I feel that the Bing is too small for the uses presented above. I recommend that those involved in the redevelopment of the Amherst Cinema, Victory Theater and the Bing look into what the future use is for the former Loew’s Palace in West Springfield. This theater is large enough to accommodate live theater presentations plus ancillary functions. Even the giant lobby could be divided and used for rehearsal halls, community functions, etc. Every time that I drive by there I can’t help think what a waste of a building.
I recall a downtown movie theater on Main St. back in the late ‘70’s. I don’t recall the name. As of the late '90’s the building was still there but continued as market place.
The theaters at Hampshire Mall were definitely demolished several years ago. Cinemark built on the site and continues to operate them successfully. Donald, are you sure you don’t mean Mountain Farms Mall?
It is still standing there abandoned. The property looks decrepit with weeds growing through the cracked pavement. I always felt that this facility would make a great performing arts venue compared to the struggling Amherst, Victory and Bing area theaters.
I also took the $15.00 tour (with optional tee-shirt) during July, 2004. They have a long way to go in order to meet the 2006 deadline. I was amazed that several flyhouse cables were still there along with one visible catwalk on stage right. The tour guides referred to the projection booth as “The Box.” The projectionists must have felt that this was some sort of confinement. I also suggest that an annual audit be made public as to the accountability of Federal funds provided for portions of this project. It is amazing how full or partially subsidized projects of this type seem to be forgotten.
Remember seeing Fats Domino at the State. We were seated back in the second half of the auditorium. I recall that I had a better view of Mr. Domino on a 17" TV while watching him on the Ed Sullivan Show. He did rock (and Roll) the house,though. The State’s marquee(s) impressed me. They had several smaller ones instead of the bigger ones other theaters had at the time. This was definitely a unique theater. Binoculars definitely needed.
This narrow theater could only fit a vertical curtain instead of the standard track type when the large screen was installed, covering the stage area. While the other 2 major theaters had approximately 58 seats across with 5 isles, this had 28 with 2 isles. Only the Bijou was slightly narrower.
I recall attending a movie here during the late 1950’s. Very impressed by how modern the decor was compared to other theaters in Hartford at that time.
To add to Mr. Katz’s and Mr. Rossetti’s descripion of this theater, the construction was unique in that both the main entrance and backstage faced Asylum St. This meant, not only did one have to go upstairs, but they also had to walk the total length of the theater in order to enter the auditorium. Of course, the balcony was another flight of stairs.
Remember slumming at the Rivoli during the late ‘80’s to early '90’s. Two bucks for a major flick, stale popcorn, back breaking seats, sticky floors, lighted stars in the ceiling naturally dimmed because of dead flies and rodents trapped under glass, the loud roar of the original 1928 projector grinding out every other reel complete with a bell, that sounded like the one Mrs. Smith used to call first grade recess, alerting the projectionist that a change-over was upcoming. The elderly theater manager sat in the back of the theater. I knew the last showing was about to end because the audience in the back half of the place was treated to the aroma of her cigarette. While exiting, regulars were quizzed by her on their opinion of the movie. The place was a true movie palace in its day.
Came close to seeing “Ben Hur” at the Saxon in 1959. As my date and I approached the ticket booth she realized that the Metropolitan (Music Hall, Wang) was running “Pillow Talk” with Doris Day and Rock Hudson. About face! It was Doris & Rock that evening and Ben a year later on a military base. That was my one and only failed chance of being able to contribute anything constructive here about the Saxon.
That explains it! Since having to take the detour from Indian Orchard back to 21 I happened to see this obvious cookie cutter design of neighborhood movie houses that sprung up in the late 1920’s. I believe I discovered it while at a stop sign and happened to look to the left. My curosity has been satisfied. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t I see a stage house above the auditorium? Unusual for the movie houses of that time. Live stage shows?
Got my only look inside the Orpheum during First Night activities several years ago. This theater, in addition to its other firsts over the years, has to be the original for stadium style seating.
This dingy theater had a reputation of being a haven for drunkards and drug addicts during the late 1950’s. Most teens were warned not to save 50 cents by taking a date to this second run Warner house. Apparently, this theater did have its prime during the Nelson and Fox years. It appeared that once the Paramount became Springfield’s premiere movie palace the Art, being several doors south, settled for being the has been.
