Did the Glory of Easter show do so poorly after the Hall was re-opened in the early 1980’s that it wasn’t economically feasible to continue? Obviously, the Christmas Spectacular has endured, and I do remember they tried to keep the Easter show going for a few years as well, even after the old format of movie and stage show was abandoned. I guess sufficient interest in the Easter show just wasn’t there?
Aha. Thanks, rvb. I thought I read a comment or description above that the theater had a balcony and loge. That makes more sense. From what I understand, they are going to have a removable wall between the orchestra and the rear stadium section so that the rear would operate as a movie theater while the front (and larger) portion of the house would serve for stage performances. The wall would be removable to allow use of the full space for greater seating capacity as needed.
I passed this theater tonight on the way home and grabbed some shots with my cell phone. Restoration appears to be definitely under way, if in early stages. Seems that the old roof has been completely removed and replaced with new steel beams and framework. Several panels of steel roofing are in place, but much of the sides (particularly along the northern exposure) are left open to the elements. I wonder if any of the original interior elements are to be preserved in the renovations? If so, what kind of condition are they in (considering how long there have been gaping holes in the old roof and that the new roof is incomplete). Certainly, the original plaster ceiling must be completely gone.
It’s not so easy to see in that photo labeled “peak at rubble,” but this is a glimpse through a gap of the white-washing on the front doors at the rubble strewn floor just inside the entrance. Looks like there is much to clean up within this building and I really wonder what survives of the original architecture. Also hard to tell from the photo, but I could clearly see daylight at the gap above the doors in the one labeled “fire exit.”
No tell tale markings are evident on the side walls that would indicate there was ever an exterior fire escape for the balcony. I presume the stairs were located within the shell of the building protected by interior fire walls and ventilation?
Would love to see vintage interior photos, if anyone has them.
A sign for the bowling alley – a vertical sign near the roofline spelling out “BOWL” – was still in evidence, if no longer illuminated, when I took the photos I posted back on May 25th, 2007. The photos themselves were taken in the summer of 2005.
Techman, you might be very pleased to learn that there are very legitimate plans that have been announced by the Brooklyn Borough President – at long last – to restore the Loew’s Kings to its former glory and put it to good use as a performing arts venue. The project is set to begin in earnest sometime next year and will hopefully be completed by 2014. That would mean that all five of the original so-called “Wonder Theaters” that Loew’s opened in the Metropolitan area between 1929 – 1930 will be preserved and open to the public – even if the Valencia remains open solely for church services. I think that is pretty remarkable for a town where the legitimate playhouses of Broadway hog up the official landmark spotlight, while our grand old cinematic palaces fall by the wayside. I mean, with the redevelopment of Times Square and the theater district, not ONE of the big-time Broadway premiere movie houses remains standing.
Let me correct myself… the old Warner Brothers' Hollywood Theater remains in all its glory as (surprise surprise) a church – having also spent some time as a legitimate Broadway theater. And the small, but elegant Embassy Theater, which was a newsreel showcase for much of its life, also survives as the home to the Times Square Visitor’s Center. But the Strand, the Warner, Loew’s State, Criterion, DeMille and Rivoli have all met with the wrecking ball after having survived well into the ‘80’s … and beyond in some cases. And before that, the Astor, Victoria, Capitol and Roxy all met with their demises as well. Pretty sad that such a rich history in cinematic presentation has just been wiped so thoroughly clean.
There’s also the Loew’s Paradise up in the Bronx, techman. It survived years of neglect after closing as a sub-divided quad cinema and has been restored to much of its grandeur as a live venue. And then we have the former Loew’s 175th – also turned over to a church back in the late 1960’s – which survives largely intact and well taken care of as the United Palace, a church and live venue. Finally, if one travels across the Hudson, the Loew’s Jersey has been lovingly restored by volunteers and is seasonally operated for a number of years now as a revival movie house. Every now and again they even air out the old Wurlitzer for special events. Both the Jersey and the Paradise were opened in 1929, while the 175th was opened in 1930. And let us not forget that awaiting its restoration and return to glory is the last of the Loew’s wonder theaters, the 1929 Loew’s Kings, still standing on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. I, for one, find it quite remarkable that all 5 of these theaters remain in existence, with 4 of the 5 currently open to the public!
