Hollywood Theatre
237 W. 51st Street,
New York,
NY
10019
237 W. 51st Street,
New York,
NY
10019
14 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 112 comments
Former projectionist here in Chicago.
who would have thought that the equipment manager for the Detroit Lions would have such a cinematic background.
Via Tim O'Neill, 11/26/22
“80 years ago today, CASABLANCA premiered in New York at the Hollywood Theatre. The movie opened wider after January 1943; hence, was not qualified for the Oscars of 1942 since it didn’t play in Los Angeles during the period of 1942; however, was qualified for the Oscars of 1943; explaining why it won the Best Picture of 1943 Oscar, in 1944.”
Although “Casablanca” didn’t premiere in New York (at the Hollywood) and other cities until the Thanksgiving season of late November, 1942, the 80th anniversary of its release is already being celebrated by Turner Classic Movies and Fathom Events with large screen theatre screenings on January 23rd and 26th. More details here
Despite an upsurge in pandemic conditions, the Times Square Church has been running commercials on all-news radio stations, identifying itself as located in the Mark Hellinger Theatre. Free church services are being held regularly and can be booked in advance at the phone number provided. No mention is made of health requirements, but presumably are the same as at all churches.
That would be the Liberty, robboehm.
Also, on the other side of 42nd is a theater whose lobby is being used as a restaurant but the auditorium on 41st is in tact and used for events. Forget the name.
There is always that British company that purchased the Apollo/Lyric, now the Lyric and, more recently, the Hudson. Why the Times Square still sits there undeveloped is a mystery.
The big three Broadway landlords are thrilled at the lack of competition. They would want no part of this theatre as it might lower ticket prices. That is why still have huge shut down theatre space on 42nd street.
Agreed, the sale of the Mark Hellinger was so shortsighted by the Nederlander Organization. $17 millions now seems a pittance for that kind of real estate; maybe it was even then (air rights, anyone?). The church can be commended for being a fine caretaker of the space, but the Broadway community would now kill these days for a theater that gorgeous and of that size to be able to house live theater again. By all rights, it should. A church can occupy just about any space it wants. Old Broadway houses once gone, are gone for good. They will never build a new comparable sized house with the same attention to detail and aesthetics. Unlikely the current owners of Times Square would ever sell the place back to one of the three big Broadway landlords, but if they do, they should ask for the moon.
The sale of Broadway’s most beautiful theater was criminal. Nederlander probably pocketed a fortune with the sale and with all the tax breaks he was getting from the city for his theaters he should have been thrown right into jail for stealing taxpayers money.
The Hollywood became the Warner Theatre on August 15th, 1947, with the much anticipated film version of the long-running stage play, “Life With Father.” Advertising included a proclamation signed by NYC Mayor William O'Dwyer that “It is no more than fitting that the Broadway scene have a theatre bearing the name of the company so widely recognized for its great achievements in motion picture entertainment. Welcome, Warner Theatre!”
April 22nd, grand opening ad uploaded here.
Mr. Paul Muni. That wasn’t too common.
What an amazing theater. So nice to see it has been so well taken care of. A cinema treasure indeed!
Closed as a theatre, Tinseltoes, per the discussion above. Remember the Katherine Hepburn story when she was going to do Coco? She noticed the construction across the street and said it would be a problem with the noise for the Wednesday matinee. She was particularly concerned about the number “Gabrielle” and was reported to have arranged for construction work to be shut down during that number. And so, each matinee, just as the intro to the piece began, a hush came over the building site. Kate the Great, indeed!
Apparently “Meet John Doe” could justify opening at both the Rivoli AND the Hollywood.
View link
Thought that maybe it was an old theater by it’s looks while visiting New York City for the weekend. Who knew it was till now haha. Neat to see that it was but, sadly still not around.
LIFE 1956 lobby view,
View link
Read the excellent Wikipedia article about the Mark Hellinger Theatre: View link
Is this theater still a church?
Renewing link.
I have a picture of the theatre from 1930, with Kismet showing on the marquee. In case anyone cares, the large sign actually says “Warner Bros Hollywood”.
I have a mystery theatre I need help with. I posted on this pages only due to the proximity.
In Paramount Week ads for 1922 and 1923 they show a Central Theatre located on 9th Avenue and 52nd street.
In a January 1927 NYT ad for the Russian film “Tales of 1000 Nights” it shows as showing at the 52nd Street theatre, west of Broadway.
I have an address of 306 west 52nd street for this theatre although I cannot trace where it came from. I found a Palm Garden Theatre running stage shows at that address although IBDB.COM does not have an address for the Palm Garden nor the 52nd Street theatre.
Any ideas?
Warren, Your post (about the Hollywood/Mark Hellinger) AND my post in response to yours turned up on both “blogs” – the one for the theater in Dormont/Pittsburgh and the one you intended on West 51st Street in NYC. Interesting electronic glitch.