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

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

Paris Theatre Closed

New York City’s Last Single-Screen Cinema Shuts Its Doors:

IndieWire

Vanishing New York

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.”

“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 

Crain's New York Business

Gothamist

Photograph, Paris Theatre June 8, 2011,  copyright Betty Sword, all rights reserved.
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

AboutMe

Goodreads

Vesuvius Erupts Over Flatbush

Motion Picture News, April 15, 1922:

"Miniature volcano used in the lobby of the Albemarle theatre, Brooklyn"

"The Albemarle theatre, Brooklyn, exploited 'Vesuvius Conquered,' a feature of a recent issue of Fox News, in the most interesting manner."

"In the lobby a miniature volcano belched smoke, and in the cloud above a tiny model of an airplane whirled. Beside it stood a large specially printed poster featuring the short subject. The volcano was about six feet in height and made of paper mache, The smoke was effected by the buring of punk within the 'crater.'"

Vesuvius Conquered

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.

Walks also available at Local Expeditions

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, Volume I.

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

Mickey Divides Marquee with Cagney in Syracuse

Motion Picture Herald, April 23,1932:

"Patrons of the Strand Theatre, Syracuse, N. Y., like the Mickey Mouse shorts, and the management doesn't hesitate to let them know the name of the current offering. Note by the photo that Mickey divided marquee and sidewalk space with  the feature."

Taxi

The Naggers, a series of 18 film short films featuring Jack Norworth and Dorothy Adelphi as an arguing husband and wife in a variety of domestic settings.


Since 1996, “legendary theatre historian”, Cezar Del Valle has been conducting a popular series of theatre talks and walks, 1996-2016. 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

Tarzan Swings Into Rochester

Motion Picture Herald, February 28, 1948:

"Double Tarzan Treat, promoted by Lester Pollock, at Loew's Rochester theatre, where plenty of kids who remember and plenty more who have never seen the Jungle Hero, will be giving that Tarzan yell. Unusual lobby display, above, for a double return date in a first-string theatre." 



Elmo Lincoln, the screen's first Tarzan, appears as a circus roustabout in Tarzan's New York Adventure ( Gordon Griffith plays Tarzan as a boy before Lincoln's appearance as the adult "Lord of the Jungle.")

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.

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

Now selling on Etsy and Amazon

Theatre Talks and Walks 2016

Currently accepting bookings for theatre talks and walks in 2016: historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Details for independent walks will be posted in the New Year.

January 8, 2012 walking tour of the Yiddish Rialto for the
Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation.
 (Photo copyright Betty Sword, all rights reserved)

May 18, 2014 Bowery Walking Tour
for the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative.
(Photo copyright Betty Sword, all rights reserved)

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.

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

Now selling on Etsy and Amazon

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.

Theatre Talks Returns to Blogger

After a brief hiatus, Theatre Talks returns to Blogger with news and updates since our last posting of November 18, 2014.

Sheepshead Bites: "Chatting with 'Brooklyn Theatre Index' Author Cezar Del Valle"

Amusing the Zillion reviews The Brooklyn Theatre Index Volume III

Sunday, December 14, 2014 

Book Launch and Talk: The Brooklyn Theatre Index Volume III

440 Gallery, 440 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Review: Travelanche

Photograph: copyright Betty Sword, all rights reserved

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Book Reading and Signing: The Brooklyn Theatre Index Volume III

Coney Island Museum, 1208 Surf Avenue

Review: Coney Island Blog

Review: Home Reporter

Photograph: Karen Seiger

New Required Coney Island Reading

The Brooklyn Theatre Index Volume III is now available at the Coney Island USA Gift Shop.

Their website has not been updated but the book is available. Please ask.

Cezar Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres. The first two volumes 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.

New selling vintage on Etsy.

Photos, Bowery Walking Tour, May 18, 2014

Photographs of the Sunday May 18, 2014 Bowery Walking Tour for the Lower East Preservation Initiative.

"Thoroughly enjoyable tour of the Lower East Side theaters and other entertainment venues of the 19th and early 20th century."

--Richard Moses

President

L.E.S.P.I.

Photos copyright Betty Sword. 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.

He is available for theatre talks and walks in 2014, historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Brooklyn Lobby Booths and Decorative Displays, May 3, 1928

Motion Picture News, May 3, 1928
Excerpts from the article "Fixtures Keep Pace with Trend of Theatrre Design, Lobby Booths and Decorative Display Frames Harmonize with Atmosphere."

"The inside booth of the United Theatre, Brooklyn, N.Y. This box office is built ten feet wide to provide space for office as well as a ticket booth."

"...an instance where the entire lobby wall is decorated with paneling of display frames and mirrors, which constitute the chief decorative feature. The lobby of the Apollo Theatre, Brooklyn, N.Y., with ticket booth opening laid out in the center of the sidewall panel."

"...a combination display frame and ticket office designed for theatre having a narrow lobby. This arrangement was built for the Elton Theatre, Brooklyn, N.Y., with the booth worked into the center of the frame."

"Lobby Display Co., designers and builders of the fixtures illustrated" 

Apollo Theatre
1527-1531 Fulton Street

Elton Theatre
4217 New Utrecht Avenue

United Theatre
207 Myrtle Avenue

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

He is available for theatre talks and walks in 2014. 

Merry Christmas from the Maspeth Theatre, Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY

Maspeth Photo Gallery

Program part of the Theatre Talks Collection. Please credit and/or ask permission to use.

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

He is available for theatre talks and walks in 2014.

November 9, 2013 Walking Tour: Downtown Brooklyn Cultural District

Theatre for a New Audience 

Walking Tour: Downtown Brooklyn Cultural District

With Theatre Historian Cezar Del Valle

Saturday Saturday, November 9, 2013

 10am-12pm

Free

 Reservations Required

email humanities@tfana.org  or call 212-229-2819x31

Meet in front of BAM Howard Gilman Opera House 

Includes interiors of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, BAM Harvey, and the new Polonsky Shakespeare Center

Come honor Brooklyn's history and celebrate our new home with a portable soirée. Theatre for a New Audience is offering a walking tour led by historian Cezar Del Valle, author of The Brooklyn Theatre Index, Vols. I and II. Cezar will guide participants through Downtown Brooklyn’s theatrical past, present, and future. The tour will start in front of BAM Howard Gilman Opera House and end at Theatre for a New Audience’s Polonsky Shakespeare Center. We'll be making stops at BAM Harvey and at historical sites of theatres past. We hope to see you there. 

Let's take a stroll! Through Downtown Brooklyn that is, home to some of the most impressive arts and cultural institutions in New York City. At the heart of it lies the Downtown Brooklyn Cultural District, where Theatre for a New Audience is setting up camp. We're proud to open our new home, Polonsky Shakespeare Center, just steps away from BAM Howard Gilman Opera House and around the corner from the Mark Morris Dance Center. We couldn’t be more excited about putting down roots in a vibrant community that, like us, has a rich and evolving history.

Special thanks to Sharon Lehner, BAM Archivist, for her help in researching and organizing this tour.

For more information on this or any of Theatre for a New Audience’s Humanities programming, email humanities@tfana.org  or call 212-229-2819x31.

Theatre for a New Audience

Downtown Brooklyn Cultural District

New York Times

Huffington Post

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

He is currently accepting theatre talks and walks for 2014-historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.