Look at NJPAC – it’s located in downtown Newark (hardly a bastion of culture or “high society”, and a very intimidating locale)… but its continued and proven success in attracting an upscale “element†of outsiders, willing to travel and seek out quality entertainment, has no doubt paved the way for further development, including venues such as the 300-million-plus-dollar Prudential Center arena. Developers will flock to impoverished areas with high-cost projects (which always pose a risk) if they are offered the right incentives and are able to see the potential payoff to their risk.
If the NYC’s EDC were able (or willing) to take a leadership role by sponsoring or helping to organize a non-profit entity to begin project planning, restoration and redevelopment work on this theatre (and the surrounding area) as a major arts & entertainment center or “destinationâ€, I am sure that they would be able to attract and secure the grants and/or investors crucial to this endeavor.
Here is the URL for the online version of that article: View link
“Famed Loews Kings Movie Palace Remains Shut Despite Effortsâ€
by Elizabeth Hays, Daily News Staff Writer.
Tuesday, December 4th, 2007, 4:00 a.m. (New York)
The Loews Kings movie palace on Flatbush Ave. may not be opening its doors anytime soon.
More than a year after city officials launched another round of proposals to reopen the grandiose theater – one of the city’s five original “Wonder Theaters” – there is still no word on what will happen.
Meanwhile, Borough President Marty Markowitz, who has made reopening the Art Deco gem a pet project during his time in office, acknowledged that the theater will likely not be renovated before he steps down in 2009.
“That’s becoming increasingly unlikely,” said Markowitz spokesman Mark Zustovich.
The latest push to reopen the fabled theater, which has been closed for 30 years, began last fall when city officials gave developers a tour of the 3,000-seat auditorium, which is outfitted with chandeliers and mahogany paneling, and asked for proposals for turning it into a performing arts space.
But 13 months later, officials said they can’t discuss how many responses they got and what was proposed.
They also insisted they now have to study how much it would cost to renovate the 78-year-old theater – which has been damaged by years of neglect, water damage and vandalism – and analyze what kinds of programs would work there.
“We’re taking time to make sure that we have the information we need to inform our next steps,” said NYC Economic Development Corp. spokeswoman Janel Patterson, adding the group hopes to have the studies done by the end of the year.
The sluggish pace has sparked worry among locals, who fear the project could fizzle again, as it did in 1999 when a multiplex plan submitted by Magic Johnson suddenly fell through.
“There have been so many stories, so many people interested and nothing has happened,” said Jack Katz, head of the Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District.
Experts said the project is difficult – and expensive.
“It’s risky and it’s not cheap,” said Eric Greenfield, a broker for Massey Knakal who specializes in Flatbush. “Right now that part of Flatbush won’t be able to sustain something like that.”
Kevin Robinette, a prominent architect from Ohio who went on the tour last fall, said his firm decided to walk away. “We felt that it was too much of a long shot,” said Robinette.
In the meantime, local merchants and residents said they are sick of seeing so much potential go to waste. “It’s lovely. They need to do something with it,” said Mamadou Bah, a vendor across the street. “They need to stop wasting time.”
Loew’s Jersey’s newly restored “Wonder Morton†organ will make its formal public performance “debut†on Friday, December 14th, 2007 with a short Holiday “Sing-Along” Concert (followed by the 60th anniversary screening of “Miracle on 34th Streetâ€). A fabulous evening of family entertainment, presented with the help of the Garden State Theatre Organ Society!
Haven’t seen any comments here about this past weekend’s Otto Preminger film noir series. I was surprised at the rather light turnout for the Saturday night screening of “Laura†(one of his most notable works). Incidentally, Foster Hirsch’s introductory remarks, commentary and audience Q&A session were enlightening and insightful – they enhanced the movie-going experience, especially for those of us unfamiliar with this director or this movie.
It was announced on Saturday night that the restored “Wonder Morton†organ would be officially “unveiled†to public audiences during the Holiday Film series. In addition to playing prior to a movie, it would be featured in a “sing-along†concert during a show! Watch for future updates and details on the Loew’s Jersey website, or contact the theatre for more information.
Upcoming movies at Loew’s Jersey…
Foreign Film: Saturday, November 24th
8:00 PM: “Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat: Friends 4 Lyf and Death†(2007, 90 min.)
A screening for the local Filipino community*, this new comedy film is currently in theatrical release. It premiered in the Phillipines on October 10th and in the New York City area on November 14-15th.
The “Baby Rose Marie” short film initially had no sound (due to improper loudspeaker hook-up). The feature itself was flawless in picture and sound.
I wasn’t sure what type of audience to expect for this screening (in terms of size and make-up), and was surprised to see a more diverse audience than I expected, particularly in terms of age. I thought it would be a mostly older audience, and while there was a large contingent of seniors (who could probably remember seeing this film in their childhood years, and know the words to every Jolson song ever written), there was an even greater number of 20- and 30-somethings, and even some families and children in attendance (surprising given the “novelty†of this film presentation, but then again maybe that’s the aspect that created interest). It’s amazing to see how this place is able to generate a varied interest in classic movies and attract an audience that spans across generations.
Attendance-wise, I thought I heard the figure “234†or “243†mentioned by one of the ticket sellers just before showtime, but maybe it was “342†(perhaps my mind acting dyslexic again)? It was mixed opinion as to what type of response the theatre would get to this “experiment†(as one staffer-in-charge put it).
In terms of ethnicity, it was predominantly white (not uncommon for movie audiences here, but more so than usual) but nonetheless a more racially diverse gathering than I would have expected for this event, with a small number of non-white (black and Hispanic) customers in attendance. There were no complaints from anyone regarding the film’s content â€" people came to see it for its historical significance and the opportunity to experience it in an appropriately authentic and historic setting. Everyone seemed to accept it for what it was: entertainment from another era. There must have been quite a few Jewish people in the audience as well â€" the use of the word “shiksa†in the movie got a hearty laugh (it means “non-Jewish femaleâ€, whereas “goy†is the more generic term for a “gentile†and applies to both sexes).
Incidentally, there were several customers who identified themselves as members of a local area chapter of the “Al Jolson Society†(yes, one does exist), and they informed me that they held a special screening about two weeks ago at a much smaller venue (a clubhouse or meeting hall-type place, whose name I can’t recall), so there’s your “other†New York area anniversary screening (definitely not on the same caliber as Loew’s Jersey!) â€" although this “Al Jolson Forum†entry indicates yet another New York Metro anniversary screening, to take place on December 2nd at Bellmore Movies on Long Island. And on the same forum is their reaction (“Jolson in Jersey…againâ€) to the Loew’s Jersey screening. (Links found via the “International Al Jolson Society†Website.)
