I just saw “Revenge of the Sith” there on the big screen. I had to see it there on the big screen main auditorium because I’ve seen every Star Wars film on that screen since 1977. That experience in “77 was one of the best. I could only imagine what the theater was like as a single screen.
JohnO: any way you can scan the pictures from that magazine and put them in here?
Ken…I can understand the disapointment to the “low” attendance for a great show the Loews Jersey puts on. I missed the weekends show, regretably. I believe the problem is in the schedueling of the showing. On a Friday night I’d bet that not many people , after a hard week at work wish to venture to busy Jersey City for a later show which they won’t get out till 11pm. The area is not the best.
“My” opinion, is that the Loews should scheduele more matinees for weekends, Saturday especially, and Sunday. It’s much more appealing to make it an event for the early day (while it’s daylight) and to know you still have the rest of the day to yourself. I’ve been a dedicated fan of the Lafayette’s BigScreen series and they get a tremendous turnout for their Saturday morning shows at 11:30am. While the crowd is many of the elderly set, I don’t imagine many would be up for a 8pm show. I would have loved to have seen Trek II on the Jersey screen but the 8:15pm show just couldn’t drag me out there.
There are obviously many who disagree but , remember, this is just one person’s opinion..mine, so please excuse me sounding like an old rag. I just wish the showtimes were more accessable than to have later evening shows..that’s just me. I saw “Great Escape” and “Great Dictator” at a low attended Sunday matinee. The Loews is a great theater and the people who work there are dedicated to movies. I hope they sell out the house for every show.
It was a great article and great pics of the interior. I think that more people will want to venture out to see the theater now. It’s too bad the Bigscreen Classic series is coming to an end for the Summer.
That’s great that money has been used for renovation…BUT…I doubt seriously that they’re restoring the art work or procenium…what I gather from the reports is that they’re removing every other seat so the “clientele” has a harder time performing sexual acts with each other. So,with all this support to the “clientele”, let’s be frank..they’re not there to watch a movie. They do have places for that…especially in Passaic…no wait, there is a place for that…The Montauk Theater…I have an old newspaper ad from the Montauk when they showed, “My Fair Lady” and “Butch Cassidy”. Sorry, but the Montauk is a symbol for all that’s bad in Passaic. What is the point of keeping it open if alls it’s used for is a XXX sex house. Maybe they should show Shrek to clean the place out. If they are renovating parts of the theater, who’ll see it??
Last week I went to the Loews Jersey for the first time to see “Great Escape” and “Great Dictator”…what an experience…I went across the street to the Stanley and a security guard took me inside and talked to me about it…what a theater it must have been back then…question..the procenium where the screen would be didn’t look as though it would encase a huge screen fitting for the size of the theater…anybody have info on that??
“Great Escape” was my first visit to the Loews..WOW…..my jaw dropped…what a theater…..I’ve never visited before because Jersey City isn’t the best of neighborhoods and the showtimes are usually too late…but this one i made work (Would the Loews consider an early start time for matinees…The Lafayette starts at 11:30am on Saturday and they get huge crowds…sometimes it’s just too late a start that takes up the day….for me at least…anyway) The print was awesome..although the projectionist at times seemed to be asleep at the wheel (sound loss, framing ) but an overall good experience….I really wanted to stay for Patton but it was too long to wait between shows and a 8:15 start time meant a late departure and driving through Jersey City back to route 3 would have been a nightmare so I reluctantly skipped it…I came back the next day for “Great Dictator”…it was great…I’m sorry there wasn’t more of a crowd…it deserved better….the theater did…My hat’s off to ALL the volunteers who give their time to keep classic movies, theaters and moviegoing alive…I hope the Loews Jersey goes to bigger and better and gets sell-out crowds…
That’s right CC..it just seems that Montauk’s owner is holding it for a tax write-off. Passiac has a gem in it’s own backyard but they’re goin got just let it fester….a damn shame
Theaterat….as an Italian, I don’t find the Great Dictator to be demeaning to Italians but a slap in the face of Naziism and Facism (did I spell it right) at the time yes, Italy was teaming with Nazi Germany, so they were enemies. Plus, it’s a comedy movie and it hit at the right time…I also don’t find The Godfather or The Sopranos to be an insult to Italians….I mean, who is the Mafia??….but I do find them to be great entertainment classics….you need to lighten up paisan!!!
