Comments from richardg

Showing 201 - 225 of 250 comments

richardg
richardg commented about Hollywood Theater on Feb 19, 2004 at 4:39 pm

I just found the for sale listing sheet from 1992, so I’ll share some of the information on the sheet. Designed by Rapp & Rapp, 70' by 30' stage, 700 auditorium seats plus 50 in the balcony with dining area. The only 50 seats in the balcony reflects the removal of many seats for the dining area. The theatre was built in 1926. Finding the listing sheet reminded me how nice the marquee was. I also now remember the theatre organ had been removed. The last owner tried other things to supplement the movie income. I remember at least one live production took place and probably more. I hope this time around it receives better community support.

richardg
richardg commented about Hollywood Theater on Feb 15, 2004 at 2:24 pm

You could have bought The Hollywood Theatre for $125,000 back in 1992. It was a beautiful theatre with gumwood entry doors and stained glass inserts. I thought about buying it but every time I went to a movie there were never more than 20 or so people in attendance.
The Hollywood was built by a wealthy “glue tycoon” whose wife missed the theatre life of N.Y.C. The last owner removed some of the balcony seats and installed tables and chairs. He’d planned to offer waiter service from the snack bar to the balcony in exchange for an increased admission price. I don’t know if this concept actually ever happened before he closed the theatre and moved to Calfornia. The owner prior to the last owned a twin in Seneca, N.Y.

richardg
richardg commented about Covent Theater on Feb 15, 2004 at 1:42 pm

Yes, the hotel was originally part of the theatre complex. I wish I could add more detailed information about the Covent Garden but I never saw the theatre’s interior. I did as a younster, however, see the exterior. I vividly remember the hotel because I stepped just inside its entrance hoping to get a glance at the then already closed theatre. There was , of course, no glimpse of the theatre from inside the hotel, but when you are eleven or twelve years old and much further away from home than you are permitted to be, rationalization takes a back seat. I’m also nearly sure the theatre had been demolished by 1960 or before. My older brother who’d been to the Covent Garden told me the Century (just one block away) was the nicer of the two theatres.
The thing I remember most about the Covent Garden was its huge vertical signage of
C
O
V
E
N
T
The huge unlite vertical sign with its super-imposed back to back “C’s” but facing opposite directions made the sign look like
O
O
V
E
N
T
from both directions. When the neon was lit, of course the sign would have been easily read. Not being able to figure out how to pronounce “OOVENT”, I finally gave up my pride and asked my older brother how to pronounce “OOVENT”. He told me the first “O” was a “C”. Although I felt dumb and angry at the sign people, I thought it was nice to have an older brother who could solve life’s many complex problems.

richardg
richardg commented about State Theatre on Feb 14, 2004 at 2:26 pm

I’ve never seen the State but while looking for another theatre’s website I stumbled across a website for the State http://www.statetheatrenj.org/welcome.html

richardg
richardg commented about 1891 Fredonia Opera House on Feb 14, 2004 at 8:42 am

During the early 1980’s the Fredonia showed only or at least mostly movies. The small marquee and ticket window were along the side of the building at street level. You then went upstairs to enter the theatre. I tried many times to see the inside of the theatre before finally succeeding. Finally, during the time frame between its movie era and its restoration I got inside. It looked exactly what it was —sort of a makeshift movie theatre. Several years later and after the renovation I returned. You wouldn’t believe it was the same facility. It’s gorgeous inside and definitely worth a long drive to see. There are several excellent, but pricey, restaurants and many fine places to stay overnight in Fredonia

richardg
richardg commented about Strand on Feb 13, 2004 at 3:59 pm

The Strand is located at 20 Third St. Each of the balcony theatres seat approximately seventy. The main auditorium seats 360. The name of “the smokin” restaurant is The Well Dressed Hog.

richardg
richardg commented about Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre on Feb 12, 2004 at 6:50 pm

Yes, Conan is being taped there this week. Supposedly there were 100,000 ticket requests for the week long taping. This is a beautiful theatre and I’m sure the camera will show some of it’s beauty. You still have tonight and tomorrow to catch the splendor

richardg
richardg commented about Kingsway Theatre on Feb 12, 2004 at 6:39 pm

The address of the Kingsway is 3030 Bloor Street, west. The Kingsway theatre, located in an upscale area of Toronto, has been a part of the Festival Theatre chain for many years. Neither the owner or Festival spent much on upkeep until recently. I remember before its updating there were several broken seats which really wasn’t such a bad thing. If you chose a seat in the row behind the broken seat, you always had a clear view. Despite the always upscale surrounding area the Kingsway is a very basic theatre in appearance. Up until approximately 15 years ago, there was a tiny second theatre on the second floor of the theatre building. It was called the Screening Room and showed 16mm prints of films that you had no hope of seeing anywhere else.

