Circus is suitable to the Music Hall. Just look at the wallpaper in the orchestra section of the auditorium, not to mention the brass appliques on the auditorium entrance doors.
$20 million 4 month show?! That also suits the Music Hall. I agree with Justin, the Music Hall is set to 2021.
The exquisitely beautiful and huge Center Theater reminds me of the stepchild that is hidden away when company arrives. “The powers that be” certainly have no interest in informing the public about the Music Hall’s long lost sister. It would be nice if there was at least a plaque on the building; but then I say the same thing about the old Roxy Theatre site.
Thank goodness the Music Hall still lives. The last remaining cultural wind of the 1920s (yes, I know the theater was completed in ‘32) is and always was the best (I think). The Music Hall is a far greater theater than the Center Theater was. But given what we’ve got today; if the Center was still around, it would be among the best in the country.
We need to start a campaign to bring back the flashing lights. I know I would join. It’s is still the best Art Deco marquee (theater, hotel, or otherwise) in the world, in my opinion.
It has aged well, or not at all, from a stylistic point of view; in fact, it is far superior to most of what is built today in the way of commercial signage.
Agree with Life’s too short. It is almost a miracle.
If the loges could be reopened, I could die peacefully (many years from now — I hope). Imagine walking down those l-o-n-g tunnels (esp. the one on the left side), through the French doors, and then WHAM — what a sight!!! easily on of the most impressive proscenium arches in the world, and THE BEST view for movies and stage performances.
I don’t see why they can’t be reopened since they at the same level as the 2nd floor of the lobby. I suppose it’s up to the Fire Dept. They’ve been good to the Loew’s so far, for which I am most grateful.
This is very good news. I hope it happens soon. Just opening the loges would double the impressiveness of the Loew’s Jersey, in my opinion.
Another Loew’s Jersey idea. Since the balcony will be reopening in the foreseeable future, I have an idea. On either side of the balcony there are three coves. I was reading somewhere about the Brooklyn Paramount, that at one time, they had projected idyllic scenes on coves like the ones in the Jersey. What would it take to paint these coves in a dark white (almost silver or gray). Then there could be six very simple “one slide projectors” which would project idyllic garden scenes onto the cove walls. What would it cost? Not much I would think. It would make a major difference in terms of presentation and wonder over the room. When that gets boring, keep the violet/red/blue/gold floodlights and turn them on with the projectors still running. When the movie/show starts, turn off the projectors and turn on ¼ of the violet floods. I think this is how it would have been done in the 1920s. Just a thought.
I am so glad the old seats are going back in the balcony after they are restored!! Haven’t some of them already been restored? What the plan regarding the left side fire escape? I would imagine that the restrooms are going to need to be in better condition before the balcony re-opens.
The Loew’s is going to be too great for words, once the balcony is reopened. It will be the talk of the tri-state area and the country.
Question: how many large movie palaces (such as the Loew’s) are showing classic films on a 50 foot wide screen?
The immensity of the experience of seeing a movie at the Loew’s really struck me when I saw “The Jazz Singer” on that huge screen. Not only was Jolson’s performance stunning, and the picture size huge, but there is something about seeing a film in a darkened movie palace that cannot be matched anywhere; and I would think that the experience is very rare today.
So all prosperity and goodness to the FOL and the Loew’s Jersey!
I CANNOT WAIT to see “Oliver!” at the Loew’s. I’ll be in the 10th row center. That’s my favorite area in which to sit. I also like to sit on the right side just under the balcony edge.
A long time ago, I used to pick with “neighborhood” of the auditorium I like to sit in. That was in Radio City. I had my favorite spots there too.
Multi-plexes and homes do not provide drastically different vantage points, as can be found in large old movie palaces. That sense of changing perspective is something I really enjoy.
Heck, I even enjoyed sitting in the “peanut gallery” in the last row of the balcony all the way on the left side (did so at the Loew’s). I did this when they showed “Fantasia” in the 1970s. I spent almost all of my time just looking at the theatre and listening to the music. I still remember the event.
I miss the ambient sounds in the balcony lobbies that come from the auditorium doors being open—esp. the sound from that 3 level lobby that is closed off now. I would think that in the “good old days” one could enjoy the music of the show just fine from that balcony lobby. I think that was the mid-level lobby, over the loges lobby (with the restrooms). It is another vast space at the Loew’s.
