I think if the Paradise can be restored in the Bronx and the Jersey is slowly being restored I think Brooklyn with its large population and great transportation can restore at least one movie palace. Most movie palaces were very successful through the mid 1960’s. In the Bronx,Queens and Brooklyn many were successful into the early 1970’s. Declining downtowns,changes in distibution of movies as well as the middle class flight to the suburbs along with television brought and end to the movie palace era. Brooklyn is in the beginnings of a great revival which should help the Kings in the long run. I believe the Kings is in an economic zone which would qualify for major funding. The Kings could be restored over many years so people should focus on what needs to be done just to get the theatre open and operating. The Loew’s Jersey is a great example of repairs being done over a period of time and a great deal of it by the volunteers which did a lot of repairs at a fraction of the cost.The Kings needs some strong leaders and volunteers who live in the general area with assist from Brooklyn government officials.Poll after Poll lists the Kings as one of New York City’s most popular movie palaces, which people would like to see restored. The City of New York should make the necessary repairs to see that no more damage is done to this theatre while it is waiting to be restored.When I took a tour of this theatre a few years ago this was my favorite theatre among the 30 I had seen on the tour. I hope people don’t make this the Paramount VS Kings for restoration I think in the long run there will be room for both. Good luck Brooklyn.brucec
The Rockettes of 1967 worked 52 weeks a year where the current Rockettes only work 8-9 weeks per year. Im concerned that by recent events Cablevision would be very reluctant to bring back any in house stage shows during other times of the year. I hope both sides are flexible and compromise and are fair. I often wonder why London is so much cheaper to open a show compared to New York City.brucec
Scott movies are not the future for the Uptown as a primary source of income. It would be a great showcase for concerts of various types with its huge seating capacity. Remember the Oriental and the Palace were not used as theatres for almost 20 years before they were restored. The Chicago had its problems due to the size of its stage for broadway productions. The Chicago has been doing much better since the City sold it to a private group. I think the success of the Loop as an entertainment district will spill over into the Uptown district in the next decade. If the Loew’s Paradise in the Bronx and Loew’s Jersey can be brought back there is no reason the Uptown can’t be brought back. The City of Chicago needs to take the lead in getting this theatre restored. The Uptown stands as the largest unrestored theatre in the Country. The Uptown has struggled to be with us this long it would be a crime for this theatre to be gutted it would be a black eye for the City of Chicago.brucec
Reigis and Kelly the morning show on ABC talked about both Radio City Music Hall and the Loew'Paradise. Regis talked about article in the New York Post which showed a restored picture of the Paradise. Regis talked about how wonderful it was to go to movies in these magnificient movie palaces. Reigis talked about going to Radio City as a child and seeing the Rockettes with his parents. Kelly also talked about seeing Disney’s Petes Dragon and stage show at the Mucic Hall. They also showed the new costumes for the Rockettes in the upcomming Christmas Show.brucec
New Jersey should be proud they are been able to show classic films in a huge movie palace. I think if the Loew’s Jersey coninues with quality programming the audience will keep building. Im sure there are plenty of people in New York City that may not know of the Loew’s Jersey showing classic movies so start spreading the word.brucec
Its hard to believe that “The Ten Commandments” didn’t catch on and they had to move it. “The Ten Commandments” was the second highest grossing film up to this time only “Gone With The Wind” was larger until “Ben Hur” came along in 1959. The Keith’s may have had another booking commitment which forced the film to move.brucec
