Warren, who is that theatre expert? I can only think of one and he wouldn’t make that mistake!
As far as the Brooklyn FOX, from what I hear, the building’s only major tenant is making plans to leave and the storefronts are already empty. I also understand that in the basement, there you’ll find some of the ‘tile work’ from the men’s room of the FOX. Reason: They tore down the FOX, but kept the original foundation. Now, they just might tare down the existing building and put up a nicer & newer building.
To: Robert R. You forgot the ‘Loew’s Melba’ and ‘Loew’s Metropolitan’ (originally a department store) not to mention The Strand, The Majestic (Now BAM’s HARVEY) RKO Orpheum and a few others.
Thanks Gustav! Hopefully, others will want to join us for that meeting.
In the meantime, I have talked to the Borough President’s people and they think a ‘press conference’ in front of the Loew’s Kings is an idea of merit. Let’s hope there is a speedy follow up.
Again, thank you for all the advice. But I still believe that if there are people who actually want to help, then they should be willing to have a meeting. Without a meeting, there can be no personal involvment! I disagree with Jim that first there must be the establishment of a Non-Profit Org. If there is no interest, if nobody even wants to meet face to face, what is the value of an organization? If nobody wants to have a meeting, how can we divide into those committees, come up with a plan, etc.
I don’t think that raising the money is the answer. I have written extensively about all those big billionaires that have the money. Now when the RFP is issued, we’ll find out if they have any interest in either saving the Kings or replacing it.
As far as writing letters, I don’t think that we have to be incorporated to write letters.
When it comes to carrying a picket sign in front of the theater, I do agree with Jim. I don’t intend to be the only one standing there! As far as getting media attention, (from other than my own show) I can tell you that it’s not an easy thing to accomplish. However, I will ask the Borough President if he would be willing to throw a press conference in front of the Loew’s Kings? Maybe he would like to offer a proclomation ‘thanking’ the Kings for it’s long history and it’s potential in entertaining the people of Brooklyn.
At this point, I would again like to thank those ‘out of town’ contributors for their suggestions. I have another thought, if you live in Chicago, maybe you could contact the owners of the ‘Chicago’ theater, tell them about the Loew’s Kings and ask if they might want to answer the NYC RFP? Or perhaps the owners of the St. Louis FOX or the Detroit FOX or the Atlanta FOX or any other saved house!
Let me just repeat, if you want to make a phone call or write a letter to a major real estate developer or theatre operator, you don’t have to have a non-profit certificate. If you contact the person who is responsible for real estate acquisition, who knows maybe they would have interest?
Again, Jim talks about having giant blow up photographs of the Kings for a media event. That is something that could be done or some of my own footage can be shared with the media. Maybe I will make the ‘press conference’ suggestion to the Borough President?
Lastly, if that RFP will decide the fate then it’s probably too late to incorporate as a non-profit. At this point, it’s more important to find the developer who believes the theatre should be saved!
Dear Jim,
Consistently, you come up with worthwhile ideas and a game plan, however I still see everyone else giving advice and not following through with any of THEIR OWN IDEAS. If anyone should come up with the proper way to ‘get a certificate of incorporation,’ let’s see them do it!
Let’s call this an exercise in futility! Let’s recognize that I do not want to do everything myself, what I did want was people to band together, divide responsibilites and actually try to accomplish this, so what do I get? I get the well meaning, but the do nothing crowd.
It seems that every time I bitch and moan, the flow of constructive suggestions begins anew…BUT, not once, have I see anyone who actually made the slightest effort to accomplish anything. All they do is suggest what could be done. (as long as they don’t have to lift a finger!)
So, if the Loew’s Kings can be saved, it will be by some well-meaning billionaire who sees potential of the third largest performance space in the City of New York. It will not be the result of this forum.
Not once has anybody written that they have ‘begun the process of landmarking, begun the process of incorporation as a Non-Profit, written or called anyone for anything.
Dear Jim,
Consistently, you come up with worthwhile ideas and a game plan, however I still see everyone else giving advice and not following through with any of THEIR OWN IDEAS. If anyone should come up with the proper way to ‘get a certificate of incorporation,’ let’s see them do it!
Let’s call this an exercise in futility! Let’s recognize that I do not want to do everything myself, what I did want was people to band together, divide responsibilites and actually try to accomplish this, so what do I get? I get the well meaning, but the do nothing crowd.
It seems that every time I bitch and moan, the flow of constructive suggestions begins anew…BUT, not once, have I see anyone who actually made the slightest effort to accomplish anything. All they do is suggest what could be done. (as long as they don’t have to lift a finger!)
So, if the Loew’s Kings can be saved, it will be by some well-meaning billionaire who sees potential of the third largest performance space in the City of New York. It will not be the result of this forum.
Not once has anybody written that they have ‘begun the process of landmarking, begun the process of incorporation as a Non-Profit, written or called anyone for anything.
Dear Warren and Theaterat,
Ever since 1987, my group, ‘Save The Kings’ has been the ONLY group, to my knowledge, that has ever tried to Save The Kings! We have never asked anyone for a nickel.
