Beekman Theatre

I’m a retired member of IATSE LOCAL 306 New York Projectionists union. I ran the projectors at the Beekman theater during the World Premiere of “The Poseidon Adventure”. I worked overtime in the morning, as a licensed “Operator” had to be on duty in the Projection booth when the technician cut the special aperture plates for the 3 projectors so that this wide screen presentation would fit the screen perfectly. There were 3 projectors. We made a “changeover” from one machine to another every 20 minutes which no one noticed. Just so you know…projector #3 had the last sprocket roller held together with a RUBBER BAND! So much for the fancy East Side Art house! –Alan Mandel

I wish I had gone to the Beekman more, as it was one of the most beautiful theaters in Manhattan in the 80s/90s. When I was in college, I dated a guy named Gary whose brother worked for Cineplex Odeon and he would get our names put at the box office to see free movies, as long as it wasn’t opening weekend. We saw a few things at the Beekman, though the only one I remember was a terrible movie with Molly Ringwald and Robert Lindsay from 1990.

Didn’t go there much at all in the next decade, but it was actually the last movie theater I ever went to in NYC. A week or so before I moved to LA, I went to see Almost Famous for the 2nd time. I was really happy I got to spend one more movie there.

Hello fellow movie theater lovers,

I’m doing a project for my photojournalism class at NYU about closed down independent movie theaters in New York. I hope to gain information about people’s past experiences at these movie theaters, recollections of favorite memories or not so great experiences, perhaps economical insight, contacts with owners/managers, etc. On a larger level, I hope my project is able to show the significance of the role that these establishments play in our city and the importance of keeping them afloat.

If anyone would be willing to answer a few questions via email about your personal memories at the theater, please let me know! It could be as simple as recounting a favorite movie you remember seeing back when it was open. I would greatly appreciate your insight.

You can contact me at:

Thanks,
Gabi

I miss the old Beekman. I have lived nearby for over 30 yrs. & it was always a nice surprise to see it utilized for all kind of premieres since it was such a beautiful showcase theater. The owner would speak before screenings to chastise those who had maybe brought in their own soda or snacks. One little thing I noticed is that even up to the end, their presentation of movie posters would always feature that little extra…cutting away part & raising it with foam core board so as to create depth & enhanced visual interest. Does any theater care enough to do that kind of thing anymore?

Can’t really fault Clearview for this closure. Nice venue, last film I watched here was In Good Company.

We are definitely declining when it comes to taste and education about the arts and the past. While the video-game junk decor serves a purpose, it woud still be wonderful to see a multplex constructed to resemble the great movie palaces that are mostly lost…even if this construction were limited to the lobby and foyer areas. Imagine a new multiplex with a foyer like the landmarked foyer of the RKO Flushing, or a trim, sleek art deco/art moderne lobby like the Beekman’s original interior. Cost, cost, cost will be the objection to creating such a showplace. I am sure there would be ways around high costs…for example, a contest for the creation of a showplace lobby or foyer for a multiplex, the competitors being architecture and art students from local colleges and universities who would create a permanent grand space in return for college credit, or a smaller fee than an established firm would charge. However, the results might be lost on current generations who do not have appreciation for arts or history. Also, builders of multiplexes would not want a grand permanent interior because of the expense of maintaining it, demolishing it, or future battles over landmarking. It is easier and cheaper to build for obsolescence. SIGH

Here is a three page article about the Beekman, with several photos, in Boxoffice, June 7, 1952.

Great image of the Beekman!

Renewing link.

New York City has to be the only place in the world where residential tenants have more rights to a property than the property owner. Anywhere else a tenants right to occupy a particular property ends with expiration of the lease for the demised premises. Upon the expiration of said lease, the property owner may offer a renewal but is not obligated to do so.

More hospital space in an area long ago over-saturated with hospitals. They had to take the Beekman block because apparently there aren’t enough ancient rat-infested tenement buildings worthy of demolition over on 1st Ave.

Lost Memory thanks for reposting that link, I remember it from years back on this immense thread. The pics can be seen by going to:

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/index.html

Once at this main page, key in Beekman Theatre under Search All Collections at the upper right, and the list of images comes up. They are beautiful B&W images.

Good point, KingBiscuits. I never realized that. It must have changed names mid-run.