The Roxy seemed to be very profitable until it was sold by National Theatres(20th-Century-Fox). A great deal of money was spent to install “Windjammer” in 1958 and it was torn down just two years later. Warren it would interesting to see the grosses after the “Windjammer” run 1958-1960. According to Simon 1956 was a peak year for the Roxy with such big hits as “The King And I” 9 weeks,“Bus Stop” 6 weeks,,“Giant” 9 weeks and “Anastasia” 9 weeks. I would like to know if Fox was forced to sell the theatre due to the consent decree. When the dicision was made to tear down the Roxy theatre, that could explain the poor bookings in 1960 not to draw to much attention to the theatre. The Roxy seems to have gone from being very successful to being torn down very quickly. Im surprised there was no farewell show for such a famous theatre which would have drawn a lot of business.I think the owners at the time wanted this theatre torn down as quickly and as quietly as possible. The Roxy was able to program more adult themed movies with there stage shows compared to Radio City which became more and more family oriented as the decade moved on. The Capitol which was torn down 8 years later made a lot of money when it was torn down for a skyscraper even though the theatre was still a success. The Fox San Francisco went out with a bang where the Roxy went out with a wimper. Thank God for Ben Hall which gave this great theatre its due after it was torn down.brucec
“The Unsinkable Molly Brown” was a good musical not a great one. It was far better than a lot of the big budget musical bombs of the late 1960’s. I remember my parents going to see it at the huge Fox Oakland in 1964 and enjoying it. The film was a major hit in the United States but didn’t do well in Europe.It was the last musical hit for M-G-M until “Thats Entertainment” in 1974. My personal favorite “Singing in the Rain” is considered the best musical ever made which was produced in 1952 also starring Debbie Reynolds and M-G-M. I think the Music Hall at least once a year for at least 4 weeks produce a stage show with the Rockettes and classic films paying homage to its histoical past. It would have to be a quality stage show with quality classic fims. It would have to be promoted properly and have a corporate sponsor.brucec
It really doesn’t matter what they do with Times Square now. The old Times Sqaure died with the destruction of all the great movie palaces along with the Astor Hotel on Broadway. The theatre district is mainly on the side streets of Broadway with a few exceptions like the Broadway Theatre,Winter Garden Theatre,Marquis Theatre and the Palace Theatre. The plus side to the redevelopment was the restoration and renovation of the 40 legit theatres in the Times Square area. The clean up of Times Sqaure helped the legit theatre business which is thriving helped in large measure by the huge number of tourists who now come to a safer and cleaner Times Sqaure. Its to bad we lost so many historic buildings in the process.brucec
The Midland seems to have booking problems by the news reports I have read. AMC wants to reposition the Midland when the Empire is renovated into a multi screen theatre as part of The Entertainment distict that will be built in this area. The Midlnad doesn’t seem to book any Broadway shows like they had in the past. I would like more into if it is available.bruce
Is the Michigan able to be restored? I know it would cost a huge some of money and the need for another theatre in Downtwon Detroit is zero. I was just curious if it was possible or is the structure to far gone.brucec
The Downtown theatres seemed to do well into the mid 1950’s and then started to decline with Metropolitan theatres taking over most of the leases by the 1960’s. Downtown LA had to compete with Hollywood Blvd and many films such as “A Star is Born” would play an exclusive engagements Downtown LA and Hollywood. The theatres thrived during the 1960’s playing more and more to hispanic audiences who became the major patron by the 1960’s.The City of Los Angeles has the largest hispanic population oustide of Mexico City.It is the hispanic population that saved most of the downtown movie palace’s and lack of investment on Broadway and Spring Street. If the old Downtown had been redeveloped like many cities across the US most of the theatres would have been torn down which happened in one downtown after another.The Broadway district of Downtown should be restored as an historic district.brucec
Bill the book is no longer available. Many people have posted films that played the theatre’s such as the Paramount{Portland},Stanley{Pittsburg},Capitol{Wash DC} and it adds to the history of the theatre on this site. William has done a wonderful job of listing the films that have played the historic Roxy in New York City. If anyone has the book and would like to post some of the films that played the Fox. I would be interested to see the films that played the Fox starting with the “Robe” until its closing in 1963. Bill I do have a book about the Fox while it was still open,it was given to me by Nate Grossman who managed theatres in San Francisco until he retired in 1977.The book doesn’t mention the movies that played the Fox through the years.brucec
I don’t see a listing for the Denver theatre which was across the street from the Paramount. There doesn’t seem to be many postings for the city of Denver. Could someone list the downtown theatres of Denver.brucec
I have a photo of the RKO Orpheum showing 1955’s “Its Always Fair Weather”. It looks like it was a large theatre along with the Paramount and the Denver. It also has a nice marquee. brucec