I saw “INvasion of the Body Snatchers” on opening night in 78 at the Totowa Cinema 1. It was excellent. They had Dolby in only one theater. It was an excellent theater. They always had matinees and for years had continuous shows every day. There were only minutes between showtimes, not like today when there’s about an hour between shows at multiplexes. Does anyone remember the big screen when it was a single theater…it was sheetrock i believe. I loved going up to it and knocking on it. It was awesome.
Does anone have any photos of the Totowa Cinema, either interior or exterior??
I’ve never been to the Loews Jersey City. The showtimes never jived to my liking but with a matinee of Great escape and Dictator I might just take a trip. Re: Patton: What kind of print will it be. It definitely won’t be the D-150 print but will it be a standard Panavision 35MM?? How bout quality?? If I have to kill an hour between showtimes, are there places around to go? and how bout the parking situation?? If I go, I hope it’s a great experience and not one where I say I’ll never go back…Jersey City is not the best of sections…but look forward to the flicks
The reason I believe the Paramus picture show never took off was because of the theater itself. It had the same old seating from when it opened. The lighting was drab and dank and very dark which gave the place a seedy feel. Sometimes, the heating or AC wouldn’t work…The screen was a good size for a smaller theater but it was dirty and the projection was extrememly poor. I saw The Pianist there, couldn’t see a thing. The soind was 1 channel mono, they never updated with Dolby.
A
Although it was the only place to see Art/Foreign films, …who went to see them??? Yes, there were some good houses but they could’ve used the theater for more…Example: Wouldn’t it have been great if they showed a Classic film series there just as The Lafayette does, I BET it would have been great…but the owners didn’t put anything in to the theater, advertising or programming….Overall, it was a nice theater…with a little update and upkeep it could have been used for alot more…So, the wrecking ball got another one…another victory for multiplexes, bad movies and teen audiences.
It WAS the Totowa Drive-IN, right across the road from the Totowa Cinema. It was right behind the Lantern Restaurant (which is now a used car lot) I remeber having a burger and siting by the back window and watching the movies on the drive in screen as a kid.
No one on this site is denying ones right to attend a porno theater if that is your thing, after all in 1974 the Montauk played “Deep Throat” and “Devil and Miss Jones” on a double bill and it was a sell out smash hit. But that was the 70’s, a different time. To those who say they’re glad there’s a theater that shows porn, that’s your right. But, it’s not being a “homophobe” to say that the Montauk is a dilapidated mess. If you wish to go to a theater and see porn the Montauk’s your place, but, when the police have to raid it because men are having sex in the balcony or aisle or bathroom then something is quite wrong. If you want to meet “men” then go to a bar or answer a personal ad. Yes, the Montauk adds a bad element to the former great Passaic. If the theater is that great a monument, then restoring it for more family friendly entertainment is the way. But the owner has no intention of doing so because it’s a great writeoff. They have not upkept the quality of the theater, just the opposite, they let it go because it’s a place for degenerates and perverts. (Those who use the theater for sex needs). There’s many here who are upset that they closed the porn places on 42nd street in NY. I tremember walking along 42nd street in the 80’s. It was a mess and those theaters did not help. They attracted pimps, prostitutes, hustlers, drugs. A family visiting NYC had to fear. Now it’s all Disney. While I wish it could be more single screen theaters, I’m glad they cleaned it up. If you want to buy a popcorn and sit in peace and watch a porn film (in fact I believe they don’t show film but video)then knock yourself out, but it seems that won’t happen .