P.S. The “billboard” would simply be painted (gold letters, maroon background), but it would follow the graceful French curve of the main entrance ceiling. Just a thought. It would be historically accurate to a period in the Loew’s life, and I did see it at the Kings. Such a billboard would be well lit by the new underside lighting.
I agree completely with Maher and Rob. I’ve been an eyewitness to the theatre and it’s goings on since 1965 — on and off. I’ve known it very well, since 1997 (and from 1965 to 1986).
I only see the Loew’s getting better and I believe (as does TNYT) that the theatre is “on a roll” right now, perhaps due in part to the wonderful “new” organ, as well the ability to see, in the Loew’s Jersey, the old classics on a 50 foot wide screen in one of the best (though not largest) of the old palaces.
Some folks might think this is tacky, but I have an idea. Why can’t we put a billboard (don’t have a heart attack—hear me out first) over the main doors, on that very wide black archway, that says “WELCOME TO LOEW’S WONDER THEATRE!!!” in period typeface.
In the very early days, this archway was lit in “electric back lit letters” (see the top photo in this page), and I do know that later on the King’s had such a sign in the very same arch way. Just a thought. It might get people even a little more excited about being outside of the theatre, and it may prompt them to come in.
The sides of the marquee restored in the 1990s as you mentioned, and now the underside, is a real draw. It is dazzling to walk under that marquee now.
Yes, I was wrong to call it a 100 percent restoration; but if you could have seen it in the 1970s, you would appreciate ANYTHING that was done to renovate it. Most people would have given up on the building. In my opinion is comes very close to being a complete restoration. Also, anything that was changed could be easily brought back to what it was originally, except for the non-original chandeliers which I guess are missing and gone forever. I wonder what a brand new replicated curved glass chandelier would cost these days?
You’re a brave man, Bob. I wouldn’t dare do what you did. I’m afraid of gaping holes, especially when I don’t know how deep they are. I know the lights you are talking about. Their cleaning and restoration did a lot to bring out the beauty of the front upper side walls. Until they were on, I never noticed that “clam shell” effect in the walls. It also brings out that “jeweled” curtain in front of the organ chamber. When are they going to put the left side “jeweled” curtain back up? I hope it is somewhere safe and sound. It has to be 100 feet high at least.
AND…how on earth do they change the lightbulbs in the main dome in the auditorium? Scaffold or through a little door way up high? Either way, the prospect terrifies me.
The most amazing vertigo inducing place I know of in the Loew’s is the “endless” and open flights of stairs to the stage catwalk.
You hit the nail on the head, Bruce: “Everyone should thank there lucky stars that they have a huge movie palace such as the Loew’s Jersey showing American movie classics.”
To Bob F.: I remember the constant radio communication between the orchestra tech and the projectionist. I don’t know if that is still done, but I suspect that it is. It was certainly done for the Loew’s Wonder Weekend this last weekend.
Imagine a movie house so big that you need radio communication and or binoculars to check on the quality of the presentation! The projection booth is 180 feet from the screen. That is much too far to judge things from the booth.
If you look at the 1929 lighting board, they had intercom communication in the old days in order to constantly monitor the presentation.
Saps, Yes I know of the Lafeyette Theatre. I haven’t been there, but I will go someday. The Byrd Theatre also intrigues me. The Union County Arts Center (aka Rahway (NJ) Theatre also does it, but the screen is certainly not 50 feet wide, and the organ is 7 ranks vs. 23 ranks, and the theatre seats 1,500. The Loew’s Jersey seats (someday) 1,800 in the balcony alone. I can only think of the quotation from Marcus Loew, “We sell tickets to theatres, not movies.” An interesting survey would ask the question, “did you come to the Loew’s Jersey to see the theatre, the movie, or both?” I am perfectly happy to pay ½ the admission fee to just see the theatre, in my opinion.
I agree with MBD, in general, I find the presentations of classic films to be outstanding at the Loew’s. I come back again and again, and I usually say “so that’s what the movie is supposed to look like.” Seeing a classic movie on TV and where it was meant to be presented are two VERY different things. A classic film presentation on a 50 foot wide screen in a real movie palace is almost more than we can ask for in 2008. Does anyone know of any other movie palaces that do this on a regular basis? and I’ll qualify it and say, on a 50 foot screen with a live pipe organ pre-quel concert—just like in the good old days?