I know that you are quite right, William, but email cost nothing. And if it serves no greater purpose than to get the sentiments off my chest, that’ll just have to do.
The only thing undulating at this point is my stomach! Just posted this response to the article:
“ Why is it that every journalist and political leader accepts the developer’s promises to restore and preserve the "landmarked lobby” of the Keith’s when it is obvious that the interior wall on the souther end of the lobby (where much of the gorgeous architectural detail is still in great shape) will have to be removed so that the rest of the lobby will be visible from the street through the proposed glass wall on Northern Blvd?
How do you display the inside of an egg if you don’t crack it open and remove much of the shell? If the entire lobby is landmarked and to be restored, protected and preserved, how can this be allowed? It’s bad enough the once magnificent auditorium has been allowed to decay past the point of consideration for a truly complete restoration of the entire theater, but are we now to comprimise even on the small part of building that actually IS protected by landmark designation? In some dark corner of Hell, Donald Manes is laughing manically. "
I plan on forwarding these sentiments to Helen Marshall, as well.
The lobby and the topless go go might have been in bad shape after the fire, but judging from those photos, the auditorium itself appears to have been in decent condition.
Thanks, William. I thought so. Since hdtv267’s comment states he saw the movie December 17th, 1979 (3 days after opening night), I assume he must have seen it at the Rivoli and mistaken that theater with the Cinerama. Unless it was on another date.
Hey hdtv267… Back on 12/17/2010, you commented that on that date in 1979, you attended a viewing of Speilberg’s “1941” at the RKO Cinerama. Are you sure you saw it here and not a couple of blocks up Broadway at the Rivoli? I remember the film opened on 12/14/1979 (a week after “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” and same day as Steve Martin’s “The Jerk”) and that I initally saw it at the local UA theater in Lynbrook, Long Island. A big messy film that surely took its lumps from critics, but I was a fan from day one. Even so, as much as I enjoyed it at the Lynbrook, it was seeing that shelled Ferris Wheel roll down the pier and splash into the ocean on the big screen at the Rivoli – in 70mm – that left a truly lasting impression. I could swear I made that trip into the City to see the movie again within a couple of weeks of the movie’s opening. I’m almost certain it opened at the Rivoli – or could it have merely transfered? I doubt it played both theaters concurrently.
Tinseltoes mentioned the one and only Jane Russell in his post of 2/9/2011… Sadly, we lost Ms Russell earlier this week on Monday the 28th, at the age of 89.
The titles on the marquee in that photo are Abbott and Costello in “Keep ‘Em Flying” and “South of Tahiti.” The A & C flick at the top of the bill opened in NYC on 11/27/1941, so the photo couldn’t date any earlier than that. The supporting feature had opened a month earlier. John Dereszewski is right on the mark with his last comment. If the Regent was a 2nd or 3rd run nabe, the photo probably dates from early 1942. Sure looks like a bright Spring Day, but impossible to tell, particularly with no pedestrians in the shot to help pinpoint the season.
Note to bazookadave and Jeffrey1955… stories of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. Just haven’t had the sort of time to tool around and comment on CT like I used to! Anyway, using this to turn my notifications back on for this theater. I tried to keep on top of goings on here as often as I could, but seems like I missed a whole lot of activity recently. Also wanted to tip my hat to the outstanding work here by SWCphotography!!! So… this nonsensical concept for an undulating panel of glass to display the restored Keith’s lobby (whilst destroying the entire southern wall of the lobby) is still on the table? What a farce!
According to this photo, dated 1981, the theater was occupied by a Hugo’s Steak House as well as a Bargain Storage facility. Comparing to Lost’s 1986 photo… I wonder if these dates are correct. Seems the storage space/steak house usage would have come after the building ceased theatrical operations.
Well… chalk up another lost treasure. Guess the New 42nd Street organization caved in on any hopes of restoring the Liberty – or at least maintaining any of its character in an adaptive re-use. I fear that the same fate awaits the old Times Square Theatre across the street.