It seems to me that a few people have made suggestions as to what should be done to help save the Loew’s Kings. i.e. Gustavlifting wants to make a documentary, Gustavlifting wants to do a combined effort to save the Kings and the Brooklyn Paramount, Gustavlifting has compiled a list of web sites on historic preservation/getting grants, etc., other well meaning people post ‘theatre building’ that have been converted to supermarkets, still others think ‘we’ or ‘me’ should file for a 501c3, but…IF you notice, nobody goes on line and says that THEY HAVE DONE ANYTHING. Instead of all the folks with suggestions (exception: Jim Rankin-who doesn’t even live here in NY) how come NOBODY goes out and DOES anything?? HOW COME nobody actually watched my TV episodes on the Kings? How come nobody has called or written to newspapers, real estate developers, concert promoters? How come? Or how about the suggestion of contacting stars that may have appeared or even worked at the Loew’s Kings and trying to enlist their interest? HOW COME nobody actually reports DOING A THING other than making the suggestion?
If I have offended anyone, perhaps it will motivate you to do more than write suggestions!
About 6 months ago, Little Richard hopped on the piano at B.B. King’s on Times Squre, in his white tuxedo with the black sparkle collar and matching pants.
At 72, nobody can follow Little Richard Petterman.
Dear Jim,
I have already done at least 6 half hour episodes about the Loew’s Kings. They have been shown throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Nassau County, Long Island.
In those shows, I have toured the interior of the theater, interviewed restoration specialists: (ornate plaster and decorative painting), former patrons and the the theater’s manager, candy matron, an usher from the 70’s and two ushers from the 1930’s!
At this time, the building’s owner: NYC is not allowing anyone access inside.
To: Life’s too short
I have been the only attendee for quite a while and that hasn’t stopped me yet. Besides, when I have asked for people interested in forming a group, I get no response. Then if I something looks like a response, nobody gets specific. A few people have made suggestions, but even for them, they don’t seem to be available (time or distance) for a meeting.
But even if nobody wants to meet, that doesn’t mean someone can’t do something on their own. If somebody has a way of getting this theater back in business. i.e. Contact a theater operator & tell them about the NYC Economic Development Corp’s Request For Proposal that will be issued this or next month. Not one person has actually reported any concrete move they have made.
Life—-I have been trying to save this theater since 1987 and if you’re a regular reader of this message board, you can see what I have tried to accomplish. Even when I announced that my TV show would feature the Kings on specific times and channels throughout the metro area, not one person watched it. Not one person responded!
There was a time when I was asked to serve on jury duty. It seems that someone slipped on a wet floor at Century’s Kings Plaza. The lawyers wanted to know, ‘Was there was any reason I couldn’t serve? So, I explained that I was nuts about the classic theaters and was trying to Save the Loew’s Kings. Well, that was enough to get me out of serving on the case.
Unfortunately Jim, Loew’s Corporation did not abandon the Loew’s Kings, they sold it to a smaller theater operator who let it run into the ground and finally slip into the hands of the New York City Economic Development Corp.
Loews Corp is no longer owns theaters. They are no longer in the theater business. They have investments in many different field. When Sony Loews took over the theaters, it stopped using the apostrophe! So it was no longer Loew’s, but LOEWS and it’s now known as SONY LOEWS.
SONY LOEWS took over Cineplex Odeon and so it goes!
Dear Jim:
Thank you for the advice. I’m only sorry that you are too far away to help!
As I explained in my last few messages, the billionaire real estate developers have been and are still buying up much of the property surrounding Loew’s Kings and the NYC Economic Development Corp will be issuing an RFP (Request For Proposal) in April or May, 2005. The Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is a strong advocate for the restoration of the Kings and for creating the Kings County Center For The Performing Arts.
At this point, it would have been nice to form a committee, etc. But I recognize that billionaires have a lot more say in the matter. If you read back on my comments regarding Sears Flatbush; the ABC TV (owned by Disney) and TV shows like ‘Extreme Make- Over: Home Edition (sponsored by Sears); History Channel’s 'Make Over A Movie Palace’ (owned by Disney) that was advertised on this web site and Disney’s long term partnership with Clear Channel Entertainment—starting with their failed bid for the Radio City Music Hall but eventually the two giants made their moves on Times Square. Disney took the New Amsterdam and Clear Channel took over The Ford Center for The Performing Arts; Disney celebrating ‘Radio Disney’ at Clear Channel Theaters around the USA. and Disney’s regional LIVE entertainment —It is plain to see that these guys may have an interest in the Kings. As you also know, I have gotten to big time brass at those companies and pushed the idea!
So, let’s hope for the best. In the meantime, I won’t quit!
Bruce1
Dear Jim:
Thank you for the advice. I’m only sorry that you are too far away to help!
As I explained in my last few messages, billionaire real estate developers have been and are still buying up the property surrounding Loew’s Kings and the NYC Economic Development Corp will be issuing an RFP (Request For Proposal) in April or May, 2005. The Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is a strong advocate for the restoration of the Kings and for creating the Kings County Center For The Performing Arts.
