Hey Al… Great image above dated from ‘83. All the more enjoyable for me in that I remember the two most prominent titles visible in the image! Can’t say for sure that I saw “Make Them Die Slowly” at the Liberty, but I definitely saw it somewhere on the block. Probably was the Liberty, though, because it seems that all the cannibal flicks played here! “Kung Fu Zombie” another classic genre-crossing grindhouse flick in the same vein as my favorite kung fu/horror flick “The 7 Brothers Meet Dracula!”
Loving these photos from the american classic images site.
And seen on the left side of the photo is the marquee for the alternate World Theatre I referenced in my posting of 9/11/2007 just above. The original World Theatre (nee Punch and Judy) was located a block to the east and on the other side of the street. Anyone remember anything about this place? Almost certainly a storefront or office space conversion – but did it open as the World upon the ouster of the original World Theatre management by Rockefeler Centre? Or had it been opened under another name?
Love those mnemonic devices they used for phone exchanges years ago. That sort of charm has been lost to antiquity. Thanks ken mc. Might not be necessary, but a fun tidbit nonetheless. Warren, please re-post a new link to the photo you originally posted on Feb 8th.
Too bad they couldn’t save the old marquee. Not a fan of the modern look of the exterior. But I think some of the lettering from the marquee is preserved within the lobby, isn’t it?
No doubt the ‘51 “Thing” is one of the all time great sci-fi films – indeed, one of the great films of any genre, benefitting as it did from the guiding hand of Howard Hawks. Having said that, I rather enjoyed the Carpenter remake. Of course, Carpenter has decent pedigree himself. I’m not sure the same can be said of the director Scott Derrickson, who is at the helm of the update of “Day the Earth Stood Still.” His credits are not very impressive – certainly not worthy of shining Robert Wise’s shoes. And Keanu Reaves as Klaatu? Don’t get me started. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Interesting to note that Derrickson’s next ambition is no less than a cinematic interpretation of Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost.” Good luck with that.
That seems a bit small for the theatre I remember back in 1980. And someone described it as a barn earlier on the page – which might imply a larger space. But, alas, I’m only guessing that this might have been the upstate theatre where I saw “The Blues Brothers” so don’t rely on my recollections.
Hmmm. What does “rehabilitation” mean? Does it imply some preservation of the building’s design elements – even if just exterior appointments? Or is the term broad enough to include complete demolition followed by new construction?
My thanks to East Coast Rocker for clarifying that “Sasquatch” was playing at the Ridgewood in the winter of ‘78. That pretty well settles a two year old quandary. The movie clock must have been a misprint.
I forgot one more notable thing about the Malverne experience – at least at the screening for “W” tonight at 7pm: No trailers! Slide show, lights down and then – bam – right into the movie.
So… I finally got to the Malverne for a flick tonight. Saw “W” in theater 1. I knew going in that the screen would be small, but the price was right and with the weather, we decided to keep it local. I think my brother in law has just as big a screen for his basement projection TV at his house!
I poked around and was able to peer into a few of the other rooms before I left. Theaters 2 and 4 are the best of the lot – with at least reasonably sized screens for the size of the rooms. Problem with all of the rooms is the center aisle, rendering all seats at least slightly off from center screen. Another advantage to the two larger rooms would be the screens seem to be more or less head-on with respect to the seating array.
In theater 1, the screen is right of center on the back wall (partly to accommodate a fire exit) and angled slightly away from the seats on the left side of the aisle as you walk in. This is due to where the projection ports are located at the rear of the auditorium. The screen is also mounted without matting in a 1.85:1 ratio – so a scope film (like “W”) is projected on only a portion of the screen – almost like an unmatted letterbox with blank space at the top and bottom. Not to mention that the far left and right edges of the image were somewhat over-projected beyond the screen’s borders. This was all fairly distracting – at least for me. But, in the course of a 2 hour movie, you wind up getting used to it. Happily, the room did feature nice stereo sound.
