The RKO 86th Street wasn’t demolished in 1965 as the heading says, It was closed in late October 1968 with “For Love Of Ivy”. Demolition probably occured in early 1969. The top description should be changed to 1969!
Listing should be changed to demolished. I worked here for the movie “Papillon” on Saturday night, under the Schiering’s regime along with the Granada and Rugby and later on in 1973 at the Oceana.
Total seating capacity for this complex is only 840. Boxes range from 45 the smallest, to 140 the largest.
Nice atmosphere, keep quiet polocies, and best popcorn around. The Bar space is hideous and unattractive but I
don’t drink so I don’t bother with this space below the cinemas. The RKO Albee lost over 40 years ago has been compromised for retail, apartments and etc. One Albee Square is totally unrecognized, actually there is no square anymore as the street in front of the former RKO
has been denuded.
A WWII pamphlet of Loews employees that I loaned to Matt Lambros is being used in this book without my permission!
I gave it to him and he did not tell me he was using it in the book after he returned it to me some months later.
I also believe other photographed items were used. I hope this isn’t so, if it is my lawyers will be in contact with Theatre Historical Society and Mr. Lambros.
Sag Harbor theatre engulfed in flames after next door cafe burns down next to it. Another five businesses to the right of the theatre were also damaged due to the high winds last night. The facade with its landmark neon
SAG HARBOR name stands but nothing is known yet of the interior. The building just turned 97 years old. I hope it is salvagable. I visited the theatre several times when I use to spend the day in Sag Harbor with friends for lunch and movie for the day. It had/has an art deco interior painted a chocolate brown at the time. If it is lost, it will be a blow that Sag Harrbor may never recover from. It was the only single east end movie theatre in operation. Condolences to the owners.
The RKO Hamilton closed in March along with the RKO Chester. The RKO Marble Hill changed hands later on
and the RKO Palace was sold and closed in July and became a Broadway live theatre which it is 51 years
later. Another loss was the RKO Greenpoint. “Harlow” closed the Palace first run and also closed the Greenpoint second run with “Operation C.I.A.”. The Hamilton and the Chester closed with “Send Me No Flowers” and “Taggart” in March 1965.
The RKO Hamilton closed in 1965, still an RKO house. Mr Gabel and Mr Lambros haven’t done their research accurately. I have checked and double checked my files for accuracy. Remember Cinema Treasures is as good as the people who contribute to it. All statements should be double checked, but by who?
David, you are correct and as of today there is no movie listing on movies.com, a sure fact they have started the
renovation, I saw the plans from the operaters and West Babylon is in for a newly reconfigurated multiplex like no other. The interior will be gutted and everything will be brand new. Even the South Bay neon sign will be remounted and be fully illuminated. And I know that the theatre will remain with the policy that has suited it for the past twenty years. Jump with JOY West Babylon and neighboring towns and villages!!!! and that’s the truth!
How can the theatre be restored when it is completely gutted and the stagehouse roof taken down exposing the building to outside weather. Workmen told me the building must come down “Brick by brick” and gave me a solid original brick dating from 1916. I also heard on the same day from a very reliable source that the Apollo Theatre will be running or have their go at programming the “supposed” restored theatre. This will probably a renovation of an unseen space at the ground level of the former Victoria Theatre, but it will not resermble the former Loew’s Victoria Movie Palace and seating will be no where near 2,400. From what I saw this day all remnants of Loew’s Victoria were destroyed as was a stairrcase get ready to be taken out and side by side doors leading to the lobby still intact with the two exit signs still in place. My visit was last week.
You Bet It Is! Once the curtain rigging failed, the Golden’s left as is. The auditorium color scheme changed during 1971 renovation the fixtures, I called them the “eye orbs” had a red bulb in them during showtime and a white one during intermission. I saw the curtain open and close over 1,000 times after the credits. This picture shows the flat screen, the widescreen went up to the drapes. It was a Panoramic screen installed ahead of many first run theatres. Is there anything anyone wants to know from a 7 year, teenage veteran about this, my first theatre job given to me by Max Schiering in 1969.
I left with him in early 1975. Memories Galore!!!
Thanks to my heroic efforts, I was able to get the NYC Dept of Buildings to come down and declare the front facade of the Universal/Loew’s 46th a landmark, therefore part of this structure is going to remain intact and be incorporated into the new building on this site. At least the facade of this magnificent palace will survive for all future generations to see.
Someone told me that was a posted picture of the Granada Theatre of the marquee playing the Sicilian Clan and The Kremlin Letter as co-feature. Every week I took a photo of the front and side panels of the marquee, but some how they disappeared. I also have the backlog of the exhibitor ads from 1964 to 1974 that read Granada-Highway-Rugby (Adults $1.00 At All Times) Ads that were the 3 theatrs trademark running Wed, Fri, and Sat in the NY Post (then the best known MovieGuide Listing for the five boroughs) and in the Brooklyn addition of the Daily News. I hope no one is using my lost Granada photos in this listing as I have all the negatives which I never redeveloped.