richardg
richardg commented about Colonial Theatre on Feb 12, 2004 at 4:44 pm

The Colonial was sold a year or two ago to the present owners. It previously had been owned by a wealthy businessman who also owns the movie theatre in Littleton. I saw one of the weirdest movies I’ve ever seen at the Colonial. It was titled “Northfolk” and starred James Woods and Nick Nolte. The theatre was also a little strange. It had no candy counter. They sold popcorn from a popcorn wagon outside under the marquee. Possibly the reason for this was because, as I remember, as soon as you entered the theatre you were in the auditorium — there was no foyer or at least I don’t remember one. The theatre is very basic but the popcorn was good and the staff very friendly. There’s a great restaurant directly across the street from the theatre.

richardg
richardg commented about Premier Theatre on Feb 12, 2004 at 4:14 pm

If you’re positive this theatre is in Littleton, N.H., I can definitely confirm that it’s no longer operating. I don’t believe the building is still standing either. Littleton has one movie theatre in town which I’ll submit information about in the very near future.

richardg
richardg commented about Strand on Feb 11, 2004 at 4:20 pm

This is the flagship theatre of a small New Hampshire chain called Spinelli Cinemas. The theatre has been triplexed but the main floor auditorium left intact. Two additional screens were added in the balcony area. They’re tiny with under 50 seats in each. I’ll update with more facts as soon as my notes turn up. There’s a terrific smoked meat restaurant two doors from the theatre. I defy anyone to finish one of their portions. Dover is picturesque community and the theatre is worth seeing.

richardg
richardg commented about State Theatre on Feb 9, 2004 at 4:57 pm

Although I never saw the State, I knew of its existance. A friend of mine performed there in the 1950’s. I was in Hartford around 1980, but the theatre was already gone. I can vividly remember the picture that my friend, Charlie Gracie, had of the State theatre with his name on the marquee. I’ll bet he still has the picture and I’ll submit it if this feature ever gets back on line.

richardg
richardg commented about Beacon Theatre on Feb 9, 2004 at 4:36 pm

On two different occasions I was denied a peak into the Beacon’s auditorium. I think both times I got the “song & dance routine” about since the theatre was dark their insurance prohibited anyone prowling around the auditorium. The second time I walked around to the stage door and it was open. The stagehands were setting up for a Billy Idol concert. I gave myself a great tour and before leaving stood on the stage, imagined the applause and gave a couple of bows. I decided an encore wasn’t necessary. The Beacon’s a great theatre and my only regret is that I never saw a movie there

richardg
richardg commented about Glove Theatre on Feb 8, 2004 at 3:59 pm

Roger: You’re probably right. It was a long time ago and I couldn’t find the notes I took about the Glove. Schine had a lot of great looking theatres including the one in Auburn, N.Y. I was interested in purchasing this one but it had just been sold to someone who was going to make it into a night club. That, of course, failed. Do you think any of the Schine family still lives in Gloverville? I’m sure some relative has pictures and information on the theatres.

richardg
richardg commented about Sheridan Theatre on Feb 8, 2004 at 3:40 pm

The Sheridan was the flagship theatre of a small Chicago chain run by a wealthy Greek businessman. Although it was the chain’s flagship theatre, it was the weakest link in the chain and the first of the group to close. In just a mere 25 years or so after opening, this movie palace would close and shortly afterward begin a new life as a synagogue. I believe it remained a synagogue for a longer time period than it was a movie theatre. Eventually, the building was born again as a movie theatre— this time showing Spanish language films. Memory tells me this would be the mid 1980’s. Although I tied for over 20 years to see the inside of the Sheridan, it wasn’t until it’s reopening in the mid 80’s that I succeeded. In size it was comparable to the B & K movie palaces but the auditorium was very plain. The ceiling was “tented” with a gray fabric and just below that, parallel to the ceiling, spanned a 50 to 60 foot Menorah. The Menorah, no doubt, a left over from the synagogue days. I don’t know if the “tenting” was original or not. The Menorah stayed intact, I’m sure, because it would have taken a massive crane to remove this huge heavy object. The huge balcony was closed but I ventured up anyway. After a few minutes if surveying the scene, I was greeted by the friendly Mexican projectionist who proceeded to give me a tour of the projection booth. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to provide any information about the theatre’s history. The night I toured the theatre there were maybe 30 people in attendance. For the theatre historians, other theatres owned by this chain included: on the northside, The Vogue, North Center, Patio, and Sheridan; on the southside, The Marquette, Hiway, and Colony.

richardg
richardg commented about Paradise Theatre on Feb 8, 2004 at 2:09 pm

The Festival theatre chain has run the Paradise for a number of years but closed it briefly a few years back. Low attendance caused them not to renew their lease on the theatre and it remained closed for a few months. Shortly after this decision someone out bid them on their lease renewal of their flagship theatre, The Bloor Cinema. Festival then reopened the Paradise. The Paradise is my favorite of their 7 theatres because it’s never crowded and the balcony is always open. Usually there’s never more than six people in the balcony. This is actually a good thing because the pitch of the balcony is very gentle. If anyone sits in front of you, you.ll need to move four rows back to get a clear view. Festival has done a nice job in restoring the marquee. Wide seating has been installed in about two thirds of the main floor so seating is down to about 470. Prior to the Festival chain running the theatre and in its adult cinema days, it was called Eve’s Paradise. The address of the Paradise is 1006 Bloor St. west. I have photos once the system is working again.