Others in attendance included those affiliated with the Garden State Theater Organ Society â€" organist Ralph Ringstad Jr. arrived before the doors opened, and with the help of the “Wonder Morton†serenaded customers as they strolled into the auditorium (and it sounded great!). Some moviegoers arrived early too, just so they could hear it play. Selections included some Al Jolson standards (“Toot-Toot-Tootsie†got my feet tapping).
I had the opportunity, pleasure and privilege to be able to attend and take part in this event as “volunteer staff†â€" I “worked†the door, so if I took your ticket, then “Welcome…and I hope you enjoyed the showâ€.
After viewing all of the posted photographs, I can only begin to imagine the skill and craftsmanship [and patience] required to create such a space. This could never be duplicated today on such a grand scale. This is preservation at its finest.
It has been said that “God is in the details”. If that’s the case, then it should be no “wonder” why a church chose this magnificent structure as their home.
To clarify, according to the FOTL website, this is the only ANNIVERSARY-YEAR screening scheduled for the NYC metro area (another anniversary screening, presented by AMPAS, recently took place at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA). If there is, in fact, a second screening scheduled (sometime in the future) for the NYC area, I can find NO mention of it anywhere. Since FOTL obtained a special 35mm print for their screening, perhaps they could tell you where it will be shown next.
This local news article from the Jersey City Reporter (10/27/2007) provides detailed information about the much-anticipated 80th anniversary screening at Loew’s Jersey. (Hudson Reporter online)
Here is an excellent article that originally appeared in the Jewish Journal online (9/21/2007) with background and history about the film itself. (“All About Jewish Theatre†Website).
This commentary offers further critical analysis and a fantastic nighttime photograph of Warners’ Theatre where the movie premiered on October 6th, 1927. (“Alternative Film Guide†website)
A quick Internet search of other sites indicates that this anniversary seems to be getting a lot of publicity and interest – it should be a big event!
Just announced – upcoming November film programs…
Al Jolson’s “The Jazz Singer†(1927) â€" Special 80th Anniversary Screening:
Nov. 10th (Saturday), 7:30 p.m.
The movie that changed Hollywood forever with the introduction of sound, this is the first of ONLY two anniversary-year screenings scheduled for the entire NYC metropolitan area – a RARE opportunity to see this historic film on the BIG screen.
With commentary by Ron Hutchinson of The Vitaphone Project.
With film discussions, audience Q&A sessions, and book signings by Foster Hirsch, film professor at Brooklyn College, and author of the new biography “Otto Preminger: The Man Who Would Be Kingâ€.
Attendance at the 7 p.m. showing of “Frankenstein†on Saturday night was the best that I have personally seen since I began visiting this theatre 18 months ago (March of 2006) â€" the center orchestra seats were crowded from the stage all the way to the rear rows – many families with young children were present, and their behavior was exemplary (quiet, courteous and respectful of others throughout the show). Attendance petered out somewhat for the 9 p.m. screening of “Bride of Frankenstein†with a mostly adult audience remaining.
I’m disappointed that I didn’t get to hear the restored “Wonder Morton†organ put through its paces (although it looks impressive enough just sitting on display). For me, the ultimate classic Halloween cinematic experience would be to watch a silent film such as “Phantom of the Opera†on that huge screen while the theatre organ majestically plays on, filling this tremendous space with energy and excitement.
Just what we need in NYC…another quirky performance art space, in the “ever-so-trendy†Lower East Side â€" the self-proclaimed center of “hipness†in the universe.
Sounds like yet another attempt to separate silly, impressionable 20-somethings from their money. Great if the cinematic equivalent of watching a movie in your garage appeals to you.
75 dollars for three hours…for a non-film-projected, DVD-video screening…in a room the size of a shoebox? I think I’ll pass on this one.
For cinema enthusiasts (such as myself) who wish to replicate an authentic drive-in movie experience AND would rather watch a show rather than be part of it like a circus side act…
I have a novel idea that [also through adaptive reuse of an existing space] could perhaps take this nostalgic experience and advance it MANY steps further to a place that multitudes of us can enjoy. Perhaps my vivid imagination has run amok, but here it goes…
First, acquire an abandoned or neglected old movie palace that is atmospheric in style (this is a MUST). Remove the orchestra seats (if there is a balcony level, then just the lower orchestra seats). If the floor has a noticeable slope, then “tier†it in small sections or completely level it off. Then obtain a collection of (as many as will fit reasonably in the space) classic-style, soft-top automobiles (1930s-1960s vintage, in restored, drivable condition) and situate them in the now-empty orchestra. Completely restore and renovate the theatre as close to original as possible, so that it replicates an outdoor space. Finally, install a minimum 50-foot-wide screen, and presto, an instant “drive-in†theatre!
The house lights slowly dim like the sunset, the ceiling fades from a warm orange glow to a midnight blue, “stars†shine and “clouds†float above in the dark “skyâ€, and a panoramic picture stretches out and fills the space before you as you sit “outside†and watch a classic movie. No need to fuss with tinny-sounding little drive-in speakers â€" everyone would enjoy sharing the experience of full-spectrum stereo/surround sound. For those who would prefer viewing their movies the “traditional†way, standard seating would also remain available and intact (for example, in the upper orchestra and balcony levels). Too lazy to get up and go to the concessions stand? No problem – ushers could also double as “carhops†and bring the refreshments to you!
The best part of this adaptive-reuse is that it is flexible and allows the space to become multi-purpose. For conferences, live performances or standard movie screenings, the automobiles could be removed temporarily and portable chairs brought in for extra seating. With most of (or all of) the ground floor leveled-off, it could also be used as a ballroom for dances, banquets, meetings and other special events.
This venue has become a concert “powerhouse”, attracting big-name rock and pop stars as of late – recent and upcoming music shows scheduled for late 2007 include:
Van Morrison (Oct. 12-14)
The Black Crowes (Oct. 30-31)
Annie Lennox (!!!)(Nov. 3)
Neil Young (Dec. 12-13, 15-16, 18)
World-renowed acts in a dazzling theatre, all worth the trip uptown on the “A” train!
Good luck finding tickets (checking with Ticketmaster online, it appears that the Annie Lennox concert is a “sell-out” (riding on the success of her long-anticipated and recently released CD album “Songs of Mass Destruction”). I am hoping that they add more shows!
It had to happen sooner or later…as of September 26th, 2007, the theatre FINALLY has an “official†Web site: www.fairtheatre.com
Even more surprising, it actually looks attractive and PROFESSIONALLY DONE! Not so surprising…some awkward vocabulary, along with spelling and grammatical errors. Some parts are still under construction (“online store†– denoted by “comming soonâ€) or unexplainably left blank (the “contact us†page). There is also no indication of who authored the site or when it was last updated. Nevertheless, it is more comprehensive and elaborate than I expected, and a much better means of reaching and attracting an audience than those lousy Village Voice ads.
