One of the first attempts to return the Palace to its live roots happened in 1951. Sid Luft booked Judy Garland who had recently been let go by MGM for a 4 week engagement of concerts. Not only did Judy sell out those 4 weeks, the run was extended 26 weeks to sold out mobs. This is considered the engagement that turned Judy Garland from a movie star into a living legend. Judy returned again in 1956 and again finally in 1967. She always considered The Palace home, in fact her last run there was called “Judy Garland At Home At The Palace”. As far as movies go, they played on and off until the late 60’s. Valley of The Dolls did sellout business here in the Christmas of 1967. Across the street Fox had a billboard that was advertising the film for months. Judgement at Nuremberg may also have opened here a few years earlier in a reserved seat roadshow.
If a theatre cant be used for movies or live shows this would be the next best thing. Except for leveling the floor, the theatre could be returned to movies in a heartbeat.
You keep saying turned back into a single theatre, read all the posts turn what back, this was really a new construction, with a reused facade and shell.
Another renovation in the early eighties announced new seats but this time it was only about 15 rows toward the back of the theatre. They used to still fill this place even though it was so run down and clearly had seen better days. I spent a lifetime going here, so I guess I have fond memories of the place.
By location alone, a restored Brooklyn Paramount stands a better chance of survival then a restored Kings. Downtown is on an upswing, with talks of moving a pro basketball team there. Flatbush would be a harder sell. Dont get me wrong, I was in the Kings a few times as a kid, my aunt lived there before she married my uncle. As a kid I remember gasping as I walked in the door. It is a sad statement about NY but we tear down everything. You mentioned we have a lot of theatres but we have more Zeigfelds then we do Roxys.
The narration above says it was closed by the early 60’s but I seem to recall when going to Luchows in the seventies triple kung fu bills playing? Maybe an independant took over when RKO gave it up?
I believe it was always the Hollywood, becaue it’s in the Robert Deniro film “Taxi Driver” (on the 1 sheet also I think) and there a XXX titles on the marquee and the name Hollywood.
Just what Long Island needs more friggin drug stores.
Im confused about this story, Annie was a Columbia release?
So we could say that the Duffield was UA’s role model which they turned all of their theatres into sooner or later. :)
One of the first attempts to return the Palace to its live roots happened in 1951. Sid Luft booked Judy Garland who had recently been let go by MGM for a 4 week engagement of concerts. Not only did Judy sell out those 4 weeks, the run was extended 26 weeks to sold out mobs. This is considered the engagement that turned Judy Garland from a movie star into a living legend. Judy returned again in 1956 and again finally in 1967. She always considered The Palace home, in fact her last run there was called “Judy Garland At Home At The Palace”. As far as movies go, they played on and off until the late 60’s. Valley of The Dolls did sellout business here in the Christmas of 1967. Across the street Fox had a billboard that was advertising the film for months. Judgement at Nuremberg may also have opened here a few years earlier in a reserved seat roadshow.
This couldent have been that documentry about James Dean could it? Not the Warner Brothers one, remember the tackey independant one?
If a theatre cant be used for movies or live shows this would be the next best thing. Except for leveling the floor, the theatre could be returned to movies in a heartbeat.
Wow this place looks like it could still be restored. What is the neighborhood like?
That should make Michael happy.
I thought Mantovani died?
Michael if only you saw the area this theatre was in you might re-think your ignorant and uneducated comment.
I never heard of a bootlegged 35mm print being shown? What movie was it?
I was in this theatre once, must have been a great single screen house. It’s a shame they covered over the fountain.
You keep saying turned back into a single theatre, read all the posts turn what back, this was really a new construction, with a reused facade and shell.
It happened here on Long Island with a brand new Redstone complex there was just too many screens in too small an area.
yes he has and your point?
It was Loews to the day it closed.
He was the same owner of the Utopia, Center and Parsons.
Lets not forget to add UA into the mix who was partnered running the BS Moss theatres The Criterion, The Art and The Movieland Douglaston in Queens.
Another renovation in the early eighties announced new seats but this time it was only about 15 rows toward the back of the theatre. They used to still fill this place even though it was so run down and clearly had seen better days. I spent a lifetime going here, so I guess I have fond memories of the place.
I just found an ad for Star Wars playing here in 70mm.
By location alone, a restored Brooklyn Paramount stands a better chance of survival then a restored Kings. Downtown is on an upswing, with talks of moving a pro basketball team there. Flatbush would be a harder sell. Dont get me wrong, I was in the Kings a few times as a kid, my aunt lived there before she married my uncle. As a kid I remember gasping as I walked in the door. It is a sad statement about NY but we tear down everything. You mentioned we have a lot of theatres but we have more Zeigfelds then we do Roxys.
Any updates on The Villa?
Is the theatre still intact behind the store?
The narration above says it was closed by the early 60’s but I seem to recall when going to Luchows in the seventies triple kung fu bills playing? Maybe an independant took over when RKO gave it up?
I believe it was always the Hollywood, becaue it’s in the Robert Deniro film “Taxi Driver” (on the 1 sheet also I think) and there a XXX titles on the marquee and the name Hollywood.