Seems that the building retains the original auditorium slope in the two roooms (1 and 2) occupying the former rear of the original theater as well as in the hallway between the two rooms that lead to screens 3 and 4. I wasn’t able to peak into the screening room (#5), but it must be really tiny. Probably very similar to the small screen at the UA Lynbrook – which also occupies former retail space just off the lobby. The door to the projection room for #5 was open, and as my wife was purchasing some popcorn at the candy counter, I watched the big platter at work.
All the rooms seem reasonably appointed with relatively comfortable seats and light-absorbing dark red upholstery on the walls. Overall, the place seemed very clean and well maintained. The $5.50 Weds special is a great bargain – if you can contend with the small screens – and even the concession stand prices are very reasonable. It wouldn’t be my first choice, but on a slow Wednesday evening, I’d probably allow my wife to twist my arm into going again.
Just wanted to chime in on a brief thread from back around October 8th – Times Square and 42nd Street certainly did have character back in those days and was a convenient little slice of NYC where one could indulge in a variety of cheap thrills. I miss the carny atmosphere and the honky tonk… The way those theatres would try to lure you in with over-the-top billboards and advertising… The come-ons from the sidewalk barkers hawking for the adult shows and peeps. Plus the Square wasn’t so over-developed and crowded. There was a sense of space… low slung buildings mixed with a few mid- and hi-rise towers. It didn’t crowd in on you with one imposing glass tower after another as it does now.
The crime? Who misses the crime? But crime in NYC was rampant in the ‘70’s and '80’s… nothing unique to this section of town there.
I often wonder what would have become of the area had it been allowed to change organically as the crime rate dropped and the economy boomed in the ‘90’s. I suppose that without the promise of eminent domain and a comprehensive City-backed redevelopment plan, we’d have never seen the New Amsterdam and Victory Theatres renovated as magnificently as they’ve been. And while many of the grindhouses were still drawing significant crowds on weekend nights into the late 1980’s, the rising popularity home video and proliferation of specialty cable networks (Showtime Beyond, IFC, ActionMax, HBO Zone, etc) have rendered the good old grimy grindhouse obsolete. Most of the types of films that would have made either the top or bottom half of the typical bill on 42nd Street now go direct to cable or DVD. And the porn industry exists almost entirely on video and the web. Time would most definitely have passed the grindhouse by and left it at the mercy of landlords looking to turn a profit.
I’m happy that the City’s plans did provide for the preservation and restoration of several theaters along the block… I just wonder why it was necessary to rush in the bulldozers on so many of the great palaces that once lined Broadway. It’s more than just regrettalbe that the rich history of motion picture exhibition in Times Square was given such short shrift – it’s downright criminal.
Back on August 3rd, 2006, I posted a clipping of the Daily News Movie Clock from January 25, 1978, that suggested this theatre may still have been in operation as of that date.
Warren… I was able to locate a couple of the titles listed on the marquees in the cowboy-themed photo you date around 1910-11. Both “Falsely Accused” and “The Ranchman’s Son” were short films released in 1911 per IMDB.COM. I couldn’t find any information on the other titles. However, since I have been able to identity the title “The Ranchman’s Son” (assuming the match is not purely coincidental), we now know that the Comedy Theatre adjacent to the Automatic Vaudeville did indeed operate as an early cinema – at least for a time.
I love the touch of having the two-sided attraction board rolled out onto the sidewalk in front of the theatre entrance. Was the “Flynn Space” carved from a portion of the original theatre or just a former storefront?
Hey David… The hood is fine – I don’t think crime is a serious concern. Tagged roll down gates are evident throughout NYC and do not necessarily denote a dangerous part of town. I puzzled too over the display cases left in place – but I suppose the organization believe they’ll be able to use them to post upcoming events and such. They left each of the cases on either side of the old triangular recessed entryway.
Here’s the last of the pics I snapped with my cell phone the other morning. It shows the right side of the new entryway and the other remaining display case.
Oh… and Lost… I forgot to respond that the new baby is an Edwina – or, better yet, Grace Olivia Solero to be more accurate.
