I could cry after looking at the historic photos of the Ziegfeld.
I always celebrate Mr. Ziegfeld’s birthday by screening the 1936 (Best Film) “The Great Ziegfeld.” The revolving stage scene with the magnificent waterfall curtain takes my breath away each and every time.
Perhaps, if I go to the “big theater in the sky”, I’ll have the honor of meeting Florenz… meanwhile, may those who greedily decided to destroy his wonderful palace rot in hell!
Our problem with teens today is that they are bored with life if they can’t play with their cellphones! They totally lack concentration.
It’s about time that ALL cinemas, both private and chain, display a large sign in the lobby regarding policy -especially cellphones and enforce it, by tossing the irritating offenders out without a refund.
Better still, install signal jamming devices in every theater so we can all watch a movie without seeing that infuriating little white cell screen!!!
What a crying shame. Perhaps investing in a portable generator would help in future?
I would post a bold print sign in the Box Office “All employee’s of PPL are NOT welcome at this cinema!”
San Francisco’s infamous Castro Theatre seems to get quality prints for their on-going classic film series -check with them as to who their distributors are. I’m sure they would share if you’re not to close for competition.
A decade ago, when I presented a collection of early Alec Guinness British pictures at the Fine Arts Cinema in Berkeley, Ca., owner “Auntie Jo” returned the faded/trashed junk and received beautiful “vault” quality prints. It always pays to pre-screen your programme first!
Finally, do Union Projectionists receive the best prints, especially for reel-to-reel projection and NOT platter butchered material?
My youthful memories of cinema staff in England during the late 1940’s – 1960’s are of the highest regard.
The ushers were polite but strict about patrons sitting in the correct area -according to the varied prices of admission, and they seemed to remember should a patron (accidentally) happen to re-seat themselves in the upscale area.
The doormen kept an eye out for members of the military and would often pull them out of line to get priority seating.
The very pretty “big” girls (oh yes)got to carry the tray of drinks and ice creams down to the stage area and stand in the spotlight.
Every staff member was so well dressed and manicured and, thanks to the general manager, all performed in such a professional manner!
As for Larry Goldsmith’s (above) final comments… I couldn’t have worded it better. So sad.
It’s a pity… they should have sold their naughty flicks to an always hungry market in “Baghdad-by-the-Bay,” namely San Francisco!
And behold, their bank balance would have been blessed in more lovely dollars.
Please see my News Item of Wednesday October 29th, 2008: “Signs Go Up And So Do Prices."
As of today, there were about quite a few fascinating but oh-so-true follow-up letters.
In addition to my original article… If only EVERY private or chain operated cinemas and theaters would adopt the same attitude regarding disruptive people and cell phone violators.
Install infrared cameras to monitor the audience for cell phones and have the GUTS to kick the irritating offenders out!
But, “Oh no, we might upset them.” Well how about the other courteous patrons who have been disturbed?
People today are obsessed with their cell phones… just watch the audience members phones light up like a Christmas tree as the final scene fades on the screen! What have we spawned?
“West Side Story” is one of many wonderful films I will NOT watch on television.
Having seen it decades ago, on the BIG screen at the still vacant but opulent New Mission Theatre in San Francisco, this masterpiece of direction and music is one of the best “teen” films ever produced.
When I lived in Plymouth 1975-78 I was a regular patron there as this cinema reminded me of its sister-cinema ABC Forum in Southampton -my former home town.
I also have happy radio memories of listening to the morning BBC (West of England Service)to “As Prescribed.” The oh-so-talented Dudley Savage was at the console of the lovely sounding Compton (Melotone) organ.
I also have several recordings of his pretty music, of which he introduces and it still makes me a homesick when listening to here in Oregon.
William; When in NYC about 15 years ago, I took a couple of shots of an off-Broadway theater which was functioning as a black church. A service was underway in the auditorium but invited to only peek inside. Bottle green curtains, in bad shape, dressed the stage.
The lobby had off-white Gothic columns accented with pink or mauve along with gold waterfall drapes and a tall 5/tier slender chandelier.
I’d like to put a name to this place. Can you assist me, please?
