RKO Keith's Richmond Hill Theatre
117-09 Hillside Avenue,
Richmond Hill,
NY
11418
117-09 Hillside Avenue,
Richmond Hill,
NY
11418
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: RKO
Functions: Bingo Hall, Swap Meet
Previous Names: B.F. Keith's Theatre
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Located in the Richmond Hill section of Queens. The former B.F. Keith’s Theatre opened on March 22, 1929 with 6-acts of Radio-Keith-Orpheum Vaudeville on stage and the talkie movie “Strange Cargo” starring Lee Patrick. It later showed second-run fare and double bills.
The RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill Theatre closed on June 25, 1968 with Elizabeth Taylor & Marlon Brando in “Reflections in a Golden Eye”. Since then it has been used as a bingo hall and flea market. The marquee and front of the building were renovated and used as a location for the 2002 movie “The Guru” starring Jimi Mistry.
Contributed by
philipgoldberg
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Recent comments (view all 428 comments)
On Saturday 3 February 1951, Bela “Dracula” Lugosi presented his in person Horror and Magic Stage show at RKO Richmond Hill. Currently I am conducting research on all things Lugosi; if anyone out there actually saw this show and/or has memorabilia (poster, handbill, photos) related to this show, please contact Bill at Thanks in advance for any assistance!
Photo of the marquee in the day.
Unfortunately, the 1940’s tax photo of the Keiths is missing, but here is the adjoining building showing the marquee.
http://nycma.lunaimaging.com/luna/servlet/detail/NYCMA~9~9~706647~1085842?sort=borough%2Cblock%2Clot%2Czip_code
Picture added to gallery.
Rumors are circulating about a possible sale of the property, including one of conversion into a church. More here
Given the possible consequences that a sale of this building would have, its conversion into a house of worship would be a pretty good one. In fact, some of the best reuses have involved exactly that.
What a difference when you look at photos of this theatre inside compared to the Keiths in Flushing.
Several color photos of the exterior can be viewed midway through this article at the “Forgotten New York” website here
Another update on current use has been posted at the “Forgotten New York Website.” Click here
What’s the current use of the theatre?