There’s a half-page full color ad (or is it add?) in Time Out New York #458 July 8-15, 2004, announcing the grand opening. The ad mentions the films above, but they are also opening “Harold & Kumar go to White Castle,‘ a mainstream release, on July 30. Here is the web address: www.theimaginasian.com
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!
The Whitman also ended as a single screen. I remember reading that the landlord would not allow any twinning or other multiplexing, thus making it harder for management to make a buck. I don’t remember the name of the other (outdoor) mall where the York Theater was. I’m glad to see that now both the Whitman and the York will be added to the ever-growing list of lost movie houses.
You are referring to the Whitman Theater, which has a listing on this site. There was a Huntington Theater on New York Avenue, which I believe is now a performing arts center.
I was in there just the other day, looking around. Despite its present use as an adult bookstore and peepshow, there is still plenty to see of the old theatre.
I passed this theater again today. It is a shame that the only surviving Times Square movie house is shuttered. As the last of a breed it should be treasured, and by more than just us. I wonder if anyone could make a go of a single screen theatre nowadays…look at the trouble filling the Astor Plaza and the Ziegfeld. But those two are really new houses, not classics. Since the Mayfair (the DeMille? anything but Embassy 2-3-4!!!) is the only movie house directly on Times Square, with that wraparound sign above it still is use, it seems a perfect spot for premieres, exclusives, maybe even a spot for the much-desired Cinerama revival, a wish that seems to crop up on many of these message boards. We have this possible treasure just sitting there. What’s a fanatic to do?
So AMC is still running this house, though not as a movie theater? If so, that’s pretty remarkable. I wonder if any other chains have repurposed their venues without selling or ababndoning them.
I saw the 7-½ Percent Solution here. I must say the new Loew’s is a beauty for a modern theater, big lobby, high ceilings, large cinemas with big screens and good sound. If it wasn’t so off my path I would go more often.
I went to the Pilgrim in the early 1980’s when it was an adult theatre. They had closed off the balcony but guys were up there anyway, doing their thing. It was a big beautiful house, and the boxes were still intact. Quite a trip for my first time in Boston. It is still standing?
I lived in downtown Brooklyn in the 1980’s and I could see the top floors and roof of the theatre, at the same angle as in the post card. I would have had a perfect view of that big rooftop sign. Alas, I was only a few decades too late.
Since this theater was known as Loew’s Kameo for almost 40 years, then owned by Loew’s until it closed, maybe it should be listed as Loew’s Kameo.
I remember being driven past this jewel on Eastern Parkway when I was a boy, and it seemed that “I, A Woman” played here for a long time. (It’s funny how my childhood theatre memories are; see Loew’s Hillside listing for my burlesque memories.)
I saw Amadeus here around 1984, on a school assignment from my music class at Brooklyn College. It was a discount theatre, and it hadn’t been twinned or anything. I enjoyed the size and airiness of the house, and I’m sorry I didn’t go more often, but the next thing I knew it was closed. I always look for it when I’m on Avenue J.
I have been here, and it had that dark, old-fashioned movie house smell, and not the good kind. More like a classic itch. I went by again on Saturday night, 11:00pm, 6/5/04. The marquee was lighted, but the place was closed. On the Marquee was “Lord of the Rings” “Cheaper by the Dozen” “Baby Daddy” and “Torque.” And a sign that matinees were $3.50, evenings $5.50. Anyone know why it closed or what the plans are? I guess they left the lights on by accident!
In the new Elaine Stritch show on HBO, there is a nice color clip of Times Square in the 50’s, with a good clear shot of this theatre, marquee blazing, showing “Cinerama Holiday.” It comes about 20 to 30 minutes into the show.
There’s a half-page full color ad (or is it add?) in Time Out New York #458 July 8-15, 2004, announcing the grand opening. The ad mentions the films above, but they are also opening “Harold & Kumar go to White Castle,‘ a mainstream release, on July 30. Here is the web address: www.theimaginasian.com
I hope they’ve added some charm!
I heard these lyrics to “You’re the Top” as sung by its composer Cole Porter and thought of this marvelous site:
You’re romance,
You’re the Steps of Russia.