Thanks, Peter and Movie for answering my projection question. Now I have a question related to the lighting of the auditorium. It looks like all of the lighting in the auditorium has been restored, so my question is, why is it still so dark in the auditorium? Are the lights used at the same wattage as they were in the 1920s-1940s or are they dim lights? Also, there was to have been (back in ‘29) a chandelier in the auditorium, but that never happened. I would think that would brighten things up quite a bit. Of course, the walls are much darker now than they originally were, so I imagine that has an effect too. Yet another dream of mine is to someday see the auditorium in all its glorious shiny gold, cream and red. As it is now, it does not look gold or cream or red—but what a space!!!
Inside the entrance there are two walls filled with historical photographs showing this theatre as a cinema. How many churches do you know of that have a display of what was at the site before there was a church?
The restoration is perfect; and do not have to let the public in, never mind for a free tour — with a demonstration of the clouds and stars on the ceiling! How many atmospheric Brenographs are working these days? 2 or 3, maybe. They are to be commended in using them, even though such effects have very little to do with worship.
I for one an tickled pink that the theatre was fully restored, and that I can show it to friends for free, with the clouds and stars—even! I am Catholic BTW.
Question about projection: The projectors in the Loew’s Jersey are set at about a 20 degree angle in order to reach the screen properly (180 feet away and I would guess about 70 feet lower). Why is it that the image on the screen isn’t distorted? One would think it would be wider at the bottom than the top—is that correct? The current projectionist said they do nothing to correct for distortion, and I haven’t seen a mention of it on this website—out of focus, problems with the reels—yes; but nothing about angle distortion. What am I missing if anything?
Agreed, Jimmy D., the masking at the top of the screen was incorrect for the film presented. Also I went on the tour of the Loew’s and when we were in the projection booth, I was pretty sure I saw more than 3 reels. I also strongly suspect that the intermission was presented at the end of the wrong reel.
But I’m not complaining…Despite the lackluster film presentation, Dennis James is a MASTER of the art of playing the organ FOR silent films. I have made this judgment after having heard him play only once. His playing is perfection defined.
Question: when were the lights under the marquee installed!? It is a wonderful effect and one I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.
I really can’t get that Dennis James/Lee Irwin “The Eagle” (Valentino) arrangement out of my head. This is my kind of music. It mixes classical and popular themes and just “takes one away” (being the romantic that I am).
This was played by James at the Loew’s Jersey on Saturday night (only this the Irwin recording):
It may be sacrilege to say so, but James is better than Irwin was.
They could not have chosen a better piece to preface the silent movie at the Loew’s Jersey; and what better place to watch it than a 3,300 seat Italian Baroque cinema palace with a movable orchestra lift.
I am finally learning at just how high a plane these cinema palaces used to operate, artistically. I found the experience to be elevating in the best sense. Too bad the Great Depression had to go and ruin things. Going to the movies at a cracker box multiplex is NOT the same thing, by any means; and I choose to not do so, usually. Who needs it? On the other hand, I would have paid far more than I did for this last weekend’s events. There is “going to the multiplex” and then there is “going to the cinema—as it used to be” and still should be.
It’s not so much the granduer that gets to me as it is the quality of the presentation. “Did they know how to do certain things in the 1920s that we have forgotten how to do?” Certainly. “Who is educated enough today to understand this?” Far too few people, very sadly. Still it is a great feeling when just one person “gets it” and you see it in their eyes; and it is absolutely thrilling when hundreds of people around you “get it.” So I’m recovering from my whirlwind weekend — in Jersey City of all places (my home town—who would have believed it?).
One thing about Jersey City—we generally don’t knock down our precious landmarks. We will go out of our way to save them, and 90 percent of the time we succeed.
I am in utter and complete awe at what occurred at the Loew’s Jersey this weekend. If you would have told me in 1975 that this would happen someday, I would have laughed in your face. (In point of fact, I literally cried when the theatre lost its organ when it was multi-plexed).
I am in utter and complete amazement over this past weekend. Not in my wildest dreams…(and these were my wildest dreams).
Circus is suitable to the Music Hall. Just look at the wallpaper in the orchestra section of the auditorium, not to mention the brass appliques on the auditorium entrance doors.
$20 million 4 month show?! That also suits the Music Hall. I agree with Justin, the Music Hall is set to 2021.
The Music Hall, just one among many (in 1934)…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lWQF30YAT0
The Music Hall at 0:08.
This video shows how the marquee was “cut” to fit around the 6th Avenue Elevated RR:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o_ttvFhfmM
at 1:16 after the “El” was gone in 1939 or so.
