I now live in Chelsea in Manhattan and about 15 years ago, Cineplex Odeon opened the Chelsea Cinemas multiplex which, at that time was the largest in Manhattan. Now part of the Clearview chain, it falls into the Ho Hum category as well and, in my opinion, should be torn down and replaced with a modern theater complex similar to Loew’s Lincoln Square, 42nd St and 34th St. showplaces. These theaters are comfortable, have stadium seating, great sound and in the case of Lincoln Square, a unique architectural element that recalls many of Loew’s movie palaces of the past.
Most of my friends only go to Chelsea Cinemas when it is too cold, or rainy to go to the other, much better theaters. We’d much rather walk up to 34th from 23rd at all other times.
posted by LuisV on Dec 5, 2005 at 10:25am
I don’t think Cablevision is going to tear down their profitable Chelsea to re-build. I wonder how many theaters Clearview has built from the ground up, as opposed to purchasing or converting. I do find that although Chelsea has no stadium seating, it is comfortable, with big screens, bright light and good sound, and a friendly staff.
I don’t think Cablevision is going to tear down their profitable Chelsea to re-build. I wonder how many theaters Clearview has built from the ground up, as opposed to purchasing or converting. I do find that although Chelsea has no stadium seating, it is comfortable, with big screens, bright light and good sound, and a friendly staff.
I was here Saturday night and was happy to see the place was packed. There’s nothing like the excitement of a crowded movie theatre, everyone there to have a good time.
Meredith has moved on. But I think he reads this page so maybe we’ll hear from him.
I love seeing the long lines down 54th Street when this place has a hot booking; everybody there is thrilled to be seeing a picture at the city’s only remaining movie palace.
Whether or not The Producers is any good, I am happy to see an exclusive booking here for a change, even at inflated roadshow prices. I wonder if that old showman Mel Brooks had anything to do with the booking.
In the past couple of hours I’ve been reading all about the
“old” movie palaces. It fascinates me. I only wish that something
could be done with the ones that are still standing! Namely the
former Loew’s Kings, on Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn. The theatre has
been declared a “landmark” & therefore can’t be torn down. I have passed the theatre many times, & each time that I did so, I wanted to
cry. The theatre, which has been closed for 28yrs now, is slowly
deteriorating! I shudder to think of what it now looks like inside.
It was such a beautiful theatre, and how it could of been allowed to
deteriorate the way it has, is way beyond me.
With everything that I have read about the theatre, there’s not
a single person that gets the capacity right. The theatre has a
capacity of 4,200 seats! Isn’t there a person out there that will
come forth and revitalize this magnificent theatre? I also shudder
to think that several years ago, Magic Johnson was supposed to come & make a multiplex out of it. I’d rather see the place torn down!!
Hal Wallis produced movies from 1931 to 1975! That is some output, as evidenced by his credit list from IMDB. Link here: http://imdb.com/name/nm0909259/
Spill, Bill. What else do you remember? Did you save anything from those days that you can share? Any specific thoughts or stories about the St. George or any other theater in your circuit? We’re waiting!
I don’t care for all the streamlined starkness, typical of the decade. A misguided attempt to get away from the dizzy gaudiness of prior styles. Looks like the United Nations or JFK International Airport, circa 1962.
I recently visted this theater and had an excellent experience. The renovation was superb; the lobby reminded me a bit of the United Nations/JFK Airport International Style, bland but clean, with blue tile thoughout.
I was happy to see a lovely pale purple curtain covering the screen, rather than pre-show advertising. The curtain opened to reveal a tremendous screen, which seemed to go from floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall. The manager later told me that the Cinerama screen is folded up behind this screen, and is ready to be reassembled whenever a Cinerama feature is presented, such as How the West Was Won, which screened a while back.
The auditorium seems to be done in a post-modern atmospheric style, including twinkling lights that go out when the feature starts. The orchestra level seats were comfortable rocking ones. I sat in the balcony (because I could!) where the seats didn’t rock, except, oddly, in the front row, which thus provided a good view of the ceiling and a not-so-great view of the screen.
Needless to say, the presentation was first-rate, with a bright, clear picture and crystal clear sound.
The locals really seem to love this theatre, especially since it was recently spared from the wrecking ball. I join them in their support.
(While in Seattle I also visted and have commented upon the Paramount, the 5th Avenue, the Egyptian, the Colisuem and the Meridian.)
Re-posted comments from Crossbay Theater page:
I now live in Chelsea in Manhattan and about 15 years ago, Cineplex Odeon opened the Chelsea Cinemas multiplex which, at that time was the largest in Manhattan. Now part of the Clearview chain, it falls into the Ho Hum category as well and, in my opinion, should be torn down and replaced with a modern theater complex similar to Loew’s Lincoln Square, 42nd St and 34th St. showplaces. These theaters are comfortable, have stadium seating, great sound and in the case of Lincoln Square, a unique architectural element that recalls many of Loew’s movie palaces of the past.
