened at the former Circus Cinema in 2007. The concept was a restaurant and nightclub where patrons were encouraged to take the stage and enjoy their “15 minutes of fame,” while cameras would broadcast their performances to passersby via a jumbo-tron screen positioned over the street entrance on Broadway. Interesting idea, but didn’t appear to have sufficient appeal, and the club has since closed its doors.
Here’s a link that offers a good description and interior photos of the place.
Evidently, there was a “private penthouse” for parties of up to 175, which may have been in the former Big Top Theatre space. Judging from some of the event photos on the site, the spirit of exhibitionism certainly carried over from the old days!
There is a very good possibility that the auditorium of the Bryant Theatre still exists – or at least did until very recently – within the footprint of the Bush Tower at 130 W. 42nd Street, which opened in 1918.
The 42nd Street entrance for the Cameo and Bryant, as posted above, was indeed at 138 W. 42nd and has certainly been demolished. However, as with many theaters, this entrance merely led to a narrow foyer that ran back to the auditorium, which sat on 41st Street. If it’s a fact that the Cameo opened in December of 1921, we can only assume that it was either constructed on vacant land behind the tower, which may have been owned by the Bush Terminal Company, or it might have been carved out of space in the building that had a previous use. That remains cloudy at this point.
NYC Dept of Buidling records no longer exist for the address at 138 W. 42nd, and property transfer information is limited. I was able to find a C of O issued in May of 1932, amending usage of the property listed as 130-138 W. 42nd Street & 133-139 W. 41st Street, and the description includes a Motion Picture Theatre on the 1st floor with capacity for 539 persons. This matches seating information Ken Roe posted back on October 31, 2004. The C of O also notes this is a 29 story office building, which matches the description for the Bush Tower. Further, the C of O was issued to the firm of Corbett, Harrison and McMurray, and Harvey Wiley Corbett is listed on several websites as the architect for the Bush Tower.
Additional C of O’s were issued througout the years for this lot (later known as 130-134 W. 42nd and then finally just 130 W. 42nd), in 1973, 1989, 1999 right up to 2006, and each time, the Motion Picture Theatre is still noted on 1st floor with capacity of 539. I know the building itself is landmarked – I wonder if that includes the Bryant’s auditorium? Perhaps there was some adaptive re-use that retained elements of the old place? Perhaps only a trip down to the building would answer those questions to any degree of satisfaction.
Interesting to note that property records also note that the entire Bush Tower was owned by Avon Associates Inc from 1973 until 1977 – presumably the proprieters of the Avon chain of pornographic theaters. They must have operated the Bryant for a period.
Looking at the pic again, maybe the garage goes back more like 40 or 50 feet from the building line at the threshold of the entrance. But no more than that.
Not that deep… maybe 30 feet or so? And if you look at the pic, it doesn’t run the entire width of the building. You can practically see the entirety of the garage in the photo. Didn’t go inside, but I really didn’t have to. I want to know what’s behind and above the garage.
The image is reversed! Unless that is the Mahtog Theatre and the photo was taken in England (or anywhere else, where motorists keep to the left side of the road)!
I’m trying to figure out how the former auditorium is being used, rvb. I know there is a garage in space that was certainly the rear of the orchestra – perhaps a foyer or promenade behind the last row. The garage appears to go deep enough that it certainly eats up much of what would have been mid-to-rear orchestra seating. We’ve pieced together that portions of the backstage area remains at least at basement level, with the dressing rooms and animal cages for the vaudeville acts. Now, I’m wondering, what about the rest of the space above those areas? The balcony area and the rest of the auditorium?
The theatre is said to have been converted into apartments. However, the apartments that front Middle Neck Road, over the former theater entrance and other first floor storefronts on the block, have been there from the very beginning. Since the actual theatre building, which sits behind the apartments, is all but devoid of windows to this day, there can’t be any apartments in that structure. So what did they convert the space into? That’s my question. Had I seen an attendant or superintendent in the garage area, I would have posed the question directly… but there wasn’t a soul around.
Took some photos of the former Playhouse also, Wally, and posted them on that page.
Rvb… any idea what the space is being used for? Can’t be living space back there with no windows. Even if they just expanded the apartments facing Middle Neck Road into the theater space, you’d think there would be windows, no?
I’m sure it isn’t a 35mm presentation. When I saw IAMMMMW a few years back at the Manhasset, it was a disappointing DVD projection. I wish more classics were made available via true digital presentation, if they’re going to do away with actual film projection. DVD resolution on a big screen is just so substandard.