The Granada closed July 30, 1982. It was first run at the time under the RKO-Century banner. It was still doing very good business at its' closing time but (ALMI)
wanted to unload the theatre for the land price (which was $250,000 including the theatre) a mere pittance in today’s market. The same operated Albemarle went soon after.
This theatre was demolished over 25 years ago, I was in Bayonne yesterday and it is now a full block Shop-Rite with underground parking! Time to change the heading.
On B&W photo listed for 1965, it’s actually 1971 when Walt Disney’s “moneymaker” “$1,000,000 Duck” opened in theatres. Tony Roberts, star of the movie said it was a box office smash after a Broadway performance.
The house lights are now fully lit and are on a dimmer. This happened during the first 6 months and was corrected. Remember all the lobby tubular light fixtures were not replaced also decreasing the beauty of the entrance lobby. However, some great news, the Robert Morton Organ console is now (as of 9/1/2017) on display in the rear promenade, fully restored inioory and gold trimmings. I have photos, but as an employee, I am prohibited from posting them here. IT IS SPECTACULAR to see it up close. So, come on down and see a show, look or ask for me, and as a paying guest, I’ll give you a short history. PLEASE change seating count to 3,398. Thank You and I’ll see you at Kings Theatre. TODAY the Loew’s Kings Theatre turns 87 years old. Happy Birthday to my baby!
I went to the Loew’s Victoria and the tryphons are still atop the facade. While this one goes, the Apollo next door is more stunning than ever. All new neon and other innovations. A beauty at night in neon. The Alahambra is also being fixed up (the Ballroom) and other amenities as stores, etc. etc. Lobby has been gutted and who knows what the auditorium looks like. 125th Street is getting a major overhaul (unlike Flatbush Avenue between Empire Blvd. to the Junction). Alas, only Thomas White Lambs Victoria Theatre will be gone. Money Talks and the monolith tower that will rise there is most unfitting to this block.
To above, the four walls and roof are still there. True it will be demolished in a short time, but it is NOT demolished yet. It is demolished when the interior steelwork walls and all are gone and is a vacant lot. When a friend mine told me it was demolished, I told him it was a figment of someone’s imagination having seen it this past Monday 8-22-2016. Let’s not rush and put demolished in the heading, some may still want to see the facade. Adios, for now.
The RKO 86th Street wasn’t demolished in 1965 as the heading says, It was closed in late October 1968 with “For Love Of Ivy”. Demolition probably occured in early 1969. The top description should be changed to 1969!
By 1965, Brandt was runnung the show.
Listing should be changed to demolished. I worked here for the movie “Papillon” on Saturday night, under the Schiering’s regime along with the Granada and Rugby and later on in 1973 at the Oceana.
P.S. There is no Alamo marquee so most downtowners are clueless that a theatre is in the complex and how to get into it.
Total seating capacity for this complex is only 840. Boxes range from 45 the smallest, to 140 the largest. Nice atmosphere, keep quiet polocies, and best popcorn around. The Bar space is hideous and unattractive but I don’t drink so I don’t bother with this space below the cinemas. The RKO Albee lost over 40 years ago has been compromised for retail, apartments and etc. One Albee Square is totally unrecognized, actually there is no square anymore as the street in front of the former RKO has been denuded.
The theatre in the background is the RKO Alhambra, based on its' marquee playing “Parrish”. Marquee was on Seventh Avenue.
A WWII pamphlet of Loews employees that I loaned to Matt Lambros is being used in this book without my permission! I gave it to him and he did not tell me he was using it in the book after he returned it to me some months later. I also believe other photographed items were used. I hope this isn’t so, if it is my lawyers will be in contact with Theatre Historical Society and Mr. Lambros.
Sag Harbor theatre engulfed in flames after next door cafe burns down next to it. Another five businesses to the right of the theatre were also damaged due to the high winds last night. The facade with its landmark neon SAG HARBOR name stands but nothing is known yet of the interior. The building just turned 97 years old. I hope it is salvagable. I visited the theatre several times when I use to spend the day in Sag Harbor with friends for lunch and movie for the day. It had/has an art deco interior painted a chocolate brown at the time. If it is lost, it will be a blow that Sag Harrbor may never recover from. It was the only single east end movie theatre in operation. Condolences to the owners.
The RKO Hamilton closed in March along with the RKO Chester. The RKO Marble Hill changed hands later on and the RKO Palace was sold and closed in July and became a Broadway live theatre which it is 51 years later. Another loss was the RKO Greenpoint. “Harlow” closed the Palace first run and also closed the Greenpoint second run with “Operation C.I.A.”. The Hamilton and the Chester closed with “Send Me No Flowers” and “Taggart” in March 1965.
The RKO Hamilton closed in 1965, still an RKO house. Mr Gabel and Mr Lambros haven’t done their research accurately. I have checked and double checked my files for accuracy. Remember Cinema Treasures is as good as the people who contribute to it. All statements should be double checked, but by who?
