Comments from Jean

Showing 26 - 50 of 91 comments

Jean
Jean commented about New Yorker Theatre on Dec 13, 2004 at 9:17 pm

Nope, it was the New Yorker. I used to work there and I used to watch the filming from my 7th floor window across the street!

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Dec 7, 2004 at 8:03 am

The evening was wonderful! Red carpet, a string trio, klieg lights, 4 trumpeters, wonderful food,open bar, waiters//waitresses galore, singing from an Irish tenor, a 16 piece band, awards, Senator Marchi (who had attended the St. George back in 1929), a huge Christmas tree, organ music( An Allen Organ loaned through the NYTOS ) played by Bernie Anderson and Greg Klingler, and 400 people. If you would like to see photos of the evening, feel free to e-mail me.

Jean
Jean commented about Allen Organ Console Arrives At St. George Theatre on Dec 6, 2004 at 8:59 pm

Go to the St. George branch of the library, where you will find the Staten Island Advance on microfilm from opening day, 1929, etc. If you need, I have a copy of the paper so any information you need, I can obtain for you. Just e-mail me.

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Nov 30, 2004 at 4:01 pm

Tomorrow ( Wednessday ) there are plans for a temporary installation of an Allen Organ console to be installed at the St. George Theatre. This installation is in preparation for the 75th anniversary of the theatre’s opening which was on December 4th, 1929. The gala re-opening is to be this Saturday! The “loaner” will be at the theatre for about a month. Meanwhile, the nice folks at the New York Theatre Organ Society ( NYTOS ) are trying to aquire another organ for permanent installation in the theatre. We’ll keep our fingers crossed, and hope this comes to fruition! Thanks, NYTOS!

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Nov 18, 2004 at 8:36 pm

Yankee…..

I have just been informed that someone will be coming to the theatre soon to check out the projection room. The St. George Theatre will try to start showing classics in the spring. Films that are planned are Casablanca, Gone With the Wind, and The Wizard of Oz.

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Nov 14, 2004 at 5:44 am

Saps,

I have introduced the new owners to the gentleman who plays the organ ( a 1928 Wurlitzer ) and shows classic films at the Union County Arts Center in Rahway, NJ. They should be meeting this week to discuss classic films, etc. I am also trying to get an organ for the St. George as well. If you are in NYC ( staten Island ), why don’t you come to the theatre’s 75th gala anniversary, December 4th? For more information, visit their web site. In addition, should you wish to see more photos of the theatre’s interior, feel free to e-mail me.

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Sep 23, 2004 at 11:56 am

Yes Mike, but seeing IS believing. One has to go inside to appreciate the true grandeur and splendor of this theatre.

I am so glad the theatre is FINALLY open to tour goers of Staten Island and the St. George area. Hip, hip, hooray for Mrs. Rosemary and her family!

Jean
Jean commented about Paramount Theatre on Sep 14, 2004 at 7:51 pm

Though I believe it is too late to save this theatre, I will try contacting someone who may live near there in order to get the realty office phone number for you. Otherwise, try contacting Vito above. He may be able to get the phone number for you.

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Sep 5, 2004 at 10:05 pm

Hi Doreen,

I KNEW of the hole in the usher’s dressing room. As a matter of fact, I got on hands and knees to pull stuff in that was inside that hole. Some of the items were tattered ushers uniforms, a wallet, iron items, pieces of signs, and plenty of liquor bottles! :) Did you see the Snow White cardboard ad that was found and the Lifesaver’s display? Some of the stuff is really great. Other items are difficult to decipher. The graffitti was there from earlier times ( probably the 70’s ). Other than that I know very little except for what you told me.

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Sep 3, 2004 at 9:54 am

Yes Doreen, the speaker WAS there before you took the “helm.” I wonder how a HUGE speaker could just disapear? I had posted a magazine page with photos of ceramic fountains above the fountain in the lobby so people touring the theatre could see other styles. In the Staten Island Advance article about the theatre’s opening in 1929, it discusses the colors of the theatre’s usherette’s costumes, as well as where the statuary was. There was a huge one in the inside the theatre in a niche but I have yet to figure out where that would have been. Perhaps where your mom’s desk is today? ( Near where the phone booths are?) The article discusses the tapestries throughout. Did you notice the lion’s head hooks by the upstairs bathroom? Do you think you can get those booths operating again? They are a GREAT piece of history and I would hate to lose them. The architectural items I discussed earlier were located upstairs in a room near the usher’s room. The items were pieces of statues and iron items like chair parts and light parts. Maybe they can be displayed at a later date? I hope yo saved all the postes that were in the transoms, as well as the “Children’s Only Section” sign. These are ALL great items that can be displayed in a minni museum maybe downstairs(?)
I hope you will get good news within the next week or so regarding the organ.

How soon should one purchase a ticket for the 75th anniversary? I would LOVE to be there.