The comments by Warren and Simon add to the history of the Roxy.I think everyone is enjoying your detailed comments of the films that played the Roxy. Simon it was nice to know the Roxy was going strong in 1956 with a great lineup of films. Was this the last great year for the Roxy? I now Peyton Place was a huge hit in 1957.What a joy Simon to have worked at this great movie palace.brucec
Was the Paradise the most successful of the five Loew’s Wonder theatres built along with the Valencia? I know from William that both the Paradise along with the Valencia that they enjoyed exclusive runs into the 1960’s. I think the Paradise enjoyed exlusive runs longer than the Valencia due to the competition in Brooklyn.I am just so thrilled that this theatre is being restored. It would be a tribute New York City/New Jersey if all five of the Loew’s wonder theatres were restored. I hope there is a lot of coverage in the New York Times when the theatre reopens.brucec
It would be wonderful if someone could post a list of films from each of the decades that played the Fox. Im hoping someone who has the book on the Fox would post this and somes of the box office for some of the films that played the Fox.This would help with the history of this theatre. There isn’t enough comments posted about this fabulous theatre which was one of the most spectacular ever built. The Fox is considered among the top five movie palaces ever built. The Fox was considered the greatest Fox theatre ever built. Help bring it back to life with your comments.brucec
It would be nice if the rooftop sign could be restored. The Orpheum in LA restored there rooftop sign a few years ago and its spectacular. The Orpheum in LA doesn’t have the funds that the Fox in St. Louis has. It would help light up the theatre/arts district of St. Louis which is needed. Im very happy to hear that they are restoring the Fox marquee which will be a much needed improvement to the exterior.brucec
Why did this theatre decline and close by the mid 1960’s when Pittsburg Downtown movie palaces were still getting exlclusive run booking well into the 1970’s.brucec
I hope the Paramount is restored at least a little to resemble its art deco past. I hope the theatre isn’t chopped up to look like modern day black box theatres because that would be a shame.brucec
I think if the Paradise can be restored in the Bronx and the Jersey is slowly being restored I think Brooklyn with its large population and great transportation can restore at least one movie palace. Most movie palaces were very successful through the mid 1960’s. In the Bronx,Queens and Brooklyn many were successful into the early 1970’s. Declining downtowns,changes in distibution of movies as well as the middle class flight to the suburbs along with television brought and end to the movie palace era. Brooklyn is in the beginnings of a great revival which should help the Kings in the long run. I believe the Kings is in an economic zone which would qualify for major funding. The Kings could be restored over many years so people should focus on what needs to be done just to get the theatre open and operating. The Loew’s Jersey is a great example of repairs being done over a period of time and a great deal of it by the volunteers which did a lot of repairs at a fraction of the cost.The Kings needs some strong leaders and volunteers who live in the general area with assist from Brooklyn government officials.Poll after Poll lists the Kings as one of New York City’s most popular movie palaces, which people would like to see restored. The City of New York should make the necessary repairs to see that no more damage is done to this theatre while it is waiting to be restored.When I took a tour of this theatre a few years ago this was my favorite theatre among the 30 I had seen on the tour. I hope people don’t make this the Paramount VS Kings for restoration I think in the long run there will be room for both. Good luck Brooklyn.brucec
The Rockettes of 1967 worked 52 weeks a year where the current Rockettes only work 8-9 weeks per year. Im concerned that by recent events Cablevision would be very reluctant to bring back any in house stage shows during other times of the year. I hope both sides are flexible and compromise and are fair. I often wonder why London is so much cheaper to open a show compared to New York City.brucec
Scott movies are not the future for the Uptown as a primary source of income. It would be a great showcase for concerts of various types with its huge seating capacity. Remember the Oriental and the Palace were not used as theatres for almost 20 years before they were restored. The Chicago had its problems due to the size of its stage for broadway productions. The Chicago has been doing much better since the City sold it to a private group. I think the success of the Loop as an entertainment district will spill over into the Uptown district in the next decade. If the Loew’s Paradise in the Bronx and Loew’s Jersey can be brought back there is no reason the Uptown can’t be brought back. The City of Chicago needs to take the lead in getting this theatre restored. The Uptown stands as the largest unrestored theatre in the Country. The Uptown has struggled to be with us this long it would be a crime for this theatre to be gutted it would be a black eye for the City of Chicago.brucec