Thanks for the links to those photos, RobertR… No one around here (I am a Lynbrook resident) even remembers this theater!!! And, by the way, I guess we can put the debate to rest as to the actual name of the theater. The heading above should be corrected from Studio One to Studio 1.
It’s been so long since I’ve been regularly posting, I’ve forgotten how to add links or pictures here! However, I read two articles today that discuss future plans for this site – one an interview from December 20th with outgoing Lynbrook Mayor Brian Curran, the other an article in the current Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald that quotes the new Mayor, William Hendrick. Mayor Hendrick noted the theater as one of three areas of revitalization for the village that loom large on his agenda. No further details were provided, but the interview with Mayor Curran (now State Assemblyman Curran) notes that there is a commitment on Regal’s behalf to essentially knock down the old theater and build a new one with parking facilities. He compared the scenario to that of the Fantasy Theatre in Rockville Centre. With no other details offered, I’m not sure if that means the old Lynbrook Theatre will definitely be knocked down and replaced or it it will be gutted to its outer walls and remodeled, like the Fantasy was. I’d really hate to see the handsome facade go… Even with a gutted theater, at least the preserved exterior would serve as a deserving nod to the history of this old gal.
Just noticed that in that ‘52 shot, the side panel of the Victory’s marquee is advertising the bill playing next door at the Lyric. I guess the Brandts wanted to make sure the bill at the more upscale Lyric was visible to passersby as they crossed 42nd at 7th Ave – or as they turned the corner.
Hey Cosmic Ray… Great photo, but wrong side of the street. The theatres shown are the Selwyn, Apollo, Times Square, Lyric and Victory (going left to right) – and all occupy the north side of 42nd Street. The Liberty was/is on the south side.
Did the Glory of Easter show do so poorly after the Hall was re-opened in the early 1980’s that it wasn’t economically feasible to continue? Obviously, the Christmas Spectacular has endured, and I do remember they tried to keep the Easter show going for a few years as well, even after the old format of movie and stage show was abandoned. I guess sufficient interest in the Easter show just wasn’t there?
Aha. Thanks, rvb. I thought I read a comment or description above that the theater had a balcony and loge. That makes more sense. From what I understand, they are going to have a removable wall between the orchestra and the rear stadium section so that the rear would operate as a movie theater while the front (and larger) portion of the house would serve for stage performances. The wall would be removable to allow use of the full space for greater seating capacity as needed.
I passed this theater tonight on the way home and grabbed some shots with my cell phone. Restoration appears to be definitely under way, if in early stages. Seems that the old roof has been completely removed and replaced with new steel beams and framework. Several panels of steel roofing are in place, but much of the sides (particularly along the northern exposure) are left open to the elements. I wonder if any of the original interior elements are to be preserved in the renovations? If so, what kind of condition are they in (considering how long there have been gaping holes in the old roof and that the new roof is incomplete). Certainly, the original plaster ceiling must be completely gone.
Anyway, here are the photos:
Long shot of southern exposure
Stage fly tower
Post Ave facade
Marquee and entrance
Marquee closeup
Alt view Post Ave
Southern exposure
Entrance doors
Peak at rubble inside front door
Office door?
Southern wall doors
Fire exit
It’s not so easy to see in that photo labeled “peak at rubble,” but this is a glimpse through a gap of the white-washing on the front doors at the rubble strewn floor just inside the entrance. Looks like there is much to clean up within this building and I really wonder what survives of the original architecture. Also hard to tell from the photo, but I could clearly see daylight at the gap above the doors in the one labeled “fire exit.”
No tell tale markings are evident on the side walls that would indicate there was ever an exterior fire escape for the balcony. I presume the stairs were located within the shell of the building protected by interior fire walls and ventilation?
Would love to see vintage interior photos, if anyone has them.
A sign for the bowling alley – a vertical sign near the roofline spelling out “BOWL” – was still in evidence, if no longer illuminated, when I took the photos I posted back on May 25th, 2007. The photos themselves were taken in the summer of 2005.