Theater was actually built in 1928 as the Elm Theater. A very well kept neighborhood second run movie house. The Majestic ran 2 features nightly. First one at 6:30, second at approximately 8:10 and first one again at 9:30. This gave patrons a choice of catching 2 movies early or 2 later. Other 2nd run theaters at the time scheduled their features at 7 & 9pm.
This was Springfield’s finast. A true movie palace. It just missed the era of loges, but was very ornate with its percenium, chandaliers, tapistry, balcony and Broadway style facade.
Remember seeing “Suddenly Last Summer” starring the beautiful Elizabeth Taylor during July 1960 at the Gary. I remember being impressed by its modern decor in an obviously old building.
What a loss this theater is to those of us who appreciate movie treasures. Having lived in Boston from Sept. 1959 to Aug. 1960 I recall “The Mouse That Roared” played there for the whole time.
My only recollection of attending live performances at the Court Square were a variety show featuring a comedian who totally bombed and seeing Bill Haley And The Comets at a later time.
Adding to my original post, apparently the botique hotel is on hold due to the death of the developer, Peter Picknelly and a dispute over property taxes.
Adding to Mr. Shear’s post, sometime in the 1940’s the loges were covered over with beige and red draperies. The stage and prosenium were totally gutted in order to increase the seating capacity. The screen appeared to be mounted against what was once the back stage wall, listed in another post above.
A postcard from the Roger Katz collection at another site shows the Poli, but it isn’t the one I recall on Worthington St. I believe the postcard is a view of the original Poli located on Dwight St. From the limited information I was able to receive at the Connecticut Valley Historical Society, the original was destroyed by a fire during the early 1900’s. Interestingly, there was an add for the new Poli’s opening which indicated that it is totally fireproof.
I remember sometime during the mid ‘50’s this theater closing down for a week during extensive upgrading. Place was completely painted (green), new recessed light fixtures replacing the old chandeliers, carpeting, new screen and curtain plus a new marque. This probably occurred after B & Q took over ownerhip. As young teens, my buddy and I naturally had to be the first patrons for the reopening. Don’t recall the movie, but do recall seeing “Around The World In 80 Days” at a later time.
I feel that the Bing is too small for the uses presented above. I recommend that those involved in the redevelopment of the Amherst Cinema, Victory Theater and the Bing look into what the future use is for the former Loew’s Palace in West Springfield. This theater is large enough to accommodate live theater presentations plus ancillary functions. Even the giant lobby could be divided and used for rehearsal halls, community functions, etc. Every time that I drive by there I can’t help think what a waste of a building.
I recall a downtown movie theater on Main St. back in the late ‘70’s. I don’t recall the name. As of the late '90’s the building was still there but continued as market place.
The theaters at Hampshire Mall were definitely demolished several years ago. Cinemark built on the site and continues to operate them successfully. Donald, are you sure you don’t mean Mountain Farms Mall?
It is still standing there abandoned. The property looks decrepit with weeds growing through the cracked pavement. I always felt that this facility would make a great performing arts venue compared to the struggling Amherst, Victory and Bing area theaters.
I believe that the Stuart was open 24 hours a day back during the early ‘60’s.
I also took the $15.00 tour (with optional tee-shirt) during July, 2004. They have a long way to go in order to meet the 2006 deadline. I was amazed that several flyhouse cables were still there along with one visible catwalk on stage right. The tour guides referred to the projection booth as “The Box.” The projectionists must have felt that this was some sort of confinement. I also suggest that an annual audit be made public as to the accountability of Federal funds provided for portions of this project. It is amazing how full or partially subsidized projects of this type seem to be forgotten.
Remember seeing Fats Domino at the State. We were seated back in the second half of the auditorium. I recall that I had a better view of Mr. Domino on a 17" TV while watching him on the Ed Sullivan Show. He did rock (and Roll) the house,though. The State’s marquee(s) impressed me. They had several smaller ones instead of the bigger ones other theaters had at the time. This was definitely a unique theater. Binoculars definitely needed.
This narrow theater could only fit a vertical curtain instead of the standard track type when the large screen was installed, covering the stage area. While the other 2 major theaters had approximately 58 seats across with 5 isles, this had 28 with 2 isles. Only the Bijou was slightly narrower.
As teenagers we referred to it as “The Rundown.”
I recall attending a movie here during the late 1950’s. Very impressed by how modern the decor was compared to other theaters in Hartford at that time.