At this point, it would have been nice to form a committee, etc. But I recognize that billionaires have a lot more say in the matter. If you read back on my comments regarding Sears Flatbush; the ABC TV (owned by Disney) and TV shows like ‘Extreme Make- Over: Home Edition (sponsored by Sears); History Channel’s 'Make Over A Movie Palace’ (owned by Disney) that was advertised on this web site and Disney’s long term partnership with Clear Channel Entertainment—starting with their failed bid for the Radio City Music Hall but eventually the two giants made their moves on Times Square. Disney took the New Amsterdam and Clear Channel took over The Ford Center for The Performing Arts; Disney celebrating ‘Radio Disney’ at Clear Channel Theaters around the USA. and Disney’s regional LIVE entertainment —It is plain to see that these guys may have an interest in the Kings. As you also know, I have gotten to big time brass at those companies and pushed the idea!
So, let’s hope for the best. In the meantime, I won’t quit!
Bruce1
For all those who may have missed my message of March 23rd, I am repeating my words:
“Obviously, my comments here have fallen on deaf ears. Nobody seems willing to do anything other than write messages, but when it comes to doing anything. That’s another story.”
To: Iving Cohen
Of course, Dorothy remembers your dad. She’ll be more than happy to talk with you, but let’s first exchange e-mail addresses and then you can have Dorothy’s #.
First of all, thank you Life’s too short and BruceC. And just for the record, the same developers who are responsible for all the redevelopment of Downtown Brooklyn have been buying up the land around the Loew’s Kings!! I know this for a fact!!!
Psstt! You want to buy a theater? The present owner, the NYC Economic Development Corp. will put the theater up on RFP (Request for Proposal) in April or May.
But then, that’s exactly what happened with the Detroit Fox, the Chicago and the St. Louis FOX. So, to quote from the old movie: ‘It Happened In Brooklyn’ with Jimmy Durante and Frank Sinatra who sing: “It Comes Straight From The Heart' and the Loew’s Kings is the Heart of Brooklyn!!
Obviously, my comments here have fallen on deaf ears. Nobody seems willing to do anything other than write messages, but when it comes to doing anything. That’s another story.
For those who wish that Tony Orlando was still popular, they too, should reach for the stars, that’s why I’d suggest that you tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree!
In the lobby of Loew’s Kings, you’ll find a giant redwood forest of fluted walnut columns with Corinthian tops that reach toward the mosaic sky.
“Let’s Try to remember, the days in September” (September 7th, 1929- to be exact) when the Loew’s Kings opened their doors.. ‘and follow..’ Wasn’t that a song??? It’s a long, long time…. from May to September and the days grow short, till we reach September. (NYC EDC will issue their RFP in April-May)
“The days dwindle down to a precious few, September, November..” .Just remember, it’s not over till the fat lady sings!!
The theater opened on September 7th, but then soon enough, came ‘Black Friday.’ Not the movie, starring Boris Karloff, but the day the Stock Market crashed. For all you old movie buffs, ‘Those were the good old days.’ That was Ray Walston in ‘Damn Yankees’ It starred Gweyn Verdon, the dancer who had a friend named Viola Hoolihan. Vi started as a dancer working for the Arthur and Kathryn Murray Dance Studios at the corner of Church & Flatbush. Later, she auditioned for Billy Rose and also the Chester Hale Dancers (who worked the LOEW’S KINGS!) Viola chose the glitter of Broadway to the wilds of Brooklyn. Today, she lives to talk about it. How do I know??? Because she’s a close friend of my wife’s mother, that’s why!
If our message board members want to do something to Save The Kings, here’s what we CAN do.
Come up with a publicity campaign for select movies that played the Loew’s Kings. Pick those that have a relevance to reopening this cathedral of the ornate.
For instance, former usherette Barbra Streisand, along with Robert Redford in ‘The Way We Were’
Let’s resurrect the award winning campaign of Loew’s Kings Manager, Dorothy Solomon Panzica’s: To Clean Up The Neighborhood and return it to ‘The Way We Were’
Or how about, ‘The Lords of Flatbush’ which starred not one but TWO former Loew’s Kings ushers, Henry WInkler (The Fonz) and Sylvester Stallone.
Let’s not forget Eili Wallach, who narrated Christian Blackwood’s film: ‘Memoirs of a Movie Palace’ but was also a member of the Flatbush Boys Club, just a few blocks from the Loew’s Kings! From what I hear, when he was asked for a contribution to the Flatbush Boy’s Club, Mr. Wallach sent an autographed picture!
From what I hear, Barbra Streisand isn’t making many public appearances these days. She made ‘Funny Girl’ – the life story of Fanny Bryce, who also walked the boards at Loew’s Kings. I have heard that Babs secretly donates $50,000 a year to the Erasmus High School Alumni Fund. She has also talked about her roots at Loew’s Kings on her TV specials and concert tours. But, from what I hear, she’s gained a lot of weight. Maybe our campaign could say, ‘It’s not over until the fat lady sings!’
What movies played the Kings? [“What’s playing at the Roxy? I’ll tell you what’s playing at the Roxy.. what’s in the Daily News, I’ll tell you what’s in the Daily News…” That’s from ‘Guys & Dolls’ and that’s the 2005 production being mounted on the great stage at Brooklyn Tech next month!!
By the way, Rambusch, the decorative design firm created detail for the Roxy AND Loew’s Kings.
What if we threw a film festival of all the movies that played the Kings that could play a part or take a roll in creating The Kings County Center For The Performing Arts?
