You are so right, I was shocked when I entered this theatre. For such a great area Elson never spent a dime on it. Was anyone ever in it as a Trans-Lux house?
The deal was always that the theatres could not be listed in the block ads although some of the schlock films that would open day and date on Broadway & 42nd would list them both. The majors never allowed it, and from the huge grosses 42nd St did it never mattered. My friend Steve Young was DM for Brandt Theatres and mentioned to me recently that the Godfather opened on 42nd St four weeks into the run at Loews State.
The Ridgwood did this also, always sponsored by the Ridgewood Savings Bank. I remeber seeing “Santa Clause Conquers The Martians” and then Santa appeared on stage.
I remember from my theatre days that many times the bulbs lasted way past their expectancy. You were supposed to change them when they hit their recommended hours of usage or they could explode and ruin the reflector mirror or damage the lamphouse. Many times though the bulbs seemed to live on and on, but the picture got darker and sometimes the bulbs burned uneven causing dark patches.
Yes, Cineplex did the same with the Green Acres, Fantasy, Fresh Meadows and I think a theatre in Brooklyn. As far as Lynbrook is concerned it’s a miracle it’s still open with UA running it.
Embassy 2-3-4 was like a 42nd St grind house. Embassy 1 was slightly better. The only theatre somewhat maintained was the Guild and that went to hell at the end too.
The Midway was totally gutted down to the four walls. They then added new floors to create a multiplex. It is the only UA theatre they ever multiplexed properly.
The deluxe edition of Cleopatra has a disc of bonus material that shows the NY premiere of the film at the Rivoli. We will never again see a theatre so adorned on it’s exterior. There was even a vertical spelling out the name Cleopatra.
I guess there should be a seperate listing for the old Film Forum?
dave-bronx
You are so right, I was shocked when I entered this theatre. For such a great area Elson never spent a dime on it. Was anyone ever in it as a Trans-Lux house?
Anyone know anything more about the Commodore?
This theatre had no real competition around and I always wondered why it did not make it. It’s a shame after quading it that it did not survive.
This was a class act in every sense.
This place does very well, it’s Brooklyns only XXX house.
Wow, I had forgotten about the phone reservations. I am trying to remember I think at the very end they did sell concessions here.
The deal was always that the theatres could not be listed in the block ads although some of the schlock films that would open day and date on Broadway & 42nd would list them both. The majors never allowed it, and from the huge grosses 42nd St did it never mattered. My friend Steve Young was DM for Brandt Theatres and mentioned to me recently that the Godfather opened on 42nd St four weeks into the run at Loews State.
Divinity
I agree, aside from performance venues churches have saved many great theatres.
I saw many moveovers here, I think the last one being The Little Emporer. I liked the theatre alot, it was comfortable and well run.
The Ridgwood did this also, always sponsored by the Ridgewood Savings Bank. I remeber seeing “Santa Clause Conquers The Martians” and then Santa appeared on stage.
Thanks Charles, what confused me was in the second paragraph it says “the Riviera twin side” so I thought the non-Cinerama side had 2 screens.
If this theatre could have hung on a few years the Broadway boom of the ninties would have probably made it a success.
What condition is this place on the inside?
Andrew
Do they run any movies here?
Am I reading this wrong or would this have made it a triplex?
I remember from my theatre days that many times the bulbs lasted way past their expectancy. You were supposed to change them when they hit their recommended hours of usage or they could explode and ruin the reflector mirror or damage the lamphouse. Many times though the bulbs seemed to live on and on, but the picture got darker and sometimes the bulbs burned uneven causing dark patches.
What was the porno theatre that used to be near here?
Yes, Cineplex did the same with the Green Acres, Fantasy, Fresh Meadows and I think a theatre in Brooklyn. As far as Lynbrook is concerned it’s a miracle it’s still open with UA running it.
Embassy 2-3-4 was like a 42nd St grind house. Embassy 1 was slightly better. The only theatre somewhat maintained was the Guild and that went to hell at the end too.
The Midway was totally gutted down to the four walls. They then added new floors to create a multiplex. It is the only UA theatre they ever multiplexed properly.
Who ran this theatre after Centurys?
It saves electricity and extends the life of the Zenon bulb, but makes the picture look like crap.
Has there been any activity here lately?
The deluxe edition of Cleopatra has a disc of bonus material that shows the NY premiere of the film at the Rivoli. We will never again see a theatre so adorned on it’s exterior. There was even a vertical spelling out the name Cleopatra.