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Sep 2, 2004 at 6:51 pm

Doreen, I KNOW I saw ONE of the theatre’s huge speakers on stage. Matter of fact, we played a cd I made of organ music from that speaker and it sounded great. In addition, there is a room in the basement FULL of lighting equipment. Surely you must have seen it? As for Vito, I am sure he will be of great help to you and the theatre. I KNOW there are other qualified persons who would want to help out as well. The last time I was there, the fountains were not operating. Have they been repaired to working order yet? What happened to all the items that were found under the orchestra seats in the basement crawlspace? I know I for one, went on my hands and knees pulling out old statuary and iron items once belonging to chairs and lights that adorned the theatre walls. I hope these items were not discarded. Maybe they can be put on display if not incorporated in to the theatre’s resoration?

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Sep 1, 2004 at 7:48 am

Doreen, take a look when you have the chance, at the Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts web site, in Virginia. www.carpentercenter.org/about.html

I just visited the site myself and was thoroughly impressed with its' beauty and functionality. The theatre will be hosting Blues Clues soon just like the St. George. Mugs, books ( about the theatre )and Xmas ornaments ( architectural designs ) are sold at the theatre.

They also host children’s programing, just like the St. George.

In my opinion, showing children’s films on weekdays, like the ones Bruce ( above ) suggested, or certain designated days, would be a wonderful idea. Staten Island does not have many children’s types of entertainment, unless one takes their young children to the “Carousel for All Children” or the mall. The only other option for “entertainment” is bowling.

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Aug 31, 2004 at 3:58 pm

I know Bernie, whom I have already contacted. I also know the President and VP of the GSTOS. They are the ones working on it.

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Aug 31, 2004 at 3:54 pm

All roads seem to be pointing in the St. George’s direction, I am happy to say. NOW, if we can only get that organ. ( I am working on it ).

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Aug 31, 2004 at 3:43 pm

That film was shown on Turner within the last couple of years. I have tried contacting Time warner in Burbank. I am waiting for a response. Meanwhile I will NOT assume that Doreen and her family will want that film for showing. I am merely looking in to it out of my own curiosity. If they are interested, I am sure they will let someone or myself know. I just thought it would be a GREAT idea to show the original film that opened there, if only for the theatre’s 75th anniversary!

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Aug 31, 2004 at 3:36 pm

My own thought about this idea ( which I felt to be lucrative and exciting from the start ) would be to show SO THIS IS COLLEGE, which premiered at the St. George in 1929. This could be shown as the 1st film, along with a 2nd film, cartoons, shorts, and even a dish night or a giveaway of some sort ( raffle ?). Naturally it is understood that this sort of thing could be done once a month or only in Summer, etc. Whichever is best for Mrs. Rosemary’s family and the theatre. I think we all understand that point. Such a showing would not be condusive to the theatre on a regular basis. I believe there are many folks “out there” who would be willing to devote their available time to this sort of function. Think of the advertising the theatre could gain! The Jersey and many other theatres throughout the country offer such shows. Performing Arts shows naturally come first.

I am hoping to be notified after (September 19th) with regard to the GSTOS and an organ for the theatre.

As far as obtaining the film “SO THIS IS COLLEGE” ( 1929 ), that film is part of the MGM library which is now owned by Time Warner. AFI responded to a letter regarding that film. I have contacted them, simply out of curiousity and am waiting for a response.

Jean
Jean commented about Stanley Theatre on Aug 31, 2004 at 3:18 pm

The Stanley Theatre is breathtaking to say the least. I am happy the Jehovah’s did not choose to tear it down. They offer free ice cream during tours in Summer and hot chocolate during tours in the Winter. The clouds still pass overhead in the atmospheric auditorium and it is a sight to behold. The machine is original and in working codition. Though most of the murals have been painted over (?) the art work (though religeous), is still beautiful, regardless.

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Aug 1, 2004 at 2:06 pm

Doreen,
I have not forgotten about the organ. I am still working on it. As a matter of fact I was JUST in to the theatre early this week and spoke to your mom about it. I have forwarded your message on to those at the GSTOS.

Regards,

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Jul 27, 2004 at 5:39 pm

What a coincidence. Today’s Staten Island Advance ( letter to the editor ) reads the following:

“Mr. McQuade is correct in stating that some architectural firm designed the building that houses the theater and the basic form of the theater itself. However, the development of the theater interiors, particularly in the gilded age of the 1920’s and 1930’s, was such a specialty that their design was frequently subcontracted to companies renowned for that line of artistic work. Mr. Castro was the art director for such a company, the Libman-Spanjer Corporation,
one that designed the interiors ( not "decorations”) for many of the theaters in the Time Square area. He was placed in charge of the interior design of the St. George Theater. Now, exactly where the architect’s role ended with the finish of the bare walls, columns and ceilings, and the interior designer’s role began, is not known to me, but I am certain that the majority of what is visible to the theater patrons, except perhaps for certain murals and statues, is the result of Mr. Castro’s artistic contributions…"

Alex J. Castro

The above letter (in part ) to the editor, was written by Nestor Castro’s son.