Earlier, I mentioned Boris Karloff. Does anyone remember that in 1958, he starred as Captain Hook in the Broadway revival of ‘Peter Pan.’ At that time, Zacherley, TV’s Cool Ghoul asked Mr Karloff, ‘Do you mind that we kid your old movies?’ Karloff replied, ‘No, you’re keeping me alive.’
But if you want a newer movie, how about ‘Neverland’ a Bob & Harvey Weinstein production (the boys from Brooklyn) That’s the story of J.M. Barry, author of Peter Pan. Wait a minute! Didn’t I talk about Karloff appearing as Captain Hook in ‘Peter Pan’? Yes, I do, indeed I do, and in the words of Al Jolson, (The Jazz Singer) “You aint heard nothin yet!” That was the first silent movie musical, but Gweyn Verdon’s husband was Bob Fosse and they made his life into a movie: ‘All That Jazz.’
(‘Silent Movie’ wasn’t that a Mel Brooks film? Speaking of Mel Brooks, another boy from Brooklyn, he’s now busy making ‘The Producers’ in Brooklyn! But then again, Woody Allen and Neil Simon are both from Brookyn! Didn’t Woody make some of his films in Brooklyn? Didn’t he make a movie about a movie theater?
If Neil Simon wasn’t born in Brooklyn. If Neil Simon hadn’t lived in Brooklyn, he wouldn’t have written: ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’ and let’s not forget Arthur Schwartz (DJ Jonathan Schwartz’s father) He wrote, ‘Dancing In The Dark’ (there’s a scene in the Fred Astaire film that takes place in a park. Could Arthur Scwhartz have been thinking of The Prospect Park? He also wrote, ‘That’s Entertainment’ and lived in Flatbush!!!
‘Good night Mrs. Calabash, where ever you are.’ That was Jimmy Durante and HE appeared LIVE on stage at the Loew’s Kings. Does anybody remember hearing, ‘Channel 7, NY. Next 'Shock Theater’? Well, that starred TV’s Cool Ghoul, Zacherley! The grand old boy had and STILL HAS a tag line: ‘Good Night, whatever you are!!’"
Did I mention that in the mid 70’s Zacherley appeared LIVE on stage at the Loew’s Kings?? Well, if I didn’t mention it, he did! Besides, wouldn’t it be simply grand if the Loew’s Kings was beautifully restored and reopened as ‘The Kings County Center For The Performing Arts?’ Even Zacherley, (a personal friend) prefers that to Shock Theater.“ A few years ago, I met Karloff’s daughter, Sarah and asked: ‘What do you think of all the remakes?’ She replied, ‘If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”
I asked, ‘Do you go to see monster movies?’ She replied, ‘No, I’m too scared!’ BORIS KARLOFF"S DAUGHTER is afraid of monster movies? Are you afraid to help Save The Kings??
So if you want to talk about ‘That’s Entertainment,’ tune in ‘That’s Brooklyn'
BCAT-Tuesday 11 AM and 7 PM Time Warner-Ch. 56/Cablevision – Ch. 69
MNN-Wednesdays at 7:30 PM on Time Warner -Channel 56
QPTV-Wednesdays at 9:00 PM on Time Warner -Channel 35
And beginning April 5th, every Tuesday night at 7:30 throughout Nassau County on Cablevision.
All I can say is that we’ve got some pretty clever people coming up with ideas and historical stuff on this message board! Maybe if somebody would actually attempt to do, what THEY suggest, it might prove fruitful.
I don’t know anybody at the Building’s Department, (as the song goes) ‘How about you?’ If there were committees and ideas were actually discussed and strategies planned, possibly we could be successful.
Yesterday, on one of my fact finding missions, I found much underused land (surrounding Loew’s Kings) is being bought up by the same people. There’s even a large tract that some folks told me will be a warehouse. But other folks told me that their houses, (that are adjacent to the space) are getting offers to ‘sell’ so that a new shopping mall can be built. QUESTION: Why build warehouse with a shopping center next door? ANSWER: Because the developer plans to build a bigger mall!!
If that’s the case, then those same developers might not be planning to bid on the King’s site, in order to turn it into a shopping mall. But, regulars here will remember that I talked about Sear’s Flatbush, built on land owned by a multibillion dollar developer…well, that same developer with the cooperation of K-Mart has taken a controlling share of Sears. As Artie Johnson on Laugh-In used to say, ‘Very Interesting!!’ (Don’t forget Sears is right behind the Loew’s Kings)
Over the past 18 years, I have seen similar developments in the area. Now things seem to be heating up again. Maybe the time is finally right??
Timeline:
White Flight – In the 70's
The Theater closed in 1979
Afro American and Caribbean Community is vital to the economic growth of area
No theater serves the area
Nearby apartment houses have gone coop and condo
National chain stores have surrounded the theater
(originally, the theater came before the shopping district)
neighborhood has very good police protection and is now considered safe IN DAYTIME
(remember Times Square, before Disney?)
NYC will hold issue their RFP -April or May.
What we need is to do is call a meeting, divide into committees and actually do something!
Warren, who is that theatre expert? I can only think of one and he wouldn’t make that mistake!
As far as the Brooklyn FOX, from what I hear, the building’s only major tenant is making plans to leave and the storefronts are already empty. I also understand that in the basement, there you’ll find some of the ‘tile work’ from the men’s room of the FOX. Reason: They tore down the FOX, but kept the original foundation. Now, they just might tare down the existing building and put up a nicer & newer building.
