I was surprised to see rlvjr’s comment from 2005 saying “the Blacks targeted Mr. Hiser’s theater for their annoying ‘sit-in’ shakedowns.” That characterization is inappropriate. Hiser shamefully refused to admit African-Americans long after other area theaters had integrated. It was entirely justified and appropriate for people to picket the theater for this.
In later years, after the theater became the Baronet, I remember seeing newsreels and cartoons before the feature. Also old serials as part of weekend matinees. I saw The Sound of Music there during its very long run. The machines in the back were not as appealing as the concession stands at other theaters.
Jack K mentions seeing Around the World in 80 Days there. As of now, 2015, there is still the ghost of a painted sign on the rear Sansom Street wall advertising that film.
This is a still from the film The Killer That Stalked New York.
I was surprised to see rlvjr’s comment from 2005 saying “the Blacks targeted Mr. Hiser’s theater for their annoying ‘sit-in’ shakedowns.” That characterization is inappropriate. Hiser shamefully refused to admit African-Americans long after other area theaters had integrated. It was entirely justified and appropriate for people to picket the theater for this.
In later years, after the theater became the Baronet, I remember seeing newsreels and cartoons before the feature. Also old serials as part of weekend matinees. I saw The Sound of Music there during its very long run. The machines in the back were not as appealing as the concession stands at other theaters.
Jack K mentions seeing Around the World in 80 Days there. As of now, 2015, there is still the ghost of a painted sign on the rear Sansom Street wall advertising that film.