I agree with LuisV. To have agreed to “preserve” what little they did of the theatre’s exterior is almost adding insult to injury. As far as I’m concerned, the significant historic elements of the Trylon’s exterior where the very items that were demolished by the Bukharians' contractors. That the glass block tower and upper facade were not destroyed is little consolation for the loss of the mosaic tile-work on the walls of the outdoor entryway and ticket booth as well as the vintage hand painted murals within the inner foyer.
I still can’t believe all that beautiful terra cotta work is gone. Native’s comparison to the many McMansions that are going up all over Queens is spot on. I guess at this point we just have to accept the fact that this is the direction the church chose to go with the exterior – ill advised and regrettable as that choice may have been – and remain thankful that they are attempting to restore the interior to something resembling its original splendor. This entire structure could have been quite easily sold and gutted – or even demolished for re-development.
Look at that… More than two years after hashing out the address of this theatre with Warren and Lost Memory, the info up top still needs to be updated! Bryan… If you’re out there… We should change the address for this one to 38-39 Bell Boulevard.
Glad you found this site also, Nicholas. Before the rebuilt stoop, and the small box office lobby it now houses, how was the entrance lobby set up at the New Victory when you guys started work? It looks to me as if the rear wall of the auditorium and the stairway going down to the lower level are new. There seems to be some original ceiling molding detail that is still in use in the lobby – or was that a recreation added with the restoration?
And, one last question, if I might impose… Are the marble staircases leading to the mezzanine level original? The one on the left (as you enter the lobby from the street) seems to have a small bit of vandalism preserved in the banister – a rough carving of letters that looks to be dated “1975” – though it could also read “1995”.
Here’s a shot of the banister. It’d be great if you would share any memories you have of the theatre’s condition at the time you began your great work there. This is one of the few theaters on the Deuce that I never patronized back in the days… so I only know it as it currently exists.
Hey Al… Great image above dated from ‘83. All the more enjoyable for me in that I remember the two most prominent titles visible in the image! Can’t say for sure that I saw “Make Them Die Slowly” at the Liberty, but I definitely saw it somewhere on the block. Probably was the Liberty, though, because it seems that all the cannibal flicks played here! “Kung Fu Zombie” another classic genre-crossing grindhouse flick in the same vein as my favorite kung fu/horror flick “The 7 Brothers Meet Dracula!”
Loving these photos from the american classic images site.
Thanks RobertR… those 1986 shots – though maybe 2 or 3 years after I was a regular here – depict the marquee and storefronts as I remember them.
And seen on the left side of the photo is the marquee for the alternate World Theatre I referenced in my posting of 9/11/2007 just above. The original World Theatre (nee Punch and Judy) was located a block to the east and on the other side of the street. Anyone remember anything about this place? Almost certainly a storefront or office space conversion – but did it open as the World upon the ouster of the original World Theatre management by Rockefeler Centre? Or had it been opened under another name?
Love those mnemonic devices they used for phone exchanges years ago. That sort of charm has been lost to antiquity. Thanks ken mc. Might not be necessary, but a fun tidbit nonetheless. Warren, please re-post a new link to the photo you originally posted on Feb 8th.
Too bad they couldn’t save the old marquee. Not a fan of the modern look of the exterior. But I think some of the lettering from the marquee is preserved within the lobby, isn’t it?
No doubt the ‘51 “Thing” is one of the all time great sci-fi films – indeed, one of the great films of any genre, benefitting as it did from the guiding hand of Howard Hawks. Having said that, I rather enjoyed the Carpenter remake. Of course, Carpenter has decent pedigree himself. I’m not sure the same can be said of the director Scott Derrickson, who is at the helm of the update of “Day the Earth Stood Still.” His credits are not very impressive – certainly not worthy of shining Robert Wise’s shoes. And Keanu Reaves as Klaatu? Don’t get me started. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Interesting to note that Derrickson’s next ambition is no less than a cinematic interpretation of Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost.” Good luck with that.
That seems a bit small for the theatre I remember back in 1980. And someone described it as a barn earlier on the page – which might imply a larger space. But, alas, I’m only guessing that this might have been the upstate theatre where I saw “The Blues Brothers” so don’t rely on my recollections.
