Trans-Lux 85th Street Theatre
1144 Madison Avenue,
New York,
NY
10028
1144 Madison Avenue,
New York,
NY
10028
4 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Trans-Lux Movies Corp.
Architects: Thomas White Lamb
Styles: Art Deco
Nearby Theaters
The Trans-Lux 85th Street Theatre opened on November 1, 1937 as a newsreel theatre.
Closed in the mid-1980’s it was demolished in the 1990’s
Contributed by
Gerald A. DeLuca
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Recent comments (view all 28 comments)
“DEEP THROAT” actually went from the the Trans-Lux 85 to the 86th Street East. It did not show at the UA East 85th Street unless it was years later when it was making the rounds with “THE DEVIL IN MISS JONES” as a second feature.
I grew up around the corner, and what I remember about the theater is that, perhaps between first-run movies, there were certain movies that they showed at the same time of year, every year, mostly for kids, I assume. Every year I saw: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown & A Charlie Brown Christmas; The Christmas that Almost Wasn’t; National Velvet; and some more I can’t remember now. As I recall, in the 60’s & 70’s when I was growing up in NYC, they didn’t change the movie every week or constantly open new ones — they might show something for a while, or bring back favorites, like this place did.
There were also matrons, and if the matron was there you could go in without your parents. They were incredibly strict.
I think Gristedes was still across the street, on the NW corner of Madison & 85th. Across Madison was the flower store that is still there, and next to that was Baskin & Robbins.
I saw movies here as a kid, in the 70’s it was a GREAT theatre. I grew up on the West side, and on Saturday’s, I’d trek across the park to this Trans-Lux.
I remember when you walked in, there was like a ‘path’ – my memories a little fuzzy, but, it was a BIG theatre inside.
I saw movies here as a kid, in the 70’s it was a GREAT theatre. I grew up on the West side, and on Saturday’s, I’d trek across the park to this Trans-Lux.
I remember when you walked in, there was like a ‘path’ – my memories a little fuzzy, but, it was a BIG theatre inside.
I saw “Valentino” here on its premiere in 1977. Can’t say I recall any details about the theatre . But I do know I’ve never met another person who saw the movie.
I am now almost 81 years old, but I loved to go to this theater when I was a kid. I lived in New York about 5 blocks away and on Saturday morning they played serials like “Perils of Pauline.” Comfortable and nice experience
Caligula debuted here on February 1st, 1980
You’ve got the wrong Trans-Lux, rickmarin. “CALIGULA” opened at the Trans-Lux East.
This was an old school neighbourhood house for most of my lifetime mid-60s onwards with an interesting mix of programming…some soft-core day dating with Broadway, some showcase (WB, UA & Universal circuits) and at the end some first run And Saturday matinees with matrons!