Drove by the Bronx Paradise recently and noticed the building covered in scaffolding. Does anyone know what’s being done? Also noticed large signage offering office space.
The rivoli was twinned in late 1981 and would be closed and demolished only a few years later. All the expense and difficulties explained in this article were for naught.
Te souvenir programs, roxy sold many over the years including: Wilson,RAZORS EDGE, ROBE, ALL ABOUT EVE, CAROUSEL, LING AND I, EGYPTIAN. A FAREWELL TO ARMS, LIL ABNER, KING AND I, BIG CIRUS. A,THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESSES, all come to mind
Re WIND CANNOT READ, this was a British production originally issued in UK markets during 1958. It was picked up by Fox for foreign distribution later. Probably a last minute pickup by Roxy management before closing date which was undecided during final weeks. The movie is available as a UK DVD issue (simple google search).
The NY ROXY Theatre, one of the unfortunate early victims of a long list of demolished movie palaces which would increase as the 1960s wore on, was done in more by NYC real-estate dealings than for faltering financial reasons. It is easily assumed that business was poor enough during final months to cause closure. Actually the hand writing was on the wall when Rockefeller Center, with an eye towards future expansion, purchased the ROXY property and leased it back to its then current management in 1955. Even in 1955 news reports were claiming the ROXY site along with the rest of the block bound by 6th and 7th Ave would become a “television city” extension of Rockefeller Center. Of course, this never happened. What did happen was one of Rock Centers star tenants, Time-Life Inc. threaten to move from a smaller Rock plaza building. Rock Center used the Roxy “air rights” to build a new Time-Life skyscraper facing 6th Ave, completed in 1959. Following the disastrous WINDJAMMER roadshow, ROXY management attempted a return to stage shows with mediocre results. Also considered at this time were live TV broadcasts from the ROXY stage and sophisticated Las Vegas style revues. None of this came to pass, rather owner Rock Center took management control and sold the ROXY to NY real-estate wheeler dealer William Zeckendorf in December 1959. Zeckendorf claimed to be building an expansion of the neighboring Taft hotel onto the ROXY site, which never happened. Rather, Zeckendorf contracted for demolishment and re-sold the partially cleared Roxy site. All this occurred within a few short months. Nowhere in the brief closing notices was any mention of the ROXY’s financial situation at the time of closing. The only financial information published was the various property buying and selling pricings between principles at the time. Its obvious Rock Center was not interested in keeping the ROXY afloat. Rather, it was just a means towards an end.
The Rivoli WAS twinned during early 1980s shortly before being defaced and subsequently demolished. The stage house in the rear, where the poster is pictured, was converted to retail on street level and small office space above. The twin job was poorly done I believe during 1981 or 2.
Most of the Roxy’s assets were either junked or given away. Very little was actually sold off amounting to $10,000 or less. One wonders, based on this brief article, what Robert Rothafel’s actual involvement was.
Demolition was actually delayed to summer/fall 1960 by which time the hotel deal fell through (if it ever existed). Despite the delay the ROXY remained closed waiting for the wrecking crews to appear.
to Mark: I saw 2001 at the NYC Capitol; a few days before it closed. The seating capacity was immense, easily 4,000 plus. Portions of the auditorium were curtained off. The seats in the closed off sections were not available for sale during the Cinerama roadshow engagement of 2001.
Only traditional roadshow was windjammer. However at certain periods in the roxy s history. Mezzanine seats were were reserved and available in advance. Special events like premieres had reserved seating. Souvenir programs were available for the robe, razor’s edge, all about eve, king and I, carousel, no business like show business, Lil Abner. Big circus and others.
Wrong Victoria theater. This was for an earlier Victoria located on 42nd Street. the “current” Victoria started out as the GAIETY Theater.
Drove by the Bronx Paradise recently and noticed the building covered in scaffolding. Does anyone know what’s being done? Also noticed large signage offering office space.
The 2 other 70mm spectacles ate easily determined:THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN IN THEIR FLYING MACHINES and AGONY AND THE ECSTACY
The rivoli was twinned in late 1981 and would be closed and demolished only a few years later. All the expense and difficulties explained in this article were for naught.
