Thanks Bill. Actually the Loew’s has sort of become a substitute for the Music Hall. I try to attend when ever I can and always make a point to see a film there at Christmas. It does sort of bring back the feeling of the Music Hall especially when the organ is played.
Auntie Mame was also my favorite Christmas show especially since it was the first one I saw. I remember waiting over three hours in line with my parents and sister to get in. I still have the Showplace saved among the many from various visits over the years. To this day whenever I watch
“Auntie Mame” I still remember the feeling of sitting in the audience and can still hear the special echo like sound I always associated with the Music Hall. What I wouldn’t give to be able to relive that special time.
Sorry I got the date wrong in my entry above for Gone With The Wind. I checked and found an old Showplace and it was April of 1975. And yes, there was a stage show entitled “It’s In Your Stars” which remained the same through the series of movies. In addition to the films mentioned above, Doctor Zhivago was the last of the series beginning May 15, 1975.
If I remember correctly I believe the 70mm version of Gone With The Wind was shown during the summer of 1976 in a series which included Singing In The Rain and 2001: A Space Odyssey. I think they kept the same stage show for each of the films. I remember being annoyed at the presentation of Gone With The Wind because the impressive sweeping titles for the film were changed to plain white lettering while the background image swept across. This was due to the wide screen format which chopped off the top and bottom of the images.
I believe that the above photo of the Empire theater was the legitimate theater located at Broadway and 40th street in NYC. I believe it was torn down in the 1950’s.
The above post by Warren G. Harris brought back so many memories. Auntie Mame was the first christmas show I saw at the Music Hall which started a wonderful family tradition. I remember waiting on line with my parents and sister for almost 3 hours. To this day I can still remember the feeling of seeing the film on the huge screen. And remember my sister asking my mom to use the ladies room during the scene when Rosalind Russell is climbing the stairs with Peggy Cass saying live! live! live!. I also vividly remember the stage show featuring the Rockettes and a spaceship to the moon and the underwater ballet. That night walking home, we passed the Roxy which was showing “Lil Abner”. Unfortunately I think my parents felt it wasn’t appropriate for an 8 year old so I never saw the inside of the Roxy which I joke about to my mom to this day. There were many Christmas shows to follow. I always remember the feeling of anticipation of walking from the seventh avenue subway and hoping that the line wasn’t too long so that we would be able to get in before noon for $.99. The Music Hall was such a special experience. I saw one of the newer Christmas shows years a few years ago but it just wasn’t the same. At least I have my memories and old Showplaces describing all the great shows and films.
I remember when I was eight waiting on line with my parents for three hours to see the 1958 Christmas show which was “Auntie Mame”. Can still visualize seeing it on the huge screen and the stage show after. That was the first of many trips and long lines to both the Christmas and Easter shows. Still have many of the Showplaces which bring back memories of what a wonderful place it was.
I just came across a copy of the Inaugural Program of the Paramount Theater. The binding has fallen apart but is complete at 96 pages.It contains mostly etchings of the theater interiors but is very descriptive providing details of the interior such as descriptions of the drapes, organ grills, stage equipment etc. There is also a section on other Publix theaters across the country with some small illustrations. The program also has information of the Paramount stars at the time with pictures and information. There is a one page description of the opening night performance detailing the stage acts. The film shown was called “ God Gave Me Twenty Cents”. Another interesting part of of the program is sort of yearbook style with ads from the many companies involved in the construction. There is a fascinating cutaway illustration of the theater in an ad by Carrier describing the air conditioning system, a photo of the bronze doors in the grand lobby and a photo of the projection room.
In reference to the post by Woody, I believe the “Pandora” inscription on the doors was for the movie “The Last Action Hero” which had scenes filmed at the Empire.
I remember wining a contest for naming the theater. There must hve been about ten other winners. It was easy to win since all the other Century theaters were named after the area they were located in. The prize was a pass for one year and attending the grand opening which was “Casino Royale”. I Also remember as part of the grand opening they had a comedian entertain the audience before the film began.
Staten Island had only one Drive-in , The Staten Island Drive-In Theater, which was torn down in the mid sixties and replaced by the Island theater, now torn down.
Believe it is still operating but has been multiplexed beyond recognition. Remember it being the first new theater in a long time on Staten Island. Joan Crawford even made an appearance at the grand opening celebration in the mid 60’s. The fim was Disney’s The Ugly Dachshound.
Have very fond memories of the Paramount. My junior high school graduation was hed there. Also remember being terrified when House On Haunted Hill played there. An actual skeleton came from the screen over the audience. I also remember that they closed the theater for a short time in the early sixties for refurbishing the theater. The lobby was updated with tile and I remember all the seats were redone. They even had an illlustrated display on the marquee for the re-opening attraction which I believe was The Flower Drum Song.
Would love to see a film and stage show presentation again. I remember waiting in line for 3 hours to see the 1958 Christmas show when “Auntie Mame” was playing. Still have the Showplace magazine they use to hand out. I also remember in the spring of 1975 they kept the same stage show and changed the film. It was great seeing Gone With The Wind and Singin' In The Rain on the big screen. They also played 2001: A Space Odyssey and Doctor Zhivago during that engagement.
I believe “South Pacific” was shown as a roadshow engagement after moving over from the Criterion.
