Posted for Phil Phil by Theaterat… In the past, most movie stars had CLASS and it showed on and off the screen.And yes, for the most part yesterdays films were far superior to todays offerings. Sorry, but good special effects ans surround should not be the stars of a film. We should have characters we can care about- that is what makes a movie worth seeing- and talking about. Ten or twenty years down the road, what films from the early 21th century will be truly memorable?Truth of the matter is we have become so jaded due to the FX that too many people are going to these films for this reason alone.Posted by Theaterat for PhilPhil
Vito Bill H,,, To quote Dennis Miller- I don1t want get off on a rant- but 98 percent of todays movies are GARBAGE! They have been dumdrd down to the point of being moronic, and creativity simply just does not exist anymore. I WOULD Not go to see “Bewitched”, “Dukes of Hazzard” “The Honeymooners” “The Bad News Bears” or the upcoming “Green Acres” even if I were given a free pass AND be allowed to smoke in the theater! When Hollywood gives is these constant TV into Films, needless sequels, and atrocious re makes of films that were mediocre at best, it is time to question the product. Also. I am SICK AND TIRED of people like TOM CRUISE and other no talents foisting their political and religious beliefs down our troaths. Nobody really gives a hoot, and those who fawn over these highly paid celebrities are just as vapid and brain dead as the so- called movies that they pass off as ‘entertainment" today.If more adults-and intelligent younger viewers would boycott these products, maybe Hollywood would get the message. The backlash is starting to show at the box office and if it continues, maybe things will change. I hope for the best- do you?
Vito Bill H,,, To quote Dennis Miller- I don1t want get off on a rant- but 98 percent of todays movies are GARBAGE! They have been dumdrd down to the point of being moronic, and creativity simply just does not exist anymore. I WOULD Not go to see “Bewitched”, “Dukes of Hazzard” “The Honeymooners” “The Bad News Bears” or the upcoming “Green Acres” even if I were given a free pass AND be allowed to smoke in the theater! When Hollywood gives is these constant TV into Films, needless sequels, and atrocious re makes of films that were mediocre at best, it is time to question the product. Also. I am SICK AND TIRED of people like TOM CRUISE and other no talents foisting their political and religious beliefs down our troaths. Nobody really gives a hoot, and those who fawn over these highly paid celebrities are just as vapid and brain dead as the so- called movies that they pass off as ‘entertainment" today.If more adults-and intelligent younger viewers would boycott these products, maybe Hollywood would get the message. The backlash is starting to show at the box office and if it continues, maybe things will change. I hope for the best- do you?
During this long and very,very HOT summer- especially with all those “creatively bankrupt” movies being offered us courtesy Hollywood, I can`t wait until the Jersey re-opens.Stay cool until then.
Lady Rigel…You are exactly right, but the reality of it is that too many people just do not give a hoot.I was greatly saddened when the Oriental closed, but when I asked people to get involved in an effort to save it nobody cared. Similiar efforts are going on with the Kings- read all the posts- but, again there seems to be nothing concrete other than a few ideas people are kicking around. There were Many great theaters in Brooklyn, but I guess the expense of operating and maintaining them was just too prohibitive. Then theres the current very sad state of the film industry itself.Just too many films are being released and too many of them are remakes, sequeld or creatively bankrupt rethreads of old TV shows ala The Honeymooners, Bewitched, and The Dukes of Hazzard.And the backlash is showing at the box officed. In the Pre DVD, VCR, Cable, and Movies on Demand days, a film had a longer “shelf life” and generally played a lot longer than todays releases. The fact of the matter is that the grand old movie palaces are an anachronism, a thing of the past. We all could get involved in an effort to save them, but in reality who really cares about them other than people like us.
Ken Sele…One of my friends mother lived on 43rd St near 8th. Av. When I read your post, I remember her saying the same thing about the “pots and pans” celebration on the neighborhood.I was only about 3 years old at the time, but I bet it was a happy and memorable occasion.I remember the Ritz too, and clean it definately was not! Posted by Theaterat for Phil Phil
Yes. Its sad but true. ALL the great theaters in Brooklyn are now memories, With the recent demise of the Fortway, we are down to 9 theaters.Somehow, going to a multiplex like the Sheepshead or the awful Alpine just isn`t the same as going to a majestic theater like the Oriental, but thats showbiz.
