Actually, the Prospect Theatre opened on November 12, 1910. I have the “Dedicatory Souvenir (booklet),” listing all the credits for the construction, etc. Reason being, my great-grandfather, Arthur Brounet, did the interior decorations. The introduction went on “…a playhouse that is second to none of the beautiful theatres in Greater New York…the orchestra contains some 570 seats not including boxes; the balcony contains 400, and the gallery, 360.
As Chevalier sang in “Gigi,” I remember it well. I sat in the first row for three showings of “Sincerely Yours,” and Liberace played my request each time!
For many years this space was used by the Volunteers of America, which included an auditorium for meetings, the original gathering place for their Santa Clauses heading out throughout the city similar to Salvation Army, and even a retail store for used items. It was demolished to make room for an apartment building (blocked by bus in photo), with entrance on Mott Street.
Great Memories. The theater was on 2nd Ave., between 123rd & 124th Sts. I lived around the corner in late 40s & 50s. It was a real grind house, changing programs (re-runs) 4 times a week, but they had the best Saturday matinees – 2/3 features, short, serial (Nyoka was my favorite), Cartoons, Contest & previews of coming attractions. The pleasurable hours there were well worth the $.25 admission ($.20 during the week) Of course, they had a strict matron with a flashlight to make sure you stayed in the Children’s Section. “The Last Picture Show” reminds me of it, small, intimate neighborhood movie house, not what you’d expect from a “Palace.”
Howard—Yes, and Ross said “..Manhattan movie theaters without landmark status, unlike the Metro, were often demolished because the land was more valuable to developers.” He went on to say, he would rather see classic cinemas as movie theaters. The Art Deco facade has landmark protection. So sue me, I’m an optomist if I hope something can be salvaged.
An headline in today’s (07/09/08) New York Times “A Landmark Theater In Need of Sequal.” Vacant for the last three years, it’s speculated that it might sell for $15 million. Anyone interested? I remember trecking there around late 50’s – early 60s for good old Joan Crawford Warner pix.
Hey kc2dhj – you are correct. Up the block from the Academy was a row of brownstones – Luchow’s was in one of them, with their Christmas Tree thru the roof. Another, at one time housed he main office of the NY Schools of Music – which once boasted lessons for $.35 (20 mins)with free practice. They had branches all over NYC.
I used to travel there via 3rd Ave. El for regular test with “Director,” Arthur Crimmins.
bobmarshall
Ed – Yup E. 3rd! There were a number of theaters between Canal & 14th street at the beginning thru middle of the last century. Most are gone. One revitalized is the Sundshine – although a multiplex, it is still better than the refrigerator storage place it was before this incarnation. It was a legit off-bway house thru the 50s. There were so many great & glorious theaters throughout the city that are gone. The Loew’s & RKO (Radio-Keith-Orphem cicuits) chains alone built most of them during and after Vaudeville. Even as far out as Coney Island. There were 4 legit theaters there – now one, which they’re holding on to in case gambling is legalized.
bobmarshall
Hi Ed – I did see a show at the Ritz on 54th. 9 Inch Nails and another louder, better-known medtal band, whose name I can’t remember at the moment. All the seats were taken out of the orchestra floor, making it easier to throw missles (beer cans, audience members) at each other. It was not a show of choice, I accompanied someone (just to see what they did to the place). i think I saw the $64,000 Question there with Hal March, when it was a CBS TV studio. I often see Webster Hall on classical recordings and really wonder if that’s where they record (I live nearby).
bobmarshall
LouisV- have you checked out the Loew’s Jersey City web site? One of the greats! It’s full of pix & info. They’re having a halloween program that weekend and they do show classics usually on weekends. It’s worth a trip—across the boulevard from the PATH train. I agree Studio 54 was never in a league of the others. But, 54 is around the corner from where CBS does the Letterman Show-that was orginally Hammerstein’s Theatre which featured stain glass windows. (“Lost Broadway Theatres” Nicholas Van Hoogstraten – a wonderful photo book).,
bobmarshall
In her bio, “Some of These Days,” Sophie Tucker mentions amateur nights “Up at the 125th Street Theater, corner of 3rd Avenue.” (she did play there.) There’s no doubt it was the latter day Tri-Boro. I grew up in the neighborhood in the 40s & 50s, and recall their showing Italian, then Spanish films, live theater (“Passion Play” an annual event), and a 3 films a day grind house. It was a fairly large theater, with two balconies, and an “island” box office outside.