When I was stationed at Oakland Army Base, California, 1965-65, I had a part-time job at the base cinema. Those were the days of single reel-to-reel projection -not this lazy platter system of today!
It would be interesting to find out WHO to contact for a detailed list of military base (past and present) cinemas/theaters -to post on C.T’s sight.
From those places I faithfully patronized (fifty-cents or so!!!) at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina., Ft. Sam Houston, Texas., Ft. Lewis, Tacoma, Washington., Presidio of San Francisco and Naval Station Treasure Island, they all seemed to have demure architecture except the Presidio’s beautiful Spanish theme.
Dear Wall Street Crooks…
I’d love to add 3D to my digital projection system in my 25 seat home cinema.
Please add my name to your list of “friends”! Cherio for now…
When I was stationed in San Francisco in 1966-67, I paid a visit to the cavernous and awesome Art Deco Paramount Theatre in Oakland while it was still operating as a cinema.
Paul Newman was playing a miserable cowboy in “HUD” and driving furiously about town in a fabulous old 1958 Cadillac. This car so impressed me that I bought one the next day!
Paul… Thanks for all of your numerous and unforgettable acting talents. No one will ever fill your boots… NO ONE!
Why not contact the owners of the Egyptian style Parkway Theatre in Oakland, California. The last time I was there (this place is mainly out of the shopping areas) was simply jumping.
The balcony had been closed-in and converted into a church. The main floor had good projection, ample seating and served very good food and drinks -at a reasonable price!
I could cry after looking at the historic photos of the Ziegfeld.
I always celebrate Mr. Ziegfeld’s birthday by screening the 1936 (Best Film) “The Great Ziegfeld.” The revolving stage scene with the magnificent waterfall curtain takes my breath away each and every time.
Perhaps, if I go to the “big theater in the sky”, I’ll have the honor of meeting Florenz… meanwhile, may those who greedily decided to destroy his wonderful palace rot in hell!
Our problem with teens today is that they are bored with life if they can’t play with their cellphones! They totally lack concentration.
It’s about time that ALL cinemas, both private and chain, display a large sign in the lobby regarding policy -especially cellphones and enforce it, by tossing the irritating offenders out without a refund.
Better still, install signal jamming devices in every theater so we can all watch a movie without seeing that infuriating little white cell screen!!!
What ever happened to the AMERICAN SEATING COMPANY and others?
At the frantic rate of foreign imports into the USA, the closure of AMERICAN factories and AMERICAN unemployment WILL be mind-boggling!
Everyone’s above photos are repeats, repeats, repeats, repeats!
What a crying shame. Perhaps investing in a portable generator would help in future?
I would post a bold print sign in the Box Office “All employee’s of PPL are NOT welcome at this cinema!”
San Francisco’s infamous Castro Theatre seems to get quality prints for their on-going classic film series -check with them as to who their distributors are. I’m sure they would share if you’re not to close for competition.
A decade ago, when I presented a collection of early Alec Guinness British pictures at the Fine Arts Cinema in Berkeley, Ca., owner “Auntie Jo” returned the faded/trashed junk and received beautiful “vault” quality prints. It always pays to pre-screen your programme first!
Finally, do Union Projectionists receive the best prints, especially for reel-to-reel projection and NOT platter butchered material?
My youthful memories of cinema staff in England during the late 1940’s – 1960’s are of the highest regard.
The ushers were polite but strict about patrons sitting in the correct area -according to the varied prices of admission, and they seemed to remember should a patron (accidentally) happen to re-seat themselves in the upscale area.
The doormen kept an eye out for members of the military and would often pull them out of line to get priority seating.
The very pretty “big” girls (oh yes)got to carry the tray of drinks and ice creams down to the stage area and stand in the spotlight.
Every staff member was so well dressed and manicured and, thanks to the general manager, all performed in such a professional manner!
As for Larry Goldsmith’s (above) final comments… I couldn’t have worded it better. So sad.
Finally! Congrats to all who slaved. I moved to Oregon one year ago and longed for this classic cinema to be restored before departure.