As a New Yorker, I have only been to RCMH 4 times in my entire life. The first time when I was about 11, I went with my mother to see “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” a musical with Debby Reynolds and the stage show. I had to “GO Potty” during the movie, but I was afraid to leave my seat due to the overwhelming size of it. An usher showed me the way. I think it was on the second floor. The next time I wenr was in 1975 with “the crowd” to see GWTW. When blown up to 70mm for the huge screen, it looked like all the color was washed out of it. I did not enjoy it. The third time was in 1981 when the Grateful Dead did a 12 or 13 show stint. I( really did not care about theaters too much then, but the Dead, who played for almost 6 hours were teriffic!The last time was in 1995 for the X Mas show. I difd this with my mother, brother and sister-in-law. Enjoyed the show, but for the first time I really got to see the theater for what it is, and it made an impression on me that I will NEVER forget! Hope to go back soon.
New Years Day of 1970 was a mid week holiday, After having dinner at my grandparents house, the adults would play cards or talk in Italian so us kids could not understand them. The Walker had a double feature that week. Playing was “Krakatoa, East of Java” – in reality it is West- and “The devils Brigade”. I went with my younger brother because there was not really anything to do. “Krakatoa” was a Jules Verne like adventure of a disparate group of people on a steamer in the area of the volcano and earthquake. It was a good movie that I really enjoyed. The co- feature"The Devil`s Brigade" was a “Dirty Dozwn” type WWII movie that was also entertaining in it1s own right. This show was so good that we went to see it again on a Saturday night a few days later in early 1970.
As built, the Walker had no seperate entrance from the inner lobby to the orchestra section, but after the theater was renovated in the early 80s, one was added.
There is now a “ANNIE SAYS” and a “Mandees” clothing shop where the Walker once stood. When you enter, there is a slight upwards incline that was left from the original outer lossy, A security guard stands in exactly the same place where the ticket taker once stood. It almost seems like you are entering the theater but, of course you are not. Spoke to a maintenence person and he says that all the decorative work in the theater is covered by false walls and celing panels. Wonder if the shoppers here have any idea of the great theater that once occupied this space?.
My grandparents lived near the Walker. One of my grandfathers card buddies was Jake, the manager of the Walker.From 1965 to 1971, I was able to get into the Walker Free! All I had to do was say the password and the ticket seller would let me{and one guest}in. Once inside, we had run of the th\eater and we could sit wherever we wanted to. Naturally, we always sat in the first row of the loge section of the balcony. It was great! Even when the balcony was closed we sat there. Many were the great- and not too great films I saw here. Since the neighborhood where the Walker was was practically my second home, this is one theater{ along with the Oriental} that I can say I practically grew up at. I have many items to post concerning this theater that I intend to post in the very near future.
Though hardly luxurious, the Graham was a decent place to catch a movie. I remember seeing the movie “Tommy” , based on the album by the WHO there in the summer of 75. All the employees were wearing “Tommy” t shirts and most of the patrons were “blitzed” . It was a great vnight at the movied. I was with my friend Jerry D and we stayed for it twice.Every time I pass the new condo development, I think of that night so long ago.
Shoshana… Mazel tov! The Oriental was a great theater. We are all a bit poorer due to its closing. As long as people remember this great theater, it will live forever in our memories.
Box Office Bill… In case you have not heard, the Fortway theater had its final curtain call and closed probably for good on 6-24-05.There is now one less theater in Bay Ridge, the Alpine being the last survivor. Check the obits under the “ Fortway "posting.
Box Office Bill… In case you have not heard, the Fortway theater had its final curtain call and closed probably for good on 6-24-05.There is now one less theater in Bay Ridge, the Alpine being the last survivor. Check the obits under the “ Fortway "posting.
Theaterfan…. Cinema Odeon took over the Fortway in 1992, and it has been downhill ever since.Also, prior to the Cinema Odious…ER, ment Odion, this theater was open in the daytime. It switched to evening shows about 4 tears ago, but wes open for afternoon shows on the weekends and holidays
Anni3May and LarrtC….The best thing anybody could have “taken” from the Oriental were the great memories of just being there and enjoying the movie experience as it was ment to be. Wether the film was good, bed, or indifferent, did not really matter. You were at a great theater and, for my money that was half the show!Like Marcus Loew once said" I don`t sell tickets to movies. I sell tickets to theaters".Bet those old Ghost towns were a terrific experience. Sounds like something from the Twilight Zone or Indiana Jones.
