The inside is actually very clean and neat. In the main auditorium, they show everything from James Bond to The Sound of Music. In the back screening rooms, they show porn, both gay and straight. Believe it or not, it’s not sleazy. There are very friendly people there, including the staff. However, if you’re going JUST to see a movie, it IS 15 bucks.
The Fair has been sprucing up! Full length mirrors have been added to the booths. All the furniture (couches and chairs) have been replaced in the front, making things alot more comfortable. The theatre hosted both Super Bowl and Oscar parties, showing both events on the big screen. Along with this,free pizza, donuts and coffee. As a friend of mine said, at only 5 bucks a pop (if you buy a discount book) this place is the best bargain in NYC! Aside from the Staten Island Ferry of course!
I was at a playhouse last night, address is 136 E.13th Street. It’s between 3rd and 4th avenues. In the lobby was a placard detailing the history of the place. It dates from the 1850’s when it was a livery stable. It then became the Lyric Theatre, first a Vaudeville then a movie theatre. I cannot find this theatre on this site. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance.
Well, I’m sure she attracted rather large crowds. Right after Hell’s Angels, Jean Harlow fan clubs sprang up around the country, even though she had yet to prove herself as the talented comedienne she would become.
Just found out that the Kitty Genovese murder in 1964 took place in a doorway right across the street from this theatre. I visited the site a couple of days ago, a tiny vestibule where the rape and murder occurred. Very sad.
I love this theatre. HOWEVER, I saw Sound of Music there last night. They advertised a new print. Not so. The sound was great, but the print was scratched and faded. Not terrible, but kind of disappointing. And no curtain, alas.
I was just there today. The security is there basically to keep the place clean. You can go into a booth with whoever you want and have plenty of privacy. Just can’t do anything in public spaces.
I remember in 1977 they featured a Bette Davis/Joan Crawford film festival that lasted several weeks. Opening night was a double feature of The Old Maid and Mildred Pierce. The line was down the block. It was so exciting.
Same problem with The Fair theatre at Astoria Blvd. and 90th St. The theatre itself claims it’s in Jackson Heights, but it’s actually East Elmhurst. And so it goes.
Went there last night and loved it. However, I take the subway to the Union Turnpike station and if you don’t know the neighborhood, it can be very very confusing finding the theater. I kept getting turned around and asking for directions. I’m sure once I make a few trips and recognize certain landmarks, I’ll find it much easier.
I was just there today. The place was packed. Too packed. There were no booths available for hours. The price isn’t hurting them on weekends at all. Many people buy the 50 dollar/10 admissions coupon books. That works out to 5 bucks per admission, which is a real bargain.
I was at the Fair today, and somebody told me there was a guy there with a digital camera the other day taking pictures of everyone there. I’d like to go on record that if this ever happened to me, I would grab the camera and smash it on the floor.
The inside is actually very clean and neat. In the main auditorium, they show everything from James Bond to The Sound of Music. In the back screening rooms, they show porn, both gay and straight. Believe it or not, it’s not sleazy. There are very friendly people there, including the staff. However, if you’re going JUST to see a movie, it IS 15 bucks.
I meant 9/21
I saw it there this past Friday 9/31. Odd no showings on Sunday.
My kind of guy!
The Fair has been sprucing up! Full length mirrors have been added to the booths. All the furniture (couches and chairs) have been replaced in the front, making things alot more comfortable. The theatre hosted both Super Bowl and Oscar parties, showing both events on the big screen. Along with this,free pizza, donuts and coffee. As a friend of mine said, at only 5 bucks a pop (if you buy a discount book) this place is the best bargain in NYC! Aside from the Staten Island Ferry of course!
I was at a playhouse last night, address is 136 E.13th Street. It’s between 3rd and 4th avenues. In the lobby was a placard detailing the history of the place. It dates from the 1850’s when it was a livery stable. It then became the Lyric Theatre, first a Vaudeville then a movie theatre. I cannot find this theatre on this site. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance.
If it’s a good print I’m all for it. The print of Sound Of Music last December was terrible!
Sound of Music was early last December.
The donuts are excellent too! I’ll be sampling some more tomorrow.
Well, I’m sure she attracted rather large crowds. Right after Hell’s Angels, Jean Harlow fan clubs sprang up around the country, even though she had yet to prove herself as the talented comedienne she would become.
Just read that Jean Harlow made a personal appearance there in 1932 to publicize Beast of the City. That must have caused pandemonium!
I saw a play there today. I think it’s fascinating that they left the theatre in this condition. I really like it; you can feel the history.
Thanks so much for doing all that checking!
Thank you, it WAS The Island. My mom remembered the name. She remembers seeing Intermezzo and Pygmalion there.
Just found out that the Kitty Genovese murder in 1964 took place in a doorway right across the street from this theatre. I visited the site a couple of days ago, a tiny vestibule where the rape and murder occurred. Very sad.
I love this theatre. HOWEVER, I saw Sound of Music there last night. They advertised a new print. Not so. The sound was great, but the print was scratched and faded. Not terrible, but kind of disappointing. And no curtain, alas.
I was just there today. The security is there basically to keep the place clean. You can go into a booth with whoever you want and have plenty of privacy. Just can’t do anything in public spaces.
Just pay your money and walk in.
I remember in 1977 they featured a Bette Davis/Joan Crawford film festival that lasted several weeks. Opening night was a double feature of The Old Maid and Mildred Pierce. The line was down the block. It was so exciting.
I remember the old Sunrise Drive In that was here. I can’t find it on this site though.
maybe, they’re just not as fun!
Same problem with The Fair theatre at Astoria Blvd. and 90th St. The theatre itself claims it’s in Jackson Heights, but it’s actually East Elmhurst. And so it goes.
Went there last night and loved it. However, I take the subway to the Union Turnpike station and if you don’t know the neighborhood, it can be very very confusing finding the theater. I kept getting turned around and asking for directions. I’m sure once I make a few trips and recognize certain landmarks, I’ll find it much easier.
I was just there today. The place was packed. Too packed. There were no booths available for hours. The price isn’t hurting them on weekends at all. Many people buy the 50 dollar/10 admissions coupon books. That works out to 5 bucks per admission, which is a real bargain.
I was at the Fair today, and somebody told me there was a guy there with a digital camera the other day taking pictures of everyone there. I’d like to go on record that if this ever happened to me, I would grab the camera and smash it on the floor.