Here’s a link to a NY Times photo (previously posted back on april 18th 2005) of the gutted auditorium/foyer space that became offices for the newspaper: View link
If the link brings you to a photo archive search page, the photo ID to enter in the search bar is NSAP266. Click on the image for larger view.
Patsy… the Paramount Theater designed by Rapp & Rapp existed within two buildings. The entrance vestibule and rotunda existed within the Paramount Building office tower that fronts Broadway & 7th Avenue at the southern end of Times Square between 43rd and 44th street. The spectacular grand foyer and auditorium existed within a seperate building behind the office tower with facades on both 43rd (the foyer side) and 44th (the stage side). Both spaces were completely gutted in the 1960’s, with the grand foyer and auditorium portion converted to office space for the New York Times – which was (and still is) headquartered in an adjacent building to the east at 249 W. 43rd. The former entrance and rotunda space that existed within the Paramount office tower on Broadway was converted to office/retail space.
A few years back, the retail and office space that had replaced the theater’s former entrance and vestibule was itself gutted for a new theme restaurant for the WWF. These renovations inculded a re-creation of the orignial five-story Paramount Theater facade and marquee (as depicted in photos I posted above and the one at the top of this page). This space is now leased by the Hard Rock Cafe (after the failure of the WWF restaurant). The old grand foyer and auditorium space is still occupied by offices of the New York Times. All traces of the original Rapp & Rapp theater were long ago lost to wrecking crews.
Passed by last night and looks like they took the old fin marquee from the roof of the former B.O. vestibule area on Hempstead Ave. I’m glad I shot those photos back in December.
That may have been the case as film distribution entered the wider “Showcase Theater” scheme in the 1960’s, english, but places like the Triboro, Valencia and Flushing Keith’s would often have early run bookings exclusive within the borough and probably pulled in patrons from all over Queens durings its first 30 or so years of operation. Even in the 70’s when the Valencia was exhibiting more “neighborhood theater” type of fare, I know many families from my neighborhood in Laurelton, Queens (which had its own small 2nd run house) would travel by bus to Jamaica to catch a flick at either the Valencia or RKO Alden. But, obviously, even local patronage wasn’t sufficient to save either theater from closing down years ago.
IMDB.COM lists a “Pay or Die” from 1979 that appears to be an American made Kung-fu actioner featuring a herione named Cleopatra Wong(!) who had appeared in at least 2 previous ‘70’s low budget pics. Also found a “Killer Force” from 1976 directed by Val Guest and featuring Telly Savalas, Christopher Lee, OJ Simpson, Peter Fonda, Hugh O'Brian and Maud Adams! Sounds like the kind of fare I’d see on 42nd Street back in the day – a fact which brings a smile to my face. Could find no details on “Street Crime” or “Fist Full of Yen” but I imagine they could be of similar vintage – perhaps U.S. titles of foreign titles? They’d have to be pretty obscure not to be found on IMDB.
Very interesting. I wonder if pressure from the church on the corner has resulted in a new policy? There may still be porn in those private booths (wherever they are located within the theater) with the legit films showing on the old screen. Isn’t “Fist Full of Yen” the name of the faux kung-fu feature in “The Kentucky Fried Movie” that spoofs Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon”? I’ll try to pass by there in the next few days, unless someone else gets to it before I can.
Did the Greenwich run revival or retrospectives in the late ‘70’s? My father once took me to a theater downtown in the Village area to catch a then rare showing of The Beatles’ psychedelic 1967 TV special “Magical Mystery Tour.” I was into the Beatles big time as a child and was about a year and ½ from being allowed to venture into the City on my own to catch a movie, so I coaxed my Dad into taking me. I remember giving him a choice of going to see Mel Brooks' “High Anxiety” (which had just opened and which he had just seen with my Mom the night before) or to see the Beatles film – which was playing in an advertised triple feature along with “Sympathy for the Devil” featuring the Rolling Stones and “We’re An American Band” an early 70’s promotional short film about the rock band Grand Funk Railroad. Coming from Laurelton, Queens, we had to grab a bus to Jamaica and then grab a subway into Manhattan – and I recall there was also a subway transfer involved once in the City. We were running late and wound up seating ourselves (in the balcony) about 15 minutes into “Magical Mystery Tour.”
