This was the first and only time that the two Radio City showplaces were booked simultaneously with the same movie. Both also presented spectacular stage shows inspired by the film’s jungle scenes.
After a decline into sub-run double features, the Central started a new policy with a weekly program change every Saturday. A new feature thriller was supported by the latest episode of Republic’s “Dick Tracy” serial.
Two months earlier, on December 9th, 1944, Laird Cregar, top-billed star of the B&W melodrama, died of a heart attack at age 31. Crash-dieting with amphetamines was rumored to be the cause.
Starting with “Mogambo” in October, 1953, MGM had eight consecutive bookings at the Showplace of the Nation. “The Long, Long Trailer” was the current screen attraction.
The B&W melodrama was based on Joseph Conrad’s “The Secret Agent,” the title of which had previously been used by Hitchcock for a Peter Lorre film. “The Woman Alone” was released in the United Kingdom as “Sabotage.” a title later used in the USA as well.
Lexington listed in section with “Kim,” which had been part of the Christmas 1950 presentation at Radio City Music Hall. “Happy Holiday Shows” in this ad were for George Washington’s Birthday, then celebrated nationally on its own (February 22nd).
Since the hit stage play “Chicago” had already been filmed as a silent, 20th-Fox changed the focus to the main character, a tough-as-nails floozie on trial for murder. Who knew that an audacious musical version was well into the future?
The name across the front says Westchester Theate, but I can’t swear that the photo shows the theatre listed here. Historian Michael Miller’s “Theatres of the Bronx” has no listing for a Westchester Theatre, with an original or subequent name. But he did note that Westchester Avenue had some early cinemas for which he couldn’t find sufficient information to include them on the list.
Meanwhile, out on the street in front of the Kings Theatre, hordes of residents were protesting deplorable living conditions in projects run by NYC’s Housing Authority.
The ground site is currently occupied by the corner entrance to the Time-Warner Shopping Center at the intersection of Broadway and West 60th Street. A distinctive marquee for Jazz at Lincoln Center marks the spot 24/7.
“Strike Me Pink” and the 3-D short were also being shown simultaneously in Times Square at Loew’s State, with support from vaudeville with Earl Hines & Orchestra top billed. The Eddie Cantor comedy was direct from its world premiere engagement (with stage revue) at Radio City Music Hall.
23rd Street listed in section with “Hold That Ghost” as top feature.
Pelham listed in section with “Casablanca” as top feature.
The future Mayor of NYC is shown at center of crowd with left arm raised.
This was the first and only time that the two Radio City showplaces were booked simultaneously with the same movie. Both also presented spectacular stage shows inspired by the film’s jungle scenes.
After a decline into sub-run double features, the Central started a new policy with a weekly program change every Saturday. A new feature thriller was supported by the latest episode of Republic’s “Dick Tracy” serial.
Two months earlier, on December 9th, 1944, Laird Cregar, top-billed star of the B&W melodrama, died of a heart attack at age 31. Crash-dieting with amphetamines was rumored to be the cause.
Special booking for the Memorial Day holiday period of that year.
Starting with “Mogambo” in October, 1953, MGM had eight consecutive bookings at the Showplace of the Nation. “The Long, Long Trailer” was the current screen attraction.
Program included a new feature, a Chaplin classic that ran about 45 minutes, and stage presentation.
The B&W comedy was an immediate hit and is still considered a masterwork of its genre.
The B&W melodrama was based on Joseph Conrad’s “The Secret Agent,” the title of which had previously been used by Hitchcock for a Peter Lorre film. “The Woman Alone” was released in the United Kingdom as “Sabotage.” a title later used in the USA as well.
Stage show devised by Earl Carroll, returning to Broadway after the bankruptcy of his namesake theatre.
If you mean the trade journal Motion Picture News, yes! But depends on what theatres you’re interested in. Some might never have been covered.
Gilyon Amusement also operated the Palace Theatre in Corona and the Newtown in Elmhurst.
February 22nd was then the annual date for the national holiday known as “George Washington’s Birthday.”
Lexington listed in section with “Kim,” which had been part of the Christmas 1950 presentation at Radio City Music Hall. “Happy Holiday Shows” in this ad were for George Washington’s Birthday, then celebrated nationally on its own (February 22nd).
Pitkin listed in section with “Undercurrent” as top feature.
Since the hit stage play “Chicago” had already been filmed as a silent, 20th-Fox changed the focus to the main character, a tough-as-nails floozie on trial for murder. Who knew that an audacious musical version was well into the future?
Have you tried contacting New York Theatre Organ Society at , or by phone at 845-457-5393?
Thanks to Will Ellis for uploading these graphic photos of the interior of Loew’s 46th Street before the wreckers moved in. Click here to view
The name across the front says Westchester Theate, but I can’t swear that the photo shows the theatre listed here. Historian Michael Miller’s “Theatres of the Bronx” has no listing for a Westchester Theatre, with an original or subequent name. But he did note that Westchester Avenue had some early cinemas for which he couldn’t find sufficient information to include them on the list.
“Boys' Night Out” eventually opened in NYC at neither Loew’s Capitol or the Sutton, but at the Victoria Theatre and Guild 50th on June 21st.
Meanwhile, out on the street in front of the Kings Theatre, hordes of residents were protesting deplorable living conditions in projects run by NYC’s Housing Authority.
The ground site is currently occupied by the corner entrance to the Time-Warner Shopping Center at the intersection of Broadway and West 60th Street. A distinctive marquee for Jazz at Lincoln Center marks the spot 24/7.
“Strike Me Pink” and the 3-D short were also being shown simultaneously in Times Square at Loew’s State, with support from vaudeville with Earl Hines & Orchestra top billed. The Eddie Cantor comedy was direct from its world premiere engagement (with stage revue) at Radio City Music Hall.