Any night shots of the facade and interior pics? Pleeeeeeeeze?
It’s a pity… they should have sold their naughty flicks to an always hungry market in “Baghdad-by-the-Bay,” namely San Francisco!
And behold, their bank balance would have been blessed in more lovely dollars.
The closing credits for HSM3 list a high school in Salt Lake City, Utah as the site for the filming of this typical drawn out Disney ho-hum musical.
Please see my News Item of Wednesday October 29th, 2008: “Signs Go Up And So Do Prices."
As of today, there were about quite a few fascinating but oh-so-true follow-up letters.
In addition to my original article… If only EVERY private or chain operated cinemas and theaters would adopt the same attitude regarding disruptive people and cell phone violators.
Install infrared cameras to monitor the audience for cell phones and have the GUTS to kick the irritating offenders out!
But, “Oh no, we might upset them.” Well how about the other courteous patrons who have been disturbed?
People today are obsessed with their cell phones… just watch the audience members phones light up like a Christmas tree as the final scene fades on the screen! What have we spawned?
Everyone has to have their beloved “tea break” and the Brits are famous for dragging it out!
“West Side Story” is one of many wonderful films I will NOT watch on television.
Having seen it decades ago, on the BIG screen at the still vacant but opulent New Mission Theatre in San Francisco, this masterpiece of direction and music is one of the best “teen” films ever produced.
When I lived in Plymouth 1975-78 I was a regular patron there as this cinema reminded me of its sister-cinema ABC Forum in Southampton -my former home town.
I also have happy radio memories of listening to the morning BBC (West of England Service)to “As Prescribed.” The oh-so-talented Dudley Savage was at the console of the lovely sounding Compton (Melotone) organ.
I also have several recordings of his pretty music, of which he introduces and it still makes me a homesick when listening to here in Oregon.
You LUCKY devils. Wish I could join you for your event.
Long live the single screen cinemas!
William; When in NYC about 15 years ago, I took a couple of shots of an off-Broadway theater which was functioning as a black church. A service was underway in the auditorium but invited to only peek inside. Bottle green curtains, in bad shape, dressed the stage.
The lobby had off-white Gothic columns accented with pink or mauve along with gold waterfall drapes and a tall 5/tier slender chandelier.
I’d like to put a name to this place. Can you assist me, please?
When I was stationed at Oakland Army Base, California, 1965-65, I had a part-time job at the base cinema. Those were the days of single reel-to-reel projection -not this lazy platter system of today!
It would be interesting to find out WHO to contact for a detailed list of military base (past and present) cinemas/theaters -to post on C.T’s sight.
From those places I faithfully patronized (fifty-cents or so!!!) at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina., Ft. Sam Houston, Texas., Ft. Lewis, Tacoma, Washington., Presidio of San Francisco and Naval Station Treasure Island, they all seemed to have demure architecture except the Presidio’s beautiful Spanish theme.
Here’s hoping the local movie-goers will BOYCOTT the property owner when she takes over… greedy b****!
Dear Wall Street Crooks…
I’d love to add 3D to my digital projection system in my 25 seat home cinema.
Please add my name to your list of “friends”! Cherio for now…
Thanks “MPo” but just WHERE are these ugly cinemas located?
Hey CinemarkFan… Salem/Portland, Oregon needs to give Regal a bit of competition!
Thanks, best photo yet… glad the old place is still jumping!
When I was stationed in San Francisco in 1966-67, I paid a visit to the cavernous and awesome Art Deco Paramount Theatre in Oakland while it was still operating as a cinema.
Paul Newman was playing a miserable cowboy in “HUD” and driving furiously about town in a fabulous old 1958 Cadillac. This car so impressed me that I bought one the next day!
Paul… Thanks for all of your numerous and unforgettable acting talents. No one will ever fill your boots… NO ONE!
Why not contact the owners of the Egyptian style Parkway Theatre in Oakland, California. The last time I was there (this place is mainly out of the shopping areas) was simply jumping.
The balcony had been closed-in and converted into a church. The main floor had good projection, ample seating and served very good food and drinks -at a reasonable price!