Loew's Jersey Theatre
54 Journal Square,
Jersey City,
NJ
07306
54 Journal Square,
Jersey City,
NJ
07306
98 people
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Theaterat…I know. This whole thing is totally off topic. Sorry to take up all the space. One final thing: I know the 80s weren’t even close to being what the 60s were, but compared to now it seems like a time of cultural fertility (is that a phrase?), it was still a good time to grow up in. And yeah CC, you aren’t the only one. iPods aren’t only making people physically deaf, they’re making them mentally deaf as well.
NOW…back to discussing the Loews Jersey.
To quote Dennis Hopper" If you remember the 60s, you probably weren`t there". I grew up in this era{ late 60s early 70s} and even though lots of lousy things such as Viet Nam, LBJ, the Kennedy and King murders, drugs, Watergate,etc etc happened, this was a Great era that I remember fondly. Put THAT in your I POD and play it!As far as the 80s were concerned, they could never equal the 60s.What all of this has to do with the Jersey, I have no clue, but I AM looking foward to seeing the TEN COMMANDMENTS on the big screen.And yes, I was at the 2-11 screening of The Misfits and it was excellent to see it on the big screen. There was a decent audience, but the threat of snow probably kept a lot of people away. And the grayhound dogs up for adoption were sooooo cute!
“Youth today does nothing earth shattering and will leave behind a weak legacy when they move ahead to their 30s and 40s.”
Thus Bush reigns supreme. I feel sometimes like I’m a lone voice screaming about him. Everyone else is like “hey, I got my ipod. What the hell do I care what he does.”
And yes, I too wish the 80s were here again.
I don’t know about that Ron Newman. I wouldn’t just say we’re ‘too old’ to understand what they’re doing. I would love for a really great rock band, for example, to come out of the current youth generation. I know that if it was there I would be listening to it. A good example in the last few years isThe White Stripes. When they came around about 6 or so years ago, one could argue that I was ‘too old’ to understand them. At that point I was just approaching my mid-thirties. But once I found out about them I was an instant fan because they come from a REAL place. I bought their records, went to their shows just like any other ‘kid’
Another example is the 60s/Baby Boom generation. The things that that generation did in terms of popular culture effected EVERYONE. From entertainment to design, etc. the hippie and/or psychedelic ethic was everywhere because it came from a REAL place. People (even those above age 30) were either totally immersed in it (look at something like Laugh-In), or trying very hard to understand it (the WWII genration). It was the subject of documentaries and lengthy articles. It was young people DOING something. I don’t see that happening now. Youth today does nothing earth shattering and will leave behind a weak legacy when they move ahead to their 30s and 40s.
And CC you’re totally right, the 80s, as boring as they could seem sometimes, really were the last stand in terms of true cutting edge. I hate to admit it, but in some ways I wish those days were still around (cue violins).
Whatever kids today find cutting edge, it’s something we don’t know about because we’re too old to hear about it. It’s always that way.
(sorry for the off-topic post, but I couldn’t resist)
Oh, boy age and experience….yes, I’d argue that Gen X was the last to experience things that could truly be called cutting edge. I saw this movie with my daughter called “Sky High”. And what was the soundtrack made up of? I couldn’t believe it but it was ALL remakes of 80’s music. Rather than make me feel old, it made me feel proud. I think now that the 80s music (I’m not going to name groups…if you agree with what I’m saying you know who I mean) was the last great stand. Grunge could’ve been something but it got old fast and Nirvana’s demise ended it. Then there was a lull in the mid 90s, a vacuum rather in music that got filled in with (UGH) this popcorn crap (Spears, Lohan, forget it…I don’t even want to talk about that).
But it’s the same with film. I grew up with all the stuff my folks watched and learned from them. I knew all of Jack Benny’s schtick, Crosby, Astaire (with Rogers and without), Gene Kelly. I saw war movies with my Dad and musicals with my Mom (and sometimes Dad). They had no problem taking me to see cutting edge stuff in the 70s. Movie going then was still an experience. Some people say that “Jaws” was the beginning of the end of real movie going but I say WRONG. It was just another in a long line of splendid, wonderful movie experiences for me starting around 1972 and going pretty strong up until around 1995 or 96 or so when things started to really die.