To add to Mr. Katz’s and Mr. Rossetti’s descripion of this theater, the construction was unique in that both the main entrance and backstage faced Asylum St. This meant, not only did one have to go upstairs, but they also had to walk the total length of the theater in order to enter the auditorium. Of course, the balcony was another flight of stairs.
Remember slumming at the Rivoli during the late ‘80’s to early '90’s. Two bucks for a major flick, stale popcorn, back breaking seats, sticky floors, lighted stars in the ceiling naturally dimmed because of dead flies and rodents trapped under glass, the loud roar of the original 1928 projector grinding out every other reel complete with a bell, that sounded like the one Mrs. Smith used to call first grade recess, alerting the projectionist that a change-over was upcoming. The elderly theater manager sat in the back of the theater. I knew the last showing was about to end because the audience in the back half of the place was treated to the aroma of her cigarette. While exiting, regulars were quizzed by her on their opinion of the movie. The place was a true movie palace in its day.
Came close to seeing “Ben Hur” at the Saxon in 1959. As my date and I approached the ticket booth she realized that the Metropolitan (Music Hall, Wang) was running “Pillow Talk” with Doris Day and Rock Hudson. About face! It was Doris & Rock that evening and Ben a year later on a military base. That was my one and only failed chance of being able to contribute anything constructive here about the Saxon.
That explains it! Since having to take the detour from Indian Orchard back to 21 I happened to see this obvious cookie cutter design of neighborhood movie houses that sprung up in the late 1920’s. I believe I discovered it while at a stop sign and happened to look to the left. My curosity has been satisfied. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t I see a stage house above the auditorium? Unusual for the movie houses of that time. Live stage shows?
Got my only look inside the Orpheum during First Night activities several years ago. This theater, in addition to its other firsts over the years, has to be the original for stadium style seating.
This dingy theater had a reputation of being a haven for drunkards and drug addicts during the late 1950’s. Most teens were warned not to save 50 cents by taking a date to this second run Warner house. Apparently, this theater did have its prime during the Nelson and Fox years. It appeared that once the Paramount became Springfield’s premiere movie palace the Art, being several doors south, settled for being the has been.
Theater was actually built in 1928 as the Elm Theater. A very well kept neighborhood second run movie house. The Majestic ran 2 features nightly. First one at 6:30, second at approximately 8:10 and first one again at 9:30. This gave patrons a choice of catching 2 movies early or 2 later. Other 2nd run theaters at the time scheduled their features at 7 & 9pm.
This was Springfield’s finast. A true movie palace. It just missed the era of loges, but was very ornate with its percenium, chandaliers, tapistry, balcony and Broadway style facade.
Remember seeing “Suddenly Last Summer” starring the beautiful Elizabeth Taylor during July 1960 at the Gary. I remember being impressed by its modern decor in an obviously old building.
What a loss this theater is to those of us who appreciate movie treasures. Having lived in Boston from Sept. 1959 to Aug. 1960 I recall “The Mouse That Roared” played there for the whole time.
My only recollection of attending live performances at the Court Square were a variety show featuring a comedian who totally bombed and seeing Bill Haley And The Comets at a later time.
Adding to my original post, apparently the botique hotel is on hold due to the death of the developer, Peter Picknelly and a dispute over property taxes.
I lived in Boston from Sept. 1959 to July 1960. I recall the Capri running the movie version of Swan Lake for the duration.
I did find out that its official name was the Riverside Park-In. Creative, huh?
Adding to Mr. Shear’s post, sometime in the 1940’s the loges were covered over with beige and red draperies. The stage and prosenium were totally gutted in order to increase the seating capacity. The screen appeared to be mounted against what was once the back stage wall, listed in another post above.
A postcard from the Roger Katz collection at another site shows the Poli, but it isn’t the one I recall on Worthington St. I believe the postcard is a view of the original Poli located on Dwight St. From the limited information I was able to receive at the Connecticut Valley Historical Society, the original was destroyed by a fire during the early 1900’s. Interestingly, there was an add for the new Poli’s opening which indicated that it is totally fireproof.
I remember sometime during the mid ‘50’s this theater closing down for a week during extensive upgrading. Place was completely painted (green), new recessed light fixtures replacing the old chandeliers, carpeting, new screen and curtain plus a new marque. This probably occurred after B & Q took over ownerhip. As young teens, my buddy and I naturally had to be the first patrons for the reopening. Don’t recall the movie, but do recall seeing “Around The World In 80 Days” at a later time.