Walker Theater
6401 18th Avenue,
Brooklyn,
NY
11204
6401 18th Avenue,
Brooklyn,
NY
11204
9 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 81 comments
So why did UA quad it than close it 2 years later? SMH
The photo IS the Walker in Bensonhurst. I saw Helen Reddy live, and both Kay Starr & Rosie Clooney live ! The inside of the Target looks terrific !
According to the November 2019 issue of “Signs of the Times” magazine, the Walker originally had 2200 seats with a combination of French and Roman detail. The new marquee for the Target conversion was done by Philadelphia Sign Company of Palmyra, N.J. Dan Herrman was lead project engineer.
Unfortunately the one problem with the restoration project was the original terra cotta brickwork above the main entrance & marquee was left badly damaged and in extreme need of restoration & repair. It’s been in such a state since the Madee/Annie Sez era. If you take a look at theatrefan’s photo in the gallery you will see exactly what I am refering to.
Article on Target with pictures of restored theater décor incorporated into the store.
Does anyone recall a Live Rock and Roll show at this theater? I thought it was an Alan Freed show but not sure.
Actually saw the underside of balcony and saw three circular of original plaster plus part of the front side of the balcony left detail upstairs this past Saturday. If the store stays one level, ?, it might remain. Loved to see what I saw for the last time.
Slated to become a Target Store – http://bklyner.com/movies-mandee-bensonhurst-target/
How did United Artists originally Quad this place way back in 1986? I cannot seem to remember. BTW I spoke with someone on 18th Avenue & they told me they had a friend that had rescued a bunch of seats from the dumpster outside for their own home theatre in their basement, I wonder if they call it the Walker?
No,The photo was taken on 86th street and 18th avenue B/c the address starts w/ the numbers “86.” The walker was on 64th street. the Loews Oriental was on 86th street, which may be the one in the photo. Hey, does anyone recall the old lady matrons that used to walk the aisles w/ flashlights to keep us kids in order? This was in the early to mid ‘60s.
Is there any theater ornamentation left in the store?
The Walker theater was named after the then mayor of NYC, Jimmy Walker,in 1926 and was never owned by his family.
Back in January 1976 or 1977 the late Carl Weiss and I spent an afternoon touring the Walker. Carl knew the owners from servicing the Wurlitzer so he had keys to the place. While Carl spent over an hour playing the Wurlitzer I took photographs of the auditorium. As I recall it was in near mint condition with some work being needed on the balcony rear wall and orchestra pit. If my memory is serving me correctly the house was still owned by the Walker family although UA was leasing it at the time. I will attempt to post some of the pictures when time permits. From what I’ve read in the comments it sounds as if the Walker could be restored with minimal effort. Doe anyone know if the Wurlitzer is still in the house?
I’m a musician….played drums in the orchestra pit in ‘79……midnight movies in the 80’s…..great place….what a sin….
Hi all again, forgot a few details. I loved The Walker Theater and the Chinese Restaurant next door. The best was Roosevelt Ice Parlor. Write me. Caterina
Hi All, loved all the stories, got you all I am 83+ and grew up on 71st Street, went to P.S. 112 and Shallow J.H
Great movie ad. And the pictures were just great.
To Jtorriani-Thank you for the comment about my dad, Erwin Bader from Shallow. You can email me at
I would love to hear more.
Thank you!
Excellent photo of the auditorium posted by Warren. The proscenium was very beautiful, too. What a shame this theatre didn’t eventually become a performing arts center. Public transportation is near by, but no parking lot.
double feature and then hit the Richelieu for a frappe or a black and white soda?
I submitted a Comment about the Walker Theater and it was acknowledged on Dec 27, 2007 by ERD. Now I find that the submission has been deleted. Can you explain this? Thank you very much.
Bill Brandt
Dee Ann I don’t know how to contact you but I attendend Shallow JHS from 1956-59 and had your father as a teacher. He was a wonderful man. One of the things I remember was that there was a student who was severly disturbed and your father was the only one who could control him.
Thanks for all the information, Bill. What great memories!
HI all
My uncle was the Manager of the Walker for many years. He has since passed and we now have a book of memoribilia about the Walker. We I was wondering who might be interested in it and where I could send it. Possibly the Brooklyn Museum or do you know of a theater memoribila site or museum? Thanks.
A 1952 appearance by Buster Crabbe enjoying a renewed popularity when his old serials were being shown on television.
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