It is being used to promote their Indian movies. Signs and flyers are posted throughout the lobby and hallways, encouraging customers to visit the new site, touting “Click on ‘website promotion’ and you can receive a bonus gift†(obviously an incentive to create site traffic and measure response). What you get is a printable page of four discount coupons (each good for $5 off regular admission), each valid for a seven-day period beginning October 10th and ending November 7th, 2007.
Of course, there is absolutely NO mention of their adult XXX movie business ANYWHERE â€" under “theatre info†they even include ticket prices for children – in effect, they are promoting the place as a family entertainment venue!!! :-o
But MOST disappointing to me: no theatre history page â€" next visit, I’ll suggest it to management. They could have AT LEAST linked to Cinema Treasures! (On the other hand, given some of the comments posted here, maybe not.) ;–)
More great movies in October…â€Halloween with Boris Karloff a jam-packed weekend!
Friday, October 26th â€" special double feature (one screening)…
7:45 PM / 9:10 PM: The Black Cat / The Old Dark House
Admission (for both): $9-adults; $6-seniors, children age 12 or younger.
No combo discounts available.
Saturday, October 27th – three “spooktacular” single features in one day…
3:00 PM: “The Mummy†— 7:00 PM: “Frankenstein†— 8:45 PM: “The Bride of Frankensteinâ€
Admission (for each screening): $6-adults; $4-seniors, children age 12 or younger.
Combo discounts are available for multiple screenings.
Off-street paid parking (behind the theatre at the end of Magnolia Ave.): Square Ramp Garage offers discount rates exclusively for theatre customers who present special “half-price parking†vouchers (available at theatre box office, valid only on dates indicated). Garage is handicapped-accessible.
In the news today: Passaic mayor Sammy Rivera, city councilman Marcellus Jackson and former city councilman Jonathon Soto were, along with eight other NJ government officials, rounded up by the FBI and arrested on bribery charges. A porn theater should now be the least of their worries.
As for the wonderful citizens of Passaic… if they are so concerned about “cleaning up†their city, perhaps they should start at City Hall.
No discussion can overlook the currently-running smash hits “Hairspray” and “Xanadu”, both very successful and receiving positive notices from critics and audiences alike
“Xanadu” is a prime example of a big-screen flop to big-stage success – completely reworked, cleverly campy and flamboyant; and both shows contain musical numbers that are new and/or different from their earlier film counterparts.
Sometimes people are willing to pay big bucks to see the already-familiar on stage (even if it was cheaper to see it on the screen), provided it gives an creative or clever take on previous material.
Incidentally, as of Sunday, July 29th, the discount ticket books ($5 per admission) were no longer available, and probably won’t be for quite some time. Those without them will have to fork over $15 per visit – not exactly a bargain.
Apparently, recycling isn’t only good for the environment. In the realm of cinema, this summer’s plethora of sequels (perhaps the most popular and efficient form of recycling) dominate a movie crowd that is predicted to earn record seasonal box office receipts: “Will 2007 Be a Record Year in Box Office?†(16 April 2007) “Hollywood on Track For Record Summer†(31 July 2007)
“That’s the Ticket†(Entertainment Weekly â€" 27 July 2007, Issue 945, p.17) also reports that the summer of 2007 may be the highest grossing summer in history for the motion picture industry. The article states that the box office intake must surpass the $3.8 billion mark that was set in 2004. The article names several movies that are responsible for the high numbers, including “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” “Spider-Man 3,” “Shrek the Third,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.”
Like it or not, it’s become an industry trend that’s not going to end anytime soon. Almost out of nowhere come “The Bourne Ultimatum†and “Rush Hour 3†with atypical late-summer release dates; meanwhile Hasbro and Paramount are already discussing a “Transformers†sequel. Even remakes of Broadway musical productions (“Hairsprayâ€) are becoming a regular occurrence, even if they aren’t always successful (as in 2005’s “The Producersâ€). And of course, television is also fair game (“The Simpsons†â€" which THANKFULLY turned out to be a surprisingly fresh and original movie).
Incidentally, I don’t classify “Hairspray†as a remake of the John Waters original (that would be sacrilege), as its musical numbers clearly originate from the stage show (if it was, I would refuse to see it!) – THAT was a classic that could NEVER be duplicated. Speaking of classics, just look at some of the other horrible remakes of recent times: 2005’s “The Honeymooners†and currently “Who’s Your Caddy†(undoubtedly “Caddyshack†was the inspiration…just when you thought 1988’s “Caddyshack II†wasn’t bad enough).
For an independent theater, the website is one of the best I’ve ever seen – they definitely got their money’s worth. Comprehensive (features and info), attractive (graphics and colors) and well-designed (clarity, navigability and layout), it includes just about everything a thoughtful, desirable theater site should have.
Suggestion: for the “Film Club” page, it should give an initial summary/description of what it is and then hint of specific benefits (if any) that might be included with membership to entice customers to join (examples: free e-newsletter, advance notice of upcoming events and attractions, exclusive screenings, discount tickets, contests, other special offers, etc.). This should appear BEFORE having to click on the “register here” link (some site visitors may not think to look there for this info. or may be reluctant to enter that link). Right now, the page looks “spartan” when it opens (considering how elaborate the rest of the site is).
A great marketing and promotional tool!
Just curious: under “Terrace News” or “Theater Info”, why no mention of “under new management”? (Would revealing this alienate long-time customers?) Why be anonymous? As a new owner, introduce yourself (and your involvement with cinemas) to your customers â€" if you love the business you’re in, then say so – they’re going to find out sooner or later!
They are still showing Bollywood movies – to an empty auditorium (posters and flyers in the lobby proclaim “Held over – by popular demand…Bollywood Film Festival – third big month”). Great, if that’s your thing – although they’re not attracting more customers. I find them unbearable to sit through.
They show no signs of dropping their adult XXX offerings, as that part of the theater continues doing strong business.
Discount ticket books are still on sale (“bargain admission” of $5 per visit). I suggest buying them now – they will probably not be available for much longer.
“With Indie Rock on 175th St., City’s Reinvention Rolls Uptown†by Jim Dwyer.
New York Times, Late Edition (East Coast), NY: May 2, 2007; p.B1.
In the time it took a traffic light to change, Joshua Sturm and friends explained what they were doing at the corner of 175th Street and Broadway on Monday evening.
Across the street, Modest Mouse, a rock band whose latest album reached No. 1 in March, would be playing a concert in an hour or so.
The Sturm group was part of a steady stream of indie music fans parading from the A train and the No. 1 toward Broadway, as if someone had suddenly declared Black Sneakers Night in Washington Heights.