bobmarshall
LuisV-too true. As Norma Desmond said in “Sunset Blvd.”, “they took the idols & destroyed them” and palaces they inhabited. I toured the Commodore & Palladium after they showed films, but before they became clubs and I revere these old temples. As you state, Studio 54 is one of the few remaining; surviving even a stint as The Ritz (Rock Club) briefly. I saw Cabaret there a nuber of times and it looks more like its original Gallo Opera House, with tables on the orchestra floor.
bobmarshall
In 1964, I saw Ann Corio’s “This Was Burlesque” here, but can’t remember the name of the theater at the time. In the early 80’s I saw a short-lived musical version of Potak’s “The Chosen” starring George Hearn here, which had a fantastic set, featuring a bridge that jetted right out into the orchestra. I believe it was then called the Second Avenue Theatre. It was an off-Broadway house with a Broadway feel.
bobmarshall
As Halloween looms, I have Filmore stroy. In 1971, I attended a Halloween show at the Fillmore which featured the band, “Elephant’s Memory” (several members were friends of mine) with Zacherly as host, and on the screen was “Frankenstein” (1931) At the end of the film when the villagers were chasing the monster, the soundtrack was lowered as the band played one of their current hits “Band of Love.” It was a riot with the audience singing along and led into the musical part of the program.
bobmarshall
Work executed by my great grandfather (Arthur Brounet) included the Tivoli in Jersey City. Only other info I have is Owner: Lincoln Union Theatres, Inc., and the architecht was Eugene DeRosa.
bobmarshall
My great grandfather, Interior Decorator, Arthut Brounet (see MARYLAND Theater, Hagerstown, MD) lists (work done on) the State Theater, Jersey City as owned by the Fox Film Co. (along with Valentine in the Bronx & many other Fox houses).
bobmarshall
A personal story: My great-grandfather (Arthur Brounet) was an interior decorator who worked extensively with Thos. W. Lamb. One of the theaters (outside NY/NJ area, where he did most of the “great movie huses”) was the Maryland in Hagerstown. For his work there, he took his son, Harold, out of vaudeville with John Bunny to be an apprentice. While there, teen-aged Harold met a local girl (working a drug store counter). A romance ensued, followed by marriage, and my mother! (their only child). They separated and my grandmother returned to Hagerstown which I visited often as a child. I think I smoked my first cigarette (a discard – at age 9 or 10 , in the lobby). He also did some work for an Academy of Music in Hagerstown –(owned by a Mrs. Hamilton Briscoe)which may have been the Academy, but I’m not sure.
bobmarshall
From Nathan Silver’s “Lost New York”:
“(the Jefferson)…After it became linked to the big time Keith circuit in 1920, its players included The Marx Brothers, Mae West, Jack Benny & Fred Allen. ‘The Jefferson was considered the toughtest house in New York’ said George Burns in his book, "Gracie.” It was a movie house from the 30’s through 60’s and finally demolished in 1999."
It did come to a sad end…but I can recall countless trips there in the mid & late 1950s to catch all the Joan Crawford films of the 40s, along with other Warner winners.
I recently walked passed this building, which now bills itself as “The Fillmore at Irving Place,” and lists upcoming concerts (rock acts mostly). I attended one about a dozen or so years ago, and the main floor was for standees or dancers—no seats. Several bagettes and sofas were arranged at the sides. It appeared to have a horse-shoe mezzanine or balcony with boxes & seats.
BronxGuy – I remember seeing a stage show at the Windsor either very late 40’s or early 50’s. Only act I can remember was a group of Chinese meen kicking barrels back & forth on the stage. Can’t recall any films.
Bobmarshall
RKO 11, Being a Joan Crawford fan first, if she was appearing in NYC, even with Bette and in the Bronx, I would have been there. I recall writing her about not appearing here — I have her reply somewhere & will quote her when I locate it. Meanwhiloe, from Bob Thomas' JOAN CRAWFORD (page 228) “Bette agreed to tour New York City theaters, and while Joan declined. she attended a press party at ‘21’.” Are there any photos or reviews/write ups from it? Thanks,
bobmarshall
Actually, the Prospect Theatre opened on November 12, 1910. I have the “Dedicatory Souvenir (booklet),” listing all the credits for the construction, etc. Reason being, my great-grandfather, Arthur Brounet, did the interior decorations. The introduction went on “…a playhouse that is second to none of the beautiful theatres in Greater New York…the orchestra contains some 570 seats not including boxes; the balcony contains 400, and the gallery, 360.