You’re the pants
On a Roxy usher.
I’d seen the Elgin movie house advertised but never visted.
Now, better a dance theater than a chuch, or worse.
All on one level — no balcony.
Good grief.
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!
The Whitman also ended as a single screen. I remember reading that the landlord would not allow any twinning or other multiplexing, thus making it harder for management to make a buck. I don’t remember the name of the other (outdoor) mall where the York Theater was. I’m glad to see that now both the Whitman and the York will be added to the ever-growing list of lost movie houses.
Unless you mean the York theatre, which was also on New York Avenue, (the northern extension of Route 110) next to a now-closed Sears.
You are referring to the Whitman Theater, which has a listing on this site. There was a Huntington Theater on New York Avenue, which I believe is now a performing arts center.
I was in there just the other day, looking around. Despite its present use as an adult bookstore and peepshow, there is still plenty to see of the old theatre.
I passed this theater again today. It is a shame that the only surviving Times Square movie house is shuttered. As the last of a breed it should be treasured, and by more than just us. I wonder if anyone could make a go of a single screen theatre nowadays…look at the trouble filling the Astor Plaza and the Ziegfeld. But those two are really new houses, not classics. Since the Mayfair (the DeMille? anything but Embassy 2-3-4!!!) is the only movie house directly on Times Square, with that wraparound sign above it still is use, it seems a perfect spot for premieres, exclusives, maybe even a spot for the much-desired Cinerama revival, a wish that seems to crop up on many of these message boards. We have this possible treasure just sitting there. What’s a fanatic to do?
I saw the restored print of My Fair Lady here a few years ago, and both it and the theater were gorgeous.
I don’t think it’s an Edwards house anymore.
So AMC is still running this house, though not as a movie theater? If so, that’s pretty remarkable. I wonder if any other chains have repurposed their venues without selling or ababndoning them.
When I was there the marquee was still up and there was a nice vertical sign, as I recall.
I saw the 7-½ Percent Solution here. I must say the new Loew’s is a beauty for a modern theater, big lobby, high ceilings, large cinemas with big screens and good sound. If it wasn’t so off my path I would go more often.
I went to the Pilgrim in the early 1980’s when it was an adult theatre. They had closed off the balcony but guys were up there anyway, doing their thing. It was a big beautiful house, and the boxes were still intact. Quite a trip for my first time in Boston. It is still standing?
I lived in downtown Brooklyn in the 1980’s and I could see the top floors and roof of the theatre, at the same angle as in the post card. I would have had a perfect view of that big rooftop sign. Alas, I was only a few decades too late.
Excellent photo! But according to the text, it was supposed to be a picture of the truck!
Since this theater was known as Loew’s Kameo for almost 40 years, then owned by Loew’s until it closed, maybe it should be listed as Loew’s Kameo.
I remember being driven past this jewel on Eastern Parkway when I was a boy, and it seemed that “I, A Woman” played here for a long time. (It’s funny how my childhood theatre memories are; see Loew’s Hillside listing for my burlesque memories.)
I saw Amadeus here around 1984, on a school assignment from my music class at Brooklyn College. It was a discount theatre, and it hadn’t been twinned or anything. I enjoyed the size and airiness of the house, and I’m sorry I didn’t go more often, but the next thing I knew it was closed. I always look for it when I’m on Avenue J.
I have been here, and it had that dark, old-fashioned movie house smell, and not the good kind. More like a classic itch. I went by again on Saturday night, 11:00pm, 6/5/04. The marquee was lighted, but the place was closed. On the Marquee was “Lord of the Rings” “Cheaper by the Dozen” “Baby Daddy” and “Torque.” And a sign that matinees were $3.50, evenings $5.50. Anyone know why it closed or what the plans are? I guess they left the lights on by accident!
Nice Brooklyn link above. Thanks.
Yes, for a true Broadway classic this listing and message board is a little sparse.
In the new Elaine Stritch show on HBO, there is a nice color clip of Times Square in the 50’s, with a good clear shot of this theatre, marquee blazing, showing “Cinerama Holiday.” It comes about 20 to 30 minutes into the show.