The 15 episodes of Columbia’s B&W serial had been unreeling at the rate of one per week since the start of the summer vacation season for kids of all ages.
Since the Palace switched to movies only, Loew’s State had become the #1 vaudeville stand in the USA. To afford that, the films were usually second-run, as with “Dragon Seed,” which had already been presented at Radio City Music Hall with stage revue.
A Mexican biopic in the Spanish language preceded this in 1943 with Julio Villarreal in the title role. The epic opened in the USA in Los Angeles for the Columbus Day observance of 1944 at the California and Mason theatres. More details on the movie here
“Show Boat” had been a summer blockbuster at Radio City Music Hall, followed by an exclusive booking in downtown Brooklyn at Loew’s Metropolitan. The circuit run would benefit from the celebration of Columbus Day on October 12th.
Prior to 1971 legislation, the celebration of Columbus Day had a fixed date of October 12th, which was believed to be the day in 1492 that Columbus arrived in the Americas. This British-made Technicolor epic starred Fredric March in the title role. Gerard Depardieu and George Corraface later portrayed him in two biopics released in 1992, the 500th anniversary of a “discovery”
that now causes as much controversy as celebration.
Running nearly three hours, the sentimental wartime drama had already completed its world premiere engagement in NYC at the Capitol Theatre, where it did smash business with customary stage show. Selznick had protested that policy, but was overruled by management.
Marquee with inaugural booking of “For Love of Ivy.” The fanciful decor incorporated a pre-existing “fire escape,” which can be seen starting at bottom right of photo above the street door and crisscrossing to the roof.
Eltinge was the name prior to Laffmovie. At that time, there was a beloved “legit” Empire, which was in the midst of a record-breaking run of “Life With Father.”
“Buttons and Bows” went on to win an Academy Award as Best Song of 1948. Curiously, another nominee was “The Woody Woodpecker Song,” which came from a Technicolor cartoon, not a feature.
Average daily attendance during the first two weeks was a phenomenal 19,357 people. With a mediocre B&W comedy on screen,
most of the crowds were attributed to the immense popularity of Glenn Miller & Band on radio, records, and in dance halls.
The pre-opening promotional event included personal appearances by Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey and a post-screening party at the Cheetah discotheque.
This was the first Earl Carroll Theatre, not the art-deco successor that eventually was transformed into a nightclub before conversion to retail space.
The Broadway veteran had shown movies exclusively circa 1928-33, and would now continue into 1948. When United Artists developed a product shortage, the lease was taken over by Universal-International for the remainder.
Trade journal report published in January of that year. Premises are described as “immaculate,” and attended by the sort of people who know what the ash trays are for.
Rita Hayworth’s singing voice was dubbed by Anita Ellis for this Technicolor spin-off of the B&W “Here Comes Mr. Jordan,” which played at the Music Hall in 1941.
On stage, Lena Horne performing with Noble Sissle’s Band, to be followed the next week by Ella Fitzgerald with Chick Webb. Early days for both of the future “Sepia Superstars.”
The Terrace was part of the Brandt Circuit at the time.
Hollywood Theatre represented in lower right corner with “Rhapsody in Blue.”
Comedians heading the stage show were becoming popular on radio and in what remained of burlesque, but had yet to work in movies. Who knew?
The 15 episodes of Columbia’s B&W serial had been unreeling at the rate of one per week since the start of the summer vacation season for kids of all ages.
Since the Palace switched to movies only, Loew’s State had become the #1 vaudeville stand in the USA. To afford that, the films were usually second-run, as with “Dragon Seed,” which had already been presented at Radio City Music Hall with stage revue.
A Mexican biopic in the Spanish language preceded this in 1943 with Julio Villarreal in the title role. The epic opened in the USA in Los Angeles for the Columbus Day observance of 1944 at the California and Mason theatres. More details on the movie here
“Show Boat” had been a summer blockbuster at Radio City Music Hall, followed by an exclusive booking in downtown Brooklyn at Loew’s Metropolitan. The circuit run would benefit from the celebration of Columbus Day on October 12th.
Prior to 1971 legislation, the celebration of Columbus Day had a fixed date of October 12th, which was believed to be the day in 1492 that Columbus arrived in the Americas. This British-made Technicolor epic starred Fredric March in the title role. Gerard Depardieu and George Corraface later portrayed him in two biopics released in 1992, the 500th anniversary of a “discovery” that now causes as much controversy as celebration.
Running nearly three hours, the sentimental wartime drama had already completed its world premiere engagement in NYC at the Capitol Theatre, where it did smash business with customary stage show. Selznick had protested that policy, but was overruled by management.
Marquee with inaugural booking of “For Love of Ivy.” The fanciful decor incorporated a pre-existing “fire escape,” which can be seen starting at bottom right of photo above the street door and crisscrossing to the roof.
Eltinge was the name prior to Laffmovie. At that time, there was a beloved “legit” Empire, which was in the midst of a record-breaking run of “Life With Father.”
Ad for the father of “Paleface” displayed here
A “Paleface” sequel arrived four years later. Ad displayed here
“Buttons and Bows” went on to win an Academy Award as Best Song of 1948. Curiously, another nominee was “The Woody Woodpecker Song,” which came from a Technicolor cartoon, not a feature.
Beacon described in 1922 as “The Shrine of Photoplays” in a shared ad with the Modern displayed here
Described as “Photoplay Theatre De Luxe” in shared booking of a double feature.
The stage revue included the annual “Kol Nidrei” pageant for the Jewish holiday period surrounding Yom Kippur.
Average daily attendance during the first two weeks was a phenomenal 19,357 people. With a mediocre B&W comedy on screen, most of the crowds were attributed to the immense popularity of Glenn Miller & Band on radio, records, and in dance halls.
Reunion interview of the two stars in 2018 can be viewed here
The pre-opening promotional event included personal appearances by Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey and a post-screening party at the Cheetah discotheque.
This was the first Earl Carroll Theatre, not the art-deco successor that eventually was transformed into a nightclub before conversion to retail space.
The Broadway veteran had shown movies exclusively circa 1928-33, and would now continue into 1948. When United Artists developed a product shortage, the lease was taken over by Universal-International for the remainder.
Trade journal report published in January of that year. Premises are described as “immaculate,” and attended by the sort of people who know what the ash trays are for.
Rita Hayworth’s singing voice was dubbed by Anita Ellis for this Technicolor spin-off of the B&W “Here Comes Mr. Jordan,” which played at the Music Hall in 1941.
On stage, Lena Horne performing with Noble Sissle’s Band, to be followed the next week by Ella Fitzgerald with Chick Webb. Early days for both of the future “Sepia Superstars.”