As Chevalier sang in “Gigi,” I remember it well. I sat in the first row for three showings of “Sincerely Yours,” and Liberace played my request each time!
For many years this space was used by the Volunteers of America, which included an auditorium for meetings, the original gathering place for their Santa Clauses heading out throughout the city similar to Salvation Army, and even a retail store for used items. It was demolished to make room for an apartment building (blocked by bus in photo), with entrance on Mott Street.
Great Memories. The theater was on 2nd Ave., between 123rd & 124th Sts. I lived around the corner in late 40s & 50s. It was a real grind house, changing programs (re-runs) 4 times a week, but they had the best Saturday matinees – 2/3 features, short, serial (Nyoka was my favorite), Cartoons, Contest & previews of coming attractions. The pleasurable hours there were well worth the $.25 admission ($.20 during the week) Of course, they had a strict matron with a flashlight to make sure you stayed in the Children’s Section. “The Last Picture Show” reminds me of it, small, intimate neighborhood movie house, not what you’d expect from a “Palace.”
Howard—Yes, and Ross said “..Manhattan movie theaters without landmark status, unlike the Metro, were often demolished because the land was more valuable to developers.” He went on to say, he would rather see classic cinemas as movie theaters. The Art Deco facade has landmark protection. So sue me, I’m an optomist if I hope something can be salvaged.
An headline in today’s (07/09/08) New York Times “A Landmark Theater In Need of Sequal.” Vacant for the last three years, it’s speculated that it might sell for $15 million. Anyone interested? I remember trecking there around late 50’s – early 60s for good old Joan Crawford Warner pix.
Hey kc2dhj – you are correct. Up the block from the Academy was a row of brownstones – Luchow’s was in one of them, with their Christmas Tree thru the roof. Another, at one time housed he main office of the NY Schools of Music – which once boasted lessons for $.35 (20 mins)with free practice. They had branches all over NYC.
I used to travel there via 3rd Ave. El for regular test with “Director,” Arthur Crimmins.
bobmarshall
Ed – Yup E. 3rd! There were a number of theaters between Canal & 14th street at the beginning thru middle of the last century. Most are gone. One revitalized is the Sundshine – although a multiplex, it is still better than the refrigerator storage place it was before this incarnation. It was a legit off-bway house thru the 50s. There were so many great & glorious theaters throughout the city that are gone. The Loew’s & RKO (Radio-Keith-Orphem cicuits) chains alone built most of them during and after Vaudeville. Even as far out as Coney Island. There were 4 legit theaters there – now one, which they’re holding on to in case gambling is legalized.
bobmarshall
Hi Ed – I did see a show at the Ritz on 54th. 9 Inch Nails and another louder, better-known medtal band, whose name I can’t remember at the moment. All the seats were taken out of the orchestra floor, making it easier to throw missles (beer cans, audience members) at each other. It was not a show of choice, I accompanied someone (just to see what they did to the place). i think I saw the $64,000 Question there with Hal March, when it was a CBS TV studio. I often see Webster Hall on classical recordings and really wonder if that’s where they record (I live nearby).
bobmarshall
LouisV- have you checked out the Loew’s Jersey City web site? One of the greats! It’s full of pix & info. They’re having a halloween program that weekend and they do show classics usually on weekends. It’s worth a trip—across the boulevard from the PATH train. I agree Studio 54 was never in a league of the others. But, 54 is around the corner from where CBS does the Letterman Show-that was orginally Hammerstein’s Theatre which featured stain glass windows. (“Lost Broadway Theatres” Nicholas Van Hoogstraten – a wonderful photo book).,
bobmarshall
In her bio, “Some of These Days,” Sophie Tucker mentions amateur nights “Up at the 125th Street Theater, corner of 3rd Avenue.” (she did play there.) There’s no doubt it was the latter day Tri-Boro. I grew up in the neighborhood in the 40s & 50s, and recall their showing Italian, then Spanish films, live theater (“Passion Play” an annual event), and a 3 films a day grind house. It was a fairly large theater, with two balconies, and an “island” box office outside.