Techman, you might be very pleased to learn that there are very legitimate plans that have been announced by the Brooklyn Borough President – at long last – to restore the Loew’s Kings to its former glory and put it to good use as a performing arts venue. The project is set to begin in earnest sometime next year and will hopefully be completed by 2014. That would mean that all five of the original so-called “Wonder Theaters” that Loew’s opened in the Metropolitan area between 1929 – 1930 will be preserved and open to the public – even if the Valencia remains open solely for church services. I think that is pretty remarkable for a town where the legitimate playhouses of Broadway hog up the official landmark spotlight, while our grand old cinematic palaces fall by the wayside. I mean, with the redevelopment of Times Square and the theater district, not ONE of the big-time Broadway premiere movie houses remains standing.
Let me correct myself… the old Warner Brothers' Hollywood Theater remains in all its glory as (surprise surprise) a church – having also spent some time as a legitimate Broadway theater. And the small, but elegant Embassy Theater, which was a newsreel showcase for much of its life, also survives as the home to the Times Square Visitor’s Center. But the Strand, the Warner, Loew’s State, Criterion, DeMille and Rivoli have all met with the wrecking ball after having survived well into the ‘80’s … and beyond in some cases. And before that, the Astor, Victoria, Capitol and Roxy all met with their demises as well. Pretty sad that such a rich history in cinematic presentation has just been wiped so thoroughly clean.
There’s also the Loew’s Paradise up in the Bronx, techman. It survived years of neglect after closing as a sub-divided quad cinema and has been restored to much of its grandeur as a live venue. And then we have the former Loew’s 175th – also turned over to a church back in the late 1960’s – which survives largely intact and well taken care of as the United Palace, a church and live venue. Finally, if one travels across the Hudson, the Loew’s Jersey has been lovingly restored by volunteers and is seasonally operated for a number of years now as a revival movie house. Every now and again they even air out the old Wurlitzer for special events. Both the Jersey and the Paradise were opened in 1929, while the 175th was opened in 1930. And let us not forget that awaiting its restoration and return to glory is the last of the Loew’s wonder theaters, the 1929 Loew’s Kings, still standing on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. I, for one, find it quite remarkable that all 5 of these theaters remain in existence, with 4 of the 5 currently open to the public!
I know that you are quite right, William, but email cost nothing. And if it serves no greater purpose than to get the sentiments off my chest, that’ll just have to do.
The only thing undulating at this point is my stomach! Just posted this response to the article:
“ Why is it that every journalist and political leader accepts the developer’s promises to restore and preserve the "landmarked lobby” of the Keith’s when it is obvious that the interior wall on the souther end of the lobby (where much of the gorgeous architectural detail is still in great shape) will have to be removed so that the rest of the lobby will be visible from the street through the proposed glass wall on Northern Blvd?
How do you display the inside of an egg if you don’t crack it open and remove much of the shell? If the entire lobby is landmarked and to be restored, protected and preserved, how can this be allowed? It’s bad enough the once magnificent auditorium has been allowed to decay past the point of consideration for a truly complete restoration of the entire theater, but are we now to comprimise even on the small part of building that actually IS protected by landmark designation? In some dark corner of Hell, Donald Manes is laughing manically. "
I plan on forwarding these sentiments to Helen Marshall, as well.
The lobby and the topless go go might have been in bad shape after the fire, but judging from those photos, the auditorium itself appears to have been in decent condition.
Thanks, William. I thought so. Since hdtv267’s comment states he saw the movie December 17th, 1979 (3 days after opening night), I assume he must have seen it at the Rivoli and mistaken that theater with the Cinerama. Unless it was on another date.
Hey hdtv267… Back on 12/17/2010, you commented that on that date in 1979, you attended a viewing of Speilberg’s “1941” at the RKO Cinerama. Are you sure you saw it here and not a couple of blocks up Broadway at the Rivoli? I remember the film opened on 12/14/1979 (a week after “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” and same day as Steve Martin’s “The Jerk”) and that I initally saw it at the local UA theater in Lynbrook, Long Island. A big messy film that surely took its lumps from critics, but I was a fan from day one. Even so, as much as I enjoyed it at the Lynbrook, it was seeing that shelled Ferris Wheel roll down the pier and splash into the ocean on the big screen at the Rivoli – in 70mm – that left a truly lasting impression. I could swear I made that trip into the City to see the movie again within a couple of weeks of the movie’s opening. I’m almost certain it opened at the Rivoli – or could it have merely transfered? I doubt it played both theaters concurrently.
