The Avalon did NOT run XXX in its final years. Not even for a short time. I remember driving down Kings Highway from Ocean Parkway many a time, and passing the Cinema (Kings Highway)on my left-hand side, which did have a XXX venue.
Thank-you Warren for the great interior shots! Does anyone else have any photos of the interior? It would be very much appreciated.
After learning the projection craft with my cousin, and passing the City of New York exam, I opted to work closer to home (Yonkers, NY).
In 1982, the NYC Moving Picture Operator’s License exam was given by the Department of Water Supply, Gas & Electricity. The written exam was 100 multiple choice questions. The practical exam was given in the basement of one of the municipal buildings in lower Manhattan. As I recall, the inspectors tested us quite thoroughly with regard to installation, troubleshooting and proper projection practices with regard to handling nitrate film.
I had a Moving Picture Operator’s licenses in New Rochelle, Yonkers, Mount Vernon, Greenburgh, Port Chester, and White Plains. All were issued by the Fire Department.
When I worked at the Parkway Theater in Mount Vernon, the Fire Inspector would pay a visit every evening. Typically they would take my name, license number, and film footage. New Rochelle would inspect every Friday night, and Saturday afternoon. Yonkers was every Saturday afternoon. The rest were random.
Indeed, Local 650 MPMO (IATSE) located in the Bar Building in Mount Vernon, was quite a strong local until the 1990’s. By then, most of the operators had 2nd jobs and didn’t treat the craft as the profession it once was. Those that did, remained working in the industry either in Local 306 (NYC) or post production.
My cousin was the chief projectionist at the Avalon from 1936 until it closed in 1982.
It was there I learned the projection craft from 1976 – 1978.
Until the theater’s closing day, the booth was equipped with (and ran) three machines.
The configuration was as follows:
Simplex X-L picture heads.
RCA MI-9030 soundheads.
Ashcraft Cinex Special Arc Lamps. They burned a 13.6mm positive, and 9/16" negative.
The first Kelmar solid state theater sound system. Changeover was accomplished with “Raysistor” modules. The power output was 25 watts.
Non-sync music was played on a Garrard turntable.
Until its closing day, the Avalon ran with a travelling curtain. The show always included 2 or 3 trailers, a cartoon, and the feature.
A lot of fond memories in an industry that has forgotten its sense of showmanship.
The Avalon did NOT run XXX in its final years. Not even for a short time. I remember driving down Kings Highway from Ocean Parkway many a time, and passing the Cinema (Kings Highway)on my left-hand side, which did have a XXX venue.
Thank-you Warren for the great interior shots! Does anyone else have any photos of the interior? It would be very much appreciated.
After learning the projection craft with my cousin, and passing the City of New York exam, I opted to work closer to home (Yonkers, NY).
In 1982, the NYC Moving Picture Operator’s License exam was given by the Department of Water Supply, Gas & Electricity. The written exam was 100 multiple choice questions. The practical exam was given in the basement of one of the municipal buildings in lower Manhattan. As I recall, the inspectors tested us quite thoroughly with regard to installation, troubleshooting and proper projection practices with regard to handling nitrate film.
I had a Moving Picture Operator’s licenses in New Rochelle, Yonkers, Mount Vernon, Greenburgh, Port Chester, and White Plains. All were issued by the Fire Department.
When I worked at the Parkway Theater in Mount Vernon, the Fire Inspector would pay a visit every evening. Typically they would take my name, license number, and film footage. New Rochelle would inspect every Friday night, and Saturday afternoon. Yonkers was every Saturday afternoon. The rest were random.
Indeed, Local 650 MPMO (IATSE) located in the Bar Building in Mount Vernon, was quite a strong local until the 1990’s. By then, most of the operators had 2nd jobs and didn’t treat the craft as the profession it once was. Those that did, remained working in the industry either in Local 306 (NYC) or post production.
My cousin was the chief projectionist at the Avalon from 1936 until it closed in 1982.
It was there I learned the projection craft from 1976 – 1978.
Until the theater’s closing day, the booth was equipped with (and ran) three machines.
The configuration was as follows:
Simplex X-L picture heads.
RCA MI-9030 soundheads.
Ashcraft Cinex Special Arc Lamps. They burned a 13.6mm positive, and 9/16" negative.
The first Kelmar solid state theater sound system. Changeover was accomplished with “Raysistor” modules. The power output was 25 watts.
Non-sync music was played on a Garrard turntable.
Until its closing day, the Avalon ran with a travelling curtain. The show always included 2 or 3 trailers, a cartoon, and the feature.
A lot of fond memories in an industry that has forgotten its sense of showmanship.