An abundance of vintage film coverage of the 1939 premiere can be viewed on the internet, including some from MGM’s “News of the Day”
newsreel. Click here
Not included in this ad for North Queens were three other Loew’s in that borough: the Valencia and Hillside in Jamaica, and the Willard in Woodhaven. The Astoria had been unprofitable since the opening of the nearby Triboro, and was eventually sublet by Loew’s to Skouras Theatres in a “pooling” deal which benefited both circuits.
Opened on December 19th, 1940, with “No, No, Nanette” on screen. A week later, the RKO musical was replaced by “The Philadelphia Story,” which continued with the Christmas stage show through December 29th. Just in time for New Year observances, the MGM release received all-new stage support on December 30th with “Pan-Americana,” a spectacular tribute to “the republics below the Rio Grande.”
As a Depression measure, the Paramount had suspended “live” presentations except for overtures and intermissions performed by the resident orchestra and/or organist.
Vintage trade journals report the 1924 opening in Cadiz of the Community Theatre, which had Hubert L. Wardner as architect and Emerson W. Long as owner. The Community, which had 850 seats, was designed not only for movies but also for vaudeville and road companies of stage plays. The 1957 edition of Film Daily Year Book has the Community Theatre still open, with a seating capacity of 590 and address of 111 Main Street.
In addition to current attractions at the Astor and Victoria, 45th Street corner plugged “The Outlaw” at the Broadway Theatre, and 46th Street corner of the roof announced “Unconquered” coming to the Rivoli.
On the Sunday that precipitated the USA’s entry into WWII, the Kings was presenting a B&W double bill from Columbia Pictures of “You’ll Never Get Rich” and “Ladies in Retirement.”
MGM’s Technicolor musical opened on the same day as that studio’s Esther Williams splasher, “This Time for Keeps,” which was part of the Capitol Theatre’s holiday offering. Ad displayed here
MGM’s Technicolor musical debuted on the same day as that studio’s “Good News,” which was part of the holiday offering at Radio City Music Hall. Ad displayed here
According to trade journal research, the Manhasset Theatre opened on November 23rd, 1936, which was the Monday before Thanksgiving of that year. Although built by the Century Circuit simultaneously with the Elm and Quentin in Brooklyn, the Manhasset would be managed by Skouras Theatres, which, in 1935, had signed a “pooling” agreement with Century for all of their theatres in Queens and Long Island. George Skouras, head of that company, wanted to use the Manhasset as a test for ending double features in communities with a single theatre and no nearby competition…The overview to this listing claims that the Manhasset Theatre first opened in 1927, which could be true if it was “modernized” into the one of 1936. But nothing turned up in research to justify that possibility.
According to Variety, the screen/stage combo grossed a “rousing” $68,000 in its opening stanza, with $56,000 estimated for the first hold-over week. At that time, the Capitol was the third largest midtown cinema with stage shows, with a reported 4,820 seats. Radio City Music Hall was the largest, with 5,945 seats, closely followed by the Roxy with 5,886 seats. Also in competition were the Paramount with 3,664 seats, Loew’s State with 3,450 seats, and the Strand with 2,756 seats.
The 2019 “Christmas Spectacular” is reportedly not much different from last year’s, which introduced some new elements and special effects.
Here’s a link to a brief trailer for the 2019 edition
The original entrance extended the width of the marquee, but now consisted of these two doors, which led to a box office and staircase to theatre seating.
Some brief silent coverage in FULL COLOR of the 1939 world premiere can be viewed here
An abundance of vintage film coverage of the 1939 premiere can be viewed on the internet, including some from MGM’s “News of the Day” newsreel. Click here
A copy of the ad, plus two cents, would admit one person during weekday matinees.
Remembering the 80th anniversary today of the world premiere of “Gone With the Wind” at Loew’s Grand Theatre on December 15th, 1939. Ad displayed here
The stage show included the Broadway debut of 20-year-old Ruth Jones, now using the professional name of Dinah Washington.