Hmmm. What does “rehabilitation” mean? Does it imply some preservation of the building’s design elements – even if just exterior appointments? Or is the term broad enough to include complete demolition followed by new construction?
Great image, Warren. Theatre status should be “closed/demolished” as the site was incorporated into the new Bank of America office tower.
My thanks to East Coast Rocker for clarifying that “Sasquatch” was playing at the Ridgewood in the winter of ‘78. That pretty well settles a two year old quandary. The movie clock must have been a misprint.
I forgot one more notable thing about the Malverne experience – at least at the screening for “W” tonight at 7pm: No trailers! Slide show, lights down and then – bam – right into the movie.
So… I finally got to the Malverne for a flick tonight. Saw “W” in theater 1. I knew going in that the screen would be small, but the price was right and with the weather, we decided to keep it local. I think my brother in law has just as big a screen for his basement projection TV at his house!
I poked around and was able to peer into a few of the other rooms before I left. Theaters 2 and 4 are the best of the lot – with at least reasonably sized screens for the size of the rooms. Problem with all of the rooms is the center aisle, rendering all seats at least slightly off from center screen. Another advantage to the two larger rooms would be the screens seem to be more or less head-on with respect to the seating array.
In theater 1, the screen is right of center on the back wall (partly to accommodate a fire exit) and angled slightly away from the seats on the left side of the aisle as you walk in. This is due to where the projection ports are located at the rear of the auditorium. The screen is also mounted without matting in a 1.85:1 ratio – so a scope film (like “W”) is projected on only a portion of the screen – almost like an unmatted letterbox with blank space at the top and bottom. Not to mention that the far left and right edges of the image were somewhat over-projected beyond the screen’s borders. This was all fairly distracting – at least for me. But, in the course of a 2 hour movie, you wind up getting used to it. Happily, the room did feature nice stereo sound.
Seems that the building retains the original auditorium slope in the two roooms (1 and 2) occupying the former rear of the original theater as well as in the hallway between the two rooms that lead to screens 3 and 4. I wasn’t able to peak into the screening room (#5), but it must be really tiny. Probably very similar to the small screen at the UA Lynbrook – which also occupies former retail space just off the lobby. The door to the projection room for #5 was open, and as my wife was purchasing some popcorn at the candy counter, I watched the big platter at work.
All the rooms seem reasonably appointed with relatively comfortable seats and light-absorbing dark red upholstery on the walls. Overall, the place seemed very clean and well maintained. The $5.50 Weds special is a great bargain – if you can contend with the small screens – and even the concession stand prices are very reasonable. It wouldn’t be my first choice, but on a slow Wednesday evening, I’d probably allow my wife to twist my arm into going again.
Just wanted to chime in on a brief thread from back around October 8th – Times Square and 42nd Street certainly did have character back in those days and was a convenient little slice of NYC where one could indulge in a variety of cheap thrills. I miss the carny atmosphere and the honky tonk… The way those theatres would try to lure you in with over-the-top billboards and advertising… The come-ons from the sidewalk barkers hawking for the adult shows and peeps. Plus the Square wasn’t so over-developed and crowded. There was a sense of space… low slung buildings mixed with a few mid- and hi-rise towers. It didn’t crowd in on you with one imposing glass tower after another as it does now.
The crime? Who misses the crime? But crime in NYC was rampant in the ‘70’s and '80’s… nothing unique to this section of town there.
I often wonder what would have become of the area had it been allowed to change organically as the crime rate dropped and the economy boomed in the ‘90’s. I suppose that without the promise of eminent domain and a comprehensive City-backed redevelopment plan, we’d have never seen the New Amsterdam and Victory Theatres renovated as magnificently as they’ve been. And while many of the grindhouses were still drawing significant crowds on weekend nights into the late 1980’s, the rising popularity home video and proliferation of specialty cable networks (Showtime Beyond, IFC, ActionMax, HBO Zone, etc) have rendered the good old grimy grindhouse obsolete. Most of the types of films that would have made either the top or bottom half of the typical bill on 42nd Street now go direct to cable or DVD. And the porn industry exists almost entirely on video and the web. Time would most definitely have passed the grindhouse by and left it at the mercy of landlords looking to turn a profit.
