From a New York Times review dated October 4, 1945:
In returning to the cinema fold last night after a span of thirteen years, the Winter Garden opened another chapter in its distinguished theatrical history on a gay and frivolous note, for in film form Noel Coward’s amusing spoof on spiritualism, “Blithe Spirit,” comes through as a generally delightful divertissement…
All three silly stories you mention are sequels (Logan), remakes (Kong) or reinterpretations (Beast.)
And as far as this new Kong being completely different, I just saw this movie and seem to recall him living on Skull Island, wrestling with giant dinosaurs, swatting aircraft out of the sky, beating his chest and bellowing, eating people, stepping on people, breaking free of chains and holding a beautiful girl in the palm of his hand…
In the overhaul, the venue’s seating capacity will downsize from 560 seats to 430, divided among four theaters meant to have the intimate feel of private screening rooms with improved sightlines and seats. The theater’s rebranding also includes a new logo with a custom font designed by Pentagram. (Per the Variety article)
Here are excerpts from the NY Times review of this house’s last picture, “Werewolf of London”
The Rialto Theatre, which began its career as a picture house on the night of April 22, 1916, by showing Douglas Fairbanks’s “The Good Bad Man,” is bidding farewell to Times Square this week with a nerve-jangling exhibit called “The Werewolf of London.” The theatre will be demolished after the last screening of the picture next Wednesday night, but a new Rialto will be erected on the site and open its doors to the public some time in October.
Designed solely to amaze and horrify, the film goes about its task with commendable thoroughness, sparing no grisly detail… Granting that the central idea has been used before, the picture still rates the attention of action-and-horror enthusiasts. It is a fitting valedictory for the old Rialto, which has become melodrama’s citadel among Times Square’s picture houses.
Here are excerpts from the NY Times review of this house’s last picture, “Werewolf of London”
The Rialto Theatre, which began its career as a picture house on the night of April 22, 1916, by showing Douglas Fairbanks’s “The Good Bad Man,” is bidding farewell to Times Square this week with a nerve-jangling exhibit called “The Werewolf of London.” The theatre will be demolished after the last screening of the picture next Wednesday night, but a new Rialto will be erected on the site and open its doors to the public some time in October.
Designed solely to amaze and horrify, the film goes about its task with commendable thoroughness, sparing no grisly detail… Granting that the central idea has been used before, the picture still rates the attention of action-and-horror enthusiasts. It is a fitting valedictory for the old Rialto, which has become melodrama’s citadel among Times Square’s picture houses.
The first time I saw Gone With the Wind was here in the late 70s/early 80s, with a wretched 70mm print that cropped the image at the top and bottom and seemed to be terrbily out of focus, even after changing my seat several times and complaining to the manager (who stated that was because of the curved screen!)
I couldn’t believe that this was the number one box office attraction of all time. I was really disappointed, until I saw it again years later in the proper ratio and clarity. Of course it’s magnificent.
Tova, I hope you check the site from time to time to share some memories of your grandparents. I was really quite fond of them, happy to share my experiences with you
Too late, Fred…
That’s a pitiful opening description for a theater that lasted over 90 years…
Two people shot last night steps from this theater…
From a New York Times review dated October 4, 1945:
In returning to the cinema fold last night after a span of thirteen years, the Winter Garden opened another chapter in its distinguished theatrical history on a gay and frivolous note, for in film form Noel Coward’s amusing spoof on spiritualism, “Blithe Spirit,” comes through as a generally delightful divertissement…
All three silly stories you mention are sequels (Logan), remakes (Kong) or reinterpretations (Beast.)
And as far as this new Kong being completely different, I just saw this movie and seem to recall him living on Skull Island, wrestling with giant dinosaurs, swatting aircraft out of the sky, beating his chest and bellowing, eating people, stepping on people, breaking free of chains and holding a beautiful girl in the palm of his hand…
The number is 718-339-1800 and the guy on the phone said it has been sold and will be closing, but no date has been announced yet.
They answered the phone this morning, and said they are open.
Everything old is new again.
Photo added today
In the overhaul, the venue’s seating capacity will downsize from 560 seats to 430, divided among four theaters meant to have the intimate feel of private screening rooms with improved sightlines and seats. The theater’s rebranding also includes a new logo with a custom font designed by Pentagram. (Per the Variety article)
Here are excerpts from the NY Times review of this house’s last picture, “Werewolf of London”
The Rialto Theatre, which began its career as a picture house on the night of April 22, 1916, by showing Douglas Fairbanks’s “The Good Bad Man,” is bidding farewell to Times Square this week with a nerve-jangling exhibit called “The Werewolf of London.” The theatre will be demolished after the last screening of the picture next Wednesday night, but a new Rialto will be erected on the site and open its doors to the public some time in October.
Designed solely to amaze and horrify, the film goes about its task with commendable thoroughness, sparing no grisly detail… Granting that the central idea has been used before, the picture still rates the attention of action-and-horror enthusiasts. It is a fitting valedictory for the old Rialto, which has become melodrama’s citadel among Times Square’s picture houses.
Here are excerpts from the NY Times review of this house’s last picture, “Werewolf of London”
The Rialto Theatre, which began its career as a picture house on the night of April 22, 1916, by showing Douglas Fairbanks’s “The Good Bad Man,” is bidding farewell to Times Square this week with a nerve-jangling exhibit called “The Werewolf of London.” The theatre will be demolished after the last screening of the picture next Wednesday night, but a new Rialto will be erected on the site and open its doors to the public some time in October.
Designed solely to amaze and horrify, the film goes about its task with commendable thoroughness, sparing no grisly detail… Granting that the central idea has been used before, the picture still rates the attention of action-and-horror enthusiasts. It is a fitting valedictory for the old Rialto, which has become melodrama’s citadel among Times Square’s picture houses.
The first time I saw Gone With the Wind was here in the late 70s/early 80s, with a wretched 70mm print that cropped the image at the top and bottom and seemed to be terrbily out of focus, even after changing my seat several times and complaining to the manager (who stated that was because of the curved screen!)
I couldn’t believe that this was the number one box office attraction of all time. I was really disappointed, until I saw it again years later in the proper ratio and clarity. Of course it’s magnificent.
Recent photo added
Tova, I hope you check the site from time to time to share some memories of your grandparents. I was really quite fond of them, happy to share my experiences with you
Screen sizes, however, seem to remain the same.
New doors, really…?
That auditorium looks so wide; how was it divided for the triplex, and then where were the other two added screens?
Two photos added
A photo of the screening room would be appreciated.
Two photos from their Facebook page added to photos
I just spotted this theater in a new Sprint commercial
Donald, watch this episode of Undercover Boss and then call the mayor. She wants to improve Gary; share your ideas with her.
There’s an extremely quick shot of the vintage marquee in the recent Undercover Boss set in Gary, at about the six minute mark.
There was a quick shot of the marquee on a recent Undercover Boss set in Gary, at about 30 minutes in.
Four new photos added December 18, 2016.