I never was at the Hyway when it was a single (wish I was) as I was always at it’s sister theater the Wayne Preakness (they both played the same films) I saw Amadeus and Dawn of the dead at the twin theater, it wasn’t bad, but then I saw Species 2 at the 5 plex. What a dank, depressing mono sound bad projection uncomforatable, small theater. I’ll never go there again. It’s a big neighborhood theater so the townies go there.
I also will never go to the Hawthorne anymore (my God, what a shoebox) I saw The Poseidon Adventure and Blazing Saddles and Patton and One Million Years B.C there when it was a palace.
Those theaters with the Allwood and Claridge in Montclair. Former grand palaces now 5 plexes that are the dankest of hellholes.
The Lafayette is the ONLY theater to get it right. If it wasn’t for the theater and it’s offerings, I don’t think I’d be loving movies like I have considering the crap that’s out there now parading as the next big thing. Now is the time for the overrated drek that’s going to win Oscars. Me?? I’m looking forward to “Wonderful Life” for the 300th time.
Bob, that really stinks that you had 2 bad experiences at Film Forum. I’ve had the same problem with “cavallier” attitude with young theater employees who know nothing about film presentation. I’ve always had good experiences at Film Forum re: presentation though. When the film starts there’s always someone in there to see things are going well. Also, I remember a time when a theater manager was reaming an employee regarding a film problem and not noticing it. (Maybe that mgr. is no longer there) but I hear where you’re coming from. My objections are, the seating, if someone sits in front of you you’re doomed, and the size of the screen and auditorium.
BUT: now the Lafayette is the MAIN theater for me and anyone I talk to because when something goes wrong, be it focus, framing, sound or otherwise, I keep the comfort of my seat cause Pete Apruzzese in on the problem like a fly on sugar. The people of The Lafayette are a unique breed haven’t seen since the 70’s. A great entertainment showplace…let me correct that: THE greatest.
It’s good to see that new people are attending the lafayette. I became one of the converted with the first Bigscreenclassic series and have been going ever since. I beat the drum whenever i talk to people about the Lafayette and have even dragged a friend or 2 to the screenings. This theater and series will keep getting bigger and it should. It is THE best venue to watch a great movie in.
Re: Film Forum. Yes, the screen is smaller, the theaters narrow and small but I do have to say, they take their screenings seriously and always make sure there’s no glitches. and they get great prints. I saw some Godzilla films there recently as well as The Leopard, Serpico and they were restored great prints. They show alot of other films that some theaters probably won’t show. While it’s NOT up to the Lafayette’s standard, it is a good alternative.
Also, not to forget, the new Big Screen Classic series kicks off next week 9/18/04 with The Caine Mutiny. I’m definitely gonna try to make some of the Sci-Fi flicks.
If you’ve never been to the Lafayette you’ll love it when you walk in. It’s like potatoe chips, can’t have just one.
It seems that within the next few years, most of the classic theaters will be closed forever leaving just the multiplexes. I never went to the Sutton. Wish I did. I hear Cinema 1 isn’t the same as it was years ago when it was a premiere theater. Now they show the crap.
So, that leaves what? Radio City which only shows premieres with invited audiences and the Ziegfeld which isn’t even open every day, doesn’t show 70MM anymore (who does) and shows mainstream. We’re doomed!! Soon on this site there will really be nothing to talk about. The Astor Plaza site, which was one of the busiest is basically a ghost town, now that it’s gone.
We must be on the same page. I attend the Lafayette every week since the Bigscreen Classics started (I think I missed just 1 last season) I love that theater and the way they present the films. I’ll be there next week also (although maybe not for all of them) and the following week for “Caine Mutiny”. I’m kind of lost when the series ends. That theater is the last one that is a throwback to the good ole days. A small world huh?