To: Robert R. You forgot the ‘Loew’s Melba’ and ‘Loew’s Metropolitan’ (originally a department store) not to mention The Strand, The Majestic (Now BAM’s HARVEY) RKO Orpheum and a few others.
Thanks Gustav! Hopefully, others will want to join us for that meeting.
In the meantime, I have talked to the Borough President’s people and they think a ‘press conference’ in front of the Loew’s Kings is an idea of merit. Let’s hope there is a speedy follow up.
Again, thank you for all the advice. But I still believe that if there are people who actually want to help, then they should be willing to have a meeting. Without a meeting, there can be no personal involvment! I disagree with Jim that first there must be the establishment of a Non-Profit Org. If there is no interest, if nobody even wants to meet face to face, what is the value of an organization? If nobody wants to have a meeting, how can we divide into those committees, come up with a plan, etc.
I don’t think that raising the money is the answer. I have written extensively about all those big billionaires that have the money. Now when the RFP is issued, we’ll find out if they have any interest in either saving the Kings or replacing it.
As far as writing letters, I don’t think that we have to be incorporated to write letters.
When it comes to carrying a picket sign in front of the theater, I do agree with Jim. I don’t intend to be the only one standing there! As far as getting media attention, (from other than my own show) I can tell you that it’s not an easy thing to accomplish. However, I will ask the Borough President if he would be willing to throw a press conference in front of the Loew’s Kings? Maybe he would like to offer a proclomation ‘thanking’ the Kings for it’s long history and it’s potential in entertaining the people of Brooklyn.
At this point, I would again like to thank those ‘out of town’ contributors for their suggestions. I have another thought, if you live in Chicago, maybe you could contact the owners of the ‘Chicago’ theater, tell them about the Loew’s Kings and ask if they might want to answer the NYC RFP? Or perhaps the owners of the St. Louis FOX or the Detroit FOX or the Atlanta FOX or any other saved house!
Let me just repeat, if you want to make a phone call or write a letter to a major real estate developer or theatre operator, you don’t have to have a non-profit certificate. If you contact the person who is responsible for real estate acquisition, who knows maybe they would have interest?
Again, Jim talks about having giant blow up photographs of the Kings for a media event. That is something that could be done or some of my own footage can be shared with the media. Maybe I will make the ‘press conference’ suggestion to the Borough President?
Lastly, if that RFP will decide the fate then it’s probably too late to incorporate as a non-profit. At this point, it’s more important to find the developer who believes the theatre should be saved!
Dear Jim,
Consistently, you come up with worthwhile ideas and a game plan, however I still see everyone else giving advice and not following through with any of THEIR OWN IDEAS. If anyone should come up with the proper way to ‘get a certificate of incorporation,’ let’s see them do it!
Let’s call this an exercise in futility! Let’s recognize that I do not want to do everything myself, what I did want was people to band together, divide responsibilites and actually try to accomplish this, so what do I get? I get the well meaning, but the do nothing crowd.
It seems that every time I bitch and moan, the flow of constructive suggestions begins anew…BUT, not once, have I see anyone who actually made the slightest effort to accomplish anything. All they do is suggest what could be done. (as long as they don’t have to lift a finger!)
So, if the Loew’s Kings can be saved, it will be by some well-meaning billionaire who sees potential of the third largest performance space in the City of New York. It will not be the result of this forum.
Not once has anybody written that they have ‘begun the process of landmarking, begun the process of incorporation as a Non-Profit, written or called anyone for anything.
Best Regards,
Bruce1
Dear Jim,
Consistently, you come up with worthwhile ideas and a game plan, however I still see everyone else giving advice and not following through with any of THEIR OWN IDEAS. If anyone should come up with the proper way to ‘get a certificate of incorporation,’ let’s see them do it!
Let’s call this an exercise in futility! Let’s recognize that I do not want to do everything myself, what I did want was people to band together, divide responsibilites and actually try to accomplish this, so what do I get? I get the well meaning, but the do nothing crowd.
It seems that every time I bitch and moan, the flow of constructive suggestions begins anew…BUT, not once, have I see anyone who actually made the slightest effort to accomplish anything. All they do is suggest what could be done. (as long as they don’t have to lift a finger!)
So, if the Loew’s Kings can be saved, it will be by some well-meaning billionaire who sees potential of the third largest performance space in the City of New York. It will not be the result of this forum.
Not once has anybody written that they have ‘begun the process of landmarking, begun the process of incorporation as a Non-Profit, written or called anyone for anything.
Best Regards,
Bruce1
Dear Warren and Theaterat,
Ever since 1987, my group, ‘Save The Kings’ has been the ONLY group, to my knowledge, that has ever tried to Save The Kings! We have never asked anyone for a nickel.