Please get back to your own theatre page this is getting old.brucec
Reigis and Kelly the morning show on ABC talked about both Radio City Music Hall and the Loew'Paradise. Regis talked about article in the New York Post which showed a restored picture of the Paradise. Regis talked about how wonderful it was to go to movies in these magnificient movie palaces. Reigis talked about going to Radio City as a child and seeing the Rockettes with his parents. Kelly also talked about seeing Disney’s Petes Dragon and stage show at the Mucic Hall. They also showed the new costumes for the Rockettes in the upcomming Christmas Show.brucec
New Jersey should be proud they are been able to show classic films in a huge movie palace. I think if the Loew’s Jersey coninues with quality programming the audience will keep building. Im sure there are plenty of people in New York City that may not know of the Loew’s Jersey showing classic movies so start spreading the word.brucec
It was a Gloria Swanson movie that opened the Roxy during her heyday. I think it was sad day for her as well as the theatre.brucec
Its hard to believe that “The Ten Commandments” didn’t catch on and they had to move it. “The Ten Commandments” was the second highest grossing film up to this time only “Gone With The Wind” was larger until “Ben Hur” came along in 1959. The Keith’s may have had another booking commitment which forced the film to move.brucec
The Roxy seemed to be very profitable until it was sold by National Theatres(20th-Century-Fox). A great deal of money was spent to install “Windjammer” in 1958 and it was torn down just two years later. Warren it would interesting to see the grosses after the “Windjammer” run 1958-1960. According to Simon 1956 was a peak year for the Roxy with such big hits as “The King And I” 9 weeks,“Bus Stop” 6 weeks,,“Giant” 9 weeks and “Anastasia” 9 weeks. I would like to know if Fox was forced to sell the theatre due to the consent decree. When the dicision was made to tear down the Roxy theatre, that could explain the poor bookings in 1960 not to draw to much attention to the theatre. The Roxy seems to have gone from being very successful to being torn down very quickly. Im surprised there was no farewell show for such a famous theatre which would have drawn a lot of business.I think the owners at the time wanted this theatre torn down as quickly and as quietly as possible. The Roxy was able to program more adult themed movies with there stage shows compared to Radio City which became more and more family oriented as the decade moved on. The Capitol which was torn down 8 years later made a lot of money when it was torn down for a skyscraper even though the theatre was still a success. The Fox San Francisco went out with a bang where the Roxy went out with a wimper. Thank God for Ben Hall which gave this great theatre its due after it was torn down.brucec
“The Unsinkable Molly Brown” was a good musical not a great one. It was far better than a lot of the big budget musical bombs of the late 1960’s. I remember my parents going to see it at the huge Fox Oakland in 1964 and enjoying it. The film was a major hit in the United States but didn’t do well in Europe.It was the last musical hit for M-G-M until “Thats Entertainment” in 1974. My personal favorite “Singing in the Rain” is considered the best musical ever made which was produced in 1952 also starring Debbie Reynolds and M-G-M. I think the Music Hall at least once a year for at least 4 weeks produce a stage show with the Rockettes and classic films paying homage to its histoical past. It would have to be a quality stage show with quality classic fims. It would have to be promoted properly and have a corporate sponsor.brucec
It really doesn’t matter what they do with Times Square now. The old Times Sqaure died with the destruction of all the great movie palaces along with the Astor Hotel on Broadway. The theatre district is mainly on the side streets of Broadway with a few exceptions like the Broadway Theatre,Winter Garden Theatre,Marquis Theatre and the Palace Theatre. The plus side to the redevelopment was the restoration and renovation of the 40 legit theatres in the Times Square area. The clean up of Times Sqaure helped the legit theatre business which is thriving helped in large measure by the huge number of tourists who now come to a safer and cleaner Times Sqaure. Its to bad we lost so many historic buildings in the process.brucec
The Midland seems to have booking problems by the news reports I have read. AMC wants to reposition the Midland when the Empire is renovated into a multi screen theatre as part of The Entertainment distict that will be built in this area. The Midlnad doesn’t seem to book any Broadway shows like they had in the past. I would like more into if it is available.bruce