I’m happy that the City’s plans did provide for the preservation and restoration of several theaters along the block… I just wonder why it was necessary to rush in the bulldozers on so many of the great palaces that once lined Broadway. It’s more than just regrettalbe that the rich history of motion picture exhibition in Times Square was given such short shrift – it’s downright criminal.
Back on August 3rd, 2006, I posted a clipping of the Daily News Movie Clock from January 25, 1978, that suggested this theatre may still have been in operation as of that date.
Warren… I was able to locate a couple of the titles listed on the marquees in the cowboy-themed photo you date around 1910-11. Both “Falsely Accused” and “The Ranchman’s Son” were short films released in 1911 per IMDB.COM. I couldn’t find any information on the other titles. However, since I have been able to identity the title “The Ranchman’s Son” (assuming the match is not purely coincidental), we now know that the Comedy Theatre adjacent to the Automatic Vaudeville did indeed operate as an early cinema – at least for a time.
Here’s a photo of the entrance to Merrill’s Roxy at night. I found that on the cinema’s own official website.
I love the touch of having the two-sided attraction board rolled out onto the sidewalk in front of the theatre entrance. Was the “Flynn Space” carved from a portion of the original theatre or just a former storefront?
So what should the status of this theatre be? Is it a synagogue? Do they hold services here or is it more of a cultural center for the Bukharians?
Hey David… The hood is fine – I don’t think crime is a serious concern. Tagged roll down gates are evident throughout NYC and do not necessarily denote a dangerous part of town. I puzzled too over the display cases left in place – but I suppose the organization believe they’ll be able to use them to post upcoming events and such. They left each of the cases on either side of the old triangular recessed entryway.
Here’s the last of the pics I snapped with my cell phone the other morning. It shows the right side of the new entryway and the other remaining display case.
Oh… and Lost… I forgot to respond that the new baby is an Edwina – or, better yet, Grace Olivia Solero to be more accurate.
I agree with LuisV. To have agreed to “preserve” what little they did of the theatre’s exterior is almost adding insult to injury. As far as I’m concerned, the significant historic elements of the Trylon’s exterior where the very items that were demolished by the Bukharians' contractors. That the glass block tower and upper facade were not destroyed is little consolation for the loss of the mosaic tile-work on the walls of the outdoor entryway and ticket booth as well as the vintage hand painted murals within the inner foyer.
This series of photos from flickr offers a look back at some of what was lost once work began. There are 7 photos in the series.
And here’s another shot that I took the other morning, showing the new and exciting look that replaced that boring old tile-work!
Thanks, Nicholas. Very informative!
I still can’t believe all that beautiful terra cotta work is gone. Native’s comparison to the many McMansions that are going up all over Queens is spot on. I guess at this point we just have to accept the fact that this is the direction the church chose to go with the exterior – ill advised and regrettable as that choice may have been – and remain thankful that they are attempting to restore the interior to something resembling its original splendor. This entire structure could have been quite easily sold and gutted – or even demolished for re-development.
Look at that… More than two years after hashing out the address of this theatre with Warren and Lost Memory, the info up top still needs to be updated! Bryan… If you’re out there… We should change the address for this one to 38-39 Bell Boulevard.
Glad you found this site also, Nicholas. Before the rebuilt stoop, and the small box office lobby it now houses, how was the entrance lobby set up at the New Victory when you guys started work? It looks to me as if the rear wall of the auditorium and the stairway going down to the lower level are new. There seems to be some original ceiling molding detail that is still in use in the lobby – or was that a recreation added with the restoration?
And, one last question, if I might impose… Are the marble staircases leading to the mezzanine level original? The one on the left (as you enter the lobby from the street) seems to have a small bit of vandalism preserved in the banister – a rough carving of letters that looks to be dated “1975” – though it could also read “1995”.
Here’s a shot of the banister. It’d be great if you would share any memories you have of the theatre’s condition at the time you began your great work there. This is one of the few theaters on the Deuce that I never patronized back in the days… so I only know it as it currently exists.
In any event, the introductory comments up top are in need of revision.