Lafayette Theatre
97 Lafayette Avenue,
Suffern,
NY
10901
97 Lafayette Avenue,
Suffern,
NY
10901
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Classic Films WILL be returning to the Lafayette Theatre on April 11th! They will begin at 11:30am on Saturday’s
The Town Of Ramapo will be sponsoring the films along with BCG.
April 11th Marty â€" (1955) Ernest Borgnine & Betsy Blair
April 18th Some Like It Hot â€" (1959) Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon & Marilyn Monroe
April 25th West Side Story â€" (1961) Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn,
Rita Moreno & George Chakiris
May 2nd The Thomas Crown Affair â€" (1968) Steve McQueen & Faye Dunaway
May 9th Midnight Cowboy â€" (1969) Dustin Hoffman & Jon Voight
May 16th Network â€" (1976) Faye Dunaway, William Holden & Peter Finch
May 23rd Rocky â€" (1976) Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire & Burgess Meredith
May 30th Annie Hall â€" (1977) Woody Allen & Diane Keaton
June 6th Raging Bull â€" (1980) Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci & Cathy Moriarty
June 13th Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid â€" (1969) Paul Newman,
Robert Redford & Katherine Ross
Rhett I understand you and many others (including me)LOVED the Classic series on Sat mornings and took the time and effort to attend. Movies from Hollywood’s Golden Age were for the most part better then the movies produced today.
It is understandable that many who attended the Classic Series may not be as interested in the current crop of films put out today.
But my thinking is If there are some current films that one wants to see, why NOT take the special trip up to The Lafayette 4 or 5 times a year?
Tonight over 500 people chose The Lafayette as “THE PLACE” to See Slumdog Millionare!!
We were all treated to a Pre-show concert on the Ben Hall Memorial Mighty Wurlitzer.The heavy red curtain rose and the “Lets all go to the lobby” lit up the screen with the organ playing along.
It is sad that Nelson and the classic series will not light up the sliver screen this spring and fall as it did for the past 6 years.
For those who want to take a trip back in time to a REAL MOVIE PALACE The Lafayette Theatre Awaits!
Unfortunately Peter, there will be many who think like T228 and myself. Why drive to the Lafayette to see a movie that’s a few minutes from home. Do you really think many are going to take the extra hike to see “Marley and Me” just because it’s at the Lafayette? The allure of Bigscreen classics was spending a Saturday morning in a comfortable theater, with an old time feel and watching a good print of a “CLASSIC” movie on a big screen. Saturday mornings were something to look forward too. I’m willing to bet that at the Lafayette, there will just be some kid who flicks the switch on the projector and walk away. Nelson made the Lafayette like old time movie theater that’s not done anywhere (I always thought he was the owner of the Lafayette so I’m still surprised how all this transpired, it sound slike a bad business deal frankly)
I once again echo T228 sentiments about having the new series at a triplex, on a work night at 8PM and having to come home and trek thru traffic. I have the feeling that the new series isn’t going to be as successful as you think it might be (I hope I’m wrong). Perhaps if you had a Saturday morning there as well. Things have to change and it stinks the way they are and I’m feeling for all the seniors who looked forward to Saturday mornings at the Lafayette and probably never attend a movie anywhere else. Whoever made the business deals certainly robbed many of a good time and lessened the allure of Suffern NJ from outsiders like me. The last movie I saw at the Lafayette was “Philadelphia Story”. I leave it at that.
Hey T228 I agree the Ritz Cinema would be a GREAT place to see BIG SCREEN CLASSICS! While the distance you live from the Lafayette would make it impractical to come all the way up for a current film, I am in in disagreement with you in regards to the choice of venue.
Yes a new multi-plex with big screens large auditoriums and stadium seats is nicer then the older “Shoebox theatres” I go there over the Clearview Shoebox Theatre near me.
However I ALWAYS go to The Lafayette when they offer the same film as the Palisades mall. It is WELL WORTH giving up Stadium seating and some other comforts to go to a real Old Time MOVIE PALACE!! The BIG AMC’s will ALWAYS be around, Gems like The Lafayette are VERY SPECIAL and getting rarer every year.
I’ll really miss Big Screen Classics at the Lafayette, and I’m in agreement with almost all of what’s been posted here. In fact, the Lafayette experience encompassed many positive factors for me: the historic theater with its warm ambiance, the variety of films, the excellent quality of the prints, Nelson’s introductions, “Let’s all go to the lobby,” the organ, and (most especially) the stress-free Saturday running times.
To top it all off, when I attended a screening, I really made a day of it up there: When I went with a friend, we’d always stop afterward at a local diner; when I went with my nephew, we’d be sure to go to the Indian restaurant down the street.
