UA Quartet

Please update, theatre closed October 2, 1997

Saw many flicks during the UA era of this theater. I remember seeing “Network” and “Invasion of the body snatchers” and during the screening of “Snatchers” I vividly recall the film snapping at a pivotal moment. The collective groan of the crowd was quite memorable. It was still quite pleasant even after its quadplexing in the early 70s

The supermarket was in the theater building (in the present Street View it’s got a “For Lease” sign on it.) Street View is stranded in the parking lot, but give it a couple of clicks and you can see the theater’s former emergency exit doors on the back of the building. The marquee is still on the front of the building, too, but covered with a plain surface.

When the Quartet was about to open they had an “open house” for the public.

Remember the Roosevelt well from growing up in the neighborhood in the sixties. Saw Lilies of the Field there on a double bill with Pocketful of Miracles over the Christmas holidays in 1963. I think it was mostly a second run theater in those days. Interesting to read that it was built before the Keith’s and the Prospect in downtown Flushing.

I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m one of the people in that photo.

I grew up a few blocks from the Roosevelt and saw my first James Bond and Jerry Lewis films there. It was close enough that my mother would let us go alone to Saturday matinees; she was happy to get us out of the house for a few hours.

My mother never let us buy popcorn or soda at the theater because it was so expensive. She’d give us some cookies to take along in our pockets. I envied the children with popcorn and big iced sodas.

In 1963 I went with my sister and some young friends to see PT-109 at a 4:30 p.m. Saturday showing. The ticket-seller warned us that all children unaccompanied by someone at least twelve years old had to leave at 6:00 p.m.; we didn’t really understand what he meant, and bought the tickets. Promptly at 6, while the film was still in progress, an usher went up and down the aisles, kicking out unaccompanied children. My friends and I scrambled, and each of us sat next to an adult, so we escaped the 6 p.m. purge. I remember it as quite an exciting adventure.

All four auditoriums were at the rear of the lobby. #1 and #2 directly under the numbers coming down from the ceiling. #3 was to the right of #2 behind the new concession stand (installed 1985). #4 was to the left of #1, just follow the 4’s along the wall.

Theater 1 and 2 are facing the lobby. Theater entrance islrft of theater#1 and goes to the entrace of theater. #4 is back of the concessions stand.

Please help! I am trying to remember the name of the music/concert club that was located two or three doors down from The Quartet Movie Theatre. I went to this club twice in 1971. I first saw the band CANDY at this club and next saw the band Lighthouse at this club. This club used to give handout flyers with names of forthcoming shows and used to advertise in the local music publication called “The Island Ear.” Mike’s Comic Hut was on the other side of the Quartet while this music club was on the side of the Quartet that was closer to the Long Island Railroad Station.

Does anyone remember the name of this Music Club ? Have a logo or handout flyer from this Club ? Have any stories about seeing shows at this club ?

Thanks!!!!!! Tricia (Bayside, NY)

Fred1, your comment is barely in English! Sorry, couldn’t resist…

I worked at the quartet from july 1977-august 1979..Mike Hochstien was the manager and there were several assistants(Kevin Kilkenny, Frank Nardi)..It was one of the best experiences of my youth…we would hit the Gable Inn after work on weekends…Nearly all the kids in my niehgborhood worked there in the mid-late 70’s-Loretta B.Patricia B, David B, Arlene L, Jodi P, Linda P,Craig B. Kenny M.,Sue G….It was a time I will cherish in my heart forever as I will the friends I made there. It seems like 100 years ago. Scott M.