Suez Comes to Broadway

 Motion Picture Herald, October 22, 1938:

"Experienced in handling tremendous crowds, New York City's 5886-seat Roxy Theatre keeps on call extra ushers, cashiers, doormen for emergencies.

But even the Roxy's elaborate plans were inadequate when the 20th Century Fox hit 'Suez' in its world premier run, blasted 'In Old Chicago' sensational records." 

"The waiting line a half-hour before the New York Roxy doors opened. 3,089 people stretched along 50th Street a quarter of a mile."

"Usually four boxoffices are sufficient for the biggest attractions. But even the Roxy's full battery of six boxoffices (largest in the world) were swamped." 

"Every one of the Roxy's 5,886 seats is filled and more than 500, under Capt. Walter  Darrah's watchful eye wait in the Rotunda."

"Waiting line breaks through, fills huge Roxy rotunda."

Hundreds stand in back of orchestra hopefully waiting for a seat. They are lucky. This, their fifth wait, is their last." 

Suez

Theatre Talks-Roxy

New York Tours by Gary

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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Tallest on Broadway

 Motion Picture Herald, November 10, 1951:

"Really, the tallest and most spectacular figure ever built on Broadway. The principal character in this great display for 'Ten Tall Men' at the Victoria theatre, is sixty-five feet high, and surrounded with colorful--and expensive--art work." 

IMDb

Rotten Tomatoes

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

AboutMe

Goodreads

Loew’s State Theatre Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Loew’s State opened November 12, 1921 with vaudeville and Bert Lytell starring in MGM’s A Trip to Paradise (based on Molnar’s Liliom). 

Los Angeles Theatres, Facebook:

"The State Theatre, 7th & Broadway is 100!
The mini birthday party is from 4 to 7 on Friday, November 12.
See us in front for birthday cupcakes and discussions about this theatre.
Or we'll be happy to talk about any of the Broadway theatres"

Postcard based on pre-opening drawing. 

Billboard, November 12, 1921:

“Marcus Loew arrived in Los Angeles last Friday for the opening of his news playhouse, Loew’s State Theater. He was met by Joseph Engel, local head of the Metro Studios and Sam Harris, his West Coast represetatives, and Nat Holt, manager of the new theater. With Mr. Loew were his wife, Sid Grauman, a friend of long standing who returned from a month’s stay in the East, and representatives of the Loew Eastern organization.

"The opening of the theater, which had been tentatively set for November 7, has been postponed because of the requirements of the corps of decorators who are now working in double shifts to prepare the beautiful new house for the audience of first-nighters. it is certain, however, that the opening will take place some time within the next two weeks.

"Loew’s State and twelve-story office building were erected at a total cost of $1,000,000. The theater itself, including equipment, costing $1,500,000." 

Exhibitors Trade Review,  December 3, 1921

"The theatre was christened by Viola Dane with a bottle of real champagne broken over the facade of the building on the opening night. Of the 2,800 seats, one thousand were sold to the public at a box office sale which started Thursday, Nov. 10, at 10 o'clock and closed at noon the same day.”

Postcard from 1959 with "Ben Hur" at the Egyptian Theatre  advertised on the reader board.

 The Loew's name was removed from all signage and advertising in 1955. Loew’s Inc. had only operated the State Theatre until 1924, when it was taken over by West Coast Theatres (later Fox West Coast).

In 1949 the State Theatre was transferred to the United Artists Theatres Circuit, and in 1963 operated by Metropolitan Theatres who closed the theatre in 1997. Since that time it has served as a church.

State Theatre

State Theatre

Theatre Posts

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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

AboutMe

Goodreads

Zombies Over Broadway

 Motion Picture Herald, August 6, 1932:

"Broadway exploitation of 1932. View of the Rivoli theatre in New York during the current run of  United Artists' super-shocker  'White Zombie,' showing the platform erected above the marquee, with the performers who enacted scenes expressive of the theme of the picture, while the opposite side of Broadway is jammed."