Mr. Sturm led a little crew of high school classmates to the concert, just as he found his way to music all over the city. ‘'Josh,’‘ said Nathan Kane, one of the friends, ’‘is the scenester.’'
The arrival on 175th Street of scenesters — even those like Josh Sturm, who all but audibly rolled his eyes at the remark — amounts to at least a minor milestone in the annals of unlikely events.
Over the last six weeks, an enormous movie theater in what had been one of the city’s roughest neighborhoods has emerged as a major force in the world of indie music. Drug gangs have long since dropped out of sight; the theater, a gold-ornamented relic of the Depression saved by a rich televangelist, is surging with life; and a theater operator who lost a job in January is again booking concerts, selling T-shirts and serving kegs of beer, one plastic cupful at a time.
Since late March, 10 shows have sold out at the theater, the United Palace, which has 3,293 seats. Its managers say it is the third-largest auditorium in the city after Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall. The next big acts due to perform there are Bjork and Arcade Fire; all the tickets were bought in minutes.
‘'This came absolutely out of nowhere,’‘ said Jasper Veldhuis, 24, having a cigarette on 175th Street before the show. ’‘The concerts I’ve been to are downtown, Midtown.’'
Dave Anderson, 25, said he had a specific memory: ‘'The riots, that’s what I grew up associating Washington Heights with.’'
In fact, if Mr. Anderson had been standing in the same spot in front of the Palace on a summer evening in 1992, he could have seen a mob rolling up the middle of Broadway. They heaved rocks through plate glass windows, turned over Dumpsters and burned them. The occasion was the shooting of a drug dealer by a police officer, at a time when parts of Washington Heights served as a company town for drug traffickers.
That era has passed. Like many of the people standing outside the theater, Elise Smith, 22, knew nothing about the uproar 15 years ago. By force of habit she usually looks to the Lower East Side for music, not because she had any worries about coming uptown. ‘'We hit up Joe’s Pub all the time, a lot of the smaller venues,’‘ she said. ’‘I was excited to see something different up here.’'
Built on a full city block, seven stories high, the theater has been a looming, dizzying presence since it was opened in 1930 by Loews, ‘'designed by Thomas W. Lamb in Byzantine-Romanesque-Indo-Hindu-Sino-Moorish-Persian-Eclectic-Rococo-Deco style,’‘ as David W. Dunlap wrote in ’‘On Broadway: A Journey Uptown Over Time’‘ (Rizzoli International Publications, 1990).
‘'Gold everywhere,’‘ is the way Evan Williams, 23, put it on Monday.
By the 1960s, all the old movie palaces, as expensive to heat and cool as actual palaces, fell on hard times, and the Loews on 175th Street was closed. In 1969, Frederick Eikerenkoetter, a televangelist known as the Rev. Ike, arrived with $600,000 to buy it. Mr. Eikerenkoetter had prolific success in extracting cash from congregations; the theater was used for his sermons on ‘'thinkonomics,’‘ in which the road to salvation led unabashedly into his bank account. (A sample: ’‘The lack of money is the root of all evil.’‘) Today, the theater enjoys tax-exempt status as a religious property. (Madison Square Garden, with no religious pretensions, is also exempt from taxes.)
For the last decade, Latin acts have occasionally used the space. Mr. Eikerenkoetter’s group, the United Christian Evangelistic Association, still owns the Palace but does not present the concerts. They are organized by Andy Feltz, who ran the Beacon Theater for two decades, until Madison Square Garden took it over this year. ‘'I came up here, saw the place and said, 'Holy mackerel,’ ‘’ Mr. Feltz said. ‘'To a lot of New Yorkers, it’s brand new — nobody knew it existed.’'
In response to an e-mail inquiry (from me), Japan Society quickly corrected the price discrepancy on its Web site – it is indeed $4 admission for their cardholding members, and it is only valid for the screening of “The Seven Samurai†(which I agree can be clearly understood from wording contained on their site as well as in FOTL publicity).
I also received a prompt, detailed and informative response from a FOTL staff member regarding some points posed to them:
“Thanks for bringing these points to my attention.
The intended discount price was — and is — $4 for adults (down from our usual $6) with a Japan Society membership card.
The intention was that the discount be for the Seven Samurai screening only, and in fairness, I think that is reasonably clear on the Japan Society website.
I was frankly unaware of the Japan Society membership card alternate of the printed web page, and I will enquire about the genesis of that.
As to the reference to Yojimbo, you are of course correct. The flyer with that reference was not made up by our usual graphics person, but rather was designed, along with a Japanese language version, specifically for distribution at the Japan Society and its immediate environs. (A few may have gone elsewhere.) I did see this flyer before distribution, but must have only been checking dates and times and do not remember noticing the Yojimbo reference at all — so in the end, the fault is mine. I just checked our main flyers and posters, and re-read the press materials I prepared, and none describe TG,B&U as based on Yojimbo. Here’s what I said in my press kit: ‘Following in the footsteps of John Sturges and the Magnificent Seven, Sergio Leone remade one of Akira Kurosawa’s samurai films, Yojimbo, as A Fistful of Dollars…The movie…prompt(ed) two sequels; the final and, by most critical accounts, best of this “Dollars” trilogy being The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.’
Thanks again for your interest, and your support of the Loew’s."
…And THANK YOU, Loew’s Jersey and FOTL, for your concern and tireless efforts in presenting creative and quality classic movie programming to your patrons. It is most appreciated!
Anyone that can attend SHOULD attend and show their support!
Look at NJPAC – it’s located in downtown Newark (hardly a bastion of culture or “high society”, and a very intimidating locale)… but its continued and proven success in attracting an upscale “element†of outsiders, willing to travel and seek out quality entertainment, has no doubt paved the way for further development, including venues such as the 300-million-plus-dollar Prudential Center arena. Developers will flock to impoverished areas with high-cost projects (which always pose a risk) if they are offered the right incentives and are able to see the potential payoff to their risk.
If the NYC’s EDC were able (or willing) to take a leadership role by sponsoring or helping to organize a non-profit entity to begin project planning, restoration and redevelopment work on this theatre (and the surrounding area) as a major arts & entertainment center or “destinationâ€, I am sure that they would be able to attract and secure the grants and/or investors crucial to this endeavor.
Here is the URL for the online version of that article: View link
“Famed Loews Kings Movie Palace Remains Shut Despite Effortsâ€
by Elizabeth Hays, Daily News Staff Writer.
Tuesday, December 4th, 2007, 4:00 a.m. (New York)
The Loews Kings movie palace on Flatbush Ave. may not be opening its doors anytime soon.
More than a year after city officials launched another round of proposals to reopen the grandiose theater – one of the city’s five original “Wonder Theaters” – there is still no word on what will happen.
