Loew's Paradise Theatre

50 ft seems puny to me because I remember the large screens of the Rivoli, Warner and Criterion. I understand that in the midwest Cinerama theaters( now destroyed) had screens were up to 90 to 100 feet in width. If only I could have seen them!

Remember when the Jersey plays a wide screen film it fills only half of the screen space as opposed to when they play a film in 1.85 which fills the entire screen. In effect what they are forced to do is letterbox the print which is the exact opposite of what wide screen was trying to do.
By the way I hear the Fox theaters in the midwest have nice large and wide screens.

The widest screen I ever saw was Sevan Brides in the true early cinemascope at Radio city in the late 70’s. Wow that was great. Their Panavision and 70mm screen is no comparison.

Speaking of narrow prosceniums, the Meserole in Brooklyn! That’s the smallest one I have ever seen. It’s now an Eckerd’s pharmacy, and the theater is completely intact (minus the seats of course), and they even project slide sales on the old screen area!
But wow, check out the photos linked there, the proscenium is TINY!

What happened to West Side Story and members of the cast?. This place was built for MGM films from the Hollywood factory days. I want that to be my first visit. How about some cinemascope movies from the 50’s. They would be great there as opposed to the Loews Jersey with its narrow proscenium.

I would also throw in that this theater might appeal to those who are partial to the “atmospheric” design. There aren’t many of those left in NYC. The former Loew’s Valencia in Jamaica is still open as a church and remains in fine condition, although the original color scheme has been obliterated and the atmospheric effect ruined with the inclusion of a large chandelier hanging from the auditorium ceiling. I haven’t been in the fomer Queensboro/Elmwood Theater in Elmhurst long enough to determine if the original atmospheric sky is being restored by the church that now occupies the site. The RKO Keith’s in Flushing has been completely violated and stands only as rubble-strewn ruin awaiting redevelopment. That leaves only the Paradise and (if one crosses the Hudson) the former Stanley in Jersey City (beautifully preserved by the Jehovah’s Witnesses) as examples of this particular style.

Does anyone know if the “Loew’s” signage remains on the facade of the Paradise? Is it protected by landmark designation even though the brand is now owned by AMC Theaters? I’m curious if there is anything going on in that regard by way of litigation between BX Entertainment and AMC.

And just to follow up on rlvjr’s last comment… An excellent suggestion, provided the programme appeals to one’s tastes. I would remind everyone, however, that a tour of the theater would be considerably less expensive, if all one wants is to see the facility itself. The website also contains contact information regarding guided tours. I haven’t taken advantage of this offering yet, but I think I might do so in the Spring.

Certainly the Roxy was grander, but since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, who can say? It seems to this outside observer that few other theatres in New York City, if any, were as beloved in their own neighborhood as the Paradise. I have elderly friends from Bronx who recall going to the Paradise with such amazing nostalgia and longing. Much more than I’ve ever heard from people recalling other theatres. It’s almost as if this building was the defining factor for their neighborhood. The theatre even gets mentioned in the movie “Marty” when a few bronxites are discussing what to do for the evening. Of course they pronounce it “Lowee’s Paradise”.

All I have to say is WOW!!!! truly beautiful.

I am pretty sure this has never been posted. But I am not going to take the time to scan the long string of comments above to make sure. This PDF has a comprehensive photo set documenting the theatre’s interior, as well as many interesting written passages:

View link

Most of the photos can be found in a series starting on page 20.

That is unfortunate. But I prefer a hole in the ceiling and a few ducts to the four-plex that previously existed. Sounds like they should paint it blue. Cannot think of a reason why it must be white.

I saw the article yesterday as well. Too bad they had to cut that long recessed notch across the atmospheric ceiling. I assume that is for lighting? I also suppose that the notch is preferable to bolting a rig in place to hang from the cieling. I wonder if painting the recess the same shade of blue as the rest of the cieling would improve the look. In any event, it is nice to read how nicely the theater is doing. I also enjoyed the quotes and passages about Eberson discussing how he drew inspiration from the warm Floridian evenings he enjoyed while vacationing south for the winter.

These guys at the Paradise don’t seem to be doing half-bad! It is heart-warming to see.

I returned to Loew’s PARADISE last night for the 9/30/06 Night in Paradise show. It had been 55 years since I’d last been there. Some of the theatre’s wonderful features are gone, but most remain; and the theatre is still magnificent.
We could not believe the Night in Paradise show lasted for 5 ¼ hours, starting just after 8 pm and ending at 1:18 am. A good show except for the excess of amplification (common at most music shows in 2006). Most of these now-elderly Black groups had (and still have) real talent; but truly talented entertainers do not need excessive volume to wow an audience.
A great big thank you to Orlando Lopes of the Theatre Historical Society, and many others, working to save this wonderful landmark; perhaps a small start to making the Bronx a better place.
Based on an average ticket price of $65, and with virtually all of the 3885 seats filled, I’d guess the show grossed $175,000 to $200,000. That compares to a flat zero if the theatre had remained shuttered. Of greater importance was the good time had by all.
I won’t soon return there, however. The 260 mile commute in each direction was a special occasion —– well worth the trouble —– not easily repeated (unless the show’s real good).

Thanks Ziggy and Jim. I will definitely try those avenues first.