My childhood memories are of The Plaza Theater in paterson. I practically lived there. I’m on my way now to the Film Forum, NYC to see some Godzilla movies to re-live the old days. I never been to the Montauk for the same reasons as you, but I’d love to see the interior to see what it looked like. it must be something as it seated over 2000 people…but I won’t pay to go in there now, you know what I mean.
I really want to attend the Loews Jersey City but the showtimes for me are not that good. Too many weekend shows at night. I wish they’d show more early matinees.
Let me know if you get those pics scanned, would love to see them.
You’re SO right. Being a Paterson native myself and having been to the Fabian when I was a kid, I am greatly saddened on how they let this theater disolve into an eyesore. The hard part is, that it’s still there. I always wished too that someone would restore this theater to it’s original design so that it could become a live landmark for Paterson to show premieres, concerts, shows etc.
Can you imagine the 50th of “A and C, Jack and the beanstalk” at the Fabian, where it premiered. What a story that would’ve been.
You’re right about Paterson. It’s not a safe haven for anyone, even in daytime. Back in the day, my mother could take us kids there, park on the street and not have to worry about getting mugged. It was a different time. Paterson was different. Like the Fabian, The Plaza Theater on Union Ave. also dilapidated and was finally demolished for an auto parts store 2 years ago. Paterson has not one theater now. I don’t know, was it the movies that brought in the bad crowds or just a sign of the times. Blaxploitation, kung fu, slasher movies. Some of them were pretty good and are now classics. I think that through the years, people just become more disrespectful. That’s why the theaters failed. Bad management, bad product, bad people, the times.
Bob, I always wanted to get inside the Fabian to see what it’s become, as well as to have some nostalgic flashback. Might you have any pictures of it’s interior. I was there last year and took pics of the exterior.
TC….how do you get on that site…there’s a password login??
The Little Cinema stated in 1970 as one theater then they made another down the hall. Both small but descent theaters.
I just saw “Revenge of the Sith” there on the big screen. I had to see it there on the big screen main auditorium because I’ve seen every Star Wars film on that screen since 1977. That experience in “77 was one of the best. I could only imagine what the theater was like as a single screen.
JohnO: any way you can scan the pictures from that magazine and put them in here?
Ken…I can understand the disapointment to the “low” attendance for a great show the Loews Jersey puts on. I missed the weekends show, regretably. I believe the problem is in the schedueling of the showing. On a Friday night I’d bet that not many people , after a hard week at work wish to venture to busy Jersey City for a later show which they won’t get out till 11pm. The area is not the best.
“My” opinion, is that the Loews should scheduele more matinees for weekends, Saturday especially, and Sunday. It’s much more appealing to make it an event for the early day (while it’s daylight) and to know you still have the rest of the day to yourself. I’ve been a dedicated fan of the Lafayette’s BigScreen series and they get a tremendous turnout for their Saturday morning shows at 11:30am. While the crowd is many of the elderly set, I don’t imagine many would be up for a 8pm show. I would have loved to have seen Trek II on the Jersey screen but the 8:15pm show just couldn’t drag me out there.
There are obviously many who disagree but , remember, this is just one person’s opinion..mine, so please excuse me sounding like an old rag. I just wish the showtimes were more accessable than to have later evening shows..that’s just me. I saw “Great Escape” and “Great Dictator” at a low attended Sunday matinee. The Loews is a great theater and the people who work there are dedicated to movies. I hope they sell out the house for every show.
BTW…what’s up next?
Great ad Bill…..from 2001 to gay porn….it’s enough to make you cry. I bet the Montauk was something to behold as a theater , back in the day
It was a great article and great pics of the interior. I think that more people will want to venture out to see the theater now. It’s too bad the Bigscreen Classic series is coming to an end for the Summer.