richardg
richardg commented about Glove Theatre on Feb 7, 2004 at 5:50 pm

I looked at this theatre maybe 25 years ago when the whole theatre complex was for sale. The Schine family got their start with this theatre and it remeained their headquarters until the chain folded. I don’t know that flagship is the right word for the Glove Theatre because most of their theatres were larger and nicer than the Glove. The building complex had a private screening room where the Shine family and executives would review the movies and decide which theatres would show what show movies. The private screening room was definitely more impressive than the theatre. The Glove had already closed as a daily run movie theatre by the late 1970’s and possibly before. I know it was still used periodically during this time frame for things like yearly children’s Christmas parties with cartoons etc. Memory tells me the Glove was much smaller than 1100 seats annd as I recall it had no balcony. Years ago, when the USA actually made instead of importing clothing, Gloversville was the glove capitol of America.

richardg
richardg commented about Rialto Theatre on Feb 7, 2004 at 5:08 pm

The theatre changed hands twice since the owner’s death. It was originally bought by the person who owned the antique store next door. He, however, I was informed, lacked the cash needed to get the theatre up and running. It was sold again to the Spenelli (sorry I know this spelling is wrong} threatre chain out of Dover, N.H. They fully insulated the theatre, restored the marquee, and cleaned it up. They even bought the most expensive popcorn maker money can buy. One of the things I like to do when touring a theatre is watch a movie in the theatre. To give you an idea how dedicated I am, I sat through “Sweet Home Alabama” in this theatre.

richardg
richardg commented about Milford Theatre on Feb 7, 2004 at 4:27 pm

The Milford was another reduced admission priced theatre. There was also a ballroom in part of theatre building complex. I saw many movies at the Milford but didn’t go as often as I would have liked because quite often they showed Polish films. I was in Chicago when it was being torn down, but by the time I drove by there was just one wall standing. Memory tells me it was torn down the same time as the Granada but I’m not positive. The Milford had no balcony and ufortunately I never took a picture of the theatre.

richardg
richardg commented about Rowland Theatre on Feb 7, 2004 at 4:07 pm

I’ve been to this theatre twice and enjoyed it both times. The balcony is always open to patrons. Philipsburg is a small community and I find it amazing they have a theatre this large. What’s more amazing is there’s another large theatre just a block away. Although now closed, I think that when it was open it would have taken the entire town’s population to fill the two theatres. There’s a terrific chocolate store across from the theatre with lots of homemade candies.

richardg
richardg commented about Strand Theatre on Feb 2, 2004 at 6:26 pm

Tom, How many years has the Strand been closed? I’m guessing I first discovered the theatre 15 years ago and it was closed then. I remember the buildings’s exterior well and am surprised it seats only 750. The people who run the Music Box in Chicago, (I believe they even have a theatre restoration business) might be one place to begin.

richardg
richardg commented about Midland Theatre on Feb 2, 2004 at 4:50 pm

I tried for years to get inside this theatre. I actually suceeded once but couldn’t see a thing. There was a store in the foyer section of the theatre which sold musical instruments about 15 years ago. The owner opened one of the auditorium doors and let me look inside. It was blacker than coal inside and my little flashlight was useless. It’s wonderful that the theatre has been restored. There used to be a great ice cream store a few hundred feet from the Midland that made their own waffle cones. Newark is a great little city. I know all the theatre buffs who go to look at the Midland will have an enjoyable time. Sometime soon I’ll submit some information about Newark’s other theatre.

richardg
richardg commented about Brighton Theatre on Feb 1, 2004 at 6:40 pm

The has been closed for many years and is located approximately for blocks south of The Revue on Roncesvales Ave. I was in the theatre only once about 20 years ago. I think it was the smallest, original sized, older theatre I’ve ever been in. It was managed by Festival theatres for a few years then when back to being independently run.

richardg
richardg commented about Revue Cinema on Feb 1, 2004 at 6:16 pm

Originally, the Revue sat about 400 but with the installation of wide rockers and reduction of some aisles, seating is now at 240. There is no balcony. The interior has some great looking wall sconces which look art deco and supposedly are original from 1911. Since 1911 predates the art deco era, we can only assume this lighting manufacturer was ahead of its time. The Revue has been part of The Festival theatre chain for approximately 20 years. The chain currently operates 7 older, single screen, neighborhood theatres. I believe they own four and lease the others. The Revue is the smallest of their theatres.

richardg
richardg commented about Latchis Theatre on Jan 27, 2004 at 7:57 pm

The Colonial theatre in Keene, N.H. is a Latchis theatre. I saw “Return of The Black Stallion” when it was first released along with maybe 25 other people. I'ts a beautiful theatre and I only hope it’s drawing more people today. I saw your remaining portion of the theatre just two years ago. Judging from the size of the parking lot, the auditorium must have huge. I believe there is a bicycle store in the remaining portion. If you get to Keene, I know there’s another theatre just a block from the Colonial which has been converted into apartments. I believe a local resident told me it was a Latchis' also.