Te souvenir programs, roxy sold many over the years including: Wilson,RAZORS EDGE, ROBE, ALL ABOUT EVE, CAROUSEL, LING AND I, EGYPTIAN. A FAREWELL TO ARMS, LIL ABNER, KING AND I, BIG CIRUS. A,THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESSES, all come to mind
Re WIND CANNOT READ, this was a British production originally issued in UK markets during 1958. It was picked up by Fox for foreign distribution later. Probably a last minute pickup by Roxy management before closing date which was undecided during final weeks. The movie is available as a UK DVD issue (simple google search).
The NY ROXY Theatre, one of the unfortunate early victims of a long list of demolished movie palaces which would increase as the 1960s wore on, was done in more by NYC real-estate dealings than for faltering financial reasons. It is easily assumed that business was poor enough during final months to cause closure. Actually the hand writing was on the wall when Rockefeller Center, with an eye towards future expansion, purchased the ROXY property and leased it back to its then current management in 1955. Even in 1955 news reports were claiming the ROXY site along with the rest of the block bound by 6th and 7th Ave would become a “television city” extension of Rockefeller Center. Of course, this never happened. What did happen was one of Rock Centers star tenants, Time-Life Inc. threaten to move from a smaller Rock plaza building. Rock Center used the Roxy “air rights” to build a new Time-Life skyscraper facing 6th Ave, completed in 1959. Following the disastrous WINDJAMMER roadshow, ROXY management attempted a return to stage shows with mediocre results. Also considered at this time were live TV broadcasts from the ROXY stage and sophisticated Las Vegas style revues. None of this came to pass, rather owner Rock Center took management control and sold the ROXY to NY real-estate wheeler dealer William Zeckendorf in December 1959. Zeckendorf claimed to be building an expansion of the neighboring Taft hotel onto the ROXY site, which never happened. Rather, Zeckendorf contracted for demolishment and re-sold the partially cleared Roxy site. All this occurred within a few short months. Nowhere in the brief closing notices was any mention of the ROXY’s financial situation at the time of closing. The only financial information published was the various property buying and selling pricings between principles at the time. Its obvious Rock Center was not interested in keeping the ROXY afloat. Rather, it was just a means towards an end.
yes
Millionaire was originally for roxy. But robe was doing so well it was held over .
.
Wrong Criterion
The first few rows actually raked upwards rather than down. The side wall treatment remained unchanged until closing.
The Rivoli WAS twinned during early 1980s shortly before being defaced and subsequently demolished. The stage house in the rear, where the poster is pictured, was converted to retail on street level and small office space above. The twin job was poorly done I believe during 1981 or 2.
Sorry, lady and the tramp opened in 1955.
Duplicate photo see page 35
Click on the above to see a close up of the elaborate brass grill work in the back ground of this photo.
Click Here.
Robert Rothafel is often incorrectly identified as the original Roxy’s son, not true.
Most of the Roxy’s assets were either junked or given away. Very little was actually sold off amounting to $10,000 or less. One wonders, based on this brief article, what Robert Rothafel’s actual involvement was.
Demolition was actually delayed to summer/fall 1960 by which time the hotel deal fell through (if it ever existed). Despite the delay the ROXY remained closed waiting for the wrecking crews to appear.
to Mark: I saw 2001 at the NYC Capitol; a few days before it closed. The seating capacity was immense, easily 4,000 plus. Portions of the auditorium were curtained off. The seats in the closed off sections were not available for sale during the Cinerama roadshow engagement of 2001.
This photo belongs in the Winter Garden Theater section.
Also the egyptian, and farewell to arms.
Only traditional roadshow was windjammer. However at certain periods in the roxy s history. Mezzanine seats were were reserved and available in advance. Special events like premieres had reserved seating. Souvenir programs were available for the robe, razor’s edge, all about eve, king and I, carousel, no business like show business, Lil Abner. Big circus and others.
A much clearer image is on page 8 of photos
These blurry photos of news articles with no date reference or explanations are unreadable and add nothing to the website.