A&E Television To Air Documentary on Loew’s “Wonder Theatres”

pjacyk on June 13, 2006 at 9:30 pm

It sure would be great if A&E would release this on DVD.

Roger Katz on June 14, 2006 at 3:20 am

er August, not June

Karen Colizzi Noonan on June 15, 2006 at 7:20 am

Theater Historical Society assisted with this exciting show – we too wish that it would be released on DVD! If you go to the A & E website there is a place where you can request a program that is not offered for sale. Maybe if enough people do it they will reconsider?

Alto on June 18, 2006 at 4:14 pm

I am glad to see that they placed extra emphasis on the Kings and Jersey Theatres, since these two are in the most “need” of public awareness and support (and the ability to get an “insider’s” look at the Kings was a rare treat – there is no reason why it couldn’t live on, serving Brooklyn as a performing arts center). Borough President Marty Markowitz’s presence and comments were particularly encouraging (although I’m not expecting him to perform any miracles).

I was surprised that no interior footage of Loew’s 175th was shot â€" that place is supposed to be in immaculate condition, and I thought “Rev. Ike” welcomed film crews and public access.

The documentary was well-researched and very comprehensive, with many of our Cinema Treasures “regulars” (such as Ross Melnick, Orlando Lopes, Bruce Friedman, Warren Harris…) contributing with interviews and stories. Also nice to see the Museum of the Moving Image, Theater Historical Society of America and Friends of the Loew’s involved and credited. You were all great!

However, one very interesting point was left out that might leave viewers “wondering”: why did every borough of NYC have a “Wonder Theatre” except Staten Island, and why was it decided to locate the fifth theater in Jersey City instead?

With regards to Staten island, my understanding is: (1) its population at the time was comparatively too sparse (it was considered “rural”) and (2) there were already enough theaters serving the area; therefore, the “market area” was considered “saturated” and unable to support such a large theater, making it economically unfeasible.

Was Jersey City chosen for population density? Or access to rail transportation?
(The Journal Square location seems particularly odd, considering that the much larger Stanley Theater opened just the year before across the street.)

Poor Staten Island…treated like the forgotten stepchild and always getting “shortchanged”. Passed over for… New Jersey (of all places)!

ERD on June 19, 2006 at 8:09 am

David Brinkley did a half hour (A little less without the commercials) NBC special on the movie palaces which was based on “Best Remaining Seats” back in the 1960’s.It would be nice to see this replayed. I wish A&E would have not split their special since it broke the continuity. Before Cable Vision took over the AMC channel,the host would come from various former movie palaces, so that idea is not new. There is so much material that could be made into documentaries. I would like to see a special on the magnetic S.L. Rothafel (“Roxy”)– considered father of the movie palace.

Jim Vecchio on June 20, 2006 at 7:58 am

I concur with ERD! The original AMC is fondly remembered. At least its broadcasts from the old movie palaces were intertwined with films and shorts that were relevant to the subject matter. The “new” AMC bills itself as TV for “people who love movies” but it is anything but! The terrible and ntimely commercial interruptions and the juvenile banter between movies are enough to turn any movie lover off! This A&E special had too much choppiness and the stuff in-between just seemed like added material that did not fit, and would’ve been fine in some other TV broadcast. What a disappointment! At least some of the “Cinema Treasures” regulars had some shining moments!

Karen Colizzi Noonan on June 20, 2006 at 9:07 am

Since the company that owns A & E also owns (among others) The History Channel it would be beneficial to contact the “powers that be” in large numbers to advocate for more exoposure for our historic theaters!

Ed Solero on June 20, 2006 at 7:09 pm

ERD… you might want to try the Museum of Television and Radio (formerly the Museum of Broadcasting) in NYC to see if they have archival tapes of that Brinkley special from the ‘60’s. The museum used to be located on E. 52nd Street just a few doors down from 5th Ave, but I lost touch with them about the time they changed their name and were expanding their facilities. I think they are still in that same area (if not on the same block) and had a wonderful library of tapes available for private viewings by members. I think there might have even been a fee schedule for none members. It might be worth checking out.

TLSLOEWS on February 22, 2010 at 5:49 pm

Would love to see this program.

TLSLOEWS on July 24, 2010 at 5:52 pm

You can see it on youtube.