Bergenfield Cinema 5
58 S. Washington Avenue,
Bergenfield,
NJ
07621
58 S. Washington Avenue,
Bergenfield,
NJ
07621
4 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
Bergenfield Cinema 5 (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Associated Prudential Theaters Inc., Bow-Tie Cinemas, Clearview Cinemas, Skouras Theatres, United Artists Theater Circuit Inc.
Styles: Baroque
Previous Names: Palace Theatre, Clearview Begenfield Cinema 5, Bow Tie Bergenfield 5
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
201.385.1600
Nearby Theaters
The Palace Theatre opened as a vaudeville house in the early-1920’s, by the Metropolitan Playhouses chain. The theatre was designed in Spanish Baroque style, and eventually switched over to an all-film policy. United Artists took over when they bought the building (and many others) from Associated Prudential Theatres sometime in the 1960’s.
The theatre featured a narrow lobby and wide auditorium with a balcony. One of the original Clearview Cinemas, the theatre was divided into a twin on November 26, 1986 and five-plex on May 19, 1989, with two auditoriums in the balcony (which was extended out toward the stage), two under the balcony, and one in front. The front auditorium was designed in ‘reverse’, meaning the projection booth was built onto the stage and the seats are facing out into the original auditorium, with some seats still on the stage-a mini ‘balcony’, sort of!
In 2001 Clearview installed new screens and digital sound. There are still many of the original designs to see, including the ceiling dome (half in each balcony auditorium) and some trim throughout the theatre. Sadly, the proscenium was mostly destroyed in the ‘plexing. The theatre is heavily involved in the community, and makes for a comfortable night at the movies…
In June 2013, Bow-Tie Cinemas too over as it took most of Clearview locations. Bow-Tie moved out on April 2, 2018 and the theatre operates under independent management.
The Bergenfield Cinema 5 was closed on January 1, 2023. In June 2023 it was announced the theatre would be converted into a Korean BBQ restaurant.
Contributed by
Joe Masher
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Recent comments (view all 20 comments)
I went to this theatre (The Palace) also known then as Pops Palace, as a kid in late 40’s and into early 50’s. Sat. Mat. kiddie shows. The regular attraction was always a double feature and if one or both of the regular films were “kid” appropriate then they were shown with 10 cartoons and an episode of a serial, Batman, Superman, Captain Video etc. Often one or both of the regular attractions were not shown and westerns, Huntz Hall comedies, Abbott and Costello comedies, etc. were substituted. The bookings then were from Wed. to Sat. and then another show from Sun. to Tues. I would often go back to the movies on Sun afternoon. There was no kid show on Sun, just the regular 2 features. The manager then was George Hollman. Mid 50’s I became an usher at the Fox Theatre in Hackensack and also Assistant Manager there and also at the Englewood Theatre in Englewood. Late 50’s I became Assistant Manager at this Palace Theatre along with Manager Ernest Mezey. Mon. and Tues. nights were dish nights to attract lady patrons. Along with your ticket you got a free plate or cup, etc each week a different item until you got the whole set, eventually. I was Assistant at the Palace during such films as Mary Poppins, West Side Story, Gypsy, South Pacific and many many other classics. Many, many memories.
As of April 2, Bergenfield is no longer part of the Bow Tie chain of theatres. This theatre is no longer listed on Bow Tie’s website. It appears they may have gone independent. The marquee says all admissions are $5.00 A new website for the theatre has not been established.
5 screens as of May 19th, 1989. Grand opening ad in the photo section
Please update, became a twin on November 26, 1986 (Grand Opening ad in photos) and it was rename Bergenfield Cinemas in late 1983. UA Theatres during towards the end of operation under the Palace was a second run theatre.
As of January 1, 2023 it appears the theatre has CLOSED. No films listed on Fandango, their website is useless, the marquee is totally blank and all the lights are off inside the theatre. Nothing is posted on the doors, so perhaps it’s only temporary?
This is unfortunate it was inexpensive to go here. The same people that currently operating the theater in Teaneck took this theater over about 3 ½ to 4 years ago. The theaters upstairs retain some of the original look of the theater in the ceilings and on the walls before it was cut up into five theaters. They were showing avatar Puss in boots and several other popular movies up until December 29, 2022. No answer on the phone Facebook page is not updated no listings on Fandango. Looks like this is a permanent closing not temporary. Another Theatre lost in Bergen county sad news. This will not be beneficial to the businesses on the main street of Bergenfield.
You are right, Washington Avenue has several large empty stores, some of which have been empty for 2+ years. I haven’t been to Teaneck in a while but Cedar Lane must be much busier since the same owners decided to focus on Teaneck and cut Bergenfield loose. Maybe the owners will try offering the theatre to new owners and not let it become what the theatre in Tenafly has become, a big, boarded up hulk of a building.
I’m not sure what they plan to do with the building in Bergenfield the Theatre building. I emailed someone who’s involved with the Teaneck theater haven’t heard back from them yet. I don’t know if anyone will come to operate that Theatre again. With the way the movie business has been lately. I was just by Tenafly recently. Sad that Theatre is all boarded up. They should’ve re-opened but never did. Who knows what they’re gonna turn it into. I doubt it’ll ever open at the theater again in Tenafly.
The mayor of Bergenfield just announced a Korean BBQ restaurant will open where the theatre sits now. It will be called, of all things, Meat Palace, named in honor of the Palace Theatre. No I’m not making this up. The property sold in March for $1.9 million to a limited liability company. The new owners are supposedly going to renovate and restore the theatre. To what end I don’t know, are they going to show movies again? The restaurant is expected to be open by Thanksgiving of this year.
It has been a little over 1 year since the theater closed and absolutely nothing has changed. It’s still a empty black hole on the Avenue. No restaurant, no info on the marquee, no nothing. I do see lights on in the lobby from time to time and things have been moved around inside. Will it ever open again as a functioning business? Hard to say.