It seems to me that a few people have made suggestions as to what should be done to help save the Loew’s Kings. i.e. Gustavlifting wants to make a documentary, Gustavlifting wants to do a combined effort to save the Kings and the Brooklyn Paramount, Gustavlifting has compiled a list of web sites on historic preservation/getting grants, etc., other well meaning people post ‘theatre building’ that have been converted to supermarkets, still others think ‘we’ or ‘me’ should file for a 501c3, but…IF you notice, nobody goes on line and says that THEY HAVE DONE ANYTHING. Instead of all the folks with suggestions (exception: Jim Rankin-who doesn’t even live here in NY) how come NOBODY goes out and DOES anything?? HOW COME nobody actually watched my TV episodes on the Kings? How come nobody has called or written to newspapers, real estate developers, concert promoters? How come? Or how about the suggestion of contacting stars that may have appeared or even worked at the Loew’s Kings and trying to enlist their interest? HOW COME nobody actually reports DOING A THING other than making the suggestion?
If I have offended anyone, perhaps it will motivate you to do more than write suggestions!
Best Regards,
Bruce1
About 6 months ago, Little Richard hopped on the piano at B.B. King’s on Times Squre, in his white tuxedo with the black sparkle collar and matching pants.
At 72, nobody can follow Little Richard Petterman.
Dear Jim,
I have already done at least 6 half hour episodes about the Loew’s Kings. They have been shown throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Nassau County, Long Island.
In those shows, I have toured the interior of the theater, interviewed restoration specialists: (ornate plaster and decorative painting), former patrons and the the theater’s manager, candy matron, an usher from the 70’s and two ushers from the 1930’s!
At this time, the building’s owner: NYC is not allowing anyone access inside.
To: Life’s too short
I have been the only attendee for quite a while and that hasn’t stopped me yet. Besides, when I have asked for people interested in forming a group, I get no response. Then if I something looks like a response, nobody gets specific. A few people have made suggestions, but even for them, they don’t seem to be available (time or distance) for a meeting.
But even if nobody wants to meet, that doesn’t mean someone can’t do something on their own. If somebody has a way of getting this theater back in business. i.e. Contact a theater operator & tell them about the NYC Economic Development Corp’s Request For Proposal that will be issued this or next month. Not one person has actually reported any concrete move they have made.
Life—-I have been trying to save this theater since 1987 and if you’re a regular reader of this message board, you can see what I have tried to accomplish. Even when I announced that my TV show would feature the Kings on specific times and channels throughout the metro area, not one person watched it. Not one person responded!
But in the meantime, I will keep trying.
There was a time when I was asked to serve on jury duty. It seems that someone slipped on a wet floor at Century’s Kings Plaza. The lawyers wanted to know, ‘Was there was any reason I couldn’t serve? So, I explained that I was nuts about the classic theaters and was trying to Save the Loew’s Kings. Well, that was enough to get me out of serving on the case.
Gustav-you’re right, except for the last picture show! The year was 1979 and not 1974.
Unfortunately Jim, Loew’s Corporation did not abandon the Loew’s Kings, they sold it to a smaller theater operator who let it run into the ground and finally slip into the hands of the New York City Economic Development Corp.
Loews Corp is no longer owns theaters. They are no longer in the theater business. They have investments in many different field. When Sony Loews took over the theaters, it stopped using the apostrophe! So it was no longer Loew’s, but LOEWS and it’s now known as SONY LOEWS.
SONY LOEWS took over Cineplex Odeon and so it goes!
Theaterat and Gustav,
I’m not leaving anyone out, just a bit ‘down’ over the lack of people who are actually motivated.
Dear Theaterat,
Thanks for the interest. If you want to get together, just let me know!
Bruce1
Dear Theaterat:
Here’s my e-mail, let’s get together!
Dear Jim:
Thank you for the advice. I’m only sorry that you are too far away to help!
As I explained in my last few messages, the billionaire real estate developers have been and are still buying up much of the property surrounding Loew’s Kings and the NYC Economic Development Corp will be issuing an RFP (Request For Proposal) in April or May, 2005. The Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is a strong advocate for the restoration of the Kings and for creating the Kings County Center For The Performing Arts.
At this point, it would have been nice to form a committee, etc. But I recognize that billionaires have a lot more say in the matter. If you read back on my comments regarding Sears Flatbush; the ABC TV (owned by Disney) and TV shows like ‘Extreme Make- Over: Home Edition (sponsored by Sears); History Channel’s 'Make Over A Movie Palace’ (owned by Disney) that was advertised on this web site and Disney’s long term partnership with Clear Channel Entertainment—starting with their failed bid for the Radio City Music Hall but eventually the two giants made their moves on Times Square. Disney took the New Amsterdam and Clear Channel took over The Ford Center for The Performing Arts; Disney celebrating ‘Radio Disney’ at Clear Channel Theaters around the USA. and Disney’s regional LIVE entertainment —It is plain to see that these guys may have an interest in the Kings. As you also know, I have gotten to big time brass at those companies and pushed the idea!
So, let’s hope for the best. In the meantime, I won’t quit!
Bruce1
Dear Jim:
Thank you for the advice. I’m only sorry that you are too far away to help!
As I explained in my last few messages, billionaire real estate developers have been and are still buying up the property surrounding Loew’s Kings and the NYC Economic Development Corp will be issuing an RFP (Request For Proposal) in April or May, 2005. The Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is a strong advocate for the restoration of the Kings and for creating the Kings County Center For The Performing Arts.