Not included in this ad for North Queens were three other Loew’s in that borough: the Valencia and Hillside in Jamaica, and the Willard in Woodhaven. The Astoria had been unprofitable since the opening of the nearby Triboro, and was eventually sublet by Loew’s to Skouras Theatres in a “pooling” deal which benefited both circuits.
Opened on December 19th, 1940, with “No, No, Nanette” on screen. A week later, the RKO musical was replaced by “The Philadelphia Story,” which continued with the Christmas stage show through December 29th. Just in time for New Year observances, the MGM release received all-new stage support on December 30th with “Pan-Americana,” a spectacular tribute to “the republics below the Rio Grande.”
Photos of opening night benefit for The Actors' Studio displayed here
As a Depression measure, the Paramount had suspended “live” presentations except for overtures and intermissions performed by the resident orchestra and/or organist.
“Dumbo” was a reissue of the 1941 release.
Vintage trade journals report the 1924 opening in Cadiz of the Community Theatre, which had Hubert L. Wardner as architect and Emerson W. Long as owner. The Community, which had 850 seats, was designed not only for movies but also for vaudeville and road companies of stage plays. The 1957 edition of Film Daily Year Book has the Community Theatre still open, with a seating capacity of 590 and address of 111 Main Street.
Born as Arthur Arshawsky, the bandleader would soon change his professional name to Artie Shaw with the formation of a full-fledged orchestra.
In addition to current attractions at the Astor and Victoria, 45th Street corner plugged “The Outlaw” at the Broadway Theatre, and 46th Street corner of the roof announced “Unconquered” coming to the Rivoli.
On the Sunday that precipitated the USA’s entry into WWII, the Kings was presenting a B&W double bill from Columbia Pictures of “You’ll Never Get Rich” and “Ladies in Retirement.”
MGM’s Technicolor musical opened on the same day as that studio’s Esther Williams splasher, “This Time for Keeps,” which was part of the Capitol Theatre’s holiday offering. Ad displayed here
MGM’s Technicolor musical debuted on the same day as that studio’s “Good News,” which was part of the holiday offering at Radio City Music Hall. Ad displayed here
Grand Lobby was inspired by that of the Paris Opera House.
The Technicolor remake of the classic B&W “Berkeley Square” (1933) proved instantly forgettable.
Arsenal listed with “Skin Deep” as main attraction.
According to trade journal research, the Manhasset Theatre opened on November 23rd, 1936, which was the Monday before Thanksgiving of that year. Although built by the Century Circuit simultaneously with the Elm and Quentin in Brooklyn, the Manhasset would be managed by Skouras Theatres, which, in 1935, had signed a “pooling” agreement with Century for all of their theatres in Queens and Long Island. George Skouras, head of that company, wanted to use the Manhasset as a test for ending double features in communities with a single theatre and no nearby competition…The overview to this listing claims that the Manhasset Theatre first opened in 1927, which could be true if it was “modernized” into the one of 1936. But nothing turned up in research to justify that possibility.
According to Variety, the screen/stage combo grossed a “rousing” $68,000 in its opening stanza, with $56,000 estimated for the first hold-over week. At that time, the Capitol was the third largest midtown cinema with stage shows, with a reported 4,820 seats. Radio City Music Hall was the largest, with 5,945 seats, closely followed by the Roxy with 5,886 seats. Also in competition were the Paramount with 3,664 seats, Loew’s State with 3,450 seats, and the Strand with 2,756 seats.
The 2019 “Christmas Spectacular” is reportedly not much different from last year’s, which introduced some new elements and special effects. Here’s a link to a brief trailer for the 2019 edition
Advance ad for reserved-seat roadshow engagement opening on December 17th.
The original entrance extended the width of the marquee, but now consisted of these two doors, which led to a box office and staircase to theatre seating.
Entrance to the Plaza Theatre was now through two doors adjacent to the dental clinic with blue canopy.