RKO Fordham Theatre
215 E. Fordham Road,
Bronx,
NY
10458
215 E. Fordham Road,
Bronx,
NY
10458
14 people
favorited this theater
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Ended with 4 screens instead of one. Please update.
Here is a working link for the opening credits of “The Wanderers” set in 1963, filmed in 1978. RKO Fordham Theatre at the head end. Previous link went dead. The films on the marquee were the same two at the Texas Theatre where Oswald was caught after the slaying of JFK. An event also noted in the film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OL7_Xa1Q48
This theatre was extensively renovated by RKO Century Warner in 1984-
Boxoffice Magazine Theatre Construction Roundup October 1984
The RKO Fordham, the flagship of RKO Century Warner Theatres in the Bronx, has completed a $250,000 facelift to give it a bright and modern look.
In addition, the movie house has been fitted with the latest, state-of-the art projection equipment that brings it to the top level of the finest in New York City.
From a new marquee to the completely redesigned lobby, designer Lou Venza has aimed at giving the Fordham the kind of “today” look that complements the first-rate movie fare being offered by the theatre and the level of modernization and comfort which the circuit now demands of its theatres.
The Fordham marquee has been fitted with a new logo, new attraction panels and improved lighting to improve its visibility.
A new, illuminated light panel with neon lights makes it stand out along Fordham Road. New front doors have been installed and now lead into a lobby painted with vivid earth colors.
Modern tiles have been installed along the floor and parts of the wall where they have been integrated into an impressive new mural.
New refreshment stands have been constructed in the lobby and on the second level with a view to improving customer convenience, with the accent again on pleasing patrons and the utmost in product cleanliness, in the booth, Dolby stereo sound has been made part of the modernized projection system.
A new air-conditioning system has been installed to increase customer comfort.
Monty was a great guy…. Do you remember the cashiers, Martha, Sylvia, Libby, and Olivia? I loved them…
Hi Hoco, what’s your name? I was an usher then the Chief of Staff, then the Assistant Manager at the RKO in the 60’s with Jack.
Pat
I started out as an usher with my friend Mike and moved up to assistant then Manager. Jack use to send me to other theaters as a relief Manager. I remember Soctty and Monte.
I use to be the Assistant Manger during 1968 or 69. Jack Reis was a great mentor. We had a lot of fun.
Thank You DavidZornig & NittyRanks, it’s a great photo of a long gone era!
The link only went to the main page. But I found and downloaded it, and added it to the Photos Section. 1951, photographer unknown.
Hey Pat, I am not on Facebook, but my wife is. Her name is Chrissy Schneberg. Not easy being part Italian with a last name like that! However, you can find my vocal group I sing with on Facebook: Neal Stuart and The Empire State. You can PM me through Chrissy’s page and I’ll get back to you. There’s a lot to catch up on. Hope to hear from you. Neal
Hey Neil, it’s pat Concilio putnam valley. Are you on Facebook? What’s your last name?
Pat, great to hear from you – 47 years later – LoL! There are a few Pat Concilio’s on Facebook and I don’t know which one you are – I’ll probably have to connect to you through my wife’s FB page. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Pat, great to hear from you – 47 years later – LoL! There are a few Pat Concilio’s on Facebook and I don’t know which one you are – I’ll probably have to connect to you through my wife’s FB page. Looking forward to hearing from you.
To Neal. Yes I remember you. How have you been? I of course remember Marty. I made him the Chief Usher… You can Facebook me… Pat Concilio.
This is for patc. Pat, I wanted to say hello – I remember you pretty well. My name is Neal. I was an usher at the RKO Fordham from 1966 to 1968. In fact, my singing group, The Zircons sang there in 1964. i remember many of the names you have mentioned. But do you remember Marty Cantor?
Hi Ed, looking forward hearing from you. Hope all is well. You haven’t posted in a while.
Nice pics. Looking at your photos the one in the lobby I see the Orchestra seats were visible. They later enclosed the orchestra with a half wall and glass for the other half and put doors. Then they added a concession stand in the center between the left and right of the orchestra doors. The concession was operated by ABC concessions. In the 1960’s it was run by Hannah a funny individual, but stern. They kept the Ladies room on the orchestra level pretty much the same as well as the ladies room on the mezzanine.
A few photos at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:RKO_Fordham_Theatre,_Bronx
Pat C – my name is Scott Teichman and I am on facebook as well – there’s 2 of us with the same name on Facebook – I am the one from Colorado. Sorry I haven’t responded sooner but hope to hear back from you.
Yes I do. It was next to the RKO Fordham.
Does anyone remember a Department store near RKO theater called, Albrecht’s?
Jack was a great District Manager. He based his office out of the RKO Fordham and was in charge of the RKO’s in the Bronx, Mt Vernon & New Rochelle. I remember calling in the figures from the theatre’s to him at home every night. He was a funny man alway telling a joke, and Marion was more subdued. He was like the Mayor of the Bronx. He knew everybody and if you needed something he would tell you who to see and tell them Jack Reis sent you. I remember needing car repair and he told me where to go and ask for Pepe. I did and they took care of me immediately and a discount added to that. I remember him smoking lucky strike unfiltered cigarettes… He drank a lot of coffee and always pitched money down to Monte, the porter to get him coffee. He was a great Manager, and District Manager… Knew his business! He was strict but so much fun to work with. Marion every so often would come by the theatre when they would go somewhere or out to dinner. She was always dressed very stylish. Those were the days my friend!!!!!
Hi sjteich, what’s your name?
I think I’m in the photo with the guest appearance of Troy donohue. Do you have a larger photo so I can make it out?
Hi Ed, hope all is well. I don’t know if you remember me.. I remember you very well and your wife. She worked there also, right? I was the Chief Usher and student Assistant Manager. Ed are you on Facebook? I am, it’s Pat Concilio. Remember the staff: doorman Pop Lederer, Cashiers: Martha Chaiton, Olivia Eddo, Sylvia Strassberg, Libby (Estelle Libby), ushers Sydney Moussafer, Monte the porter, the matrons, Al from the projection booth (had problem with his leg… Hope to hear from you Ed…