I went here in the late ‘70’s, when it was already triplexed, and saw a movie in the balcony. It was my first atmospheric and I was amazed — it was like seeing a movie in an outside garden at twilight. I’ve never forgotten it.
This shot is looking west; that is actually the front of the RKO, even though it is so nondescript is looks like the rear. And I can see the Candlelight Diner just past the RKO.
If you want to know what killed the movie palaces, look no further than “Finian’s Rainbow,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Ice Station Zebra” and “Star,” all expensive flops that played to empty houses.
I saw something here once…The Opening of Misty Beethoven, I think. I wish I had appreciated the theater more at the time, and paid less attention to what was on the screen.
I thought the manager at this house was a woman? And I was there the other day and the staff was very nice, from box office to candy counter to ticket taker.
This used to be one of my favorites, and is much better than the Lynbrook, but I now prefer the AMC Raceway in Westbury, for their big screens, big sounds and comfy seating. But I still come to the Fantasy when I can, since I don’t want it to close.
Do tell. Is the building still standing?
Mike, despite your corporate stance, you’re still a cutie-pie.
Hey, TAndrew — post a listing for your grindhouse here on CT.
And on the Deuce, the occasional cry of “Put out that crack torch!”
Dan, Dan, Dan.
I went here in the late ‘70’s, when it was already triplexed, and saw a movie in the balcony. It was my first atmospheric and I was amazed — it was like seeing a movie in an outside garden at twilight. I’ve never forgotten it.
During its days as a porno house, that steep balcony had a certain facilitating benefit.
There was a lot of weed smoked in theatres in those days, including some by the staff.
And to see the posts of old newspaper movie ads is a real treat, too.
Hey Ed, if Hollywood emails you some of his photos (and he has posted tons) maybe you could re-post them. And then we can rip YOU a new one!
This shot is looking west; that is actually the front of the RKO, even though it is so nondescript is looks like the rear. And I can see the Candlelight Diner just past the RKO.
All this technical talk is Greek to me, but the sounds sure are purty comin' out of them speakers.
If you want to know what killed the movie palaces, look no further than “Finian’s Rainbow,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Ice Station Zebra” and “Star,” all expensive flops that played to empty houses.
All this excitement about 70mm prints, which will be shown on the Ziegfeld’s regular screen.
Nice marquee. Good job. Any photos of the old vertical one? And the old link in the description should be replaced by the current one.
I feel like driving out there just to support it. Of course it’s 1858 miles from my front door, but so what.
I tried to visit this place during my trip to Seattle, but since I don’t see any comments from me, I guess I didn’t make it.
It’s almost five miles to Coney Island from the Kent Theater, which I believe is located in Midwood.
There’s an (open) movie theater in Coney Island?
I last went here in the early 1980’s, when I lived in the area, and it was pretty moldy then!
I saw something here once…The Opening of Misty Beethoven, I think. I wish I had appreciated the theater more at the time, and paid less attention to what was on the screen.
I thought the manager at this house was a woman? And I was there the other day and the staff was very nice, from box office to candy counter to ticket taker.
This used to be one of my favorites, and is much better than the Lynbrook, but I now prefer the AMC Raceway in Westbury, for their big screens, big sounds and comfy seating. But I still come to the Fantasy when I can, since I don’t want it to close.
Sorry for the double post! (And I should have said WHICH the New York Times has for sale…)
Here’s a shot from 1910 when it was known as the Comet, that the New York Times has for sale: View link
Is this the same Comet? View link