bobmarshall
LuisV-too true. As Norma Desmond said in “Sunset Blvd.”, “they took the idols & destroyed them” and palaces they inhabited. I toured the Commodore & Palladium after they showed films, but before they became clubs and I revere these old temples. As you state, Studio 54 is one of the few remaining; surviving even a stint as The Ritz (Rock Club) briefly. I saw Cabaret there a nuber of times and it looks more like its original Gallo Opera House, with tables on the orchestra floor.
bobmarshall
In 1964, I saw Ann Corio’s “This Was Burlesque” here, but can’t remember the name of the theater at the time. In the early 80’s I saw a short-lived musical version of Potak’s “The Chosen” starring George Hearn here, which had a fantastic set, featuring a bridge that jetted right out into the orchestra. I believe it was then called the Second Avenue Theatre. It was an off-Broadway house with a Broadway feel.
bobmarshall
As Halloween looms, I have Filmore stroy. In 1971, I attended a Halloween show at the Fillmore which featured the band, “Elephant’s Memory” (several members were friends of mine) with Zacherly as host, and on the screen was “Frankenstein” (1931) At the end of the film when the villagers were chasing the monster, the soundtrack was lowered as the band played one of their current hits “Band of Love.” It was a riot with the audience singing along and led into the musical part of the program.
bobmarshall
Work executed by my great grandfather (Arthur Brounet) included the Tivoli in Jersey City. Only other info I have is Owner: Lincoln Union Theatres, Inc., and the architecht was Eugene DeRosa.
bobmarshall
My great grandfather, Interior Decorator, Arthut Brounet (see MARYLAND Theater, Hagerstown, MD) lists (work done on) the State Theater, Jersey City as owned by the Fox Film Co. (along with Valentine in the Bronx & many other Fox houses).
bobmarshall
A personal story: My great-grandfather (Arthur Brounet) was an interior decorator who worked extensively with Thos. W. Lamb. One of the theaters (outside NY/NJ area, where he did most of the “great movie huses”) was the Maryland in Hagerstown. For his work there, he took his son, Harold, out of vaudeville with John Bunny to be an apprentice. While there, teen-aged Harold met a local girl (working a drug store counter). A romance ensued, followed by marriage, and my mother! (their only child). They separated and my grandmother returned to Hagerstown which I visited often as a child. I think I smoked my first cigarette (a discard – at age 9 or 10 , in the lobby). He also did some work for an Academy of Music in Hagerstown –(owned by a Mrs. Hamilton Briscoe)which may have been the Academy, but I’m not sure.
bobmarshall
Apologies to Alto – didn’t see your most detailed listing.
bobmarshall
And check out their “Spend Halloween with Boris Karloff"
– two classic non-Frankenstein films.
Bobmarshall
Slight correction to the closing date: I recall attending this theater through 1959.
bobmarshall
From Nathan Silver’s “Lost New York”:
“(the Jefferson)…After it became linked to the big time Keith circuit in 1920, its players included The Marx Brothers, Mae West, Jack Benny & Fred Allen. ‘The Jefferson was considered the toughtest house in New York’ said George Burns in his book, "Gracie.” It was a movie house from the 30’s through 60’s and finally demolished in 1999."
bobmarshall
It did come to a sad end…but I can recall countless trips there in the mid & late 1950s to catch all the Joan Crawford films of the 40s, along with other Warner winners.
I recently walked passed this building, which now bills itself as “The Fillmore at Irving Place,” and lists upcoming concerts (rock acts mostly). I attended one about a dozen or so years ago, and the main floor was for standees or dancers—no seats. Several bagettes and sofas were arranged at the sides. It appeared to have a horse-shoe mezzanine or balcony with boxes & seats.
BronxGuy – I remember seeing a stage show at the Windsor either very late 40’s or early 50’s. Only act I can remember was a group of Chinese meen kicking barrels back & forth on the stage. Can’t recall any films.
Bobmarshall
RKO 11, Being a Joan Crawford fan first, if she was appearing in NYC, even with Bette and in the Bronx, I would have been there. I recall writing her about not appearing here — I have her reply somewhere & will quote her when I locate it. Meanwhiloe, from Bob Thomas' JOAN CRAWFORD (page 228) “Bette agreed to tour New York City theaters, and while Joan declined. she attended a press party at ‘21’.” Are there any photos or reviews/write ups from it? Thanks,
bobmarshall