Kings Theatre

Hey, what about getting together with me? I’m basically the one that suggested someone on this page join the group.

Well, then let’s get going. You may want to try and get a corporation’s cooperation.

Bruce1 I’m in.

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

Bruce, dear fellow, it is of no use scolding people for not doing more than talking, unless you yourself are willing and able to take the lead. Here is how you start:
1) Set up a place for interested nearby people can meet at little or no expense to themselves, and give date, time, place and something of a skimpy agenda. If you can show “Memoirs of a Movie Palace” to start the meeting, that might get all in the mood. DO NOT call the media; it is too early to embarrass any who are camera shy. Likewise, do not demand anyone sign up on a roster for future meetings or the like at the first meeting; that can scare some timid souls off. Meerely state the details for the next meeting and that you will be looking for some commitments after that meeting to be in writing.

2) A third meeing will then likely draw only committed souls with whom you can then form a sound, legal not-for-profit organization, select a name, have an attorney look over your articles of incorporation and a constitution and by-laws which will enable people to see your seriousness of purpose (you should draft a Mission Statement at this or the following meeting also), and suggest a slate of Officers to be discusses and voted at the fifth meeting.

3) Most people have very little time, so make as few demands upon their time outside of the meetings as possible, or you will have good will sorts who start drifting away. Be ready for the fact of life that in any group there are a core few who do 90% of the work, and scolding the others will only reduce your base of contributors.

You say you hate pushing and pulling others along, and also hate having someone less competent than you be voted into authority over you? Then make yourself a one man show by offering your services as Funds Rasiser or Consultant in the Restoration of the Kings. I wish I could say that you will have an easy road of it, but reality and history say otherwise, so be sure of why you are into it, and just how much time you can take from home and job to accomplish it. In any case, BEST WISHES from one too far away to help.

The aptly named Loews Kings was the LOEWS of LOEWS. Period.

Good Saps, but that wasn’t about what was playing but the history of the theater. If it were open, I think you should go in.

I thought of a way that may make the Kings savable. We tell the people who want to own it of its historical value. Rapp and Rapp, for example, have buildings that are national landmarks because of their architecture. Then again, there are those world famous ushers who achieved Hollywood greatness and stars on the Walk of Fame after leaving the theater. Does anyone out there know of any gangsters, historical politicians, and famous soldiers who visited? They may also be a selling point.

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!!

Bruce is right. If I were in NYC and had free time, I would step up. People can accomplish amazing things if they band together, settle on a goal, and keep trying.

Why don’t you take the first step: set a time and place for an initial planning meeting?

Bruce 1;
I have been also speaking with the people on the Brooklyn Paramount Page. What would you say to tying the restoration of the Kings and the Paramount?

I would also like to add that while we should shoot for a 100% restoration, any restorative effort is good. A 50% restoration is more than a 0% restoration. We may only be able to reach 70-90% on the Kings, but its better than nothing.