David, you are correct and as of today there is no movie listing on movies.com, a sure fact they have started the renovation, I saw the plans from the operaters and West Babylon is in for a newly reconfigurated multiplex like no other. The interior will be gutted and everything will be brand new. Even the South Bay neon sign will be remounted and be fully illuminated. And I know that the theatre will remain with the policy that has suited it for the past twenty years. Jump with JOY West Babylon and neighboring towns and villages!!!! and that’s the truth!
How can the theatre be restored when it is completely gutted and the stagehouse roof taken down exposing the building to outside weather. Workmen told me the building must come down “Brick by brick” and gave me a solid original brick dating from 1916. I also heard on the same day from a very reliable source that the Apollo Theatre will be running or have their go at programming the “supposed” restored theatre. This will probably a renovation of an unseen space at the ground level of the former Victoria Theatre, but it will not resermble the former Loew’s Victoria Movie Palace and seating will be no where near 2,400. From what I saw this day all remnants of Loew’s Victoria were destroyed as was a stairrcase get ready to be taken out and side by side doors leading to the lobby still intact with the two exit signs still in place. My visit was last week.
You Bet It Is! Once the curtain rigging failed, the Golden’s left as is. The auditorium color scheme changed during 1971 renovation the fixtures, I called them the “eye orbs” had a red bulb in them during showtime and a white one during intermission. I saw the curtain open and close over 1,000 times after the credits. This picture shows the flat screen, the widescreen went up to the drapes. It was a Panoramic screen installed ahead of many first run theatres. Is there anything anyone wants to know from a 7 year, teenage veteran about this, my first theatre job given to me by Max Schiering in 1969. I left with him in early 1975. Memories Galore!!!
Thanks to my heroic efforts, I was able to get the NYC Dept of Buildings to come down and declare the front facade of the Universal/Loew’s 46th a landmark, therefore part of this structure is going to remain intact and be incorporated into the new building on this site. At least the facade of this magnificent palace will survive for all future generations to see.
Someone told me that was a posted picture of the Granada Theatre of the marquee playing the Sicilian Clan and The Kremlin Letter as co-feature. Every week I took a photo of the front and side panels of the marquee, but some how they disappeared. I also have the backlog of the exhibitor ads from 1964 to 1974 that read Granada-Highway-Rugby (Adults $1.00 At All Times) Ads that were the 3 theatrs trademark running Wed, Fri, and Sat in the NY Post (then the best known MovieGuide Listing for the five boroughs) and in the Brooklyn addition of the Daily News. I hope no one is using my lost Granada photos in this listing as I have all the negatives which I never redeveloped.
The Granada closed July 30, 1982. It was first run at the time under the RKO-Century banner. It was still doing very good business at its' closing time but (ALMI) wanted to unload the theatre for the land price (which was $250,000 including the theatre) a mere pittance in today’s market. The same operated Albemarle went soon after.
This theatre was also demolished.
This theatre was demolished over 25 years ago, I was in Bayonne yesterday and it is now a full block Shop-Rite with underground parking! Time to change the heading.
This Garden Theatre is on N.U. Avenue, notice the El tracks on top of picture and thesupport on the right. Next to Loew’s 46th Street. Accross.
On B&W photo listed for 1965, it’s actually 1971 when Walt Disney’s “moneymaker” “$1,000,000 Duck” opened in theatres. Tony Roberts, star of the movie said it was a box office smash after a Broadway performance.
Disney’s “Million Dollar Duck” came out in 1970-71, making this photo later than 1965.
The organ is in ivory with gold trimmings,sorry for the typo.
The house lights are now fully lit and are on a dimmer. This happened during the first 6 months and was corrected. Remember all the lobby tubular light fixtures were not replaced also decreasing the beauty of the entrance lobby. However, some great news, the Robert Morton Organ console is now (as of 9/1/2017) on display in the rear promenade, fully restored inioory and gold trimmings. I have photos, but as an employee, I am prohibited from posting them here. IT IS SPECTACULAR to see it up close. So, come on down and see a show, look or ask for me, and as a paying guest, I’ll give you a short history. PLEASE change seating count to 3,398. Thank You and I’ll see you at Kings Theatre. TODAY the Loew’s Kings Theatre turns 87 years old. Happy Birthday to my baby!
I went to the Loew’s Victoria and the tryphons are still atop the facade. While this one goes, the Apollo next door is more stunning than ever. All new neon and other innovations. A beauty at night in neon. The Alahambra is also being fixed up (the Ballroom) and other amenities as stores, etc. etc. Lobby has been gutted and who knows what the auditorium looks like. 125th Street is getting a major overhaul (unlike Flatbush Avenue between Empire Blvd. to the Junction). Alas, only Thomas White Lambs Victoria Theatre will be gone. Money Talks and the monolith tower that will rise there is most unfitting to this block.
To above, the four walls and roof are still there. True it will be demolished in a short time, but it is NOT demolished yet. It is demolished when the interior steelwork walls and all are gone and is a vacant lot. When a friend mine told me it was demolished, I told him it was a figment of someone’s imagination having seen it this past Monday 8-22-2016. Let’s not rush and put demolished in the heading, some may still want to see the facade. Adios, for now.