After the film ended, I convinced my Dad that we had to stay through the next two features to catch what we had missed in the first film. He reluctantly agreed. The Grand Funk Railroad film was boring to me (as I’m SURE it was to my Dad) but thankfully, it was only about 25 or 30 minutes long. Then came “Sympathy for the Devil”, which was the USA title and re-cut version of a didactic Jean Luc Godard polemic entitled “One Plus One.” This movie was just about unwatchable!!! It intercut film of the Stones' recording session for their famous song with bizarre avant-garde sequences involving some African American militants and a neo-fascist political group that operated behind the front of a porno book store. About 30 minutes or so into this film was about all my Dad could stand, and – while I was ready to argue with him initially – I was secretly thankful to be spared watching any more of the movie!
Anyway… I’ve been trying to piece together where it was that we saw these movies (or portions thereof, anyhow) and the Greenwich seems like a likely candidate. It had a balcony and the image I’ve seen of the marquee looks familiar. Did the Art on 8th Street have a balcony? If so it is a possibility. The Waverly is a long shot and I know for sure it wasn’t the 8th Street Playhouse. Anyone have access to newspaper clippings from that time and willing to check for me? “High Anxiety” was released during the Christmas vacation from school in December of 1977 so the date would have been shortly after that – most likely during the school break, but possibly the 1st week of January 1978.
<<Bell said the venerable Loews name would gradually be phased out in favor of AMC, “though in some cases there may be an opportunity for the Loews brand to remain. It’s an evolving process that takes place over time.”>>
I guess there’s still some hope that the tradition of the Loew’s name will be honored to some degree. For AMC to do otherwise would evidence a lack of respect and appreciation for the proud history of movie exhibition, particularly in NYC. To have the Loew’s name besmirched in such a manner would be beyond the pale.
Kris… The Queens Theater is still standing and in use as a church. I’ve never been inside, but you might want to stop by for a service one Sunday and see if you can’t find any of those murals to photograph. Many would advise that to just start snapping pictures unless and until told to stop is the best way to photograph the interior of a theater/church conversion, but you might be able to get permission to do so if you were to speak to a church official and tell your story.
I’d love to see those photos posted here if you ever get a chance to do so.
What former porn theater was this short lived multi-plex carved from? The Anco Theater’s address is listed on this site as having been 254 W. 42nd and #234 is the address given for the old Liberty Theater entrance. Number 244 would have been somewhere in between and I can’t recall a porn theater being in this vicinity. The only actual porn theaters I remember from the block were the Harem (across the street) and then the Victory, Rialto and Roxy on the eastern end of the block. Perhaps it was a peep-show and video store? I have a photo of the Harris (at #226) from 1993 and I believe there is a sign advertising the Movieplex 42 as “coming soon.”
“The Front” is a rare case where Woody was hired solely as an actor. The film was directed by Martin Ritt. Allen took no part in its direction, screenplay or conception. The only other films I can think of that fall into this same category for Allen (not counting any cameos or smaller roles) are Paul Mazursky’s “Scenes From a Mall” and the animated “Antz.”
And P.S…. Still looking for advertisements for the upcoming series. There was no mention of it in the Sunday Times Arts & Leisure section. Are they waiting for the Friday Weekend section to spread the word? Or are they looking only to pull in passersby and visitors to Clearview Cinemas website and the folks on Cinema Treasures?!?
Another great list, Al… Thanks for the stroll down memory lane. I know my parents made the trip in from Queens with me to see “That’s Entertainment” here. It’s possible I saw “Earthquake” here as well, but I think that might have been elsewhere in Manhattan on the upper East Side where my Mom’s freind Lilliana – who accompanied us – lived. Saw “The Grateful Dead”, “Hair” (my first trip into the city on my own – St. Patty’s Day ‘79) and “Apocalypse Now” to round out the '70’s. The following decade my pals and I came in to see “Pink Floyd’s The Wall” and I saw “Fantasia” here a couple of times during the '80’s. The only other film I can be certain of seeing here on the list is “Yentl”, though I might have also seen “Tough Guys” here in '86. I look forward to a '90’s list, Al… I believe on Christmas Day 1990 I was sitting in the Ziegfeld anxiously watching (and being ultimately disappointed by) “The Godfather, Part Three.”