Meanwhile, Borough President Marty Markowitz, who has made reopening the Art Deco gem a pet project during his time in office, acknowledged that the theater will likely not be renovated before he steps down in 2009.
“That’s becoming increasingly unlikely,” said Markowitz spokesman Mark Zustovich.
The latest push to reopen the fabled theater, which has been closed for 30 years, began last fall when city officials gave developers a tour of the 3,000-seat auditorium, which is outfitted with chandeliers and mahogany paneling, and asked for proposals for turning it into a performing arts space.
But 13 months later, officials said they can’t discuss how many responses they got and what was proposed.
They also insisted they now have to study how much it would cost to renovate the 78-year-old theater – which has been damaged by years of neglect, water damage and vandalism – and analyze what kinds of programs would work there.
“We’re taking time to make sure that we have the information we need to inform our next steps,” said NYC Economic Development Corp. spokeswoman Janel Patterson, adding the group hopes to have the studies done by the end of the year.
The sluggish pace has sparked worry among locals, who fear the project could fizzle again, as it did in 1999 when a multiplex plan submitted by Magic Johnson suddenly fell through.
“There have been so many stories, so many people interested and nothing has happened,” said Jack Katz, head of the Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District.
Experts said the project is difficult – and expensive.
“It’s risky and it’s not cheap,” said Eric Greenfield, a broker for Massey Knakal who specializes in Flatbush. “Right now that part of Flatbush won’t be able to sustain something like that.”
Kevin Robinette, a prominent architect from Ohio who went on the tour last fall, said his firm decided to walk away. “We felt that it was too much of a long shot,” said Robinette.
In the meantime, local merchants and residents said they are sick of seeing so much potential go to waste. “It’s lovely. They need to do something with it,” said Mamadou Bah, a vendor across the street. “They need to stop wasting time.”
Loew’s Jersey’s newly restored “Wonder Morton†organ will make its formal public performance “debut†on Friday, December 14th, 2007 with a short Holiday “Sing-Along” Concert (followed by the 60th anniversary screening of “Miracle on 34th Streetâ€). A fabulous evening of family entertainment, presented with the help of the Garden State Theatre Organ Society!
Haven’t seen any comments here about this past weekend’s Otto Preminger film noir series. I was surprised at the rather light turnout for the Saturday night screening of “Laura†(one of his most notable works). Incidentally, Foster Hirsch’s introductory remarks, commentary and audience Q&A session were enlightening and insightful – they enhanced the movie-going experience, especially for those of us unfamiliar with this director or this movie.
It was announced on Saturday night that the restored “Wonder Morton†organ would be officially “unveiled†to public audiences during the Holiday Film series. In addition to playing prior to a movie, it would be featured in a “sing-along†concert during a show! Watch for future updates and details on the Loew’s Jersey website, or contact the theatre for more information.
Upcoming movies at Loew’s Jersey…
Foreign Film: Saturday, November 24th
8:00 PM: “Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat: Friends 4 Lyf and Death†(2007, 90 min.)
A screening for the local Filipino community*, this new comedy film is currently in theatrical release. It premiered in the Phillipines on October 10th and in the New York City area on November 14-15th.
For movie details and synopsis, read these ImdB and Viva Movies profiles. Also read about it in Jersey City’s Filipino Express Online.
*NOTE: presented in Tagalog language only, no English subtitles.
Holiday Films: December 14th-15th
Friday, Dec. 14th
7:30 PM: “Miracle on 34th Street†(1947, 96 min.)
Saturday, Dec. 15th
6:00 PM: “Mary Poppins†(1964, 140 min.)
Special bonus: restored Robert Morton “Wonder Organ†in concert!
Plus: children can “Visit Santa†on Dec. 15th, 12:30-3:30 PM and receive $1.00 off a child’s admission to the “Mary Poppins†screening.
The “Baby Rose Marie” short film initially had no sound (due to improper loudspeaker hook-up). The feature itself was flawless in picture and sound.
I wasn’t sure what type of audience to expect for this screening (in terms of size and make-up), and was surprised to see a more diverse audience than I expected, particularly in terms of age. I thought it would be a mostly older audience, and while there was a large contingent of seniors (who could probably remember seeing this film in their childhood years, and know the words to every Jolson song ever written), there was an even greater number of 20- and 30-somethings, and even some families and children in attendance (surprising given the “novelty†of this film presentation, but then again maybe that’s the aspect that created interest). It’s amazing to see how this place is able to generate a varied interest in classic movies and attract an audience that spans across generations.
Attendance-wise, I thought I heard the figure “234†or “243†mentioned by one of the ticket sellers just before showtime, but maybe it was “342†(perhaps my mind acting dyslexic again)? It was mixed opinion as to what type of response the theatre would get to this “experiment†(as one staffer-in-charge put it).
In terms of ethnicity, it was predominantly white (not uncommon for movie audiences here, but more so than usual) but nonetheless a more racially diverse gathering than I would have expected for this event, with a small number of non-white (black and Hispanic) customers in attendance. There were no complaints from anyone regarding the film’s content â€" people came to see it for its historical significance and the opportunity to experience it in an appropriately authentic and historic setting. Everyone seemed to accept it for what it was: entertainment from another era. There must have been quite a few Jewish people in the audience as well â€" the use of the word “shiksa†in the movie got a hearty laugh (it means “non-Jewish femaleâ€, whereas “goy†is the more generic term for a “gentile†and applies to both sexes).
Incidentally, there were several customers who identified themselves as members of a local area chapter of the “Al Jolson Society†(yes, one does exist), and they informed me that they held a special screening about two weeks ago at a much smaller venue (a clubhouse or meeting hall-type place, whose name I can’t recall), so there’s your “other†New York area anniversary screening (definitely not on the same caliber as Loew’s Jersey!) â€" although this “Al Jolson Forum†entry indicates yet another New York Metro anniversary screening, to take place on December 2nd at Bellmore Movies on Long Island. And on the same forum is their reaction (“Jolson in Jersey…againâ€) to the Loew’s Jersey screening. (Links found via the “International Al Jolson Society†Website.)
Others in attendance included those affiliated with the Garden State Theater Organ Society â€" organist Ralph Ringstad Jr. arrived before the doors opened, and with the help of the “Wonder Morton†serenaded customers as they strolled into the auditorium (and it sounded great!). Some moviegoers arrived early too, just so they could hear it play. Selections included some Al Jolson standards (“Toot-Toot-Tootsie†got my feet tapping).
I had the opportunity, pleasure and privilege to be able to attend and take part in this event as “volunteer staff†â€" I “worked†the door, so if I took your ticket, then “Welcome…and I hope you enjoyed the showâ€.
After viewing all of the posted photographs, I can only begin to imagine the skill and craftsmanship [and patience] required to create such a space. This could never be duplicated today on such a grand scale. This is preservation at its finest.