Was in the area late yesterday afternoon and snapped some shots of the former Playhouse with my cell phone.
Middle Neck Road
The Playhouse Condominiums
Apartments and fly tower behind
View of rear stage wall and fly from Cedar Dr
Western auditorium wall on Maple Dr
Maple Dr facade rear orchestra wall
Facade head-on
Facade detail
Former rear exit doors
Garage
Upper Facade view
Former exit doors and alley
Strange roof-top structure
I’ve read above that some of the old backstage areas still exist as storage, but I’m curious if anything else remains. There doesn’t seem to be a sufficient number of windows on any of the exposures to suggest that the building was carved up into additional apartment space. The middle window over the garage entrance looks like it has boxes stored against it and the old windows at the top of the facade seem to be in pretty poor repair to belong to any apartments. Maybe I’m wrong, but who’s going to buy a windowless condo unit? Unless, could all that space be for common facilities like a rec room, gym, etc?
The ornamentation around the garage door suggests that this may have been an original exit at some point. The facade is handsome enough that an alternate theatre entrance could have existed here as well, though I’m not sure what the interior layout was like. I might have to get back here with a proper camera to get some decent shots of the architectural details.
The theatre entrance would have been just off the corner where the Tailor shop is (adjacent to the corner Florist) and under the peak at the top of the roof line. The carved inscription at the top reads Baron Building.
Was in the neighborhood yesterday and snapped a few shots of the Squire with my cell phone:
Middle Neck Road
Happy Birthday…
Marquee
Just curious if having birthday wishes on the marquee is a frequent custom at the Squire. I posted a pair of shots taken at night back on November 24, 2006, and I am just noticing now that the words “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” appear on the northern face of the marquee. In the pics I took yesterday, the southern face of the marquee announces “HAPPY BDAY ANGELA AND ROCK.”
In any event, the sidewalks of Middle Neck Road were as busy as ever and I did spot a number of folks heading into the theatre while I was loitering around.
Of course, the new cinemas are still pretty damn soulless on the inside! That is unfortunate. I mean these chain restaurants construct all these over-the-top dining facilities (I’m thinking P.F. Chang, Cheesecake Factory, Grand Lux Cafe, etc), that I wonder why movie chains don’t put the same thought into interior decor with their new construction. I’m not asking for expensive terra cotta exteriors and ornate plaser-work on the inside trimmed in gold-leaf and mahogany… but it would be nice to have something other than drab unadorned sheet rock walls and plain concrete and stucco-foam facades that are the standard in modern mutliplex construction.
But, I know I ask too much. These corporate lackeys can’t even come up with names for their theater more imaginative than “Stadium 12!”
Interesting, C. I I completely disagree with those who feel photos such as these are exploitative or distortions of reality. I think the author of the article you posted hits the nail squarely on the head with his criticism of that line of thinking. These photos document structures that might otherwise pass into oblivion. Even if the structures were to eventually be restored and re-opened to the public, the photos can serve to remind us of what we almost lost and that abandoned buildings such as these can still hold great promise. Additionally, the photographs themselves hold great emotional and aesthetic impact. They might be alternately sad, haunting, awe-inspiring, nostalgic, alarming, stunningly beautiful or any combination of these.
I enjoyed this very much. Thanks for the post!
“Ruin porn!” Ha. That makes me laugh. Guess I’ve been involved in “ruin porn” for quite a number of years! I wonder what aspect makes it a controversial genre of photography – unless they are referring to the illegal (and often physically dangerous) breaking and entering that is sometimes committed in order to get interior photographs? I typically don’t ever cross that line, much as I’d often like to (although I did squeeze past a chained gate ages ago to snap some shots at the condemned Ederle Pool in Flushing Meadow Park).
This is a great collection of photos, CWalczak. Looks like a lot school or lodge auditoriums included, judging by the huge windows along the side walls in some of the photos. Of course, that takes nothing away from the tragic beauty of these ruins.
Here’s a 1972 image from the great American Classic Images website, with a classic early ‘70’s grindhouse feature advertised on the marquee.
A pair of stores (one ladies shoes and apparel, the other mens suits and shoes) occupy the old theater building, which now has an address of 1298 & 1298A. The edifice above the entrance has been clad in blue signage that appears to be made of the soft but sturdy material used for commerical awnings. From the looks of it, the eagle that once crowned the cornice above the entrance may still be there under a dome shaped extension of the signage material.