That’s great that money has been used for renovation…BUT…I doubt seriously that they’re restoring the art work or procenium…what I gather from the reports is that they’re removing every other seat so the “clientele” has a harder time performing sexual acts with each other. So,with all this support to the “clientele”, let’s be frank..they’re not there to watch a movie. They do have places for that…especially in Passaic…no wait, there is a place for that…The Montauk Theater…I have an old newspaper ad from the Montauk when they showed, “My Fair Lady” and “Butch Cassidy”. Sorry, but the Montauk is a symbol for all that’s bad in Passaic. What is the point of keeping it open if alls it’s used for is a XXX sex house. Maybe they should show Shrek to clean the place out. If they are renovating parts of the theater, who’ll see it??
Last week I went to the Loews Jersey for the first time to see “Great Escape” and “Great Dictator”…what an experience…I went across the street to the Stanley and a security guard took me inside and talked to me about it…what a theater it must have been back then…question..the procenium where the screen would be didn’t look as though it would encase a huge screen fitting for the size of the theater…anybody have info on that??
“Great Escape” was my first visit to the Loews..WOW…..my jaw dropped…what a theater…..I’ve never visited before because Jersey City isn’t the best of neighborhoods and the showtimes are usually too late…but this one i made work (Would the Loews consider an early start time for matinees…The Lafayette starts at 11:30am on Saturday and they get huge crowds…sometimes it’s just too late a start that takes up the day….for me at least…anyway) The print was awesome..although the projectionist at times seemed to be asleep at the wheel (sound loss, framing ) but an overall good experience….I really wanted to stay for Patton but it was too long to wait between shows and a 8:15 start time meant a late departure and driving through Jersey City back to route 3 would have been a nightmare so I reluctantly skipped it…I came back the next day for “Great Dictator”…it was great…I’m sorry there wasn’t more of a crowd…it deserved better….the theater did…My hat’s off to ALL the volunteers who give their time to keep classic movies, theaters and moviegoing alive…I hope the Loews Jersey goes to bigger and better and gets sell-out crowds…
That’s right CC..it just seems that Montauk’s owner is holding it for a tax write-off. Passiac has a gem in it’s own backyard but they’re goin got just let it fester….a damn shame
Theaterat….as an Italian, I don’t find the Great Dictator to be demeaning to Italians but a slap in the face of Naziism and Facism (did I spell it right) at the time yes, Italy was teaming with Nazi Germany, so they were enemies. Plus, it’s a comedy movie and it hit at the right time…I also don’t find The Godfather or The Sopranos to be an insult to Italians….I mean, who is the Mafia??….but I do find them to be great entertainment classics….you need to lighten up paisan!!!
I saw “INvasion of the Body Snatchers” on opening night in 78 at the Totowa Cinema 1. It was excellent. They had Dolby in only one theater. It was an excellent theater. They always had matinees and for years had continuous shows every day. There were only minutes between showtimes, not like today when there’s about an hour between shows at multiplexes. Does anyone remember the big screen when it was a single theater…it was sheetrock i believe. I loved going up to it and knocking on it. It was awesome.
Does anone have any photos of the Totowa Cinema, either interior or exterior??
I’ve never been to the Loews Jersey City. The showtimes never jived to my liking but with a matinee of Great escape and Dictator I might just take a trip. Re: Patton: What kind of print will it be. It definitely won’t be the D-150 print but will it be a standard Panavision 35MM?? How bout quality?? If I have to kill an hour between showtimes, are there places around to go? and how bout the parking situation?? If I go, I hope it’s a great experience and not one where I say I’ll never go back…Jersey City is not the best of sections…but look forward to the flicks
The reason I believe the Paramus picture show never took off was because of the theater itself. It had the same old seating from when it opened. The lighting was drab and dank and very dark which gave the place a seedy feel. Sometimes, the heating or AC wouldn’t work…The screen was a good size for a smaller theater but it was dirty and the projection was extrememly poor. I saw The Pianist there, couldn’t see a thing. The soind was 1 channel mono, they never updated with Dolby.