However, trekking to the new location in Teaneck on a Wednesday (i.e work) night really makes things difficult, coming as I do from Union County, NJ. Now I would attend a screening only if it’s a movie I’m not likely to ever see anywhere else.
As for supporting the Lafayette: With all due respect to Peter’s post above, if the Lafayette shows only current movies, it’s foolish for me to drive all the way up to Suffern when Elizabeth has a 20-screen multiplex that contains the antithesis of “little shoe box size theatres,” since it has huge auditoriums, gigantic screens, high tech sound and comfortable stadium-style seating. Quite frankly, THIS is the place where you’d want to see “Slumdog Millionnaire.”
Someone above asked about screening Big Screen Classics at the Ritz Theater in Elizabeth. What a catch THAT theater would be. (BTW, Rahway’s Union County Arts Center is another great, old theater. I saw a screening of “Wings” with live organ accompaniment there a few years ago, and it was an amazing experience.)
In the meantime, I guess I’ll have to settle for NYC’s Film Forum (with its spare, narrow box theaters) and Jersey City’s Loews (with its uneven presentations).
And to Nelson & Co: This patron wants to say you guys did a truly superior job, and I thank you. Thanks especially for the 3-D movies, “The General” with the orchestral accompaniment, Phantom of the Opera, the cartoons and last summer’s foreign films – AND for showing (although too infrequently) Abbott & Costello.
If anyone has not yet seen Slumdog Millionaire it WILL be lighting up the silver screen at The Lafayette this Friday the 20th! It is the odds on fav to WIN BEST PICTURE on Sunday!
Say NO to the BIG BAD MALL and the little shoe box size theatres and come to Sufern NY where a REAL MOVIE THEATRE AWAITS!!
Hello Mr. Apruzzese,
I guess the next question that should be asked by any of us who consider ourselves patrons of any and all classic film prgrams is what can we do, beyond our regular attendance and financial support to help ensure that classic films (on the big screen)will always have a viable and important place in our movie-going lives.
For example, in your opinion, would it be advisable to contact BCG (via e-mail) to inquire if they have any plans of continuing a classic film program of their own? (What would be the best way to contact them?)
Or is it best to just “wait and see”.?
Rhett – the town is unhappy about the loss of the program, for the obvious reason that it was something for them to give to the senior citizens. They had a meeting with the BCG people but, obviously, I don’t know what plans, if any, they made. I’ve heard directly from a number of patrons, some unhappy that we’re not there any longer and some happy that we’re continuing the series regardless of where.
Bolorkay – Thank you for your kind words. We (Big Screen Classics) are not running at the Lafayette any longer because Nelson Page (who ‘owns’ Big Screen Classics as a brand along with myself) is no longer affiliated with the theatre; that’s why we’re bringing the series to one of Nelson’s other venues. There’s no reason that BCG can’t schedule their own film series at the Lafayette.
Hi Mr. Apruzzee,
May I take a moment to “echo” the sentiments of movie534 and so many of the other film fans above?
Speaking as a patron of the Lafayette Theater and the Big Screen Classics program for the past four years (my only regret is that did not become aware of this program from the start!) I can only say that I am saddened to the extreme that Big Screen Classics have departed the great Lafayette. Knowing that each Saturday morning (I guess I must be one of the few who actually “liked” the 11;30 showtime) would find me sitting in a darkened theater with the likes of Boris Karlof,Godzilla, Fred and Ginger,Steve McQueen, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck etc. was always the source of great anticipation for me each weekend! (And, No!, I’m not a retired person with very little else to do….. I have two, “almost” grown kids, who are involved in sports and coaching and “borrowing the car”)
But I always found time for the Lafayette !
The best memory I have of the Lafayette was the day myself and the “above-mentioned” “almost” grown-up kids attended the Looney Tunes Festival and collectively laughed our (“you know whats”) off for about two hours. Priceless !
I’ve been a classic film fan since I was five when my dad took me to see such films as “Moby Dick” and “The Knights of the Round Table”. The Lafayette provided me with that same opportunity to share some of the great films with my sons that my father shared with me.
I would really like to know how such a fine film program could come to such an abrupt end? Politics ? The economy? The impression that I have is that someone (or a group) along the line must have schrugged their shoulders and said “I give up” !
The irony of the matter is that the crowds (varying from week to week) at the Big Screen Classics usually surpassed the numbers of patrons at the regular, “first-un” blockbuster presentations. (at least the shows that I attended.)
I guess I’d better put this to rest……or else, just like our friend, Carl Denim I might be “Going into a theme song!”