Thanks Bill. Actually the Loew’s has sort of become a substitute for the Music Hall. I try to attend when ever I can and always make a point to see a film there at Christmas. It does sort of bring back the feeling of the Music Hall especially when the organ is played.
Auntie Mame was also my favorite Christmas show especially since it was the first one I saw. I remember waiting over three hours in line with my parents and sister to get in. I still have the Showplace saved among the many from various visits over the years. To this day whenever I watch
“Auntie Mame” I still remember the feeling of sitting in the audience and can still hear the special echo like sound I always associated with the Music Hall. What I wouldn’t give to be able to relive that special time.
Sorry I got the date wrong in my entry above for Gone With The Wind. I checked and found an old Showplace and it was April of 1975. And yes, there was a stage show entitled “It’s In Your Stars” which remained the same through the series of movies. In addition to the films mentioned above, Doctor Zhivago was the last of the series beginning May 15, 1975.
If I remember correctly I believe the 70mm version of Gone With The Wind was shown during the summer of 1976 in a series which included Singing In The Rain and 2001: A Space Odyssey. I think they kept the same stage show for each of the films. I remember being annoyed at the presentation of Gone With The Wind because the impressive sweeping titles for the film were changed to plain white lettering while the background image swept across. This was due to the wide screen format which chopped off the top and bottom of the images.
I believe that the above photo of the Empire theater was the legitimate theater located at Broadway and 40th street in NYC. I believe it was torn down in the 1950’s.
The above post by Warren G. Harris brought back so many memories. Auntie Mame was the first christmas show I saw at the Music Hall which started a wonderful family tradition. I remember waiting on line with my parents and sister for almost 3 hours. To this day I can still remember the feeling of seeing the film on the huge screen. And remember my sister asking my mom to use the ladies room during the scene when Rosalind Russell is climbing the stairs with Peggy Cass saying live! live! live!. I also vividly remember the stage show featuring the Rockettes and a spaceship to the moon and the underwater ballet. That night walking home, we passed the Roxy which was showing “Lil Abner”. Unfortunately I think my parents felt it wasn’t appropriate for an 8 year old so I never saw the inside of the Roxy which I joke about to my mom to this day. There were many Christmas shows to follow. I always remember the feeling of anticipation of walking from the seventh avenue subway and hoping that the line wasn’t too long so that we would be able to get in before noon for $.99. The Music Hall was such a special experience. I saw one of the newer Christmas shows years a few years ago but it just wasn’t the same. At least I have my memories and old Showplaces describing all the great shows and films.
Just a thought but maybe A=Adults C=Children and P= Passes
I remember when I was eight waiting on line with my parents for three hours to see the 1958 Christmas show which was “Auntie Mame”. Can still visualize seeing it on the huge screen and the stage show after. That was the first of many trips and long lines to both the Christmas and Easter shows. Still have many of the Showplaces which bring back memories of what a wonderful place it was.
I just came across a copy of the Inaugural Program of the Paramount Theater. The binding has fallen apart but is complete at 96 pages.It contains mostly etchings of the theater interiors but is very descriptive providing details of the interior such as descriptions of the drapes, organ grills, stage equipment etc. There is also a section on other Publix theaters across the country with some small illustrations. The program also has information of the Paramount stars at the time with pictures and information. There is a one page description of the opening night performance detailing the stage acts. The film shown was called “ God Gave Me Twenty Cents”. Another interesting part of of the program is sort of yearbook style with ads from the many companies involved in the construction. There is a fascinating cutaway illustration of the theater in an ad by Carrier describing the air conditioning system, a photo of the bronze doors in the grand lobby and a photo of the projection room.
In reference to the post by Woody, I believe the “Pandora” inscription on the doors was for the movie “The Last Action Hero” which had scenes filmed at the Empire.
I remember wining a contest for naming the theater. There must hve been about ten other winners. It was easy to win since all the other Century theaters were named after the area they were located in. The prize was a pass for one year and attending the grand opening which was “Casino Royale”. I Also remember as part of the grand opening they had a comedian entertain the audience before the film began.
Staten Island had only one Drive-in , The Staten Island Drive-In Theater, which was torn down in the mid sixties and replaced by the Island theater, now torn down.
I remember “Thunderball” having a special engagement at the Paramount. I remember taking an 8mm movie of the marquee.
Believe it is still operating but has been multiplexed beyond recognition. Remember it being the first new theater in a long time on Staten Island. Joan Crawford even made an appearance at the grand opening celebration in the mid 60’s. The fim was Disney’s The Ugly Dachshound.
Have very fond memories of the Paramount. My junior high school graduation was hed there. Also remember being terrified when House On Haunted Hill played there. An actual skeleton came from the screen over the audience. I also remember that they closed the theater for a short time in the early sixties for refurbishing the theater. The lobby was updated with tile and I remember all the seats were redone. They even had an illlustrated display on the marquee for the re-opening attraction which I believe was The Flower Drum Song.
Would love to see a film and stage show presentation again. I remember waiting in line for 3 hours to see the 1958 Christmas show when “Auntie Mame” was playing. Still have the Showplace magazine they use to hand out. I also remember in the spring of 1975 they kept the same stage show and changed the film. It was great seeing Gone With The Wind and Singin' In The Rain on the big screen. They also played 2001: A Space Odyssey and Doctor Zhivago during that engagement.