A
Although it was the only place to see Art/Foreign films, …who went to see them??? Yes, there were some good houses but they could’ve used the theater for more…Example: Wouldn’t it have been great if they showed a Classic film series there just as The Lafayette does, I BET it would have been great…but the owners didn’t put anything in to the theater, advertising or programming….Overall, it was a nice theater…with a little update and upkeep it could have been used for alot more…So, the wrecking ball got another one…another victory for multiplexes, bad movies and teen audiences.
It WAS the Totowa Drive-IN, right across the road from the Totowa Cinema. It was right behind the Lantern Restaurant (which is now a used car lot) I remeber having a burger and siting by the back window and watching the movies on the drive in screen as a kid.
No one on this site is denying ones right to attend a porno theater if that is your thing, after all in 1974 the Montauk played “Deep Throat” and “Devil and Miss Jones” on a double bill and it was a sell out smash hit. But that was the 70’s, a different time. To those who say they’re glad there’s a theater that shows porn, that’s your right. But, it’s not being a “homophobe” to say that the Montauk is a dilapidated mess. If you wish to go to a theater and see porn the Montauk’s your place, but, when the police have to raid it because men are having sex in the balcony or aisle or bathroom then something is quite wrong. If you want to meet “men” then go to a bar or answer a personal ad. Yes, the Montauk adds a bad element to the former great Passaic. If the theater is that great a monument, then restoring it for more family friendly entertainment is the way. But the owner has no intention of doing so because it’s a great writeoff. They have not upkept the quality of the theater, just the opposite, they let it go because it’s a place for degenerates and perverts. (Those who use the theater for sex needs). There’s many here who are upset that they closed the porn places on 42nd street in NY. I tremember walking along 42nd street in the 80’s. It was a mess and those theaters did not help. They attracted pimps, prostitutes, hustlers, drugs. A family visiting NYC had to fear. Now it’s all Disney. While I wish it could be more single screen theaters, I’m glad they cleaned it up. If you want to buy a popcorn and sit in peace and watch a porn film (in fact I believe they don’t show film but video)then knock yourself out, but it seems that won’t happen .
I never was at the Hyway when it was a single (wish I was) as I was always at it’s sister theater the Wayne Preakness (they both played the same films) I saw Amadeus and Dawn of the dead at the twin theater, it wasn’t bad, but then I saw Species 2 at the 5 plex. What a dank, depressing mono sound bad projection uncomforatable, small theater. I’ll never go there again. It’s a big neighborhood theater so the townies go there.
I also will never go to the Hawthorne anymore (my God, what a shoebox) I saw The Poseidon Adventure and Blazing Saddles and Patton and One Million Years B.C there when it was a palace.
Those theaters with the Allwood and Claridge in Montclair. Former grand palaces now 5 plexes that are the dankest of hellholes.
The Lafayette is the ONLY theater to get it right. If it wasn’t for the theater and it’s offerings, I don’t think I’d be loving movies like I have considering the crap that’s out there now parading as the next big thing. Now is the time for the overrated drek that’s going to win Oscars. Me?? I’m looking forward to “Wonderful Life” for the 300th time.
Bob, that really stinks that you had 2 bad experiences at Film Forum. I’ve had the same problem with “cavallier” attitude with young theater employees who know nothing about film presentation. I’ve always had good experiences at Film Forum re: presentation though. When the film starts there’s always someone in there to see things are going well. Also, I remember a time when a theater manager was reaming an employee regarding a film problem and not noticing it. (Maybe that mgr. is no longer there) but I hear where you’re coming from. My objections are, the seating, if someone sits in front of you you’re doomed, and the size of the screen and auditorium.
BUT: now the Lafayette is the MAIN theater for me and anyone I talk to because when something goes wrong, be it focus, framing, sound or otherwise, I keep the comfort of my seat cause Pete Apruzzese in on the problem like a fly on sugar. The people of The Lafayette are a unique breed haven’t seen since the 70’s. A great entertainment showplace…let me correct that: THE greatest.