Gustavelifting… The Kenmore was a very nice theater until the mid 70s. I only went there a half dozen times and remember it somewhat well. Glad I never went there after it was `plexed. I did not need to risk my life to see a movie!
Anni3May…. When my friend was living at the Oriental along with the other homeless people, there was a STRICT policy on who could enter. Most of these people were over 30 years of age, and the LAST thing they wanted was to see the theater vandalized. After all, if they were to be discovered, the charge of “breaking in” was bad enough and they really did not want charges of vandalism added to that. In retrospect, there was really nothing of value in there anyway and chances were probably good that no charges would be levied against them anyway.I did go in to visit my friend a few times. Even though his wife put him out, he did have a job and worked a regular schedule. Entry to the theater was afforded through the backstage area, wich was on Bay 19th.st. behind the theater and right before the first apartment house. It would have been to risky to use the entrance on Bay 20th.st, because of its close location to the private homes. As I stated in my entry, you had to be careful when you walked in the lobby because there was a good chance that someone outside on 86th. st would be able to see inside.When Marshalls opened, I got a look inside and the entire orchestra level{first floor} was completely gutted. There is a very good chance that the balcony may still be intact, but when I asked one of the managers- a very obnoxious Russian woman, she just blew me off by saying everything is gone,yet one of the salesgirls says the balcony AND the mezzanine is still there ans is an employee`s lounge!I tend to believe her. Anyway it is a damn shame that this theater was neglected and closed. At one time Bensonhurst had the Deluxe, the Walker, the Benson the Marboro, and the Oriental. Now all we have are memories.
yankee mike… Lets not forget the Deluxe and the Tilyou theaters that were within walking distance from the West End subway.
Posted for Phil Phil by Theaterat… In the past, most movie stars had CLASS and it showed on and off the screen.And yes, for the most part yesterdays films were far superior to todays offerings. Sorry, but good special effects ans surround should not be the stars of a film. We should have characters we can care about- that is what makes a movie worth seeing- and talking about. Ten or twenty years down the road, what films from the early 21th century will be truly memorable?Truth of the matter is we have become so jaded due to the FX that too many people are going to these films for this reason alone.Posted by Theaterat for PhilPhil
Vito Bill H,,, To quote Dennis Miller- I don1t want get off on a rant- but 98 percent of todays movies are GARBAGE! They have been dumdrd down to the point of being moronic, and creativity simply just does not exist anymore. I WOULD Not go to see “Bewitched”, “Dukes of Hazzard” “The Honeymooners” “The Bad News Bears” or the upcoming “Green Acres” even if I were given a free pass AND be allowed to smoke in the theater! When Hollywood gives is these constant TV into Films, needless sequels, and atrocious re makes of films that were mediocre at best, it is time to question the product. Also. I am SICK AND TIRED of people like TOM CRUISE and other no talents foisting their political and religious beliefs down our troaths. Nobody really gives a hoot, and those who fawn over these highly paid celebrities are just as vapid and brain dead as the so- called movies that they pass off as ‘entertainment" today.If more adults-and intelligent younger viewers would boycott these products, maybe Hollywood would get the message. The backlash is starting to show at the box office and if it continues, maybe things will change. I hope for the best- do you?
Vito Bill H,,, To quote Dennis Miller- I don1t want get off on a rant- but 98 percent of todays movies are GARBAGE! They have been dumdrd down to the point of being moronic, and creativity simply just does not exist anymore. I WOULD Not go to see “Bewitched”, “Dukes of Hazzard” “The Honeymooners” “The Bad News Bears” or the upcoming “Green Acres” even if I were given a free pass AND be allowed to smoke in the theater! When Hollywood gives is these constant TV into Films, needless sequels, and atrocious re makes of films that were mediocre at best, it is time to question the product. Also. I am SICK AND TIRED of people like TOM CRUISE and other no talents foisting their political and religious beliefs down our troaths. Nobody really gives a hoot, and those who fawn over these highly paid celebrities are just as vapid and brain dead as the so- called movies that they pass off as ‘entertainment" today.If more adults-and intelligent younger viewers would boycott these products, maybe Hollywood would get the message. The backlash is starting to show at the box office and if it continues, maybe things will change. I hope for the best- do you?
