Comments from Bill Hebner

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Bill Hebner
Bill Hebner commented about UA Movies at Staten Island 14 on Jul 19, 2011 at 1:51 am

Back in the 80’s, I knew one of the security guys. I would get on line for tickets and he would come over and ask what we were seeing. Unless it was opening weekend for a blockbuster, we were all escorted in, no charge.

Bill Hebner
Bill Hebner commented about Richmond Theatre on Jul 19, 2011 at 1:25 am

To the comments from 3 years ago regarding Shop-Rite at 985 Richmond Ave. That is still a Shop-Rite and is at the corner of Forest Ave. There used to be a Shop-Rite in the Pergament Center, where Century’s Richmond building still is. Shop & Stop replaced Shop-Rite. There were also a Beefsteak Charlie’s and Roll ‘n’ Roaster at some point. Best Buy (now) used to be Pergament Home Center and was Korvette’s before that. I am too young to remember the Drive-in, but spent some time between the Richmond and the Island Twin.

Hey MovieManBill, when did your sister go to Rocky Horror? I went between 84 and 86-87 and am curious as to whether I know her.

Bill Hebner
Bill Hebner on Aug 27, 2007 at 11:57 am

Their best bet, if they expand into the old Toys R Us, would be to open the Mill Rd. doors. There’s plenty of parking back there, as opposed to the minimal parking for all the stores in that crammed corner of the lot. Adapting to stadium seating at the same time couldn’t hurt, either.

Bill Hebner
Bill Hebner commented about Amboy Twin on Aug 27, 2007 at 11:48 am

When was Rocky Horror shown here? I’ve heard that it was, but don’t recall when.

Bill Hebner
Bill Hebner commented about Amboy Twin on Aug 27, 2007 at 11:47 am

Born and raised here. I love it and hate it, too. I miss all the old theaters of my youth. The stadium’s OK, I guess. It’s definitely better than the SI 14 was, but, like the Jerry Lewis years ago, there’s nothing to do nearby, unless you like shopping at Home Depot.

Bill Hebner
Bill Hebner commented about 8th Street Playhouse on Aug 27, 2007 at 11:36 am

I, too, saw Rocky Horror at 8th St. It was only 2 or 3 times in the mid-80s, but, being part of the Staten Island-UA/Island Rocky crowd, it was like going to nirvana.
I remember that you had to get there during the day to buy tickets because they sold out. We then had time to wander around. I spent most of my time at “It’s Only Rock & Roll” across the street. It was an upstairs store that sold records (mostly imports), cassettes (mostly bootleg concerts) and memorabilia.
I also remember the pizzeria across the street. My wife thinks the name was Ray’s, but she’s not sure. I just can’t remember.

Bill Hebner
Bill Hebner commented about Jerry Lewis Cinema on Aug 27, 2007 at 9:49 am

The theater that went OTB on the Island was the Rae Twin in New Dorp.

Bill Hebner
Bill Hebner commented about Lane Theatre on Aug 25, 2007 at 1:37 am

Don’t know how much things have changed in the past year, but the possibility of a revival house might not be that far-fetched. Stapleton Heights (I think) basically along/near Van Duzer St. has become more artsy. With the right promotion, it might be feasible. Parking near the theater does suck, but it is fairly accessable by public transit, with the bus that runs from the ferry to New Dorp Lane, bus routes on both Hylan Blvd. and Richmond Rd., and the train.
I’m not really a businessman, so I don’t know enough about a project like this. I just wanted to point out the possibility.

Bill Hebner
Bill Hebner commented about Jerry Lewis Cinema on Aug 24, 2007 at 11:08 pm

I remember the bloopers being shown at the Island.
The only movie I saw at the Jerry Lewis was Stripes. It was a single at the time. What also sucked about it was that there was nothing to do in the immediate vicinity after the movie, especially at night.

Bill Hebner
Bill Hebner commented about Hylan Plaza Cinemas on Aug 24, 2007 at 10:54 pm

It was much better as the Fox Plaza. Being hidden in the back corner made parking horrible. There was plenty of parking on the Mill Rd. side, but the entrance there was not used. The rooms are small and cramped and the conditions you have described are mainly due to being frequented mostly by teens. Anyone old enough to drive usually goes to the Stadium instead.

Bill Hebner
Bill Hebner commented about Hylan Cinema on Aug 24, 2007 at 10:47 pm

I miss this theater. In my teens, I went to all the New Dorp theaters and the New Springville ones only occasionally (except for Rock Horror in the mid-80s).
I remember, after the movie, I would go hang out in the pool hall down the end of the strip.

Bill Hebner
Bill Hebner commented about Amboy Twin on Aug 24, 2007 at 10:31 pm

It’s a little missed. Do you have any idea how much of a pain in the ass it is for my kids to get to the UA Stadium by bus?

Bill Hebner
Bill Hebner commented about Island Theatre on Aug 24, 2007 at 10:28 pm

When did you go to Rocky Horror? I was there 84 through 86-87.