It’s good to see that new people are attending the lafayette. I became one of the converted with the first Bigscreenclassic series and have been going ever since. I beat the drum whenever i talk to people about the Lafayette and have even dragged a friend or 2 to the screenings. This theater and series will keep getting bigger and it should. It is THE best venue to watch a great movie in.
Re: Film Forum. Yes, the screen is smaller, the theaters narrow and small but I do have to say, they take their screenings seriously and always make sure there’s no glitches. and they get great prints. I saw some Godzilla films there recently as well as The Leopard, Serpico and they were restored great prints. They show alot of other films that some theaters probably won’t show. While it’s NOT up to the Lafayette’s standard, it is a good alternative.
Also, not to forget, the new Big Screen Classic series kicks off next week 9/18/04 with The Caine Mutiny. I’m definitely gonna try to make some of the Sci-Fi flicks.
If you’ve never been to the Lafayette you’ll love it when you walk in. It’s like potatoe chips, can’t have just one.
It seems that within the next few years, most of the classic theaters will be closed forever leaving just the multiplexes. I never went to the Sutton. Wish I did. I hear Cinema 1 isn’t the same as it was years ago when it was a premiere theater. Now they show the crap.
So, that leaves what? Radio City which only shows premieres with invited audiences and the Ziegfeld which isn’t even open every day, doesn’t show 70MM anymore (who does) and shows mainstream. We’re doomed!! Soon on this site there will really be nothing to talk about. The Astor Plaza site, which was one of the busiest is basically a ghost town, now that it’s gone.
Bob,
We must be on the same page. I attend the Lafayette every week since the Bigscreen Classics started (I think I missed just 1 last season) I love that theater and the way they present the films. I’ll be there next week also (although maybe not for all of them) and the following week for “Caine Mutiny”. I’m kind of lost when the series ends. That theater is the last one that is a throwback to the good ole days. A small world huh?
My childhood memories are of The Plaza Theater in paterson. I practically lived there. I’m on my way now to the Film Forum, NYC to see some Godzilla movies to re-live the old days. I never been to the Montauk for the same reasons as you, but I’d love to see the interior to see what it looked like. it must be something as it seated over 2000 people…but I won’t pay to go in there now, you know what I mean.
I really want to attend the Loews Jersey City but the showtimes for me are not that good. Too many weekend shows at night. I wish they’d show more early matinees.
Let me know if you get those pics scanned, would love to see them.
Thanks Bob
Bob
I would love to see those photos from The Fabian, especially the interior shots. If it is easier, I can give you my e-mail. Let me know.
BTW…what other Passaic County theaters do you rememeber and that you might have frequented?
Bob,
You’re SO right. Being a Paterson native myself and having been to the Fabian when I was a kid, I am greatly saddened on how they let this theater disolve into an eyesore. The hard part is, that it’s still there. I always wished too that someone would restore this theater to it’s original design so that it could become a live landmark for Paterson to show premieres, concerts, shows etc.
Can you imagine the 50th of “A and C, Jack and the beanstalk” at the Fabian, where it premiered. What a story that would’ve been.
You’re right about Paterson. It’s not a safe haven for anyone, even in daytime. Back in the day, my mother could take us kids there, park on the street and not have to worry about getting mugged. It was a different time. Paterson was different. Like the Fabian, The Plaza Theater on Union Ave. also dilapidated and was finally demolished for an auto parts store 2 years ago. Paterson has not one theater now. I don’t know, was it the movies that brought in the bad crowds or just a sign of the times. Blaxploitation, kung fu, slasher movies. Some of them were pretty good and are now classics. I think that through the years, people just become more disrespectful. That’s why the theaters failed. Bad management, bad product, bad people, the times.
Bob, I always wanted to get inside the Fabian to see what it’s become, as well as to have some nostalgic flashback. Might you have any pictures of it’s interior. I was there last year and took pics of the exterior.
longislandmovies….might you have any pictures from the National that show the theaters interior or exterior?? would love to see them?