It has been said that “God is in the details”. If that’s the case, then it should be no “wonder” why a church chose this magnificent structure as their home.
To clarify, according to the FOTL website, this is the only ANNIVERSARY-YEAR screening scheduled for the NYC metro area (another anniversary screening, presented by AMPAS, recently took place at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA). If there is, in fact, a second screening scheduled (sometime in the future) for the NYC area, I can find NO mention of it anywhere. Since FOTL obtained a special 35mm print for their screening, perhaps they could tell you where it will be shown next.
This local news article from the Jersey City Reporter (10/27/2007) provides detailed information about the much-anticipated 80th anniversary screening at Loew’s Jersey. (Hudson Reporter online)
Here is an excellent article that originally appeared in the Jewish Journal online (9/21/2007) with background and history about the film itself. (“All About Jewish Theatre†Website).
This commentary offers further critical analysis and a fantastic nighttime photograph of Warners’ Theatre where the movie premiered on October 6th, 1927. (“Alternative Film Guide†website)
A quick Internet search of other sites indicates that this anniversary seems to be getting a lot of publicity and interest – it should be a big event!
Just announced – upcoming November film programs…
Al Jolson’s “The Jazz Singer†(1927) â€" Special 80th Anniversary Screening:
Nov. 10th (Saturday), 7:30 p.m.
The movie that changed Hollywood forever with the introduction of sound, this is the first of ONLY two anniversary-year screenings scheduled for the entire NYC metropolitan area – a RARE opportunity to see this historic film on the BIG screen.
With commentary by Ron Hutchinson of The Vitaphone Project.
The Films of Otto Preminger:
Nov. 16th (Friday)
8:00 p.m.: “Where the Sidewalk Ends†(1950) (book signing 7:00-7:55 p.m.)
Nov. 17th (Saturday)
4:00 p.m.: “Angel Face†(1952) (book signing 3:00-3:55 p.m.)
8:30 p.m. “Laura†(1944) (book signing 7:30-8:25 p.m.)
With film discussions, audience Q&A sessions, and book signings by Foster Hirsch, film professor at Brooklyn College, and author of the new biography “Otto Preminger: The Man Who Would Be Kingâ€.
Visit http://www.loewsjersey.org for further information and/or updates.
Attendance at the 7 p.m. showing of “Frankenstein†on Saturday night was the best that I have personally seen since I began visiting this theatre 18 months ago (March of 2006) â€" the center orchestra seats were crowded from the stage all the way to the rear rows – many families with young children were present, and their behavior was exemplary (quiet, courteous and respectful of others throughout the show). Attendance petered out somewhat for the 9 p.m. screening of “Bride of Frankenstein†with a mostly adult audience remaining.
The presentation was first-rate for both features. What I love about this theatre is how its ambience and décor work so well with certain types of movies. It provides a setting that allows these classic horror films to “shine†and look their best. With the house lights completely darkened, the interior takes on a sullen, gray, almost “lifeless” appearance – the glow from the screen gets “caught†on the ornately textured walls, the old carved and creviced surfaces casting gloomy shadows. These visual sensations, along with the sound echoing off of the walls, create a moody, “hollow†atmosphere reminiscent of a setting associated with haunting and suspense.
I’m disappointed that I didn’t get to hear the restored “Wonder Morton†organ put through its paces (although it looks impressive enough just sitting on display). For me, the ultimate classic Halloween cinematic experience would be to watch a silent film such as “Phantom of the Opera†on that huge screen while the theatre organ majestically plays on, filling this tremendous space with energy and excitement.
Just what we need in NYC…another quirky performance art space, in the “ever-so-trendy†Lower East Side â€" the self-proclaimed center of “hipness†in the universe.
Sounds like yet another attempt to separate silly, impressionable 20-somethings from their money. Great if the cinematic equivalent of watching a movie in your garage appeals to you.
75 dollars for three hours…for a non-film-projected, DVD-video screening…in a room the size of a shoebox? I think I’ll pass on this one.
For cinema enthusiasts (such as myself) who wish to replicate an authentic drive-in movie experience AND would rather watch a show rather than be part of it like a circus side act…
I have a novel idea that [also through adaptive reuse of an existing space] could perhaps take this nostalgic experience and advance it MANY steps further to a place that multitudes of us can enjoy. Perhaps my vivid imagination has run amok, but here it goes…
First, acquire an abandoned or neglected old movie palace that is atmospheric in style (this is a MUST). Remove the orchestra seats (if there is a balcony level, then just the lower orchestra seats). If the floor has a noticeable slope, then “tier†it in small sections or completely level it off. Then obtain a collection of (as many as will fit reasonably in the space) classic-style, soft-top automobiles (1930s-1960s vintage, in restored, drivable condition) and situate them in the now-empty orchestra. Completely restore and renovate the theatre as close to original as possible, so that it replicates an outdoor space. Finally, install a minimum 50-foot-wide screen, and presto, an instant “drive-in†theatre!
The house lights slowly dim like the sunset, the ceiling fades from a warm orange glow to a midnight blue, “stars†shine and “clouds†float above in the dark “skyâ€, and a panoramic picture stretches out and fills the space before you as you sit “outside†and watch a classic movie. No need to fuss with tinny-sounding little drive-in speakers â€" everyone would enjoy sharing the experience of full-spectrum stereo/surround sound. For those who would prefer viewing their movies the “traditional†way, standard seating would also remain available and intact (for example, in the upper orchestra and balcony levels). Too lazy to get up and go to the concessions stand? No problem – ushers could also double as “carhops†and bring the refreshments to you!
The best part of this adaptive-reuse is that it is flexible and allows the space to become multi-purpose. For conferences, live performances or standard movie screenings, the automobiles could be removed temporarily and portable chairs brought in for extra seating. With most of (or all of) the ground floor leveled-off, it could also be used as a ballroom for dances, banquets, meetings and other special events.
This venue has become a concert “powerhouse”, attracting big-name rock and pop stars as of late – recent and upcoming music shows scheduled for late 2007 include:
Van Morrison (Oct. 12-14)
The Black Crowes (Oct. 30-31)
Annie Lennox (!!!)(Nov. 3)
Neil Young (Dec. 12-13, 15-16, 18)
Visit Ticketmaster.com for the complete line-up.
World-renowed acts in a dazzling theatre, all worth the trip uptown on the “A” train!
Good luck finding tickets (checking with Ticketmaster online, it appears that the Annie Lennox concert is a “sell-out” (riding on the success of her long-anticipated and recently released CD album “Songs of Mass Destruction”). I am hoping that they add more shows!