You’re right William, but I was just trying to optimistically pass along the property to artdoggie all the same. The owner’s agent claims that there are no plans to demolish the building. I understand that these are famous last words (like those of the Solomons in 1986 when assuring that the removal of pediment work at the Rivoli was purely for safety reasons, not to thwart landmark consideration), but the agent did say that they were willing to negotiate a 10 year lease or longer. I say that if anyone is interested in finding space for theatrical use, we should at least mention this site as one with great potential – and let the negotiations unfold between the building’s owner and any prospective tenants/purchasers.
The old Mayfair/Demille/Embassy 2,3,4 stands vacant on Broadway and 47th in Times Square. I understand the owner is willing to talk long term lease, but that the rent he is demanding is pretty high. The theater was subject to a cheap conversion to triplex in the ‘70’s, but the agent for the owner has said it would take minimal cost and effort to restore to single auditorium and that the stage and fly space is still intact.
Roundabout Theater used to stage productions at the Gramercy Theater on 23rd Street, which I think is also currently vacant.
As for the outer boroughs, too bad you couldn’t have jumped into the fray and bid on the old RKO Keith’s in Flushing – that is, if you were interested in a magnificent atmospheric palace with nearly 3000 seats.
I think the consensus here was that the likelihood of a 70mm presentation during this series was just about nil. However, Vincent only reported that he confirmed with Clearview that “My Fair Lady” would be a 35mm print. I’m with saps, here… While I’d be thrilled with a 70mm “Ben Hur” or “West Side Story,” all I really ask for are crisp and well cared for prints. Oh yes, and the more series like this one in the Ziegfeld’s future (“2001”, “Spartacus”, “The Wild Bunch” and “Apocalypse Now” all would be high on my wish list).
It’s not a trashy neighborhood, I just don’t think there’s a lot of foot traffic along 8th Avenue outside of business hours. If the theater were just 1 block to the east, near 7th Ave, you’d see a higher admission price.
I didn’t think of that, Ron, but you’re probably right. That would be downright sinister, if AMC were to claim exclusive rights to the Loew’s name and then bury it forever. In fact, it would be reprehensible, considering the illustrious history associated with Loew’s over the last 100 years or so.
I wonder… would the name Loew’s be protected from copyright litigation if it existed on a landmarked structure? Not that I know if any of these buildings are protected by landmark designation, but I’m thinking of the Loew’s Jersey, Loew’s Paradise and Loew’s Kings (assuming the latter is ever restored to its former glory).
I’ve read on this site that, while AMC has a habit of re-branding acquired theaters, Regal and other chains have kept older brand names alive after mergers. If that is the case, perhaps there is hope that the Loew’s banner will continue to fly over some of the 10 theaters that AMC had to ditch in order to get the acquisition approved. The E-Walk is definitely one of the 10. Then again, given its prominent location and its direct competition with the AMC Empire across the street, the new chain may want to have its own brand flying high above the marquee.
Good points CConnolly. I’ve read about the whole “universal release” theory associated with the Soderbergh film and saw a news item about it on one of the local channels that referred to the practice as “day and date release.” That’s a phrase I’ve read about in these web pages referring either to movies that were booked simultaneously into 2 or 3 first run theaters in the same market or to a small group of theaters that routinely shared identical bookings in the same market for particular engagements. The industry (at least the artistic community) seems to be sharply divided about the whole scheme. And we can all figure out where NATO stands on the issue. It’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out.
As for taking photos… I suppose if you stood in front of any edifice and starting snapping shots and someone inside the building noticed you, they’d probably want to inquire as to your business – unless its the Empire State Building or some other “Kodak Moment” landmark. I took some photos of the Fair Theater in Astoria and when I got into the outer vestibule to photograph some of the display cases, a manager came out and told me to stop. I wasn’t inside the theater, but I suppose once I broke the invisible plane that seperates the sidewalk from the recessed space under the marquee, I might have been on private property, so I acquiesced. Plus, the Fair is a porn-house and the manager was accompanied by a security guard, so I quickly figured that it wasn’t worth a possible broken leg to pursue my interests against the owner’s wishes.
Here’s a link to a NY Times photo (previously posted back on april 18th 2005) of the gutted auditorium/foyer space that became offices for the newspaper: View link
If the link brings you to a photo archive search page, the photo ID to enter in the search bar is NSAP266. Click on the image for larger view.
