I was greatly affected to read of Jim Rankin’s passing. He was a true gentleman and scholar. Like many other members, I shall miss his wonderful comments on Cinema Treasures.
The photo from the Brooklyn Library was taken in 1918 after the “El"
was built on New Utrecht Avenue. The silent picture featured was Paramount’s "My Cousin”, a comedy starring Enrico Caruso.(Adolph Zukor had signed the famous operatic tenor to make three silent movies for his studio. Although Caruso couldn’t be heard, his movie debut was a success)
Update on Organ Project: Since I was not contacted again by Mr. Kansas, I have dropped the organ project. There have been some good oppurtunities that have been lost. Perhaps someday the managment/ownership may show an interest in restoring an organ.
As I said in my many posts, above, the Walker would be one of the most practical former theatres to restore. It is a project that should be looked into. If I would live in the area, I would have done so already.
Perhaps Mr Crowley & Mr. Melnick of CINEMA TREASURES could produce their own doumentary on the movie palaces. They certanly have the professional skills and well of material.
David Brinkley did a half hour (A little less without the commercials) NBC special on the movie palaces which was based on “Best Remaining Seats” back in the 1960’s.It would be nice to see this replayed. I wish A&E would have not split their special since it broke the continuity. Before Cable Vision took over the AMC channel,the host would come from various former movie palaces, so that idea is not new. There is so much material that could be made into documentaries. I would like to see a special on the magnetic S.L. Rothafel (“Roxy”)– considered father of the movie palace.
David Brinkley did a half hour (A little less without the commercials) NBC special on the movie palaces which was based on “Best Remaining Seats” back in the 1960’s.It would be nice to see this replayed. I wish A&E would have not split their special since it broke the continuity. Before Cable Vision took over the AMC channel,the host would come from various former movie palaces, so that idea is not new. There is so much material that could be made into documentaries. I would like to see a special on the magnetic S.L. Rothafel (“Roxy”)– considered father of the movie palace.
The ambiance of the Boro Park, Loew’s 46th Street and other beautiful movie theatres like it, enhanced and complimented the movie going experience for me. From what little I can remember of it, seeing a movie and then a stage show following it, was something very unique and special.
The neighborhood began turning “orthodox” in 1966. The Boro Park began showing XXX films in retaliation for the egg throwing riot
when the owner had live shows on Saturday. Loew’s 46th Street did not show XXX rated films as a continous policy.
Recently I went to a local Upstate NY multiplex where I now live. Compared to the Bough Park and Loew’s 46th Street, it is nothing more than an uncomfortable screening room.
A very beautiful theatre! The very successful Proctors theatre in Schenectady,New York (USA),has recently enlarged its stage housing to accommodate the large sets for Broadway road shows. Wishing the State theatre a successful future.
The theatre had 725 seats less than the article mentions-according to
Cinema Treasure’s facts.
I was greatly affected to read of Jim Rankin’s passing. He was a true gentleman and scholar. Like many other members, I shall miss his wonderful comments on Cinema Treasures.
Absolutely a stunning and unique looking theatre. A reminder of an era of great showmanship.
Thanks, Warren for your information.
I was told the Walker opened in 1927 by a person who worked there many years ago-not 1929. Perhaps some member knows for sure.
It would be worth a look if you didn’t have to pay.
E Walk certainly doesn’t sound like a CINEMA TREASURE. I wouldn’t want to see a movie in such a place.
We have gained much in this century, yet have also lost many former attributes-as this site attests to.
A brick facade, I don’t personally feel it resembled the RKO Bushwick.
Excellent pictures of the auditorium, Ed. Thanks for sharing them with us.
The photo from the Brooklyn Library was taken in 1918 after the “El"
was built on New Utrecht Avenue. The silent picture featured was Paramount’s "My Cousin”, a comedy starring Enrico Caruso.(Adolph Zukor had signed the famous operatic tenor to make three silent movies for his studio. Although Caruso couldn’t be heard, his movie debut was a success)
I wonder if there are any pictures of the interior of the Boro Park theatre.
Update on Organ Project: Since I was not contacted again by Mr. Kansas, I have dropped the organ project. There have been some good oppurtunities that have been lost. Perhaps someday the managment/ownership may show an interest in restoring an organ.
Wishing the beautiful Palace theatre of Pitman,New Jersey a very successful future!
As I said in my many posts, above, the Walker would be one of the most practical former theatres to restore. It is a project that should be looked into. If I would live in the area, I would have done so already.
correction for my post:They certainly have the skills and wealth of material.
Perhaps Mr Crowley & Mr. Melnick of CINEMA TREASURES could produce their own doumentary on the movie palaces. They certanly have the professional skills and well of material.
David Brinkley did a half hour (A little less without the commercials) NBC special on the movie palaces which was based on “Best Remaining Seats” back in the 1960’s.It would be nice to see this replayed. I wish A&E would have not split their special since it broke the continuity. Before Cable Vision took over the AMC channel,the host would come from various former movie palaces, so that idea is not new. There is so much material that could be made into documentaries. I would like to see a special on the magnetic S.L. Rothafel (“Roxy”)– considered father of the movie palace.
David Brinkley did a half hour (A little less without the commercials) NBC special on the movie palaces which was based on “Best Remaining Seats” back in the 1960’s.It would be nice to see this replayed. I wish A&E would have not split their special since it broke the continuity. Before Cable Vision took over the AMC channel,the host would come from various former movie palaces, so that idea is not new. There is so much material that could be made into documentaries. I would like to see a special on the magnetic S.L. Rothafel (“Roxy”)– considered father of the movie palace.
The ambiance of the Boro Park, Loew’s 46th Street and other beautiful movie theatres like it, enhanced and complimented the movie going experience for me. From what little I can remember of it, seeing a movie and then a stage show following it, was something very unique and special.
The neighborhood began turning “orthodox” in 1966. The Boro Park began showing XXX films in retaliation for the egg throwing riot
when the owner had live shows on Saturday. Loew’s 46th Street did not show XXX rated films as a continous policy.
Pay-per-view is broadcasting a lot of the special concerts and sports events.
Recently I went to a local Upstate NY multiplex where I now live. Compared to the Bough Park and Loew’s 46th Street, it is nothing more than an uncomfortable screening room.
A very beautiful theatre! The very successful Proctors theatre in Schenectady,New York (USA),has recently enlarged its stage housing to accommodate the large sets for Broadway road shows. Wishing the State theatre a successful future.
The Walker building seems to be a good candidate for a theatre restoration in Brooklyn.