It had to happen sooner or later…as of September 26th, 2007, the theatre FINALLY has an “official†Web site: www.fairtheatre.com
Even more surprising, it actually looks attractive and PROFESSIONALLY DONE! Not so surprising…some awkward vocabulary, along with spelling and grammatical errors. Some parts are still under construction (“online store†– denoted by “comming soonâ€) or unexplainably left blank (the “contact us†page). There is also no indication of who authored the site or when it was last updated. Nevertheless, it is more comprehensive and elaborate than I expected, and a much better means of reaching and attracting an audience than those lousy Village Voice ads.
It is being used to promote their Indian movies. Signs and flyers are posted throughout the lobby and hallways, encouraging customers to visit the new site, touting “Click on ‘website promotion’ and you can receive a bonus gift†(obviously an incentive to create site traffic and measure response). What you get is a printable page of four discount coupons (each good for $5 off regular admission), each valid for a seven-day period beginning October 10th and ending November 7th, 2007.
Of course, there is absolutely NO mention of their adult XXX movie business ANYWHERE â€" under “theatre info†they even include ticket prices for children – in effect, they are promoting the place as a family entertainment venue!!! :-o
But MOST disappointing to me: no theatre history page â€" next visit, I’ll suggest it to management. They could have AT LEAST linked to Cinema Treasures! (On the other hand, given some of the comments posted here, maybe not.) ;–)
More great movies in October…â€Halloween with Boris Karloff a jam-packed weekend!
Friday, October 26th â€" special double feature (one screening)…
7:45 PM / 9:10 PM: The Black Cat / The Old Dark House
Admission (for both): $9-adults; $6-seniors, children age 12 or younger.
No combo discounts available.
Saturday, October 27th – three “spooktacular” single features in one day…
3:00 PM: “The Mummy†— 7:00 PM: “Frankenstein†— 8:45 PM: “The Bride of Frankensteinâ€
Admission (for each screening): $6-adults; $4-seniors, children age 12 or younger.
Combo discounts are available for multiple screenings.
Off-street paid parking (behind the theatre at the end of Magnolia Ave.): Square Ramp Garage offers discount rates exclusively for theatre customers who present special “half-price parking†vouchers (available at theatre box office, valid only on dates indicated). Garage is handicapped-accessible.
In the news today: Passaic mayor Sammy Rivera, city councilman Marcellus Jackson and former city councilman Jonathon Soto were, along with eight other NJ government officials, rounded up by the FBI and arrested on bribery charges. A porn theater should now be the least of their worries.
As for the wonderful citizens of Passaic… if they are so concerned about “cleaning up†their city, perhaps they should start at City Hall.
It’s no wonder that Passaic is such a dump.
The theater still stands, vacant – no activity of any kind.
The storefronts surrounding it are all still occupied.
Regarding Broadway shows based on movies…
No discussion can overlook the currently-running smash hits “Hairspray” and “Xanadu”, both very successful and receiving positive notices from critics and audiences alike
“Xanadu” is a prime example of a big-screen flop to big-stage success – completely reworked, cleverly campy and flamboyant; and both shows contain musical numbers that are new and/or different from their earlier film counterparts.
Sometimes people are willing to pay big bucks to see the already-familiar on stage (even if it was cheaper to see it on the screen), provided it gives an creative or clever take on previous material.
Regarding Warren’s comment on Aug. 1:
WHAT crowds? The auditorium (showing Indian films) could pass for a morgue.
Meanwhile, last Sunday (a rainy day), the XXX areas were VERY busy.
Incidentally, as of Sunday, July 29th, the discount ticket books ($5 per admission) were no longer available, and probably won’t be for quite some time. Those without them will have to fork over $15 per visit – not exactly a bargain.
Apparently, recycling isn’t only good for the environment. In the realm of cinema, this summer’s plethora of sequels (perhaps the most popular and efficient form of recycling) dominate a movie crowd that is predicted to earn record seasonal box office receipts:
“Will 2007 Be a Record Year in Box Office?†(16 April 2007)
“Hollywood on Track For Record Summer†(31 July 2007)
“That’s the Ticket†(Entertainment Weekly â€" 27 July 2007, Issue 945, p.17) also reports that the summer of 2007 may be the highest grossing summer in history for the motion picture industry. The article states that the box office intake must surpass the $3.8 billion mark that was set in 2004. The article names several movies that are responsible for the high numbers, including “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” “Spider-Man 3,” “Shrek the Third,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.”
Like it or not, it’s become an industry trend that’s not going to end anytime soon. Almost out of nowhere come “The Bourne Ultimatum†and “Rush Hour 3†with atypical late-summer release dates; meanwhile Hasbro and Paramount are already discussing a “Transformers†sequel. Even remakes of Broadway musical productions (“Hairsprayâ€) are becoming a regular occurrence, even if they aren’t always successful (as in 2005’s “The Producersâ€). And of course, television is also fair game (“The Simpsons†â€" which THANKFULLY turned out to be a surprisingly fresh and original movie).
Incidentally, I don’t classify “Hairspray†as a remake of the John Waters original (that would be sacrilege), as its musical numbers clearly originate from the stage show (if it was, I would refuse to see it!) – THAT was a classic that could NEVER be duplicated. Speaking of classics, just look at some of the other horrible remakes of recent times: 2005’s “The Honeymooners†and currently “Who’s Your Caddy†(undoubtedly “Caddyshack†was the inspiration…just when you thought 1988’s “Caddyshack II†wasn’t bad enough).
On the other hand, there are other analysts who say “enough is enough†to sequels:
“Too Many Sequels Spoiling the Box Office?†(20 June 2007)
“Summer Box Office Falling Short of Lofty Expectations†(25 June 2007)
â€Summer Cinema’s One-Week Wonders†(18 July 2007)
For an independent theater, the website is one of the best I’ve ever seen – they definitely got their money’s worth. Comprehensive (features and info), attractive (graphics and colors) and well-designed (clarity, navigability and layout), it includes just about everything a thoughtful, desirable theater site should have.
Suggestion: for the “Film Club” page, it should give an initial summary/description of what it is and then hint of specific benefits (if any) that might be included with membership to entice customers to join (examples: free e-newsletter, advance notice of upcoming events and attractions, exclusive screenings, discount tickets, contests, other special offers, etc.). This should appear BEFORE having to click on the “register here” link (some site visitors may not think to look there for this info. or may be reluctant to enter that link). Right now, the page looks “spartan” when it opens (considering how elaborate the rest of the site is).
A great marketing and promotional tool!
Just curious: under “Terrace News” or “Theater Info”, why no mention of “under new management”? (Would revealing this alienate long-time customers?) Why be anonymous? As a new owner, introduce yourself (and your involvement with cinemas) to your customers â€" if you love the business you’re in, then say so – they’re going to find out sooner or later!
Whether it’s showing first-run, classic or arthouse films, The Senator is a must-see when visiting Baltimore.