Is the Michigan able to be restored? I know it would cost a huge some of money and the need for another theatre in Downtwon Detroit is zero. I was just curious if it was possible or is the structure to far gone.brucec
The Downtown theatres seemed to do well into the mid 1950’s and then started to decline with Metropolitan theatres taking over most of the leases by the 1960’s. Downtown LA had to compete with Hollywood Blvd and many films such as “A Star is Born” would play an exclusive engagements Downtown LA and Hollywood. The theatres thrived during the 1960’s playing more and more to hispanic audiences who became the major patron by the 1960’s.The City of Los Angeles has the largest hispanic population oustide of Mexico City.It is the hispanic population that saved most of the downtown movie palace’s and lack of investment on Broadway and Spring Street. If the old Downtown had been redeveloped like many cities across the US most of the theatres would have been torn down which happened in one downtown after another.The Broadway district of Downtown should be restored as an historic district.brucec
Bill the book is no longer available. Many people have posted films that played the theatre’s such as the Paramount{Portland},Stanley{Pittsburg},Capitol{Wash DC} and it adds to the history of the theatre on this site. William has done a wonderful job of listing the films that have played the historic Roxy in New York City. If anyone has the book and would like to post some of the films that played the Fox. I would be interested to see the films that played the Fox starting with the “Robe” until its closing in 1963. Bill I do have a book about the Fox while it was still open,it was given to me by Nate Grossman who managed theatres in San Francisco until he retired in 1977.The book doesn’t mention the movies that played the Fox through the years.brucec
“The Great Race” would also make a good double bill with “The Pink Panther”, both films were directed by Blake Edwards.brucec
I don’t see a listing for the Denver theatre which was across the street from the Paramount. There doesn’t seem to be many postings for the city of Denver. Could someone list the downtown theatres of Denver.brucec
I have a photo of the RKO Orpheum showing 1955’s “Its Always Fair Weather”. It looks like it was a large theatre along with the Paramount and the Denver. It also has a nice marquee. brucec
The comments by Warren and Simon add to the history of the Roxy.I think everyone is enjoying your detailed comments of the films that played the Roxy. Simon it was nice to know the Roxy was going strong in 1956 with a great lineup of films. Was this the last great year for the Roxy? I now Peyton Place was a huge hit in 1957.What a joy Simon to have worked at this great movie palace.brucec
Was the Paradise the most successful of the five Loew’s Wonder theatres built along with the Valencia? I know from William that both the Paradise along with the Valencia that they enjoyed exclusive runs into the 1960’s. I think the Paradise enjoyed exlusive runs longer than the Valencia due to the competition in Brooklyn.I am just so thrilled that this theatre is being restored. It would be a tribute New York City/New Jersey if all five of the Loew’s wonder theatres were restored. I hope there is a lot of coverage in the New York Times when the theatre reopens.brucec
It would be wonderful if someone could post a list of films from each of the decades that played the Fox. Im hoping someone who has the book on the Fox would post this and somes of the box office for some of the films that played the Fox.This would help with the history of this theatre. There isn’t enough comments posted about this fabulous theatre which was one of the most spectacular ever built. The Fox is considered among the top five movie palaces ever built. The Fox was considered the greatest Fox theatre ever built. Help bring it back to life with your comments.brucec
It would be nice if the rooftop sign could be restored. The Orpheum in LA restored there rooftop sign a few years ago and its spectacular. The Orpheum in LA doesn’t have the funds that the Fox in St. Louis has. It would help light up the theatre/arts district of St. Louis which is needed. Im very happy to hear that they are restoring the Fox marquee which will be a much needed improvement to the exterior.brucec
Why did this theatre decline and close by the mid 1960’s when Pittsburg Downtown movie palaces were still getting exlclusive run booking well into the 1970’s.brucec
This theatre must have been a success during the War years. How did the theare do during the 1950’s? I love the marquee on this theatre.brucec
I hope the Paramount is restored at least a little to resemble its art deco past. I hope the theatre isn’t chopped up to look like modern day black box theatres because that would be a shame.brucec