From more than a few years ago, 1934 I believe:
http://images.nypl.org/?id=1558056&t=w
And the Music Hall’s sister (long gone and undeservedly almost forgotten), 1 short block away on 49th Street:
View link
The exquisitely beautiful and huge Center Theater reminds me of the stepchild that is hidden away when company arrives. “The powers that be” certainly have no interest in informing the public about the Music Hall’s long lost sister. It would be nice if there was at least a plaque on the building; but then I say the same thing about the old Roxy Theatre site.
Thank goodness the Music Hall still lives. The last remaining cultural wind of the 1920s (yes, I know the theater was completed in ‘32) is and always was the best (I think). The Music Hall is a far greater theater than the Center Theater was. But given what we’ve got today; if the Center was still around, it would be among the best in the country.
Flashing marquee lights at the Music Hall:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-3ERi_aoaM
We need to start a campaign to bring back the flashing lights. I know I would join. It’s is still the best Art Deco marquee (theater, hotel, or otherwise) in the world, in my opinion.
It has aged well, or not at all, from a stylistic point of view; in fact, it is far superior to most of what is built today in the way of commercial signage.
Agree with Life’s too short. It is almost a miracle.
If the loges could be reopened, I could die peacefully (many years from now — I hope). Imagine walking down those l-o-n-g tunnels (esp. the one on the left side), through the French doors, and then WHAM — what a sight!!! easily on of the most impressive proscenium arches in the world, and THE BEST view for movies and stage performances.
I don’t see why they can’t be reopened since they at the same level as the 2nd floor of the lobby. I suppose it’s up to the Fire Dept. They’ve been good to the Loew’s so far, for which I am most grateful.
This is very good news. I hope it happens soon. Just opening the loges would double the impressiveness of the Loew’s Jersey, in my opinion.
Another Loew’s Jersey idea. Since the balcony will be reopening in the foreseeable future, I have an idea. On either side of the balcony there are three coves. I was reading somewhere about the Brooklyn Paramount, that at one time, they had projected idyllic scenes on coves like the ones in the Jersey. What would it take to paint these coves in a dark white (almost silver or gray). Then there could be six very simple “one slide projectors” which would project idyllic garden scenes onto the cove walls. What would it cost? Not much I would think. It would make a major difference in terms of presentation and wonder over the room. When that gets boring, keep the violet/red/blue/gold floodlights and turn them on with the projectors still running. When the movie/show starts, turn off the projectors and turn on ¼ of the violet floods. I think this is how it would have been done in the 1920s. Just a thought.
I am so glad the old seats are going back in the balcony after they are restored!! Haven’t some of them already been restored? What the plan regarding the left side fire escape? I would imagine that the restrooms are going to need to be in better condition before the balcony re-opens.
The Loew’s is going to be too great for words, once the balcony is reopened. It will be the talk of the tri-state area and the country.
This is a d—ned shame. I was in Exeter a few years ago, and the IOKA was one of the highlights of that charming small town.
Question: how many large movie palaces (such as the Loew’s) are showing classic films on a 50 foot wide screen?
The immensity of the experience of seeing a movie at the Loew’s really struck me when I saw “The Jazz Singer” on that huge screen. Not only was Jolson’s performance stunning, and the picture size huge, but there is something about seeing a film in a darkened movie palace that cannot be matched anywhere; and I would think that the experience is very rare today.
So all prosperity and goodness to the FOL and the Loew’s Jersey!
I CANNOT WAIT to see “Oliver!” at the Loew’s. I’ll be in the 10th row center. That’s my favorite area in which to sit. I also like to sit on the right side just under the balcony edge.
A long time ago, I used to pick with “neighborhood” of the auditorium I like to sit in. That was in Radio City. I had my favorite spots there too.
Multi-plexes and homes do not provide drastically different vantage points, as can be found in large old movie palaces. That sense of changing perspective is something I really enjoy.
Heck, I even enjoyed sitting in the “peanut gallery” in the last row of the balcony all the way on the left side (did so at the Loew’s). I did this when they showed “Fantasia” in the 1970s. I spent almost all of my time just looking at the theatre and listening to the music. I still remember the event.
I miss the ambient sounds in the balcony lobbies that come from the auditorium doors being open—esp. the sound from that 3 level lobby that is closed off now. I would think that in the “good old days” one could enjoy the music of the show just fine from that balcony lobby. I think that was the mid-level lobby, over the loges lobby (with the restrooms). It is another vast space at the Loew’s.