Now? Well it’s all so sad. What do “kids” have now that’s really, really inspiring? During the 60s and 70s we had it all: music, movies, cheap and readily available and maybe 4 or 5 tv stations to watch. It’s easier now to GET information but isn’t it odd that since it’s so easy to get it, it’s just not that good anymore?
Where are the Kubricks, the Lennon-McCartneys, The Eagles, The Fleetwood Macs the _______________ (fill in whatever)…you get the idea.
When a low budget kids movie has to reach back to the 80s for inspiration, you know that things today are a wasteland.
Irv: I’m 51, and I grew up with the Beatles, Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, “West Side Story”, and many more people and things that have no equivalent in the 21st century. I wouldn’t trade being young in the ‘60’s with being young today for anything.
CC I hear you on the ‘time marches on factor’, but just for the reocord I have to say that I’m not jealous of the kids today (I said it again). Usually us aging people are supposed to wish we were younger, I guess alot of people do but I would in no way shape or form want to be a young person today. They don’t know it but their world is significantly more boring than mine was as a kid. In fact I would argue that the kids that grew up when I did, in the 80s & 90s, the so-called ‘Gen-X’ people, really had a good span of time when being young really still meant something. In fact I would say that good old American post war youth culture started with rock and roll in the 50s with Elvis, etc. and from where I’m sitting probably ended somewhere in the 90s. I don’t know how to explain that further, but in a short way but I’ll use the example of living in New York City 20 years ago: coming to New York for me back then meant being as experimental and as crazy as I wanted to be because the resources for being that way in this town were unlimited. And I’m not just talking about partying, I’m talking about real life changing, educational, revelations (and partying), the things that being young are REALLY about. Not being plugged into an iPod 24/7. I see all these kids moving into town now and I just think..what are they doing here? It’s pretty much over for the city at this point. Are they here to hang out it in Williamsburg? Poseur haven of the universe?
Before I get off my soap-box, I’ll just say that youth is a state of mind, and I definitely know that in light of all the things I just said about the current generation of young people, that I am WAAAY younger than they are.
Thanks CC for that verification. Didn’t mean to sound like a Kael basher earlier – I always enjoyed reading her reviews, even when I disagreed with her. It’s just that she seemed to miss the boat by a mile when it came to some of my all-time favorites, not just “West Side Story” but “Doctor Zhivago”, “Star Wars”, etc. She called “2001” a “monumentally unimaginative movie” – huh? On the other hand, she said “Last Tango in Paris” has “changed the face of an art form”. Does anybody else still think that? Did anyone except her EVER think it? I guess the fact that I still remember the adjectives and phrases she used to put down the movies I loved the most proves that I’m a Kael fan.
IRV: Not sure how long the “kids” today’s attention span is. You sound like you’re close to my age and it’s frightening to hear me and others of my time using phrases like Kids today. Oye.
But sadly it’s true and I believe you were the one who pointed how “kids” today lack the guts (not the word you used) to live in the city as it was in the early 80s: gritty, wonderful and alive.
Let’s face it WSS is a LONG movie. While I really enjoyed seeing it at The Ziegefeld, I went more as a film historian/buff, whatever you want to call it than I did as a fan of musicals or of WSS. There were moments when I was briefly wishing that things would move along at a faster pace. But I also reminded myself that this film was not made for the 2006 audience. It was made for the people of the late 50s and early 60s who were more interested not only in musicals but actually going out and sitting in a movie theater for 2 ½ hours. As we all know movie-going back then was a different more significant experience than it is now. Film school taught me to expand my attention span which as a kid raised in the 70s, was probably shorter than previous generations but no doubt LONGER than kids today, that’s for sure. Overall, the length of this film didn’t take anything away from the experience of seeing it on the big screen.
Regarding “Gee, Office Krupke”, IMDB makes note of that switch:
In the original Broadway production, the placement of “Gee, Officer Krupke” had more to do with the scene-changing requirements of a live performance than with dramatic logic – and many theatergoers felt the sassy, light-hearted tone of the song seemed particularly out of place following a scene in which two prominent characters have been killed. The movie rectified that complaint by placing the song before the plot-wrenching rumble – switching it with “Cool”, which originally related to pre-rumble behavior but even more meaningfully relates in the film to post-rumble behavior.