I applaud all of you who will continue patronizing the great Lafayette theater. I guess I’m just still bummed out as I was waiting to hear the Spring line-up and looking forward to the next set of Saturday morning classics at the Lafayette. It was like a haven that I knew was always reliable. But like all good things…they must come to an end. Getting hit in the face with a new venue and on Wed. night no less was like a shot to the head. I hope the Lafayette eventually comes back to the classics business with Pete and Nelson…but I have such a low opinion of businessmen. It’s all about the bottom line dollar and eventually, a single screen theater that’s not making alot of money will work against it. Also the fact that there’s not much special programs happening and n press as well, the theater will be of other uses. Even if it is a landmark.
Question: What has been te reaction of the town, all the patrons who frequent it and all those politicians who were supporting the programming every week. Have they made any noise about this?
Rhett, while I feel extremely sad that Nelson,Bob, Pete and the rest of the staff who did such a wonderful job with the classic series and special events are no longer involved with the Lafayette.
I treasure all the wonderful events they presented since taking over the theatre beginning in Nov 2002(with the Grand RE-Opening with Harry Potter with over 800 people in attendance!
The silent movie Steamboat Bill Jr with a 20 piece orchestra! The Sci-Fi spectular The 3D Weekend(where they ran out of the deluxe 3D glasses the first night and had to send someone BY CAR to Boston t FRI NIGHT to get more!
When you came into the theatre everyone knew your name . Nelson Bob and Pete always took time to say hello and thank you for coming.It felt like you were part of a family VS just another faceless warm body to fill the seats at a mutti-plex.
I equally enjoyed going to a regular film on a Fri or Sat evening, with the organ playing before each show and the curtain opening the “Lets All Go To The Lobby†cartoon playing and enjoying BIG BLOCKBUSTERS: The Dark Night, The Latest Harry Potter flick, Spider-man ,Iron Man, Casino Royale , The Matrix, The Lord Of The Rings Series
Even smaller films such as Flash Of Genius, Becoming Jane, Bee Movie, Flushed Away, Little Miss Sunshine whisked me away for a wonderful evening of movie magic!
Does anyone on this board TRULY THINK that going to a cut up little SHOE-BOX with a POSTAGE STAMP size screen (LIKE CLOSTER) or any of the other theatres in the Rockland, Westchester, or Bergen County can compare to The Lafayette?!?!?
Folks The Lafayette IS STILL IN BUSINESS! The organ WILL still play on Fri and Sat nights the heavy red curtain will still open and the movie will still be splayed EDGE TO EDGE on the GIANT SILVER SCREEN!
So DO NOT GIVE UP ON THIS FINE,UNIQUE, STUNNING GRAND MOVIE PALACE!
IT IS THE ONLY ONE OF IT KIND IN THE ENTIRE TRI_SATE AREA
IT NEEDS AND DESERVES ALL OUR SUPPORT JUST AS MUCH AS IT DID
THE PAST 6 Years!
As of now, they are still using the organ on Friday & Saturday nights with Jeff & John. Nelson also has both organists play at his Cedar Lane and Newton locations every week.
While the Lafayette is still in business..I don’t see the point of going to see a first run movie there when I can go closer. The allure of the Lafayette and the BigScreen classic series was the experience of seeing an old classic, reliving it or experiencing it new, complete with pre-show organ (BTW…is Jeff out of a job?), curtain opening and an old classic on a big screen in a classic theater. There’s a big difference between seeing “The Philadelphia Story” in a classic theater than “Marley and Me”. It will just be a theater that will play first-run movies like all the others, without the classic film series which adorned the front posters of the theater, as well as all the special film series and events. Pete and Nelson made the use of the theater special for he town and patrons , people who love movies and the experience of what movie going used to be. I truly doubt the management will take any special pains to use the theater other than just flicking the switch of the projector. I bet the curtain will just remain open as well.
Unfortunately , while I applaud the series continuing, it won’t have the movie theayer experience that the Lafayette had (sorry to be negative) I’m surprised there isn’t more outrage posted here….maybe the news is slow coming.
Hello Peter,
Sorry to hear about the loss of the Lafayette. I never made it to your classics, because I was always working. Wish I could have seen them. You know I do some at the Count Basie in Red Bank, N.J. but they don’t always get film, as is the case next week with Dr. Zhivago, one of my all-time favorites. I just wish I could get the owner of the 2700 seat Ritz in Elizabeth N.J. to get the booth up and running, and then maybe classics could show there.
You could be proud, because I never once heard anything negative about what you did up there.
And if the Ritz ever gets going, please, bring your classics there.
Maybe I’ll meet you someday at the Basie. I just posted this years schedule on their CT site page. I’ll be doing all the 35MM.
Take Care.
Not every one, but close to it. Thanks.
And you pre-screened EVERY one so the audience would get the optimum presentation.