Public records show that the entire lot (which encompasses several buildings) has been owned by the same company since 1968. That company had offices at 1290 Fulton Street out of a furniture store called Fulton Outfitters. The address 1292 is currently one of the storefronts to the right of the former theatre entrance (which today seems to have been expanded from the adjacent 1290 Fulton, where the owners had their offices back in 1968). All of these addresses are encompassed by the one tax lot, so it appears it was a case of one the tenants buying the parcel from their landlord, possibly with the idea of expansion. Looks like several (if not all) of the shops fall under the umbrella of “The Fulton Stores.” The theatere probably had a lease that ran out (or was bought out) in ‘76.
The oldest Certificate of Occupancy on record for the lot is dated April 10, 1935, for the address 1292 and lists a show room and cabaret on first floor and “dance space” on the second floor. The next C of O, dated November 15, 1948, was issued for the address 1296/1298 Fulton Street and includes a “Motion Picture Theatre, no stage, no dressing rooms” with max 570 “persons accommodated” on the first floor and Projection Booth on the mezzanine. A later C of O dated June 25, 1951, for address 1292/94 Fulton, provides for a restaurant and a laundromat on the first floor, with music and dance studio on second floor. I think this tells us that at the time of operation, the theatre was located at 1296/1298 Fulton Street. Perhaps the proprietors had office space at some point in the adjacent building at 1292 Fulton.
Google map the address and use the Street View feature to get a more-or-less current image of the building.
A few mouse-clicks down into the DGA’s website is this photo gallery, which features excellent views of the theatre’s current interior. It appears that the first few rows from each orchestra section were removed in order to bring the screen wall forward (allowing for a wider sheet) and add a small platform stage. Apart from that, the layout of the theatre looks much as it does in the vintage photos Warren posted on May 22, 2008. Not sure when the red drapery was added.
I’m positive this is where I saw a brilliant new (at the time) 35mm print of Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove” in the mid 1980’s. The DGA’s page also includes information regarding the technical facilities, along with a diagram of the theatre. Click on the images to enlarge them.
Sadly, it appears that the 70mm projector’s have been removed. The technical specs skew towards all manner of digital presentation with only a passing mention of “35mm composite” capabilities. The DGA’s Los Angeles facilities (which appear to have been purpose-built) include both 35mm and 70mm capabilities.
Also came across this brief article from examiner.com, noting the vestiges of Floral Park’s cinematic heritage that remain in the Floral Terrace catering hall (as well as a Firestone Tire Shop that was once the Lily Theatre)on Jericho Turnpike. The article also notes that theater seats from the famous and long lost Roxy Theatre in Manhattan are now located in a former meeting hall at the old Masonic Temple, built in 1929 at 29 Tulip Avenue!
This photo of the Floral is included in the article, along with a vintage image of the Lily. The movie playing listed on the Floral’s marquee must have been in re-release, as it was first released in 1920.
The title on the banner under the Lily’s canopy in the above photo is “Bella Donna,” starring Pola Negri. According to IMDB.COM, that romance was released April 1, 1923.
Here’s a brief article from examiner.com, noting the vestiges of Floral Park’s cinematic heritage that remain in the Firestone tire shop and Floral Terrace catering hall on Jericho Turnpike. The article also notes that theater seats from the famous and long lost Roxy Theatre in Manhattan are now located in a former meeting hall at the old Masonic Temple, built in 1929 at 29 Tulip Avenue!
This small photo of the Lily appears in the article, along with a slightly large image of the nearby Floral Theatre.
Here’s an updated link to the Floral Terrace Ballroom photo gallery, which provides over 20 shots of the upstairs ballroom and its incorporation of the Floral Theatre’s original coffered ceiling. The upper arch of the proscenium and sounding board, as well as the crowing arches to what must have been the organ pipe chambers, are clearly visible.
This page provides a brief and sketchy history of the building, from the same website. According to that history, the theatre opened on April 27, 1927, with a bill that included “The Princess of Hoboken” and the Hal Roach short, “Duck Soup.” There is a listing on IMDB.COM for a film titled “The Princess from Hoboken,” which is given a release date of April 1, 1927. Meanwhile, the short feature “Duck Soup” is noteworthy as being the very first film in which Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy appear as a comedic “team.” They had appeared together in two previous short films, but this was the first time they played their classic “Stan” and “Ollie” characters.
The page also makes mention of an organ that was installed at a cost of $25,000, but does not offer any further details. Similarly, a date of April 11, 1929, is given for the first “talkie” to play the Floral, but no other information – such as the title of the feature – is provided.
