Sorry to hear of your misfortune. In 1995, I became the full time projectionist at the Middlebrook Galleria, a few miles down the road. These days I an a stagehand, having just celebrated 35 years in the IATSE local. And I am the house projectionist at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank since 2005. I always wanted to run my own theatre. Even had blueprints drawn up for a twin, but it never happened.
With all the damage you see in different photos, Im sorry to say it will just be way too much to restore this place. And a question, how did RKO triple this place? Under the balconies?
I for one dont care (well I really do) who was responsible for saving the Kings Theatre. The point is that it was saved, and is back in business. You should be glad you have a company running it who knows what theyre doing. We here in Jersey have the Loews Jersey which needs a ton of work, and the Ritz in Elizabeth whose owner spent millions restoring it, and now it sits there doing nothing. We can only hope someone takes them over and they return to their former glory.
I was in this theatre about a year ago. My buddy is good friends with the owner. He took us to the back and upstairs and the auditorium walls and ceilling are intact. Also went up to what was a balcony and projection room.
I was in Montclair yesterday working at the Wellmont, and passed this place. As was just mentioned, it it definitely closed, and sadly looks ready for demolishon. The sad part is that the Royal up the street was in mint condition when it was torn down years ago and made into a parking lot.
John, I think National left one or two houses equipped with 35mm, just in case. I worked for an independant who did the same thing when he converted. And at the Count Basie where I am projectionist, we have a christie digital and our 2 simplex reel to reel projectors. I made sure they didnt remove then.
Too bad Im working on the 18th or I would have made the 70 mile trek to the theatre to see The Graduate. It was the first movie I ever saw with my first girlfriend (who sadly passed at the young age of 40 in 2000) and was the very first movie I ran as a projectionist some 39 years ago.
I noticed the booth looked dark. No film on this show I guess. Im just thankful my wife got called to work the show since her Broadway show closed in January. This ol projectionist doesn’t have much to do these days. Would still love to see your magnificent booth someday. You guys keep up the good work.
Went to the dress rehersal of the spring spectacular last night. It is in a word, “spectacular.” The costumes were awesome, the rain scene was incredible, and the statue of liberty, while I feel is a bit too large, was amazing as well. One downer was the video wall used for the 3D effect as well as other portions in the show, I could see some seams and some squares were brighter than others. (This coming from a former projectionist with over 37 years expeirience) And to be fair I was in the 2nd row from the stage. But otherwise, a job well done and a truely great show. Perhaps the start of a new annual tradition.
I was thinking the same thing as mdvoskin. But in fairness, its still not as bad as the page for the amc rockaway 16. In fairness, movieguy is just passionate about the theatre and I cannot fault him for that.
Sorry to hear of your misfortune. In 1995, I became the full time projectionist at the Middlebrook Galleria, a few miles down the road. These days I an a stagehand, having just celebrated 35 years in the IATSE local. And I am the house projectionist at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank since 2005. I always wanted to run my own theatre. Even had blueprints drawn up for a twin, but it never happened.
Thanks Ed Solero. It sounds similar to what Loews did to the Jersey in Jersey City N.J.
With all the damage you see in different photos, Im sorry to say it will just be way too much to restore this place. And a question, how did RKO triple this place? Under the balconies?
I for one dont care (well I really do) who was responsible for saving the Kings Theatre. The point is that it was saved, and is back in business. You should be glad you have a company running it who knows what theyre doing. We here in Jersey have the Loews Jersey which needs a ton of work, and the Ritz in Elizabeth whose owner spent millions restoring it, and now it sits there doing nothing. We can only hope someone takes them over and they return to their former glory.
I was in this theatre about a year ago. My buddy is good friends with the owner. He took us to the back and upstairs and the auditorium walls and ceilling are intact. Also went up to what was a balcony and projection room.
The longer it sits, the worse the situation will get.
I was in Montclair yesterday working at the Wellmont, and passed this place. As was just mentioned, it it definitely closed, and sadly looks ready for demolishon. The sad part is that the Royal up the street was in mint condition when it was torn down years ago and made into a parking lot.
Already autotuned. Thanks.
So sad to hear. I was a projectionist here from 1980 till 1983.
John, I think National left one or two houses equipped with 35mm, just in case. I worked for an independant who did the same thing when he converted. And at the Count Basie where I am projectionist, we have a christie digital and our 2 simplex reel to reel projectors. I made sure they didnt remove then.
Thanks so much Matt. And Mike, I would go in a heart beat, but I am loading out a religious show Sat till well after 8 pm.
Too bad Im working on the 18th or I would have made the 70 mile trek to the theatre to see The Graduate. It was the first movie I ever saw with my first girlfriend (who sadly passed at the young age of 40 in 2000) and was the very first movie I ran as a projectionist some 39 years ago.
The heading above should be changed to reflect the correct number of screens. It was a quad when it closed. Not sure of when it was divided.
Did not know it was on. Missed it.
Wow, Im feeling a little blue. Decent size screen.
Thanks. I remember running that film way back in 1982.
Very interesting and sad history of the once great GCC.
Having worked for National Amusements as a projectionist for 20 years, its sad to see this company as a shell of its former self.
I noticed the booth looked dark. No film on this show I guess. Im just thankful my wife got called to work the show since her Broadway show closed in January. This ol projectionist doesn’t have much to do these days. Would still love to see your magnificent booth someday. You guys keep up the good work.
Lets hope for that. Went by it just last night.
Went to the dress rehersal of the spring spectacular last night. It is in a word, “spectacular.” The costumes were awesome, the rain scene was incredible, and the statue of liberty, while I feel is a bit too large, was amazing as well. One downer was the video wall used for the 3D effect as well as other portions in the show, I could see some seams and some squares were brighter than others. (This coming from a former projectionist with over 37 years expeirience) And to be fair I was in the 2nd row from the stage. But otherwise, a job well done and a truely great show. Perhaps the start of a new annual tradition.
I was thinking the same thing as mdvoskin. But in fairness, its still not as bad as the page for the amc rockaway 16. In fairness, movieguy is just passionate about the theatre and I cannot fault him for that.
Thank goodness. Still hope it can be saved.
Matt, it was posted earlier the auditorium is demolishede. Are you saying it still there? Or just the lobby as has been previously posted.
Jack, I use to clean the screens at this theatre. You cant believe what an abortion it is.