Playpen Theatre

I am considering writing an article on the Cameo/Ideal Theater. Does anyone happen to have any ideas for sources (libraries, catalogues, etc.) where I could investigate its history? Any ideas would be most appreciated!

Can’t remember. Is this the 8th Avenue theater that for years advertised “New Projector” on its marquee?

I have just found a ‘Where It’s At’ gay guide for New York, November 1976 (my first visit to the USA). It lists the following ‘skin flicks’;
Adonis Cinema, The Big Top, David Cinema, Eros 1, 55th St Playhouse, Gaiety Burlesk, Kings Cinema, another Kings Cinema, Metropolitan Theater, Jewel, Ramrod.

I have the full addresses and will search on Cinema Treasures and post up new listings for those that don’t have one on the site.

When the Adonis was forced out of the old Tivoli it ended up a few blocks down from 50th street. It was not alone as there was about 3 small theaters that were showing gay porn. These theaters are now restaurants.

That’s what I imagined; thanks for the confirmation, saps.

What new theatre did the Public get after the collapse of the Selwyn? The present operator and, if I’m not mistaken, owner of the American Airlines Theater built on the site of the Selwyn is the Roundabout Theater Company. Also, did at least part of the Selwyn’s interior survive the collapse? Seeing a play there a couple of years ago, I spotted at least a few architectural elements within the auditorium which seemed something less than modern. Were those merely removed, preserved, and reinstalled in the rebuild/new construction or was every original element lost?

I actually miss the sleaze that was Times Square. However, I am glad to see that many of the old theaters, or at least some, survived. Anyone remember the Selwyn? That theater ‘mysteriously’ collapsed while Times Square was undergoing redevelopment.
I wanted so much to jump the velvet rope that stood between me and the auditorium. Before the theater ‘collapsed’ the lobby was opened for people to see. It was very small. I believe that the Public Theater was going to take over old theater but after the ‘collapse’ a new building went up in its place. The Public Theater got a new home out of the deal.

Chelly also owned The Eros besides a few others that I cant recall the names of in the same area. I worked for someone a long time ago who was partners with her in some of these places. I worked on the legitimate end managing a few double bill neighborhood houses that gave the company a respectable front. I have not seen anyone mention The Metropolitan porno house that used to be on 14th Street. I never was inside but have enough stories about that place that would make us realize why the 70’s was the most sordid decade ever.

This is now a porno emporium called the Playpen, but there is a lot of theatrical detail left, both downstairs and upstairs, it you look toward the ceiling and not on the floor!

Thanks “scottfavarelle” for the detailed explanation of the “Olga” movies. Now, I don’t feel clueless anymore.

I thought I was just being “clueless”. Although since it sounds like it was near 42nd St, my first thought was that it meant “porn” movies in a polite way (although maybe I just have a dirt mind….)

After 1990 the Squire/Cameo went under the name of the Adonis and showed all male XXX films. The name change and programming was a moveover when the Adonis/Tivoli further up 8th Avenue at 50th Street was closed and then demolished.

I may be totally clueless, but what are “Olga” movies???

For many years this theater was a showcase for Russian-language films imported by the Russian distribution service, Artkino.