Most of my friends only go to Chelsea Cinemas when it is too cold, or rainy to go to the other, much better theaters. We’d much rather walk up to 34th from 23rd at all other times.
posted by LuisV on Dec 5, 2005 at 10:25am
I don’t think Cablevision is going to tear down their profitable Chelsea to re-build. I wonder how many theaters Clearview has built from the ground up, as opposed to purchasing or converting. I do find that although Chelsea has no stadium seating, it is comfortable, with big screens, bright light and good sound, and a friendly staff.
posted by saps on Dec 5, 2005 at 9:57pm
I don’t think Cablevision is going to tear down their profitable Chelsea to re-build. I wonder how many theaters Clearview has built from the ground up, as opposed to purchasing or converting. I do find that although Chelsea has no stadium seating, it is comfortable, with big screens, bright light and good sound, and a friendly staff.
I miss any theater that has closed, never to re-open. They are all “treasures” to me.
I was here Saturday night and was happy to see the place was packed. There’s nothing like the excitement of a crowded movie theatre, everyone there to have a good time.
Meredith has moved on. But I think he reads this page so maybe we’ll hear from him.
Here is a link to a 1948 shot of this movie house.
View link
I love seeing the long lines down 54th Street when this place has a hot booking; everybody there is thrilled to be seeing a picture at the city’s only remaining movie palace.
Enow or meow? Either way, ‘nuff said.
What was the message on the marquee?
Whether or not The Producers is any good, I am happy to see an exclusive booking here for a change, even at inflated roadshow prices. I wonder if that old showman Mel Brooks had anything to do with the booking.
Let’s call the whole thing off!
To Whom it May Concern:–
In the past couple of hours I’ve been reading all about the
“old” movie palaces. It fascinates me. I only wish that something
could be done with the ones that are still standing! Namely the
former Loew’s Kings, on Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn. The theatre has
been declared a “landmark” & therefore can’t be torn down. I have passed the theatre many times, & each time that I did so, I wanted to
cry. The theatre, which has been closed for 28yrs now, is slowly
deteriorating! I shudder to think of what it now looks like inside.
It was such a beautiful theatre, and how it could of been allowed to
deteriorate the way it has, is way beyond me.
With everything that I have read about the theatre, there’s not
a single person that gets the capacity right. The theatre has a
capacity of 4,200 seats! Isn’t there a person out there that will
come forth and revitalize this magnificent theatre? I also shudder
to think that several years ago, Magic Johnson was supposed to come & make a multiplex out of it. I’d rather see the place torn down!!
Sincerely,
Carmine
Hal Wallis produced movies from 1931 to 1975! That is some output, as evidenced by his credit list from IMDB. Link here: http://imdb.com/name/nm0909259/
>>Fascinating that two of Hepburns greatest Holiday and Bringing up Baby only played a week each. They both seemed perfect choices.
These pictures came out during Hepburn’s “box office poison” period; big flops in their day but now considered classics.
We must learn every detail!
Who’s Blondie? (just kidding)
Wow!
440 seat theatre? What happened to the other 1800 seats?
Ginger Rogers. Richard Rodgers. Either spelling, still obscure.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks was my first movie here, too.
In Times Square, the “big ones” were at Minksy’s!
Maybe the “big ones” referred to the strippers that performed there, or is that only a happy coincidence?
Spill, Bill. What else do you remember? Did you save anything from those days that you can share? Any specific thoughts or stories about the St. George or any other theater in your circuit? We’re waiting!
I don’t care for all the streamlined starkness, typical of the decade. A misguided attempt to get away from the dizzy gaudiness of prior styles. Looks like the United Nations or JFK International Airport, circa 1962.
Dead, no doubt. Ask not for whom the bell tolls…
I recently visted this theater and had an excellent experience. The renovation was superb; the lobby reminded me a bit of the United Nations/JFK Airport International Style, bland but clean, with blue tile thoughout.
I was happy to see a lovely pale purple curtain covering the screen, rather than pre-show advertising. The curtain opened to reveal a tremendous screen, which seemed to go from floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall. The manager later told me that the Cinerama screen is folded up behind this screen, and is ready to be reassembled whenever a Cinerama feature is presented, such as How the West Was Won, which screened a while back.
The auditorium seems to be done in a post-modern atmospheric style, including twinkling lights that go out when the feature starts. The orchestra level seats were comfortable rocking ones. I sat in the balcony (because I could!) where the seats didn’t rock, except, oddly, in the front row, which thus provided a good view of the ceiling and a not-so-great view of the screen.
Needless to say, the presentation was first-rate, with a bright, clear picture and crystal clear sound.
The locals really seem to love this theatre, especially since it was recently spared from the wrecking ball. I join them in their support.
(While in Seattle I also visted and have commented upon the Paramount, the 5th Avenue, the Egyptian, the Colisuem and the Meridian.)