I was 12 when I saw an excellent off Broadway version of WSS. And I distinctly remembering thinking that the “Gee Office Krupke” seemed weird in light of what just happened. So when I read this, I realized I wasn’t the only one.
CC: Wasn’t “Gee, Officer Krupke” placed AFTER the rumble in the play as well? That makes no sense at all. I think the reversals of that song and “Cool” were the work of the late great screenwriter Ernest Lehman.
I think Kael’s daughter was being sarcastic. If she didn’t like the music, then having to sit through it for two and a half hours would be like a punishment to her, an eternity. Because of Pauline’s job, they most likely saw it on opening week or even opening night, so the soundtrack album wouldn’t have been overplayed yet.
Whoa boy…Kael bashing. So funny because I remember reading her rather scathing review of WSS about ten years ago in one of her collections. And Bill Huelbig, I too distinctly remember her comment about her daughter. What got me about that remark was/is: exactly what does she mean? Either it’s her opinion that the music is simply retreads of other music or the WSS soundtrack was played to death at that point. I’m a HUGE fan of Kael’s BTW. There are many occasions wher I feel she was off the mark (she liked “Mommie Dearest” but gave a scathing review of Costa Gravas' “Missing”???!!!) All in all, she hit the mark extremely well.
The bad thing about WSS at The Ziegfeld is that it’s now making the rounds on Cable TV. I just saw it last Saturday.
Overall, WSS has aged Ok. The music is simply beautiful. Melodic and catchy without the snobishness that Sondheim has now adopted. But Wood and Beymer are hopelessly miscast. Only Moreno and the GREEK(!!!!) Chakiris ring true as do the supporting cast.
But all objections MUST be laid aside for the absolute BEST scene in the movie: COOL. The scene is placed in a much better place than in the play as it comes AFTER the fatal rumble so it’s line: “turn down the juice boy” makes scary, unnerving sense. It’s phenomenol. I’ve loved that scene since I was a kid. And there’s not one single lead character in it.
I remember Kael making fun of the “blast of stereophonic music” when the overture started. Seems to me like she’d already made up her mind not to like the movie in the first 30 seconds. Another story about her and WSS: on her way out of the theater after seeing it with her daughter, they overheard someone saying, “I could listen to that music forever.” Kael’s daughter shot back, “We HAVE been listening to it forever!” That remark must have made her mother very proud. There really is no accounting for taste, especially somebody else’s.
Bill I can’t wait. I love the great conducting of Johnny Green whatever he did. And on this job he outdid himself.
Not sure if this is true or not but I believe I read that when the soundtrack was played for Bernstein for the first time at a party he hated it so much he humiliated Green in front of everybody.
When Kael reviewed the film I believe she made a swipe at the stereo sound as well.
There must have been something in the water in ‘61.
I was at the OLD YELLER screening and it was fairly lighty attended and, because of the pre-film festivities, I now know more about greyhounds than I ever need to.
I don’t know if the March programs will tickle your fancy, but there will be two programs that March so hopefully they will step up the schedule:
March 10 & 11: Bad Day at Black Rock, East of Eden & Rebel Without a Cause. The series has something to do with films made or released in ‘55 that didn’t get nominated for an Academy Award.
March 24 & 25: Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade, Harvey & The Ten Commandments. The latter should satisfy those buffs who want to see movies made for the big screen.
Vincent: West Side Story at the Ziegfeld was the next best thing to seeing it at the Rivoli. Wait till you hear the soundtrack. The print is 35mm, not 70mm, but not one frame is missing from it. An excellent show all around – you will love it.
Bill, How was WSS, will be there tomorrow night.
Fairly good crowd for the Misfits.
Can’t tell you how much this film benefits from the big, big screen treatment. Gable and Monroe were made for movie palaces and the stunning Ansel Adams like photography is beautiful with the chasing of the mustangs downright thrilling. No way are you going to get the feeling of exhilaration of what these men do at Film Forum or on TCM.
A great choice.
Did anyone attend “The Misfits” on Saturday and, if so, how was it? Big crowd, etc.? “West Side Story” at the Ziegfeld took priority for me.