Patsy… the Paramount Theater designed by Rapp & Rapp existed within two buildings. The entrance vestibule and rotunda existed within the Paramount Building office tower that fronts Broadway & 7th Avenue at the southern end of Times Square between 43rd and 44th street. The spectacular grand foyer and auditorium existed within a seperate building behind the office tower with facades on both 43rd (the foyer side) and 44th (the stage side). Both spaces were completely gutted in the 1960’s, with the grand foyer and auditorium portion converted to office space for the New York Times – which was (and still is) headquartered in an adjacent building to the east at 249 W. 43rd. The former entrance and rotunda space that existed within the Paramount office tower on Broadway was converted to office/retail space.
A few years back, the retail and office space that had replaced the theater’s former entrance and vestibule was itself gutted for a new theme restaurant for the WWF. These renovations inculded a re-creation of the orignial five-story Paramount Theater facade and marquee (as depicted in photos I posted above and the one at the top of this page). This space is now leased by the Hard Rock Cafe (after the failure of the WWF restaurant). The old grand foyer and auditorium space is still occupied by offices of the New York Times. All traces of the original Rapp & Rapp theater were long ago lost to wrecking crews.
Passed by last night and looks like they took the old fin marquee from the roof of the former B.O. vestibule area on Hempstead Ave. I’m glad I shot those photos back in December.
Sheesh! A 71 piece orchestra! I’m not expert in the field but are Philharmonic orchestras much larger than that?!?
That may have been the case as film distribution entered the wider “Showcase Theater” scheme in the 1960’s, english, but places like the Triboro, Valencia and Flushing Keith’s would often have early run bookings exclusive within the borough and probably pulled in patrons from all over Queens durings its first 30 or so years of operation. Even in the 70’s when the Valencia was exhibiting more “neighborhood theater” type of fare, I know many families from my neighborhood in Laurelton, Queens (which had its own small 2nd run house) would travel by bus to Jamaica to catch a flick at either the Valencia or RKO Alden. But, obviously, even local patronage wasn’t sufficient to save either theater from closing down years ago.
IMDB.COM lists a “Pay or Die” from 1979 that appears to be an American made Kung-fu actioner featuring a herione named Cleopatra Wong(!) who had appeared in at least 2 previous ‘70’s low budget pics. Also found a “Killer Force” from 1976 directed by Val Guest and featuring Telly Savalas, Christopher Lee, OJ Simpson, Peter Fonda, Hugh O'Brian and Maud Adams! Sounds like the kind of fare I’d see on 42nd Street back in the day – a fact which brings a smile to my face. Could find no details on “Street Crime” or “Fist Full of Yen” but I imagine they could be of similar vintage – perhaps U.S. titles of foreign titles? They’d have to be pretty obscure not to be found on IMDB.
Very interesting. I wonder if pressure from the church on the corner has resulted in a new policy? There may still be porn in those private booths (wherever they are located within the theater) with the legit films showing on the old screen. Isn’t “Fist Full of Yen” the name of the faux kung-fu feature in “The Kentucky Fried Movie” that spoofs Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon”? I’ll try to pass by there in the next few days, unless someone else gets to it before I can.
Did the Greenwich run revival or retrospectives in the late ‘70’s? My father once took me to a theater downtown in the Village area to catch a then rare showing of The Beatles’ psychedelic 1967 TV special “Magical Mystery Tour.” I was into the Beatles big time as a child and was about a year and ½ from being allowed to venture into the City on my own to catch a movie, so I coaxed my Dad into taking me. I remember giving him a choice of going to see Mel Brooks' “High Anxiety” (which had just opened and which he had just seen with my Mom the night before) or to see the Beatles film – which was playing in an advertised triple feature along with “Sympathy for the Devil” featuring the Rolling Stones and “We’re An American Band” an early 70’s promotional short film about the rock band Grand Funk Railroad. Coming from Laurelton, Queens, we had to grab a bus to Jamaica and then grab a subway into Manhattan – and I recall there was also a subway transfer involved once in the City. We were running late and wound up seating ourselves (in the balcony) about 15 minutes into “Magical Mystery Tour.”
