Rialto Theatre
1085 Flatbush Avenue,
Brooklyn,
NY
11226
1085 Flatbush Avenue,
Brooklyn,
NY
11226
4 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Century Theaters
Architects: John J. McNamara, R. Thomas Short
Functions: Church
Styles: Beaux-Arts, Egyptian
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News About This Theater
- Jun 18, 2010 — "Jaws"... Happy 35th!
- May 14, 2010 — Please Post Today, May 14 --- "Jaws," Happy 35th
The Rialto Theatre first opened on March 19, 1916 with Harry Lonsdale in “The Ne’re Do Well”. It was one of the first “luxury” theatres built by A.H. Schwartz, many years before he started the Century Circuit. As far as I know, the Rialto Theatre never presented more than movies, but during the silent era it employed a small orchestra and organist to play during the programs and intermissions. The Rialto Theatre’s success caused Schwartz to build a very similar Rialto Theatre in Jamaica, Queens, in 1918, with R. Thomas Short again as architect. In 1948 some remodelling was done to the plans of architect John J. McNamara.
Century Theaters operated the Brooklyn Rialto Theatre until 1976, after which the theatre was converted into a church.
The Jamaica Rialto Theatre was sold in the early-1930’s and re-named the Savoy Theatre, which operated into the 1980’s before being demolished for the re-development of Jamaica’s business and shopping district.
Contributed by
Warren G. Harris
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Recent comments (view all 32 comments)
My dad worked for Century Theatre throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, and I spent many happy hours in the dark throughout my childhood and teen years. He managed the Rialto from the early 1960s for several years (I was in high school at Erasmus, and we lived on the corner of Ocean and Caton). Around 1961 they tried running old movies at a discounted price (the only one I remember is “Meet Me in St Louis”), but this was years before the ever-growing interest in old films, and no one came, so they gave up this policy very quickly. I used to bring my friends or my “dates” on a Saturday night for free movies, and often afterwards we would head back down Flatbush Avenue to Jahn’s ice cream parlor (or into Garfield’s, to laugh at the “old” people hanging out all night, sipping a cup of coffee). Glad to see that the theatre is still standing…
Interesting photo from 2010. Church is French not Spanish. Didn’t realize Century originated the Silver Screen Classic concept which is so popular with the General Amusment Multiplexes. When I lived in Farmingdale the classic usually sold out and it was in the largest auditorium.
i worked at the rialto thearter in the early 70’s. I remember we had the Sting sold out every weekend had ticket holder lines. also american graffiti. had over 2,000 seats.
I was in the former Rialto this past Saturday night and for a service on Sunday morning. The enterior is in great shape. I’d say 85% intact. Stage curtains (waterfall type) are gone as is boxoffice. Otherwise stage procenium is now visible as are walls covered over by the removed drapery. The building is meticulous kept by the Eglise De Dieu staff members. The Century “spatter” carpeting does not exist anywhere in the building and the restrooms upgraded.
In two months, this building will be 99 years old.
In three days, Church of God, formerly the Century’s Rialto Theatre will be 99 years old. A lot of fond memories here for me. Glad that is originally intact as it looked in 1916. I attend services here once in a while. L'Eglise De Dieux keeps the place immaculate and to their credit lovingly take care of one of Flatbush Avenues first theatre. When I made my communion in 1966 or so, my sister took me here to see “You Only Live Twice” and “The Fortune Cookie” with a Pink Panther cartoon. Loved that Century logo with the flying “C”’s converging into one and spelling outwards to the right (Century Theatres) before the coming attractions. Remember the music also that went with the snipe. Contrary to what is written in the introduction, the theatre closed August 30, 1977 with “Kentucky Fried Movie”, also the same day was the closing of the Loew’s Kings under the new management of ATM (American Theatre Management).
It was great having four theaters within walking distance of my house. I remember seeing Bridge at Remagen and Kelly’s Heroes there. Sure miss the good ole days.
I found contradictory information regarding the Jamaica Rialto which makes no mention of Al Schwartz. See Savoy, Jamaica site.
Would the congregation object to anyone taking pictures of the interior?
Yes, as a member of the congregation, they allowed me to bring Matt Lambros in to see it. He took pictures which were to be for his private use only and then posted them here without asking. The sanctuaries are private. The church elders were not happy with this. Because of this, they will not let me bring in guests to show the interior. Two interior shots were posted here and I ask cinema treasures to delete the Matt Lambros photos as soon as possible. By the way, Happy belated 103 anniversary!!