White Zombie (IMDb)

White Zombie (Rotten Tomatoes)

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

AboutMe

Goodreads

Easter on Broadway in July

 Boxoffice, July 31, 1948:

 

"Coincident with the interior renovations at the State Theatre, New York, the house
displayed the new exterior look in honor of current screen offering, 'Easter Parade.' 

Even local citizens, accustomed to spectacular Broadway signs,  got a kick
looking up at 40-foot cutout figures which adorned building facade."  

 

Easter Parade

 

 

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

AboutMe

Goodreads

 

Tarzan Swings Into Broadway

 Excerpts from Motion Picture News, February 2, 1918:

"William Parsons, President of National Film Corporation of America, leases Broadway [Theatre] for extended run of 'Tarzan of the Apes.'" 

"Mr. Parsons announces that the lobby of the Broadway theatre will be transformed into a miniature jungle as an appropriate display for his production."  

 

  Excerpts from Motion Picture News, February 16, 1918:

 

"Harry Reichenbach's banner across Broadway speaks for its self, and William Parson's feature production is doing likewise."

"The opening of 'Tarzan of the Apes,' the National Film Company of America's special production, at the Broadway theatre, January 27, was one of the biggest and most successful openings ever attributed to a picture on Broadway. With about 50 per cent of the house given to the trade, it is estimated that thousands were turned away on opening night." 

 

 

Tarzan of the Apes

 

Elmo Lincoln 

 

 

 

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

AboutMe

Goodreads

 

 

 

A Yankee Circus on Mars Opens the Hippodrome

Hippodrome Theatre

1120 6th Avenue,

 New York, NY

Built and operated by Fred Thompson & Skip Dundy, the Hippodrome opened on April 12, 1905 with “A Yankee Circus on Mars”.

Theatre Magazine, June 1905:

"The Hippodrome stage is the largest in the world, and only a faint idea of its real size is conveyed by these pictures. It is 110 feet deep and 200 feet wide, and 500 actors can appear on it with ease. The massive scenery, some of which weighs as much as 10 tons, is picked up bodily by a system of electric cranes which convey the pieces to and fro with no apparent effort."

"After the spectacular piece 'A Yankee Circus on Mars' comes an aquatic performance. The platform sinks in and the stage is transformed into a vast tank filled with water through which 'The Raiders' make their sensational plunge. The reservoir is 12 feet deep, and presents a realistic picture of a mountain torrent."

Hippodrome Theatre

The Lost 1905 New York Hippodrome

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.

Editing and updating the third edition of the Brooklyn Theatre Index.

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom  

Broadway Points to Paramount

Motion Picture Herald, October 3, 1953:

Since 1996, “legendary theatre historian”, Cezar Del Valle has been presenting a popular series of theatre talks and walks. Currently accepting bookings for historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

He has also joined with Local Expeditions to present a series of walking tours.

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 editing and updating the third edition of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, Volume I.

About Me

Goodreads

Medotcom

Space Aliens Safely Sealed Against Attack!

Motion Picture Herald, September 5, 1953:

"'Speed' Kroman, manager of the Mayfair theatre, on Broadway, in cooperation with Paramount, arranged this crowd-stopping exploitation stunt for 'War of the Worlds' --with space girls, safely sealed in cellophane containers against attack."

War of the Worlds

Mayfair Theatre


Since 1996, “legendary theatre historian”, Cezar Del Valle has been presenting a popular series of theatre talks and walks. Currently accepting bookings for historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

He has also joined with Local Expeditions to present a series of walking tours.

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 editing and updating the third edition of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, Volume I.

About Me

Goodreads

Medotcom

Thundering Roaringly at the Crossroads of the World

Original taglines for "Devil Tiger": 

Asia's Fiercest Beasts Clash in Mortal Combat! 

Hitherto Unwitnessed by Any Living Man!

Motion Picture Herald, February 17, 1934:

"Behind the two-year period opening day record of the Rialto theatre at the first showing of 'Devil Tiger' is a story of circus showmanship that succeeded in penetrating the New York public's motion picture consciousness in myriad ways, a publicity campaign that at least in large part is as adaptable to the lesser situations as it was to New York's Broadway.  