After the film ended, I convinced my Dad that we had to stay through the next two features to catch what we had missed in the first film. He reluctantly agreed. The Grand Funk Railroad film was boring to me (as I’m SURE it was to my Dad) but thankfully, it was only about 25 or 30 minutes long. Then came “Sympathy for the Devil”, which was the USA title and re-cut version of a didactic Jean Luc Godard polemic entitled “One Plus One.” This movie was just about unwatchable!!! It intercut film of the Stones' recording session for their famous song with bizarre avant-garde sequences involving some African American militants and a neo-fascist political group that operated behind the front of a porno book store. About 30 minutes or so into this film was about all my Dad could stand, and – while I was ready to argue with him initially – I was secretly thankful to be spared watching any more of the movie!
Anyway… I’ve been trying to piece together where it was that we saw these movies (or portions thereof, anyhow) and the Greenwich seems like a likely candidate. It had a balcony and the image I’ve seen of the marquee looks familiar. Did the Art on 8th Street have a balcony? If so it is a possibility. The Waverly is a long shot and I know for sure it wasn’t the 8th Street Playhouse. Anyone have access to newspaper clippings from that time and willing to check for me? “High Anxiety” was released during the Christmas vacation from school in December of 1977 so the date would have been shortly after that – most likely during the school break, but possibly the 1st week of January 1978.
Here’s an interesting quote from that article:
<<Bell said the venerable Loews name would gradually be phased out in favor of AMC, “though in some cases there may be an opportunity for the Loews brand to remain. It’s an evolving process that takes place over time.”>>
I guess there’s still some hope that the tradition of the Loew’s name will be honored to some degree. For AMC to do otherwise would evidence a lack of respect and appreciation for the proud history of movie exhibition, particularly in NYC. To have the Loew’s name besmirched in such a manner would be beyond the pale.
The NY Post is very rarely ever about getting facts straight!
Kris… The Queens Theater is still standing and in use as a church. I’ve never been inside, but you might want to stop by for a service one Sunday and see if you can’t find any of those murals to photograph. Many would advise that to just start snapping pictures unless and until told to stop is the best way to photograph the interior of a theater/church conversion, but you might be able to get permission to do so if you were to speak to a church official and tell your story.
I’d love to see those photos posted here if you ever get a chance to do so.
Time Out is sponsoring the series – or is otherwise involved – so that makes sense. But shouldn’t the advertising be just a bit more widespread?
What former porn theater was this short lived multi-plex carved from? The Anco Theater’s address is listed on this site as having been 254 W. 42nd and #234 is the address given for the old Liberty Theater entrance. Number 244 would have been somewhere in between and I can’t recall a porn theater being in this vicinity. The only actual porn theaters I remember from the block were the Harem (across the street) and then the Victory, Rialto and Roxy on the eastern end of the block. Perhaps it was a peep-show and video store? I have a photo of the Harris (at #226) from 1993 and I believe there is a sign advertising the Movieplex 42 as “coming soon.”
“The Front” is a rare case where Woody was hired solely as an actor. The film was directed by Martin Ritt. Allen took no part in its direction, screenplay or conception. The only other films I can think of that fall into this same category for Allen (not counting any cameos or smaller roles) are Paul Mazursky’s “Scenes From a Mall” and the animated “Antz.”
And P.S…. Still looking for advertisements for the upcoming series. There was no mention of it in the Sunday Times Arts & Leisure section. Are they waiting for the Friday Weekend section to spread the word? Or are they looking only to pull in passersby and visitors to Clearview Cinemas website and the folks on Cinema Treasures?!?
Another great list, Al… Thanks for the stroll down memory lane. I know my parents made the trip in from Queens with me to see “That’s Entertainment” here. It’s possible I saw “Earthquake” here as well, but I think that might have been elsewhere in Manhattan on the upper East Side where my Mom’s freind Lilliana – who accompanied us – lived. Saw “The Grateful Dead”, “Hair” (my first trip into the city on my own – St. Patty’s Day ‘79) and “Apocalypse Now” to round out the '70’s. The following decade my pals and I came in to see “Pink Floyd’s The Wall” and I saw “Fantasia” here a couple of times during the '80’s. The only other film I can be certain of seeing here on the list is “Yentl”, though I might have also seen “Tough Guys” here in '86. I look forward to a '90’s list, Al… I believe on Christmas Day 1990 I was sitting in the Ziegfeld anxiously watching (and being ultimately disappointed by) “The Godfather, Part Three.”