Snapped this pic and that one late Friday afternoon on the way home with my cell phone.
Chatted up a worker who was standing by the fence. There was a bit of a language barrier, but I gathered from the discussion that the original interior of the theater will be restored and preserved. So I imagine that, while the roof is still partially opened to the weather, the major interior architectural elements must be protected somehow from exposure.
Thanks, saps. Took a bit of a hiatus. Posted tons when I was at my busiest on this site 2005-2008. Guess I had just run out of salient things to posts. But, now I feel like I might have new things to contribute here and also wanted to renew my notifications for comment updates on these threads. I miss being connected to the various informational posts and goings on at various theaters. Not to mention the nice sense of community on this site. In short… it’s good to be back!
Are those premieres or engagements? Not sure how “Thor” or “Super 8” will fare, but those other three should ensure a healthy Box Office surge for this theatre!
From grindhousedatabase.com comes, at long last, this photo of the Mini Cinema from around 1969 or 70. “Love Camp 7” was a definite 1969 release, not sure if either of the films called “The Animal” at imdb.com are the same as the title featured on the Mini’s flat marquee.
Looks like this may have been soft porn on screen when it opened, plus the “burlesque” acts – all eleven of them! Can’t figure out if Marinka & Dawn performed their act 11 times? Or were there 11 acts? I’m thinking the former – otherwise the cast and crew may have outnumbered the audience for most performances!
Found this image of the Avon 42 at grindhousedatabase.com. Looks like it was stage shows only at this point. This is an image of the block from bridgeandtunnelclub.com that was taken in 2004 just before all these shops closed for demolition to begin. The Avon 42 was located in the building behind the sign that has the 133 W. 42nd address on it, it has a very shallow yellow awning at the roof line.
Also found this small photo on the grindhouse database site that seems to show the Avon 42 setting up shop at a different location – and showing films again. Marquee looks the same, but the building looks to be entirely different.
A sort of karaoke-cabaret establishment called Spotlight Live opened at the former Circus Cinema in 2007. The concept was a restaurant and nightclub where patrons were encouraged to take the stage and enjoy their “15 minutes of fame,” while cameras would broadcast their performances to passersby via a jumbo-tron screen positioned over the street entrance on Broadway. Interesting idea, but didn’t appear to have sufficient appeal, and the club has since closed its doors.
Here’s a link that offers a good description and interior photos of the place.
Evidently, there was a “private penthouse” for parties of up to 175, which may have been in the former Big Top Theatre space. Judging from some of the event photos on the site, the spirit of exhibitionism certainly carried over from the old days!
There is a very good possibility that the auditorium of the Bryant Theatre still exists – or at least did until very recently – within the footprint of the Bush Tower at 130 W. 42nd Street, which opened in 1918.
The 42nd Street entrance for the Cameo and Bryant, as posted above, was indeed at 138 W. 42nd and has certainly been demolished. However, as with many theaters, this entrance merely led to a narrow foyer that ran back to the auditorium, which sat on 41st Street. If it’s a fact that the Cameo opened in December of 1921, we can only assume that it was either constructed on vacant land behind the tower, which may have been owned by the Bush Terminal Company, or it might have been carved out of space in the building that had a previous use. That remains cloudy at this point.
NYC Dept of Buidling records no longer exist for the address at 138 W. 42nd, and property transfer information is limited. I was able to find a C of O issued in May of 1932, amending usage of the property listed as 130-138 W. 42nd Street & 133-139 W. 41st Street, and the description includes a Motion Picture Theatre on the 1st floor with capacity for 539 persons. This matches seating information Ken Roe posted back on October 31, 2004. The C of O also notes this is a 29 story office building, which matches the description for the Bush Tower. Further, the C of O was issued to the firm of Corbett, Harrison and McMurray, and Harvey Wiley Corbett is listed on several websites as the architect for the Bush Tower.
Additional C of O’s were issued througout the years for this lot (later known as 130-134 W. 42nd and then finally just 130 W. 42nd), in 1973, 1989, 1999 right up to 2006, and each time, the Motion Picture Theatre is still noted on 1st floor with capacity of 539. I know the building itself is landmarked – I wonder if that includes the Bryant’s auditorium? Perhaps there was some adaptive re-use that retained elements of the old place? Perhaps only a trip down to the building would answer those questions to any degree of satisfaction.
Interesting to note that property records also note that the entire Bush Tower was owned by Avon Associates Inc from 1973 until 1977 – presumably the proprieters of the Avon chain of pornographic theaters. They must have operated the Bryant for a period.