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Loew’s Paradise Theater
posted by
abaron
on
October 20, 2004 at 6:01 am
Enough people have already submitted their experiences of going to the “movies” at the Paradise, one of the greatest movie theaters ever.
Of course, the ceiling in the theater with it’s twinkling stars was magical. Some are too young to know that it originally had stage shows along with the movie in the old days. Very much like Radio City Music Hall. And that gorgeous baroque staircase to the balcony.
Did anyone mention the goldfish? There were pools (3 or 4) of huge goldfish in the lobby.
If The Paradise is not restored and saved it will be the shame of New York, just as the demolition of Penn Station was. So Bronxites, what can we do?
Comments (11)
Anita, pay attention to the news and postings. The Paradise is in the middle of a complete restoration and is scheduled to reopen in February 2005.
I believe the Last time I visited the theater was when Sleeping Beauty was released again in the eighties. I was probably five years old. I remember the mysterious dark shadows being cast on the statues, pilasters and other ornaments. My eyes wandered everywhere fascinated by this magnificent gem even though it had seen better days before the multiplexing. I was interrupted a few times by my mother who kept on reminding me that when she was around my age, my grandmother also took her there to see double features and that her highschool graduation ceremony was held there (Walton 1968). After that we headed over to the elegant Art Deco Dollar Savings Bank with its murals(Now Emigrant)to get some money to spend at Alexanders across the street. Later on we stopped off at Woolworth to pick up some school supplies and when the popcorn went down, it was over to Annie’s Franks and Fries for those delicious hot dogs they sold.
It was all in a days work on Fordham Road.
Ahhh. The good old days.
Im just sorry that Krums Ice cream parlor was before my time. I’ve heard that the sundae’s were delicious.
IMAGES OF THE RESTORATION WORK CAN BE FOUND AT:
http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=16520
DETAILS ON USAGE CAN BE FOUND AT:
http://www.rpaniagua.com/paradise2.html
It’s all so wonderful.The Paradise will be greater than ever.
I hope to see you there on opening night Anita.
To answer your question Anita, we must support the venue by attending performances and by informing people of this theaters splendor. Though once the press preview is done with I’m sure that we wont have to inform people about it. The theater is already known throughout the country with all the tourists who would go home and tell others about their experiences. I work for a prestigious cultural institution in the Bronx NYC and even foreigners have questioned me about the legend. Fordham Road has improved greatly, and as Bronxites we should continue to shop here and support our local economy.
We should all attend the opening of the restored Paradise Theater. Does anyone know the exact date in February 2005? When it’s known, please post it. Not just for old memories, but maybe even old friends. Anita Baron
Did anyone ever get to see the live canaries in the balcony?
What about the stuffed pigeons suspended from the ceiling in mid flight?
I remember The Loews Paradise in the 60’s. I went to “Funny Girl” with Barbra Streisand. I remember the ushers who were dressed in red and black uniforms who would escort you to your seat. It was when it was only a single theater. I remember the smell of the popcorn and the hot dogs at the concession stand when you first walked in. I loved sitting in the balcony and admiring the twinkling stars in the ceiling. I hope the restoration can bring it back to its original splendor. The Loews Paradise was a beautiful theater…
Hey,I am currently seeking people to interview about the Paradise for a newspaper article that will be featured for a community paper the Bronx Journal. If any body has any memerable stories and or photos please contact me at
Divinity, please contact me at my email
Happy to read and actually see that the PAradise is indeed undergoing restoration. The scaffolding is even there. But painting the distinctive movie house sign blue and yellow is horrid. What third grade class did that? As for a Feb 2005 opening, well perhaps Feb 2006.
joe caronetti
Norwood, Bronx, NY
GOOD NEWS. THE THEATER IS ALREADY DONE AND READY FOR ITS FIRST SHOW.ITS GONNA BE A SALSA CONCERT AND IS IN OCT 28 OR 29,2005.TICKETS ARE FOR SALE IN THE THEATER BOX OFFICE AND IN TICKETMASTER!!!!!!
ENJOY!!!!!
LOEWS KINGS to reopen 2014 if everything goes well.Good Luck.