P.S. The “billboard” would simply be painted (gold letters, maroon background), but it would follow the graceful French curve of the main entrance ceiling. Just a thought. It would be historically accurate to a period in the Loew’s life, and I did see it at the Kings. Such a billboard would be well lit by the new underside lighting.
I agree completely with Maher and Rob. I’ve been an eyewitness to the theatre and it’s goings on since 1965 — on and off. I’ve known it very well, since 1997 (and from 1965 to 1986).
I only see the Loew’s getting better and I believe (as does TNYT) that the theatre is “on a roll” right now, perhaps due in part to the wonderful “new” organ, as well the ability to see, in the Loew’s Jersey, the old classics on a 50 foot wide screen in one of the best (though not largest) of the old palaces.
Some folks might think this is tacky, but I have an idea. Why can’t we put a billboard (don’t have a heart attack—hear me out first) over the main doors, on that very wide black archway, that says “WELCOME TO LOEW’S WONDER THEATRE!!!” in period typeface.
In the very early days, this archway was lit in “electric back lit letters” (see the top photo in this page), and I do know that later on the King’s had such a sign in the very same arch way. Just a thought. It might get people even a little more excited about being outside of the theatre, and it may prompt them to come in.
The sides of the marquee restored in the 1990s as you mentioned, and now the underside, is a real draw. It is dazzling to walk under that marquee now.
A wonderful article (with several photos) in “The New York Times” about the Loew’s Jersey Theatre:
View link
Check out photo no. 6 and be utterly amazed…
This building is an international treasure.
Yes, I was wrong to call it a 100 percent restoration; but if you could have seen it in the 1970s, you would appreciate ANYTHING that was done to renovate it. Most people would have given up on the building. In my opinion is comes very close to being a complete restoration. Also, anything that was changed could be easily brought back to what it was originally, except for the non-original chandeliers which I guess are missing and gone forever. I wonder what a brand new replicated curved glass chandelier would cost these days?
Yes, Colin is still there. Talk about loyalty and commitment to a cause!
Instead of “catwalk” I meant to say “gridiron.” Has anyone been up there? Just curious. I’m not going up there.
You’re a brave man, Bob. I wouldn’t dare do what you did. I’m afraid of gaping holes, especially when I don’t know how deep they are. I know the lights you are talking about. Their cleaning and restoration did a lot to bring out the beauty of the front upper side walls. Until they were on, I never noticed that “clam shell” effect in the walls. It also brings out that “jeweled” curtain in front of the organ chamber. When are they going to put the left side “jeweled” curtain back up? I hope it is somewhere safe and sound. It has to be 100 feet high at least.
AND…how on earth do they change the lightbulbs in the main dome in the auditorium? Scaffold or through a little door way up high? Either way, the prospect terrifies me.
The most amazing vertigo inducing place I know of in the Loew’s is the “endless” and open flights of stairs to the stage catwalk.
You hit the nail on the head, Bruce: “Everyone should thank there lucky stars that they have a huge movie palace such as the Loew’s Jersey showing American movie classics.”
To Bob F.: I remember the constant radio communication between the orchestra tech and the projectionist. I don’t know if that is still done, but I suspect that it is. It was certainly done for the Loew’s Wonder Weekend this last weekend.
Imagine a movie house so big that you need radio communication and or binoculars to check on the quality of the presentation! The projection booth is 180 feet from the screen. That is much too far to judge things from the booth.
If you look at the 1929 lighting board, they had intercom communication in the old days in order to constantly monitor the presentation.
Saps, Yes I know of the Lafeyette Theatre. I haven’t been there, but I will go someday. The Byrd Theatre also intrigues me. The Union County Arts Center (aka Rahway (NJ) Theatre also does it, but the screen is certainly not 50 feet wide, and the organ is 7 ranks vs. 23 ranks, and the theatre seats 1,500. The Loew’s Jersey seats (someday) 1,800 in the balcony alone. I can only think of the quotation from Marcus Loew, “We sell tickets to theatres, not movies.” An interesting survey would ask the question, “did you come to the Loew’s Jersey to see the theatre, the movie, or both?” I am perfectly happy to pay ½ the admission fee to just see the theatre, in my opinion.
I agree with MBD, in general, I find the presentations of classic films to be outstanding at the Loew’s. I come back again and again, and I usually say “so that’s what the movie is supposed to look like.” Seeing a classic movie on TV and where it was meant to be presented are two VERY different things. A classic film presentation on a 50 foot wide screen in a real movie palace is almost more than we can ask for in 2008. Does anyone know of any other movie palaces that do this on a regular basis? and I’ll qualify it and say, on a 50 foot screen with a live pipe organ pre-quel concert—just like in the good old days?