Good weather? Hey Hollywood, how about some GOOD MOVIES!
During this long and very,very HOT summer- especially with all those “creatively bankrupt” movies being offered us courtesy Hollywood, I can`t wait until the Jersey re-opens.Stay cool until then.
Lady Rigel…You are exactly right, but the reality of it is that too many people just do not give a hoot.I was greatly saddened when the Oriental closed, but when I asked people to get involved in an effort to save it nobody cared. Similiar efforts are going on with the Kings- read all the posts- but, again there seems to be nothing concrete other than a few ideas people are kicking around. There were Many great theaters in Brooklyn, but I guess the expense of operating and maintaining them was just too prohibitive. Then theres the current very sad state of the film industry itself.Just too many films are being released and too many of them are remakes, sequeld or creatively bankrupt rethreads of old TV shows ala The Honeymooners, Bewitched, and The Dukes of Hazzard.And the backlash is showing at the box officed. In the Pre DVD, VCR, Cable, and Movies on Demand days, a film had a longer “shelf life” and generally played a lot longer than todays releases. The fact of the matter is that the grand old movie palaces are an anachronism, a thing of the past. We all could get involved in an effort to save them, but in reality who really cares about them other than people like us.
Ken Sele…One of my friends mother lived on 43rd St near 8th. Av. When I read your post, I remember her saying the same thing about the “pots and pans” celebration on the neighborhood.I was only about 3 years old at the time, but I bet it was a happy and memorable occasion.I remember the Ritz too, and clean it definately was not! Posted by Theaterat for Phil Phil
Yes. Its sad but true. ALL the great theaters in Brooklyn are now memories, With the recent demise of the Fortway, we are down to 9 theaters.Somehow, going to a multiplex like the Sheepshead or the awful Alpine just isn`t the same as going to a majestic theater like the Oriental, but thats showbiz.
EDR… I am not sure, but rumors surrounding it claim it was either given- or sold to the Loews Jersey after being in storage somewhere for a few years.
As a New Yorker, I have only been to RCMH 4 times in my entire life. The first time when I was about 11, I went with my mother to see “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” a musical with Debby Reynolds and the stage show. I had to “GO Potty” during the movie, but I was afraid to leave my seat due to the overwhelming size of it. An usher showed me the way. I think it was on the second floor. The next time I wenr was in 1975 with “the crowd” to see GWTW. When blown up to 70mm for the huge screen, it looked like all the color was washed out of it. I did not enjoy it. The third time was in 1981 when the Grateful Dead did a 12 or 13 show stint. I( really did not care about theaters too much then, but the Dead, who played for almost 6 hours were teriffic!The last time was in 1995 for the X Mas show. I difd this with my mother, brother and sister-in-law. Enjoyed the show, but for the first time I really got to see the theater for what it is, and it made an impression on me that I will NEVER forget! Hope to go back soon.
New Years Day of 1970 was a mid week holiday, After having dinner at my grandparents house, the adults would play cards or talk in Italian so us kids could not understand them. The Walker had a double feature that week. Playing was “Krakatoa, East of Java” – in reality it is West- and “The devils Brigade”. I went with my younger brother because there was not really anything to do. “Krakatoa” was a Jules Verne like adventure of a disparate group of people on a steamer in the area of the volcano and earthquake. It was a good movie that I really enjoyed. The co- feature"The Devil`s Brigade" was a “Dirty Dozwn” type WWII movie that was also entertaining in it1s own right. This show was so good that we went to see it again on a Saturday night a few days later in early 1970.
Robert R … Amazing, isn1t it? This show was playing at 28 theaters in Brooklyn in 1968. 37 years later, Brooklyn has exactly 9 theaters left.
As built, the Walker had no seperate entrance from the inner lobby to the orchestra section, but after the theater was renovated in the early 80s, one was added.