They are still showing Bollywood movies – to an empty auditorium (posters and flyers in the lobby proclaim “Held over – by popular demand…Bollywood Film Festival – third big month”). Great, if that’s your thing – although they’re not attracting more customers. I find them unbearable to sit through.
They show no signs of dropping their adult XXX offerings, as that part of the theater continues doing strong business.
Discount ticket books are still on sale (“bargain admission” of $5 per visit). I suggest buying them now – they will probably not be available for much longer.
Also concluding the 2006-2007 film season at the Jersey â€" on Saturday, June 9th…
3:00 PM: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s†(1961)
7:00 PM: “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World†(1963)
Here is the full text of the article:
“With Indie Rock on 175th St., City’s Reinvention Rolls Uptown†by Jim Dwyer.
New York Times, Late Edition (East Coast), NY: May 2, 2007; p.B1.
In the time it took a traffic light to change, Joshua Sturm and friends explained what they were doing at the corner of 175th Street and Broadway on Monday evening.
Across the street, Modest Mouse, a rock band whose latest album reached No. 1 in March, would be playing a concert in an hour or so.
The Sturm group was part of a steady stream of indie music fans parading from the A train and the No. 1 toward Broadway, as if someone had suddenly declared Black Sneakers Night in Washington Heights.
Mr. Sturm led a little crew of high school classmates to the concert, just as he found his way to music all over the city. ‘'Josh,’‘ said Nathan Kane, one of the friends, ’‘is the scenester.’'
The arrival on 175th Street of scenesters — even those like Josh Sturm, who all but audibly rolled his eyes at the remark — amounts to at least a minor milestone in the annals of unlikely events.
Over the last six weeks, an enormous movie theater in what had been one of the city’s roughest neighborhoods has emerged as a major force in the world of indie music. Drug gangs have long since dropped out of sight; the theater, a gold-ornamented relic of the Depression saved by a rich televangelist, is surging with life; and a theater operator who lost a job in January is again booking concerts, selling T-shirts and serving kegs of beer, one plastic cupful at a time.
Since late March, 10 shows have sold out at the theater, the United Palace, which has 3,293 seats. Its managers say it is the third-largest auditorium in the city after Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall. The next big acts due to perform there are Bjork and Arcade Fire; all the tickets were bought in minutes.
‘'This came absolutely out of nowhere,’‘ said Jasper Veldhuis, 24, having a cigarette on 175th Street before the show. ’‘The concerts I’ve been to are downtown, Midtown.’'
Dave Anderson, 25, said he had a specific memory: ‘'The riots, that’s what I grew up associating Washington Heights with.’'
In fact, if Mr. Anderson had been standing in the same spot in front of the Palace on a summer evening in 1992, he could have seen a mob rolling up the middle of Broadway. They heaved rocks through plate glass windows, turned over Dumpsters and burned them. The occasion was the shooting of a drug dealer by a police officer, at a time when parts of Washington Heights served as a company town for drug traffickers.
That era has passed. Like many of the people standing outside the theater, Elise Smith, 22, knew nothing about the uproar 15 years ago. By force of habit she usually looks to the Lower East Side for music, not because she had any worries about coming uptown. ‘'We hit up Joe’s Pub all the time, a lot of the smaller venues,’‘ she said. ’‘I was excited to see something different up here.’'
Built on a full city block, seven stories high, the theater has been a looming, dizzying presence since it was opened in 1930 by Loews, ‘'designed by Thomas W. Lamb in Byzantine-Romanesque-Indo-Hindu-Sino-Moorish-Persian-Eclectic-Rococo-Deco style,’‘ as David W. Dunlap wrote in ’‘On Broadway: A Journey Uptown Over Time’‘ (Rizzoli International Publications, 1990).
‘'Gold everywhere,’‘ is the way Evan Williams, 23, put it on Monday.
By the 1960s, all the old movie palaces, as expensive to heat and cool as actual palaces, fell on hard times, and the Loews on 175th Street was closed. In 1969, Frederick Eikerenkoetter, a televangelist known as the Rev. Ike, arrived with $600,000 to buy it. Mr. Eikerenkoetter had prolific success in extracting cash from congregations; the theater was used for his sermons on ‘'thinkonomics,’‘ in which the road to salvation led unabashedly into his bank account. (A sample: ’‘The lack of money is the root of all evil.’‘) Today, the theater enjoys tax-exempt status as a religious property. (Madison Square Garden, with no religious pretensions, is also exempt from taxes.)
For the last decade, Latin acts have occasionally used the space. Mr. Eikerenkoetter’s group, the United Christian Evangelistic Association, still owns the Palace but does not present the concerts. They are organized by Andy Feltz, who ran the Beacon Theater for two decades, until Madison Square Garden took it over this year. ‘'I came up here, saw the place and said, 'Holy mackerel,’ ‘’ Mr. Feltz said. ‘'To a lot of New Yorkers, it’s brand new — nobody knew it existed.’'
In response to an e-mail inquiry (from me), Japan Society quickly corrected the price discrepancy on its Web site – it is indeed $4 admission for their cardholding members, and it is only valid for the screening of “The Seven Samurai†(which I agree can be clearly understood from wording contained on their site as well as in FOTL publicity).
I also received a prompt, detailed and informative response from a FOTL staff member regarding some points posed to them:
“Thanks for bringing these points to my attention.
The intended discount price was — and is — $4 for adults (down from our usual $6) with a Japan Society membership card.
The intention was that the discount be for the Seven Samurai screening only, and in fairness, I think that is reasonably clear on the Japan Society website.
I was frankly unaware of the Japan Society membership card alternate of the printed web page, and I will enquire about the genesis of that.
As to the reference to Yojimbo, you are of course correct. The flyer with that reference was not made up by our usual graphics person, but rather was designed, along with a Japanese language version, specifically for distribution at the Japan Society and its immediate environs. (A few may have gone elsewhere.) I did see this flyer before distribution, but must have only been checking dates and times and do not remember noticing the Yojimbo reference at all — so in the end, the fault is mine. I just checked our main flyers and posters, and re-read the press materials I prepared, and none describe TG,B&U as based on Yojimbo. Here’s what I said in my press kit: ‘Following in the footsteps of John Sturges and the Magnificent Seven, Sergio Leone remade one of Akira Kurosawa’s samurai films, Yojimbo, as A Fistful of Dollars…The movie…prompt(ed) two sequels; the final and, by most critical accounts, best of this “Dollars” trilogy being The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.’
Thanks again for your interest, and your support of the Loew’s."
…And THANK YOU, Loew’s Jersey and FOTL, for your concern and tireless efforts in presenting creative and quality classic movie programming to your patrons. It is most appreciated!
Anyone that can attend SHOULD attend and show their support!