At this point, it would have been nice to form a committee, etc. But I recognize that billionaires have a lot more say in the matter. If you read back on my comments regarding Sears Flatbush; the ABC TV (owned by Disney) and TV shows like ‘Extreme Make- Over: Home Edition (sponsored by Sears); History Channel’s 'Make Over A Movie Palace’ (owned by Disney) that was advertised on this web site and Disney’s long term partnership with Clear Channel Entertainment—starting with their failed bid for the Radio City Music Hall but eventually the two giants made their moves on Times Square. Disney took the New Amsterdam and Clear Channel took over The Ford Center for The Performing Arts; Disney celebrating ‘Radio Disney’ at Clear Channel Theaters around the USA. and Disney’s regional LIVE entertainment —It is plain to see that these guys may have an interest in the Kings. As you also know, I have gotten to big time brass at those companies and pushed the idea!
So, let’s hope for the best. In the meantime, I won’t quit!
Bruce1
For all those who may have missed my message of March 23rd, I am repeating my words:
“Obviously, my comments here have fallen on deaf ears. Nobody seems willing to do anything other than write messages, but when it comes to doing anything. That’s another story.”
posted by Bruce1 on Mar 23, 2005 at 8:43am
To: Iving Cohen
Of course, Dorothy remembers your dad. She’ll be more than happy to talk with you, but let’s first exchange e-mail addresses and then you can have Dorothy’s #.
First of all, thank you Life’s too short and BruceC. And just for the record, the same developers who are responsible for all the redevelopment of Downtown Brooklyn have been buying up the land around the Loew’s Kings!! I know this for a fact!!!
Psstt! You want to buy a theater? The present owner, the NYC Economic Development Corp. will put the theater up on RFP (Request for Proposal) in April or May.
But then, that’s exactly what happened with the Detroit Fox, the Chicago and the St. Louis FOX. So, to quote from the old movie: ‘It Happened In Brooklyn’ with Jimmy Durante and Frank Sinatra who sing: “It Comes Straight From The Heart' and the Loew’s Kings is the Heart of Brooklyn!!
Obviously, my comments here have fallen on deaf ears. Nobody seems willing to do anything other than write messages, but when it comes to doing anything. That’s another story.
For those who wish that Tony Orlando was still popular, they too, should reach for the stars, that’s why I’d suggest that you tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree!
In the lobby of Loew’s Kings, you’ll find a giant redwood forest of fluted walnut columns with Corinthian tops that reach toward the mosaic sky.
“Let’s Try to remember, the days in September” (September 7th, 1929- to be exact) when the Loew’s Kings opened their doors.. ‘and follow..’ Wasn’t that a song??? It’s a long, long time…. from May to September and the days grow short, till we reach September. (NYC EDC will issue their RFP in April-May)
“The days dwindle down to a precious few, September, November..” .Just remember, it’s not over till the fat lady sings!!
The theater opened on September 7th, but then soon enough, came ‘Black Friday.’ Not the movie, starring Boris Karloff, but the day the Stock Market crashed. For all you old movie buffs, ‘Those were the good old days.’ That was Ray Walston in ‘Damn Yankees’ It starred Gweyn Verdon, the dancer who had a friend named Viola Hoolihan. Vi started as a dancer working for the Arthur and Kathryn Murray Dance Studios at the corner of Church & Flatbush. Later, she auditioned for Billy Rose and also the Chester Hale Dancers (who worked the LOEW’S KINGS!) Viola chose the glitter of Broadway to the wilds of Brooklyn. Today, she lives to talk about it. How do I know??? Because she’s a close friend of my wife’s mother, that’s why!
If our message board members want to do something to Save The Kings, here’s what we CAN do.
Come up with a publicity campaign for select movies that played the Loew’s Kings. Pick those that have a relevance to reopening this cathedral of the ornate.
For instance, former usherette Barbra Streisand, along with Robert Redford in ‘The Way We Were’
Let’s resurrect the award winning campaign of Loew’s Kings Manager, Dorothy Solomon Panzica’s: To Clean Up The Neighborhood and return it to ‘The Way We Were’
Or how about, ‘The Lords of Flatbush’ which starred not one but TWO former Loew’s Kings ushers, Henry WInkler (The Fonz) and Sylvester Stallone.
Let’s not forget Eili Wallach, who narrated Christian Blackwood’s film: ‘Memoirs of a Movie Palace’ but was also a member of the Flatbush Boys Club, just a few blocks from the Loew’s Kings! From what I hear, when he was asked for a contribution to the Flatbush Boy’s Club, Mr. Wallach sent an autographed picture!
From what I hear, Barbra Streisand isn’t making many public appearances these days. She made ‘Funny Girl’ – the life story of Fanny Bryce, who also walked the boards at Loew’s Kings. I have heard that Babs secretly donates $50,000 a year to the Erasmus High School Alumni Fund. She has also talked about her roots at Loew’s Kings on her TV specials and concert tours. But, from what I hear, she’s gained a lot of weight. Maybe our campaign could say, ‘It’s not over until the fat lady sings!’
What movies played the Kings? [“What’s playing at the Roxy? I’ll tell you what’s playing at the Roxy.. what’s in the Daily News, I’ll tell you what’s in the Daily News…” That’s from ‘Guys & Dolls’ and that’s the 2005 production being mounted on the great stage at Brooklyn Tech next month!!