There is now a “ANNIE SAYS” and a “Mandees” clothing shop where the Walker once stood. When you enter, there is a slight upwards incline that was left from the original outer lossy, A security guard stands in exactly the same place where the ticket taker once stood. It almost seems like you are entering the theater but, of course you are not. Spoke to a maintenence person and he says that all the decorative work in the theater is covered by false walls and celing panels. Wonder if the shoppers here have any idea of the great theater that once occupied this space?.
My grandparents lived near the Walker. One of my grandfathers card buddies was Jake, the manager of the Walker.From 1965 to 1971, I was able to get into the Walker Free! All I had to do was say the password and the ticket seller would let me{and one guest}in. Once inside, we had run of the th\eater and we could sit wherever we wanted to. Naturally, we always sat in the first row of the loge section of the balcony. It was great! Even when the balcony was closed we sat there. Many were the great- and not too great films I saw here. Since the neighborhood where the Walker was was practically my second home, this is one theater{ along with the Oriental} that I can say I practically grew up at. I have many items to post concerning this theater that I intend to post in the very near future.
Though hardly luxurious, the Graham was a decent place to catch a movie. I remember seeing the movie “Tommy” , based on the album by the WHO there in the summer of 75. All the employees were wearing “Tommy” t shirts and most of the patrons were “blitzed” . It was a great vnight at the movied. I was with my friend Jerry D and we stayed for it twice.Every time I pass the new condo development, I think of that night so long ago.
Shoshana… Mazel tov! The Oriental was a great theater. We are all a bit poorer due to its closing. As long as people remember this great theater, it will live forever in our memories.
Box Office Bill… In case you have not heard, the Fortway theater had its final curtain call and closed probably for good on 6-24-05.There is now one less theater in Bay Ridge, the Alpine being the last survivor. Check the obits under the “ Fortway "posting.
Box Office Bill… In case you have not heard, the Fortway theater had its final curtain call and closed probably for good on 6-24-05.There is now one less theater in Bay Ridge, the Alpine being the last survivor. Check the obits under the “ Fortway "posting.
Theaterfan…. Cinema Odeon took over the Fortway in 1992, and it has been downhill ever since.Also, prior to the Cinema Odious…ER, ment Odion, this theater was open in the daytime. It switched to evening shows about 4 tears ago, but wes open for afternoon shows on the weekends and holidays
The Fortway theater is now OFFICIALLY closed. May it rest in peace. Thanks for the memories.
Anni3May and LarrtC….The best thing anybody could have “taken” from the Oriental were the great memories of just being there and enjoying the movie experience as it was ment to be. Wether the film was good, bed, or indifferent, did not really matter. You were at a great theater and, for my money that was half the show!Like Marcus Loew once said" I don`t sell tickets to movies. I sell tickets to theaters".Bet those old Ghost towns were a terrific experience. Sounds like something from the Twilight Zone or Indiana Jones.
Gustavelifting… The Kenmore was a very nice theater until the mid 70s. I only went there a half dozen times and remember it somewhat well. Glad I never went there after it was `plexed. I did not need to risk my life to see a movie!
Anni3May…. When my friend was living at the Oriental along with the other homeless people, there was a STRICT policy on who could enter. Most of these people were over 30 years of age, and the LAST thing they wanted was to see the theater vandalized. After all, if they were to be discovered, the charge of “breaking in” was bad enough and they really did not want charges of vandalism added to that. In retrospect, there was really nothing of value in there anyway and chances were probably good that no charges would be levied against them anyway.I did go in to visit my friend a few times. Even though his wife put him out, he did have a job and worked a regular schedule. Entry to the theater was afforded through the backstage area, wich was on Bay 19th.st. behind the theater and right before the first apartment house. It would have been to risky to use the entrance on Bay 20th.st, because of its close location to the private homes. As I stated in my entry, you had to be careful when you walked in the lobby because there was a good chance that someone outside on 86th. st would be able to see inside.When Marshalls opened, I got a look inside and the entire orchestra level{first floor} was completely gutted. There is a very good chance that the balcony may still be intact, but when I asked one of the managers- a very obnoxious Russian woman, she just blew me off by saying everything is gone,yet one of the salesgirls says the balcony AND the mezzanine is still there ans is an employee`s lounge!I tend to believe her. Anyway it is a damn shame that this theater was neglected and closed. At one time Bensonhurst had the Deluxe, the Walker, the Benson the Marboro, and the Oriental. Now all we have are memories.