"The result was attested by the establishment of a Rialto top attendance mark for two years when the production first was shown last Wednesday and by the largest ticket figure since the house reopened under its new policy.

"The picture was circused in a big way. Every exploitation and publicity angles was employed to put the picture over; newspaper, radio, huge signs, and posters, window-displays and auto-truck  banners."

Devil Tiger

Cezar 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.



He is available for theatre talks and walks in 2015: historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc

Now selling “vintage” on Etsy.

Clune's Broadway Theatre, 528 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

New York Dramatic Mirror, November 9, 1910:
"Clune's new picture house, Los Angeles, Cal., seating 900 people and costing over $50,000, was opened to the public at 10, 15 and 20 cent prices Oct. 10.
"Mr. Clune runs two shows in the afternoons and two in the evenings; five films and four singers, together with a ten-piece orchestra, furnish the balance of the programme.
"Around the walls of this spacious theatre are electric chimes and bells, and the decorations are dainty and tastefully carried out. The immense electric sign on the roof outside cost $3,500 and is conceded to be the largest and most beautiful west of New York.
"The completion of the house gives the Clune Amusement Company two large houses in this city, one in San Diego, and a house seating 1,400 people being erected in Pasadena and which will be thrown open about the middle of November. Negotiations are being entered into for houses for this company in both Phoenix, Ariz., and Salt Lake City,U."

Two other early trade publications offer conflicting opening dates:

The New York Clipper, November 5, 1910:
"The opening of Clune's Broadway Theatre, last week, added a most attractive moving picture show house to the many now established in Los Angeles, CA. It has a seating capacity of nine hundred and is strictly up-to-date. Manager Wm. H. Clune is now operating three first class places in this city."

Moving Picture World, November 12, 1910:
"The latest and most beautiful moving picture theater has been completed and will open in a day or two. The situation of this new enterprise is on South Broadway, just north of Mercantile place and will be known as the Clune Theater."

Deadlines and publication dates may have contributed to this confusion.

When Clune's closed as the Cameo, in 1991, it was the longest continually operating movie theatre in California. 

Cameo Theatre

Clune's

Postcard: Theatre Talks collection, please ask permission to use and/or copy

Photograph copyright Betty Sword, 2002, all rights reserved.

Cezar Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, chosen 2010 Best Book of the Year by the Theatre Historical Society

Quinn's Rialto, 812 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Urban Outfitters is considering opening a store in the former Rialto Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.

Moving Picture World, June 23, 1917:
"Los Angeles was the scene on May 28 of the formal opening of J. M. Quinn's new motion picture theater, the Rialto. Prior to the formal opening, the house had been opened to the general public a week previous.

"Manager Quinn's new establishment strikes a note of comfort that has been the cause of much favorable comment by his audiences. Artistic simplicity characterizes the foyer and interior decorations. The lighting system is pleasing and is so arranged that it can be utilized in heightening incidental effects in the projecting of the feature.

"A huge electric sign representative of flickering candles and with the emblazoned words 'Quinn's Rialto,' at the top of the theatre structure, gives the theater its place in the sun on the local Broadway.

"Selig's multiple reel feature, 'The Garden of Allah," has drawn capacity audiences from the first day of the opening. Mr. Quinn was the recipient of many floral tributes from his many friends upon the ushering in of his newest venture.

"Through Irving Lesser of the All Star Feature Distributors, Mr. Quinn bought the entire rights for Los Angeles for 'The Garden of Allah.'"

The Rialto in 2002 by Betty Sword, all rights reserved

Interior of the Grauman's  Rialto 

Recent photo of interior

For more on the Rialto

"The Garden of Allah" plays the Colonial Theatre in Chicago (our WordPress blog)

"The Garden of Allah on Theatre Talks Posterous

Cezar Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, chosen 2010 Best Book of the Year by the Theatre Historical Society.