By the way, Rambusch, the decorative design firm created detail for the Roxy AND Loew’s Kings.
What if we threw a film festival of all the movies that played the Kings that could play a part or take a roll in creating The Kings County Center For The Performing Arts?
Earlier, I mentioned Boris Karloff. Does anyone remember that in 1958, he starred as Captain Hook in the Broadway revival of ‘Peter Pan.’ At that time, Zacherley, TV’s Cool Ghoul asked Mr Karloff, ‘Do you mind that we kid your old movies?’ Karloff replied, ‘No, you’re keeping me alive.’
But if you want a newer movie, how about ‘Neverland’ a Bob & Harvey Weinstein production (the boys from Brooklyn) That’s the story of J.M. Barry, author of Peter Pan. Wait a minute! Didn’t I talk about Karloff appearing as Captain Hook in ‘Peter Pan’? Yes, I do, indeed I do, and in the words of Al Jolson, (The Jazz Singer) “You aint heard nothin yet!” That was the first silent movie musical, but Gweyn Verdon’s husband was Bob Fosse and they made his life into a movie: ‘All That Jazz.’
(‘Silent Movie’ wasn’t that a Mel Brooks film? Speaking of Mel Brooks, another boy from Brooklyn, he’s now busy making ‘The Producers’ in Brooklyn! But then again, Woody Allen and Neil Simon are both from Brookyn! Didn’t Woody make some of his films in Brooklyn? Didn’t he make a movie about a movie theater?
If Neil Simon wasn’t born in Brooklyn. If Neil Simon hadn’t lived in Brooklyn, he wouldn’t have written: ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’ and let’s not forget Arthur Schwartz (DJ Jonathan Schwartz’s father) He wrote, ‘Dancing In The Dark’ (there’s a scene in the Fred Astaire film that takes place in a park. Could Arthur Scwhartz have been thinking of The Prospect Park? He also wrote, ‘That’s Entertainment’ and lived in Flatbush!!!
‘Good night Mrs. Calabash, where ever you are.’ That was Jimmy Durante and HE appeared LIVE on stage at the Loew’s Kings. Does anybody remember hearing, ‘Channel 7, NY. Next 'Shock Theater’? Well, that starred TV’s Cool Ghoul, Zacherley! The grand old boy had and STILL HAS a tag line: ‘Good Night, whatever you are!!’"
Did I mention that in the mid 70’s Zacherley appeared LIVE on stage at the Loew’s Kings?? Well, if I didn’t mention it, he did! Besides, wouldn’t it be simply grand if the Loew’s Kings was beautifully restored and reopened as ‘The Kings County Center For The Performing Arts?’ Even Zacherley, (a personal friend) prefers that to Shock Theater.“ A few years ago, I met Karloff’s daughter, Sarah and asked: ‘What do you think of all the remakes?’ She replied, ‘If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”
I asked, ‘Do you go to see monster movies?’ She replied, ‘No, I’m too scared!’ BORIS KARLOFF"S DAUGHTER is afraid of monster movies? Are you afraid to help Save The Kings??
So if you want to talk about ‘That’s Entertainment,’ tune in ‘That’s Brooklyn'
BCAT-Tuesday 11 AM and 7 PM Time Warner-Ch. 56/Cablevision – Ch. 69
MNN-Wednesdays at 7:30 PM on Time Warner -Channel 56
QPTV-Wednesdays at 9:00 PM on Time Warner -Channel 35
And beginning April 5th, every Tuesday night at 7:30 throughout Nassau County on Cablevision.
All I can say is that we’ve got some pretty clever people coming up with ideas and historical stuff on this message board! Maybe if somebody would actually attempt to do, what THEY suggest, it might prove fruitful.
I don’t know anybody at the Building’s Department, (as the song goes) ‘How about you?’ If there were committees and ideas were actually discussed and strategies planned, possibly we could be successful.
Yesterday, on one of my fact finding missions, I found much underused land (surrounding Loew’s Kings) is being bought up by the same people. There’s even a large tract that some folks told me will be a warehouse. But other folks told me that their houses, (that are adjacent to the space) are getting offers to ‘sell’ so that a new shopping mall can be built. QUESTION: Why build warehouse with a shopping center next door? ANSWER: Because the developer plans to build a bigger mall!!
If that’s the case, then those same developers might not be planning to bid on the King’s site, in order to turn it into a shopping mall. But, regulars here will remember that I talked about Sear’s Flatbush, built on land owned by a multibillion dollar developer…well, that same developer with the cooperation of K-Mart has taken a controlling share of Sears. As Artie Johnson on Laugh-In used to say, ‘Very Interesting!!’ (Don’t forget Sears is right behind the Loew’s Kings)
Over the past 18 years, I have seen similar developments in the area. Now things seem to be heating up again. Maybe the time is finally right??
Timeline:
White Flight – In the 70's
The Theater closed in 1979
Afro American and Caribbean Community is vital to the economic growth of area
No theater serves the area
Nearby apartment houses have gone coop and condo
National chain stores have surrounded the theater
(originally, the theater came before the shopping district)
neighborhood has very good police protection and is now considered safe IN DAYTIME
(remember Times Square, before Disney?)
NYC will hold issue their RFP -April or May.
What we need is to do is call a meeting, divide into committees and actually do something!