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Jul 27, 2004 at 10:46 am

You could be right, Warren, though I will quote the SI Advance of Dec. 3, 1929….

“James Whitford, who was associate architect in the planning and building of the St. George Theatre, which opens tomorrow has built the Ritz, Liberty and Victory Theatres in this boroughs ( sic ). These houses which are now overshadowed by the borough’s largest theatre, gave the local architect the experience needed in building his latest achievement.” Could be I am unclear, or the paragraph is a tad confusing.

Then Borough President John A. Lynch stated “No finer theatre exists in the Greater City of New York and that means that surely there is none greater in the entire United States.”

If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to e-mail me.

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Jul 27, 2004 at 9:42 am

Warren, I am taking the information DIRECTLY from the Staten Island Advance of the day the theatre opened. ( I have a copy )Is it possible THAT information is incorrect?

Jean
Jean commented about St. George Theatre on Jul 27, 2004 at 9:12 am

Welcome everyone,

I am in the process of trying to obtain an organ for the theatre. If it works out to the satisfaction of the St. George Theatre owners and the GSTOS, the St. George will “sing” once again. We will make sure that the organ is of the same “style” that was originally installed in 1929.

I think it would be wonderful to open the 75th anniversary show with the film “SO THIS IS COLLEGE”, but I leave that up to the owners. That film was shown at the theatre’s opening.

Additional information is that the theatre was built by James Whitford, architect. He built the Staten Island Liberty, Ritz, and Victory, as well as numerous other structures on the island. The theatre was owned by the Isle Theatre Corp., which was under the leadershp of Sol Brill.

“Just tell them they’re welcome-after all, it’s their house!” So said Sol Brill.

We welcome Ms. Rosemary and her family as proud new owners of the wonderful St. George Theatre, “jewel” of Staten Island. Miracles DO happen.

Jean
Jean commented about New Yorker Theatre on Jul 9, 2004 at 1:07 pm

I lived directly across the street from the New Yorker from 1955-1978. I worked at the theatre in the 70’s, as a cashier ( we had one turnstyle with a foot break ) and consession stand. In the theatre we had a big book on a little stand, situated under a small light. In that book one could list suggestions and complaints, etc. One can only wonder if the suggestions and complaints were headed. I do remember very often, folks would state to “FIX THE PROJECTORS!” I was in the projection booth a couple of times. The projectors had bakelite handles. The manager’s office was under the stairs. Lots of famous upper West Siders came in to the theatre. I watched ( from my 7th floor window ) Woody Allen filming Annie Hall. I took a sad photo of an Art Deco candy machine being loaded on the back of a pick up truck.

Walter Reade bought the theatre from Dan Talbot indeed. I met Dan several times. He can still be reached if you look up New Yorker Films on the web. I was a sad day when Walter Reade took over. The West Side ( to me ) was never the same. Too bad so many of the great theatres on the “Subway Circuit” and other theatres like the Metro and New Yorker, Loew’s 83rd, etc. have met their end.

Jean
Jean commented about Japanese Roof Garden Theatre on Jul 7, 2004 at 10:17 am

I also own a copy of “Marquee” from 1994, which features “RKO theatres of Metropolitan New York.” It’s a great magazine offering theatre photos most folks never got to see.

I have a copy of “The Hidden Garden Of Broadway” from Marquee, Vol. 6. No. 2. It was written by the late Michael Miller. The article contains 6 photos, including the Japanese Theatre and photos of the Riverside and Riviera. When growing up on the Upper West Side, I never knew there WAS a Japanes Theatre. The entrance to the Japanese Theatre was between the Riverside and Riviera and had a “Japanese” style to it. I only knew of the Riverside and Riviera, which were side by side. I used to go to them both. I was heartbroken when those two theatres came down.

Jean
Jean commented about Riverside Theatre on Jul 7, 2004 at 9:51 am

The Riverside was a B.F. Keith Theatre (in 1917-18). In a copy of the “Program” of the theatre in Jan. 7, 1918, it states that Performances are at 2:00pm and 8:00pm. Julius Lenzberg’s Riverside Orchestra entertained theatre patrons. Darras Brothers were “equalibrists on the flying trapeze.” Eddie Borden was on the bill, in “The Law Breaker”. Also appearing, was “Ota Gyg, Court Violinist to the King of Spain.” “Little Billy” was a “tiny” Vaudeville Headliner. In addition, Flanagan and Edwards appeared. Then, song hits from “Miss 1917” ( Kern ). In addition, “The Japanese Prima-Donna, Haruko Onuki.” The one and only “Mme. Sarah Bernhardt, in "Du Theatre Au Champ D'Honneur”. ( From the Theatre to the Field of Honor.“) Next,was "Herman Timberg, The Versatile Comedian”, followed by “Color Gems, a Study in Colour, Light and Form.” Last, came “Hearst -Pathe News Pictorial” followed by an “Exit March-When the Yanks Come Marching Home.”