New York City’s Last Single-Screen Cinema Shuts Its Doors:
Paris Theatre, 4 W. 58th St., New York, NY
Excerpts (quotes & photos) from the Architectural Forum, January 1949:
“Manhattan’s first new postwar motion picture house is, besides an excellent design, an uncharted venue in real estate and movie merchandising.”
“Sponsored by the French Pathe syndicate in an effort to up its U.S. take (now lower than in South America’s pint size Columbia), the cinema restricts its fare to special films, caters to an uptown audience of the cultivated and well-heeled.”
“Manhattan’s first new postwar motion picture house is, besides an excellent design, an uncharted venue in real estate and movie merchandising.”
“Sponsored by the French Pathe syndicate in an effort to up its U.S. take (now lower than in South America’s pint size Columbia), the cinema restricts its fare to special films, caters to an uptown audience of the cultivated and well-heeled.”
“Fifth Avenue Association, fearful of garish Broadway lights, dictated modest sign front.”
“Steinberg mural wallpaper showing scenes of Paris adds interest to simple room.”
“Series of curves provides top visual and acoustical performance.
Upholstered seats are spaced 35-40 in. between rows.”
Joe Wagner on Instagram
Photograph, Paris Theatre June 8, 2011, copyright Betty Sword, all rights reserved.
Architectural Forum article part of the Theatre Talks Collection
Architectural Forum article part of the Theatre Talks Collection
Since 1997 theatre historian, Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of theatre talks and walks, available for historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.
Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.
The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.
Currently seeking funding for “Editing & Formatting” the first three volumes of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition
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