The name of this theatre should be the CENTER theatre, just as the State Palace should be under LOEWS or Loews State. Those are the names that most people would recognize these theatres.
Before the Center Theatre went to sleazy adult entertainment, I remember seeing “The Atomic Kid” starring Mickey Rooney there. That movie was from 1954, but I think it wasn’t a first run at the Center, so it could have been a few years later.
The original article here discusses that the upper balcony was for blacks, but in the early 60’s I definately remember sitting anywhere in the theatre. You could easily walk to any level and I don’t have any recollection of certain seating areas for blacks.
“and the chain is unknown!"
I think they are talking about the present owners are unknown. Loews hasn’t owned this theatre for many years.
This theatre owns the whole block meaning all of the stores around the base of the theatre are leased. To rehab this whole thing you would have to get rid of all tenents and completely remodel everything including the electrical for the theatre which doesn’t meet code. Rewiring electric from basement location would cost over 1 million alone. Present owners would like to sell the property, but whoever buys the theatre would have to have deep pockets and not want an immediate return on their investment. Could take years to make your money back.
Still… Restored this theatre could be a showplace.
I remember Saturday Matinee’s at the Fox on Elysian Fields, right off Gentilly Blvd. The theatre was next to the Fire Station. The place was packed on Saturdays in the 50’s and 60’s.
Went inside of the Loew’s Theatre (State Palace) today (2/26/10). On the inside, you can still see the grandeur of the original theatre. Two balconies and box seats on the side. Definately needs renovation, but there is a grand theatre there for someone that will take on this project. It is currently for sale. The whole block is owned by the theatre group and all of the tenants in these business would have to thrown-out and the whole complex renovated to original stature.
I saw “Gone With The Wind” here for the first time. It’s sad to see it in this condition, but I have great memories. I took pictures but will have to lighten them up before posting. Even with lights on the place was still dark.
One of the problems is that since Katrina, the code has changed and electrical will have to be moved from basement to main level which could cost over a cool million. Not good.
If you know anyone with a few million to throw into the project, let me know. We can take it on.
This will always be the “Loews” or “Loew’s State” to me. I saw “Gone With The Wind” there for the first time. The Saenger and the Loews were New Orleans two great movie houses.
My favorite place to see a movie in the late 50’s to mid 60’s, maybe ever! I remember my granddad taking me to see a Martin & Lewis comedy in the 50’s. Some of my best movie memories of “Barefoot in the Park”, “Sunday In New York” and “This Property Is Condemned” were had at the Saenger. It seems like only yesterday. I thought it was sacrilige when they divided the house, cutting off the balcony and was later thrilled when it was restored.
As a “live” theatre saw “42nd Street”, Liza Minnelli, and Whitney Houston at the Saenger. What a fabulous venue.
I remember going to the Pitt as a child in the 50’s. Mostly went to matinees at Pitt, Tiger, and Fox. They were great movie houses in their day. I grew up on Lafaye St. off Robert E. Lee (used to be Hibernia Avenue back in the day).
Remember the snowball stand in front of the house next door on Elysian Fields? We used to stop there coming home from the beach.
The name of this theatre should be the CENTER theatre, just as the State Palace should be under LOEWS or Loews State. Those are the names that most people would recognize these theatres.
Before the Center Theatre went to sleazy adult entertainment, I remember seeing “The Atomic Kid” starring Mickey Rooney there. That movie was from 1954, but I think it wasn’t a first run at the Center, so it could have been a few years later.
The original article here discusses that the upper balcony was for blacks, but in the early 60’s I definately remember sitting anywhere in the theatre. You could easily walk to any level and I don’t have any recollection of certain seating areas for blacks.
I remember seeing “How The West Was Won” at Martin’s Cinerama, right off Tulane. Three projectors on the huge curved screen. Pretty cool for its time.
“and the chain is unknown!"
I think they are talking about the present owners are unknown. Loews hasn’t owned this theatre for many years.
This theatre owns the whole block meaning all of the stores around the base of the theatre are leased. To rehab this whole thing you would have to get rid of all tenents and completely remodel everything including the electrical for the theatre which doesn’t meet code. Rewiring electric from basement location would cost over 1 million alone. Present owners would like to sell the property, but whoever buys the theatre would have to have deep pockets and not want an immediate return on their investment. Could take years to make your money back.
Still… Restored this theatre could be a showplace.
The ending scenes of “The Vampire’s Assistant” were shot in the Loews.
I remember Saturday Matinee’s at the Fox on Elysian Fields, right off Gentilly Blvd. The theatre was next to the Fire Station. The place was packed on Saturdays in the 50’s and 60’s.
Here’s a link to the Stage and Curtain in 2010:
View link
Here’s a view of the box seats in 2010:
View link
Here’s a view of the 2 balconies as shot from the stage in 2010:
View link
Went inside of the Loew’s Theatre (State Palace) today (2/26/10). On the inside, you can still see the grandeur of the original theatre. Two balconies and box seats on the side. Definately needs renovation, but there is a grand theatre there for someone that will take on this project. It is currently for sale. The whole block is owned by the theatre group and all of the tenants in these business would have to thrown-out and the whole complex renovated to original stature.
I saw “Gone With The Wind” here for the first time. It’s sad to see it in this condition, but I have great memories. I took pictures but will have to lighten them up before posting. Even with lights on the place was still dark.
One of the problems is that since Katrina, the code has changed and electrical will have to be moved from basement to main level which could cost over a cool million. Not good.
If you know anyone with a few million to throw into the project, let me know. We can take it on.
Michael Flaherty
To me, it’s the RKO Orpheum. Saw many horror movies there in the late 50’s and early 60’s, including Vincent Price’s “The Tingler”.
Would get my haircut in the basement of the Roosevelt Hotel across the street, then go to the movies.
Now home to the symphony.
This will always be the “Loews” or “Loew’s State” to me. I saw “Gone With The Wind” there for the first time. The Saenger and the Loews were New Orleans two great movie houses.
My favorite place to see a movie in the late 50’s to mid 60’s, maybe ever! I remember my granddad taking me to see a Martin & Lewis comedy in the 50’s. Some of my best movie memories of “Barefoot in the Park”, “Sunday In New York” and “This Property Is Condemned” were had at the Saenger. It seems like only yesterday. I thought it was sacrilige when they divided the house, cutting off the balcony and was later thrilled when it was restored.
As a “live” theatre saw “42nd Street”, Liza Minnelli, and Whitney Houston at the Saenger. What a fabulous venue.
I remember going to the Pitt as a child in the 50’s. Mostly went to matinees at Pitt, Tiger, and Fox. They were great movie houses in their day. I grew up on Lafaye St. off Robert E. Lee (used to be Hibernia Avenue back in the day).
Remember the snowball stand in front of the house next door on Elysian Fields? We used to stop there coming home from the beach.