I am the co-writer of the book “Belmont & Arthur Avenue” and I thank you for pointing out the fact that, given its rich history, more detailed information should have been included about Cinelli’s Savoy Theatre (or “The Dumps” as it came to be known.) From my generational viewpoint, that wonderful (if verbally mistreated) neighborhood theater had already reached its “Dumps” stage, and with a child’s eye, I neglected to embrace its true history. That’s not to say that we didn’t all LOVE having our very own movie theater in our midst. We treasure our memories of seeing our first 3-D movies there, the free dish sets given out, the cranky old matron who tried to keep order among us, etc. etc. etc. We were very, VERY lucky to have grown up in that neighborhood, at that particular time. It was just the perfect place for kids, and families, something we neighborhood alumni all agree about, and share the warmest of memories. Perhaps I can convince the publisher Steve Samtur to do a follow-up book, focusing on the actual history of such an important area of the Bronx.
I am the co-writer of the book “Belmont & Arthur Avenue” and I thank you for pointing out the fact that, given its rich history, more detailed information should have been included about Cinelli’s Savoy Theatre (or “The Dumps” as it came to be known.) From my generational viewpoint, that wonderful (if verbally mistreated) neighborhood theater had already reached its “Dumps” stage, and with a child’s eye, I neglected to embrace its true history. That’s not to say that we didn’t all LOVE having our very own movie theater in our midst. We treasure our memories of seeing our first 3-D movies there, the free dish sets given out, the cranky old matron who tried to keep order among us, etc. etc. etc. We were very, VERY lucky to have grown up in that neighborhood, at that particular time. It was just the perfect place for kids, and families, something we neighborhood alumni all agree about, and share the warmest of memories. Perhaps I can convince the publisher Steve Samtur to do a follow-up book, focusing on the actual history of such an important area of the Bronx.