Thanks, Peter and Movie for answering my projection question. Now I have a question related to the lighting of the auditorium. It looks like all of the lighting in the auditorium has been restored, so my question is, why is it still so dark in the auditorium? Are the lights used at the same wattage as they were in the 1920s-1940s or are they dim lights? Also, there was to have been (back in ‘29) a chandelier in the auditorium, but that never happened. I would think that would brighten things up quite a bit. Of course, the walls are much darker now than they originally were, so I imagine that has an effect too. Yet another dream of mine is to someday see the auditorium in all its glorious shiny gold, cream and red. As it is now, it does not look gold or cream or red—but what a space!!!
Inside the entrance there are two walls filled with historical photographs showing this theatre as a cinema. How many churches do you know of that have a display of what was at the site before there was a church?
The restoration is perfect; and do not have to let the public in, never mind for a free tour — with a demonstration of the clouds and stars on the ceiling! How many atmospheric Brenographs are working these days? 2 or 3, maybe. They are to be commended in using them, even though such effects have very little to do with worship.
I for one an tickled pink that the theatre was fully restored, and that I can show it to friends for free, with the clouds and stars—even! I am Catholic BTW.
Question about projection: The projectors in the Loew’s Jersey are set at about a 20 degree angle in order to reach the screen properly (180 feet away and I would guess about 70 feet lower). Why is it that the image on the screen isn’t distorted? One would think it would be wider at the bottom than the top—is that correct? The current projectionist said they do nothing to correct for distortion, and I haven’t seen a mention of it on this website—out of focus, problems with the reels—yes; but nothing about angle distortion. What am I missing if anything?
Following the Loew’s Wonder Weekend…
~~EPIPHANY~~
Please, dear lord, take me back to the 1920’s. The 2000’s are far to barbaric for me.
Agreed, Jimmy D., the masking at the top of the screen was incorrect for the film presented. Also I went on the tour of the Loew’s and when we were in the projection booth, I was pretty sure I saw more than 3 reels. I also strongly suspect that the intermission was presented at the end of the wrong reel.
But I’m not complaining…Despite the lackluster film presentation, Dennis James is a MASTER of the art of playing the organ FOR silent films. I have made this judgment after having heard him play only once. His playing is perfection defined.
Question: when were the lights under the marquee installed!? It is a wonderful effect and one I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.
I really can’t get that Dennis James/Lee Irwin “The Eagle” (Valentino) arrangement out of my head. This is my kind of music. It mixes classical and popular themes and just “takes one away” (being the romantic that I am).
This was played by James at the Loew’s Jersey on Saturday night (only this the Irwin recording):
http://www.gstos.org/twoia/twoia2.mp3
It may be sacrilege to say so, but James is better than Irwin was.
They could not have chosen a better piece to preface the silent movie at the Loew’s Jersey; and what better place to watch it than a 3,300 seat Italian Baroque cinema palace with a movable orchestra lift.
I am finally learning at just how high a plane these cinema palaces used to operate, artistically. I found the experience to be elevating in the best sense. Too bad the Great Depression had to go and ruin things. Going to the movies at a cracker box multiplex is NOT the same thing, by any means; and I choose to not do so, usually. Who needs it? On the other hand, I would have paid far more than I did for this last weekend’s events. There is “going to the multiplex” and then there is “going to the cinema—as it used to be” and still should be.
It’s not so much the granduer that gets to me as it is the quality of the presentation. “Did they know how to do certain things in the 1920s that we have forgotten how to do?” Certainly. “Who is educated enough today to understand this?” Far too few people, very sadly. Still it is a great feeling when just one person “gets it” and you see it in their eyes; and it is absolutely thrilling when hundreds of people around you “get it.” So I’m recovering from my whirlwind weekend — in Jersey City of all places (my home town—who would have believed it?).
One thing about Jersey City—we generally don’t knock down our precious landmarks. We will go out of our way to save them, and 90 percent of the time we succeed.
I am in utter and complete awe at what occurred at the Loew’s Jersey this weekend. If you would have told me in 1975 that this would happen someday, I would have laughed in your face. (In point of fact, I literally cried when the theatre lost its organ when it was multi-plexed).
I am in utter and complete amazement over this past weekend. Not in my wildest dreams…(and these were my wildest dreams).