I question whether digital technology is at a point where it can faithfully recreate the color saturation of a pristine vintage Technicolor print.
You’re right William, but I was just trying to optimistically pass along the property to artdoggie all the same. The owner’s agent claims that there are no plans to demolish the building. I understand that these are famous last words (like those of the Solomons in 1986 when assuring that the removal of pediment work at the Rivoli was purely for safety reasons, not to thwart landmark consideration), but the agent did say that they were willing to negotiate a 10 year lease or longer. I say that if anyone is interested in finding space for theatrical use, we should at least mention this site as one with great potential – and let the negotiations unfold between the building’s owner and any prospective tenants/purchasers.
The old Mayfair/Demille/Embassy 2,3,4 stands vacant on Broadway and 47th in Times Square. I understand the owner is willing to talk long term lease, but that the rent he is demanding is pretty high. The theater was subject to a cheap conversion to triplex in the ‘70’s, but the agent for the owner has said it would take minimal cost and effort to restore to single auditorium and that the stage and fly space is still intact.
Roundabout Theater used to stage productions at the Gramercy Theater on 23rd Street, which I think is also currently vacant.
As for the outer boroughs, too bad you couldn’t have jumped into the fray and bid on the old RKO Keith’s in Flushing – that is, if you were interested in a magnificent atmospheric palace with nearly 3000 seats.
Sorry for the typo… the word “the” does not belong in that last sentence.
I think the consensus here was that the likelihood of a 70mm presentation during this series was just about nil. However, Vincent only reported that he confirmed with Clearview that “My Fair Lady” would be a 35mm print. I’m with saps, here… While I’d be thrilled with a 70mm “Ben Hur” or “West Side Story,” all I really ask for are crisp and well cared for prints. Oh yes, and the more series like this one in the Ziegfeld’s future (“2001”, “Spartacus”, “The Wild Bunch” and “Apocalypse Now” all would be high on my wish list).
It’s not a trashy neighborhood, I just don’t think there’s a lot of foot traffic along 8th Avenue outside of business hours. If the theater were just 1 block to the east, near 7th Ave, you’d see a higher admission price.
I didn’t think of that, Ron, but you’re probably right. That would be downright sinister, if AMC were to claim exclusive rights to the Loew’s name and then bury it forever. In fact, it would be reprehensible, considering the illustrious history associated with Loew’s over the last 100 years or so.
I wonder… would the name Loew’s be protected from copyright litigation if it existed on a landmarked structure? Not that I know if any of these buildings are protected by landmark designation, but I’m thinking of the Loew’s Jersey, Loew’s Paradise and Loew’s Kings (assuming the latter is ever restored to its former glory).
I’ve read on this site that, while AMC has a habit of re-branding acquired theaters, Regal and other chains have kept older brand names alive after mergers. If that is the case, perhaps there is hope that the Loew’s banner will continue to fly over some of the 10 theaters that AMC had to ditch in order to get the acquisition approved. The E-Walk is definitely one of the 10. Then again, given its prominent location and its direct competition with the AMC Empire across the street, the new chain may want to have its own brand flying high above the marquee.
Good points CConnolly. I’ve read about the whole “universal release” theory associated with the Soderbergh film and saw a news item about it on one of the local channels that referred to the practice as “day and date release.” That’s a phrase I’ve read about in these web pages referring either to movies that were booked simultaneously into 2 or 3 first run theaters in the same market or to a small group of theaters that routinely shared identical bookings in the same market for particular engagements. The industry (at least the artistic community) seems to be sharply divided about the whole scheme. And we can all figure out where NATO stands on the issue. It’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out.
As for taking photos… I suppose if you stood in front of any edifice and starting snapping shots and someone inside the building noticed you, they’d probably want to inquire as to your business – unless its the Empire State Building or some other “Kodak Moment” landmark. I took some photos of the Fair Theater in Astoria and when I got into the outer vestibule to photograph some of the display cases, a manager came out and told me to stop. I wasn’t inside the theater, but I suppose once I broke the invisible plane that seperates the sidewalk from the recessed space under the marquee, I might have been on private property, so I acquiesced. Plus, the Fair is a porn-house and the manager was accompanied by a security guard, so I quickly figured that it wasn’t worth a possible broken leg to pursue my interests against the owner’s wishes.