Jim,
Excellent points…the thing is, the Loews Jersey needs to bet the pot and lay their cards on the table. When the Lafayette first started BigScreenClassics, the film prints weren’t good, the large screen kept moving causing the films to be out of focus, the theater was old and dilapidated, the projection and sound not very good and the houses were far from full. But, myself and many diehards went back week after week (and I live 30 min. away), plus, the lafayette festivals was run by guys who truly loved the movie experience and they kept it going and each week, made it better and better. They lobbied for better prints, and they put their money were there mouths were by pouring money into the re-modeling of the theater to make it better. (on top of that, the seniors get a free pass, so thats more money not made)But, now, 3 years later, the lafayette is the place to go. Sparkling prints, Wurlitzer organ before the show, even Nelson Page’s film introduction and special guest is always fun (no one ever boos and says start the film). Movies every week (not including special film festivals they do) starting at 11:30 am, you still have the day to yourself.
The point I’m making is that they took a chance and kept at it. It now rocks, evry week there’s a huge house for the morning shows. I’m not sure that showing “The Misfits” at 8pm on a Saturday is the way to go, it’s too late. The jersey needs to re=assess and go for it. If it doesn’t work, then it’s a goner anyway, there’s no beating the moneypeople (this is not a Capra film) But if it clicks, the Loews Jersey could be on it’s way to being a true showcase moviehouse again…take the shot boys!!!
The point I’m making
I’m afraid that it is “more easily said than done.” When a promoter wants to use a theatre, he first seeks a contract that will both get him enough profit to warrant the rent of the stage, as well as security for his personnel and equipment brought in. If a place is in legal limbo, or the owner/operator appears not sufficiently solvent to come against in court to regain anything lost under a performance contract, then any promenter or film distributor will think twice about that venue. What they need at this point is an “angel” who will financially guarantee any contract they sign, even if meantime the city is found to be the authority of record and kicks the Friends out in the midst of a contract. The promoter or film distributor would then know that they would be compensated for their losses. Any contract is only as good as one’s ability to enforce it, and if the theatre has no money to attach as compensation, then any judgement in the plaintif’s favor would not be worth the time and bother. A theatre is first a business and must operate as such, regardless of how beautiful it is. Any “angels” out there?
Rhett-
I think all of your ideas are really great. Also speaking with all due respect here, but the Loews Jersey needs to have a more active schedule. I think if there is an issue with it’s survival, it has to show that it’s not just sitting there with a few films scheduled once a month. I also say that because I want to go there more often. Maybe they can also try using it more often as a live music venue. I know that Bright Eyes played there not that long ago, maybe they can do more like that, and it would probably bring in more revenue. Hell if there was some good bands playing there I would definitely go. Overall, if they want to avoid being shut down, they’re going to have to step up their activity a bit. They should A) fix the air conditioning so the place can stay open in the summer and B) book as many films and events as possible. Maybe that’s easier said than done, but it’s my two cents.
It would be tragic if a palace like the Loews Jersey died and met with the wrecking ball due to politics..But let’s be frank…it’s all about money..and the Loews needs to crank it up a bit and maybe try a couple of film festivals like the Ziefeld is doing right now…with all due respect (and I hope I’m wrong) but scheduling “Best in Show” is probably not going to pack em in….They need to advertise, get the word out, make people want to travel to jersey City, this latest weekend of films is not a great enticer….also maybe have earlier shows also…many seniors would be more enticed to go to an earlier show when it’s still daylight as oppossed to night…check out the Lafayette…their shows start at 11:30am and they’re usually packed..
Question: Does the Loews allow high schools in their as a field trip…it seems that with the history of that theater and then seeing a classic on the screen would be a great thing to do on a weekday morning…not to mention, they’d have guaranteed audience and then buying refreshments…they’d make a bundle….it’s something to think about…I hope they have
Hardbop… you are right. Prehaps if the developers can leave the Jersey alone and build near or close to the theater, it might not be so bad. Nothing is official- as of yet, but I think you agree that the Jersey, one of the last of the truly magnificent movie palaces that is still operating albeit on a limited basis should be saved. Travelling here is not an issue for me either. I live in Brooklyn and the tolls cost me 15.00.9.00 for the Verazzamo and 6.00 for the Bayonne Bridge, but I don`t care.Truth of the matter is that with all the crummy movies that are being released these days,if not for the experience of going to the Jersey, I probably would not go to the movies at all.