RKO Strand Theatre
714 Beach 20th Street,
Far Rockaway,
NY
11691
714 Beach 20th Street,
Far Rockaway,
NY
11691
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In 1974, I went with my mom to FAR ROCK, to shop. We passed the RKO STRAND, & they were showing “THE GREEN HORNET”(an hour-plus of incoherent edits from the 1966 TV Series), & some R-Rated Blaxploitation, on a double bill. I made a fuss & my mom dropped me off. I came in at the end of THE HORNET, & had to sit through the other film, to see THE HORNET from the beginning. I was 10yrs old, & saw my 1st R-Rated sex scenes in a film that day. I was the only Kid there, among about only 5 adults. It was an afternoon showing. I would love to find out the title of that Blaxploitation flik. About 10mins before THE HORNET ended, my mom came into the theatre to get me. I must of been in there for close to 3 hours. I wanted to stay to the ending, & she said she will leave me there, if I didnt come NOW!…My only RKO STRAND experience, Bch.20th in FAR ROCK…
On Thursday 1 February 1951, Bela “Dracula” Lugosi presented his in person Horror and Magic Stage show at RKO Strand. Currently I am conducting research on all things Lugosi; if anyone out there actually saw this show and/or has memorabilia (poster, handbill, photos) related to this show, please contact Bill at Thanks in advance for any assistance!
Can’t see much today, the facade appears to have been bricked up with cinder blocks. Its a bleak area.
Updates appreciated.
Closed in 1969 advertising the new twin in Five Towns
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Re-opened in 1974
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Did it do time as an indie before closing since RKO has been covered over?
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On Friday January 26, 1962, the Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Curly-Joe DeRita) embarked on a three day promotional tour for their latest feature film, THE THREE STOOGES MEET HERCULES. They were accompanied by “The Herculean Giant” (almost 8 foot tall Dave Ballard) and popular DJ Clay Cole, who was one of the stars of the co-feature, TWIST AROUND THE CLOCK.
On Saturday January 28, they appeared at the RKO Strand at 1:45 PM.
This is from Boxoffice magazine, August 1962:
FAR ROCKAWAY, N.Y.-Isidor Jutkovitz and other members of the Jutkovitz family have sold their interest in the RKO Columbia and Strand theaters here to the RKO Corp. The family served as partners with RKO for 40 years. The firm will continue to operate as in the past.
Any updates on this once cherished theater?
You can keep track of this building’s property profile & the latest permits and job filings by following:
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It seems as if it’s being converted to office and warehouse use. I hope the facade is preserved at the very least.
Those wishing to read Ron Marzlock’s “I Have Often Walked” column documenting this theater, please follow this link:
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This building deserves a sensible restoration. A wise choice needs to be made soon. I’ll add it to my list of projects.
The theatre was remodeled and redecorated in 1925.
To promote his new film “The Ladies Man,” Jerry Lewis appeared on stage at this theater on July 13, 1961.
My great uncle, Bee Ho Gray, performed a wild west type show on Vaudeville for many years. I have an advertisment from the 1930s for an RKO Vodvil performance at The Strand. The ad can be seen at:
http://beehogray.com/strand.html
Be sure to click on the ad for the full view.
Can anyone confirm if this is the same Strand in Far Rockaway?
Thank you,
Clark Gray
www.beehogray.com
June of 1961 the RKO Strand was showing “Return to Peyton Place” and reminded us to “Treat Dad to a show at RKO”.
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This theater still stands.It is probably a total
wreck inside.Check it out here:
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The RKO Strand Theatre was located at 714 Beach 20th Street (Central Ave.)
The RKO Strand was actually located on Beach 20th Street (Central Ave.) on the corner of Cornega Ave. It held at least 2000 seats with an abundance of leg room. One block north of the Strand was the RKO Columbia, a somewhat smaller and much less comfortable house that was demolished in the late 70s or early 80s to make room for a parking lot. Until it was razed, you could see painted on the side of stage end of the building “B.F. Keith Vaudeville”
The only other theater in Far Rockaway was The Pix, a 600 seat “Art” house on Mott Avenue., also long gone.