A more likely venue for a Dave Clark Five appearance would be the larger Valley Stream theatre on Rockaway Avenue.
Thanks, John. Making an effort to find the time to get back into the swing of things on this site.
Tinseltoes mentioned the one and only Jane Russell in his post of 2/9/2011… Sadly, we lost Ms Russell earlier this week on Monday the 28th, at the age of 89.
Can’t take credit for those photos, SWC. I never made it inside the theater with my camera, alas.
The titles on the marquee in that photo are Abbott and Costello in “Keep ‘Em Flying” and “South of Tahiti.” The A & C flick at the top of the bill opened in NYC on 11/27/1941, so the photo couldn’t date any earlier than that. The supporting feature had opened a month earlier. John Dereszewski is right on the mark with his last comment. If the Regent was a 2nd or 3rd run nabe, the photo probably dates from early 1942. Sure looks like a bright Spring Day, but impossible to tell, particularly with no pedestrians in the shot to help pinpoint the season.
Note to bazookadave and Jeffrey1955… stories of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. Just haven’t had the sort of time to tool around and comment on CT like I used to! Anyway, using this to turn my notifications back on for this theater. I tried to keep on top of goings on here as often as I could, but seems like I missed a whole lot of activity recently. Also wanted to tip my hat to the outstanding work here by SWCphotography!!! So… this nonsensical concept for an undulating panel of glass to display the restored Keith’s lobby (whilst destroying the entire southern wall of the lobby) is still on the table? What a farce!
According to this photo, dated 1981, the theater was occupied by a Hugo’s Steak House as well as a Bargain Storage facility. Comparing to Lost’s 1986 photo… I wonder if these dates are correct. Seems the storage space/steak house usage would have come after the building ceased theatrical operations.
Well… chalk up another lost treasure. Guess the New 42nd Street organization caved in on any hopes of restoring the Liberty – or at least maintaining any of its character in an adaptive re-use. I fear that the same fate awaits the old Times Square Theatre across the street.
Thanks for the links to those photos, RobertR… No one around here (I am a Lynbrook resident) even remembers this theater!!! And, by the way, I guess we can put the debate to rest as to the actual name of the theater. The heading above should be corrected from Studio One to Studio 1.
It’s been so long since I’ve been regularly posting, I’ve forgotten how to add links or pictures here! However, I read two articles today that discuss future plans for this site – one an interview from December 20th with outgoing Lynbrook Mayor Brian Curran, the other an article in the current Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald that quotes the new Mayor, William Hendrick. Mayor Hendrick noted the theater as one of three areas of revitalization for the village that loom large on his agenda. No further details were provided, but the interview with Mayor Curran (now State Assemblyman Curran) notes that there is a commitment on Regal’s behalf to essentially knock down the old theater and build a new one with parking facilities. He compared the scenario to that of the Fantasy Theatre in Rockville Centre. With no other details offered, I’m not sure if that means the old Lynbrook Theatre will definitely be knocked down and replaced or it it will be gutted to its outer walls and remodeled, like the Fantasy was. I’d really hate to see the handsome facade go… Even with a gutted theater, at least the preserved exterior would serve as a deserving nod to the history of this old gal.
Possibly, saps… but due to the angle, it’s impossible to read what’s being advertised on the front board of the Victory’s marquee.
Just noticed that in that ‘52 shot, the side panel of the Victory’s marquee is advertising the bill playing next door at the Lyric. I guess the Brandts wanted to make sure the bill at the more upscale Lyric was visible to passersby as they crossed 42nd at 7th Ave – or as they turned the corner.
Hey Cosmic Ray… Great photo, but wrong side of the street. The theatres shown are the Selwyn, Apollo, Times Square, Lyric and Victory (going left to right) – and all occupy the north side of 42nd Street. The Liberty was/is on the south side.
“Smoking in the Mezzanine”… Days long gone by, thankfully! But I remember them well.