Liked seeing that bit of ad for Billy Wilder’s “Kiss Me, Stupid”, for adults only, at the Astor. It really was pretty dirty for the time; ever a little dirty for today!
Robert, those are two sad pictures posted at 2:32pm above; the theaters had already closed and their marquees were being used as a poetry art project. It really was a ghost town during that period.
On the other hand, I very fondly remember that “cooped-up?” sign on the side of the Selwyn Building, and others like it. For years I would say to people “Get more out of life! See a movie” which was another sign on the block.
I hope you’re having fun, Jack, because this stuff will all be soon deleted. But when I said you union-bash, I was being too narrow, and I later self-corrected by admitting “I FORGOT TO MENTION” all the other bashing you are doing. Instead of saying “just to union-bash” I should have said “MAINLY to union-bash” because when it comes to the Waverly your poison pen is not limited to one mere aspect. (Emphasis added.)
Oh, right, Jack, I forgot to mention that you also criticize the design of the theater, the neighborhood in which it sits, its future programming choices, the name “Waverly,” and any poster who disagrees with you. Plus, you haven’t posted a comment about any other theater…if you can.
A Matter of Time was a low point for all involved, Vincente, Liza and Ingrid. Jeez, it looked like crap and the story was weak. I’m surprised they didn’t bring in the wrecking ball during its engagement. I’m sure they wouldn’t have hit any non-existent patrons.
Alvarez, I don’t see how “mainstream movies, shabby seating and bully unions” can be laid at the feet of the union projectionist trying to make a living wage. If the complant is “poor presentation” then maybe he manager should more carefully monitor the proceedings and advise his projectionist on any perceived flaws in the show. I’ve known and met many union projectionists over the past 30 years and every one of them were diligent, hardworking and proud to give the best possible presentation.
JackM, many union projectionists are important contributors to this site, so don’t be so “amused.”
Yeah, why should “fragile” Cablevision pay a projectionist a decent wage when the kid behind the candy counter can do both jobs (poorly) for the bare minimum.
After being stripped of certain ornamentation and architectural elements to be later re-used, the Lyric and Apollo were guttted to the bare walls, the roof was removed, the wall between the two theatres was removed, and there you had it: four walls standing, surrounding a dirt pit. From this rose the new theater we lovingly call the Hilton (not). Some of the artwork and other elements in the new theater are originally from the Lyric and Apollo, but there are many recreations done to look as classic as the originals. And I have been to this theater many times since it first opened with Ragtime the 1990’s.
Follies Bergere
206 West 46th Street
Later names: Fulton, Helen Hayes
Built: 1911
Demolished: 1982
Seats: 895
Architects: Herts & Tallant
Owners: Henry B. Harris and Jesse Lasky (1911-1921), A.L. Erlanger (1921-??)
History: Opened as a Parisian-style nightclub, this space soon converted to legitimate theatrical use and renamed the Fulton. It was named for actress Helen Hayes in 1955, and housed many important plays. It was one of five theatres demolished to make way for the Marriott Marquis Hotel.
Musicals: New Faces of 1934, The Me Nobody Knows (1970)
Liked seeing that bit of ad for Billy Wilder’s “Kiss Me, Stupid”, for adults only, at the Astor. It really was pretty dirty for the time; ever a little dirty for today!
Glad to see the “Recent Comment” section now shows many more recent comments. Thanks, folks.
Robert, those are two sad pictures posted at 2:32pm above; the theaters had already closed and their marquees were being used as a poetry art project. It really was a ghost town during that period.
On the other hand, I very fondly remember that “cooped-up?” sign on the side of the Selwyn Building, and others like it. For years I would say to people “Get more out of life! See a movie” which was another sign on the block.
I just looked at all 112 photos in that photobucket link above; I am exhausted but satisfied.
Whether I go at 1:57 or at 1:58, it’s always packed!
Wow, these comments hve spilled over to another page…I think!
I hope you’re having fun, Jack, because this stuff will all be soon deleted. But when I said you union-bash, I was being too narrow, and I later self-corrected by admitting “I FORGOT TO MENTION” all the other bashing you are doing. Instead of saying “just to union-bash” I should have said “MAINLY to union-bash” because when it comes to the Waverly your poison pen is not limited to one mere aspect. (Emphasis added.)
Oh, right, Jack, I forgot to mention that you also criticize the design of the theater, the neighborhood in which it sits, its future programming choices, the name “Waverly,” and any poster who disagrees with you. Plus, you haven’t posted a comment about any other theater…if you can.
JackM and Jackwhite, it’s nice of you to join this site just to union-bash, ad nauseum. Got any opinions on anything else?
It IS a lovely place to see a film, but as other posters have noted, there is room for a larger screen.
A Matter of Time was a low point for all involved, Vincente, Liza and Ingrid. Jeez, it looked like crap and the story was weak. I’m surprised they didn’t bring in the wrecking ball during its engagement. I’m sure they wouldn’t have hit any non-existent patrons.
Nice link to a tour of Asbury Park and its theaters, TC. Thanks.
Alvarez, I don’t see how “mainstream movies, shabby seating and bully unions” can be laid at the feet of the union projectionist trying to make a living wage. If the complant is “poor presentation” then maybe he manager should more carefully monitor the proceedings and advise his projectionist on any perceived flaws in the show. I’ve known and met many union projectionists over the past 30 years and every one of them were diligent, hardworking and proud to give the best possible presentation.
JackM, many union projectionists are important contributors to this site, so don’t be so “amused.”
Yeah, why should “fragile” Cablevision pay a projectionist a decent wage when the kid behind the candy counter can do both jobs (poorly) for the bare minimum.
Or whether the lens is made by Bausch and Lomb or by Panavision!
Thank God there’s no organ at this theater…then things could get really messy.
A mile wide and an inch deep.
In a word, wow!
Many people are afraid of ushers…but all they can do is ask you to take your assigned seat.
After being stripped of certain ornamentation and architectural elements to be later re-used, the Lyric and Apollo were guttted to the bare walls, the roof was removed, the wall between the two theatres was removed, and there you had it: four walls standing, surrounding a dirt pit. From this rose the new theater we lovingly call the Hilton (not). Some of the artwork and other elements in the new theater are originally from the Lyric and Apollo, but there are many recreations done to look as classic as the originals. And I have been to this theater many times since it first opened with Ragtime the 1990’s.
My, my.
The Anco was demolished several years before AMC’s redevelopment of the Empire; I often parked my car in that lot when I was in the area.
Above info borrowed from this website: http://www.musicals101.com/bwayhouses.htm
Follies Bergere
206 West 46th Street
Later names: Fulton, Helen Hayes
Built: 1911
Demolished: 1982
Seats: 895
Architects: Herts & Tallant
Owners: Henry B. Harris and Jesse Lasky (1911-1921), A.L. Erlanger (1921-??)
History: Opened as a Parisian-style nightclub, this space soon converted to legitimate theatrical use and renamed the Fulton. It was named for actress Helen Hayes in 1955, and housed many important plays. It was one of five theatres demolished to make way for the Marriott Marquis Hotel.
Musicals: New Faces of 1934, The Me Nobody Knows (1970)
Still closed, as far as I could tell from seeing it this weekend.
I say stick with Waverly for a little while longer.