Congratulations Pete, you done good!
I appreciate you doing the legwork Howard, thanks. Current ownership of the business is with the Boston Culinary Group, they were in partnership with Nelson since 2007. Nelson’s affiliation with them ended in January 2009.
We started the classic series in February of 2003 with “It Happened One Night” and ended in December 2008 with “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Fitting, now that I think about it. Between the Saturday morning series, the three day film festivals, and other events, we showed over 250 classic film programs in those 6 years.
1st run movies- good!
I’ve notified this site as to the website link change. That change will be done soon.
Looking at the Introduction at the top of the page to see if changes, additions, etc need to be made, could you please advise, Peter, if it is still correct that the Galaxy Theatre Corporation is leasing the theater? Or if not, who are current operators?
Did Nelson depart this year or 2008?
And, what year did the classic film series begin? Might as well note the starting &ending years of the classic film series in the Intro.
The Lafayette continues its first-run status. The BCG web page for the Lafayette is here:
View link
Are new movies still being shown? Is the Layfayette closed? or does it have a new website rather than the one linked above?
Rhett –
The lease at the Lafayette is very restrictive. There can be no modifications done to the auditorium, so there should be no worries that it will be split up.
It sounds like business, the kind of business that killed single screen movie theaters in the first place. It sounds as if Nelson’s “partners” have no clue or feel for what he (Nelson) and Pete have accomplished in the past 6 years. They started with a bad print of “It Happened One Night” with old screen and projector equipment in a dank dark theater and turned it into the best programming on the east coast by purchasing a new screen and scoring top prints of great movies, not to mention the list of movies they aquired each season. I myself have watched small crowds turn into big ones each Saturday morning. Pete and Nelson gave many (especially myself) something to look forward to every Saturday. It wasn’t just the movies, but the feel of the Lafayette, the grandness, Jeff at the Organ: the presentation, the curtain, the crowd, then the movie. That’s all gone now. This past season I remember Nelson saying they were planning some Paul Newman movies for the next BigScreen classics in the Spring. Already , I was thinking “Cool Hand Luke” at the Lafayette.
It was a good run, but now it’s over. Sorry, but I’m extremely saddened by this. My Saturday’s won’t be the same as now I have to trek in to NYC for the Film Forum. The Loew’s in Jersey City doesn’t have great line-ups plus they start their programs too late. I don’t know why they don’t have morning programs. I hate to say it, but Wednesday nights at the Cedar lanes are not the same as relaxed Saturday morning’s at the Lafayette. And if Nelson’s partners are no longer interested in Nelson’s showmanship then it sounds as if the Lafayette is either headed towards splitting into a multi screen horror to make more money or for the wrecking ball. The Lafayette will just be another movie theater that eventually will not be special enough and the “partners” will liquidate for cash.
Shame on Suffern and all those politicians who held up the screenings by taking the stage and spouting how great the Lafayette is and the praise for Nelson they gave. What’s their voice in all this? It sounds like business gone wrong.Even though Pete and Nelson are moving forward to the next series I don’t believe they are happy about this at all. They can’t be after all the work, passion and heart they put into what they did at the Lafayette. Excuse my expression but this all just SUCKS !!!
The “3 Days of 3-D” was a highlight for me, and their first science-fiction weekend was a memorable experience as well. Pete’s showmanship is second to none and I look forward to his future shows, no matter where they may take place.
It was a great run, and thanks for all the good times!
Bob
I have to echo Bill’s comments. The Lafayette has been almost like a second home to me where I was among friends, where I met many new friends, and where I helped participate in the production and exposition of some of the shows. I was proud to share my “special film materials” with them, and I appreciate being listed as one of the “Friends of the Lafayette”. I’m going to miss the Lafayette. I understand Rhett’s disappointment. I share his concerns about the time chosen for the new shows. I work too, I know what he means. In my case, the Lafayette was close to home, the day and hours for the programs were convenient, and it’s best damn venue in the area. Hopefully the future will hold good news and some day, hopefully, we’ll be back at the Lafayette, our home.
From my first visit to the Lafayette (“It Happened One Night”) to my last (“Journey to the Center of the Earth”) I’ve had so many amazing movie experiences there that, if I could, I’d give Nelson, Pete and the whole crew a special Academy Award. Where to begin?: seeing “2001” with Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood in the audience, finally getting to see beloved movies like “A Christmas Carol” (Alastair Sim), “Shane” and “Becket” on the big screen, my niece and I seeing my dad’s favorite movie “Yankee Doodle Dandy” together, helping Pete with a minor detail on turning out the lights in the theater for “Wait Until Dark” and getting my name listed in the program for it … thanks for the memories, guys. Hope to see you in Teaneck.