Regal Essex 14 & RPX

The Lower East Side has a new 14-screen multiplex. Opened April 6, 2019, at 129 Delancey Street, the Regal Essex 14 &  RPX is part of Essex Crossings, a mix-use development in the Seward Park Urban Renewal Area

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And from the windows of the new a glimpse of the old--remains of the Loew's Delancey (1912-1976):

Bedford + Bowery

6sqft

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.


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University Theatre, 931 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Excerpts from Moving Picture World, November 22, 1913:
"The Inhabitants of the Southern part of California, especially the part near Los Angeles, are particularly proud of the University Theater, located at 931 West Jefferson Street, that city, for the simple reason that it is a moving picture theater of the first order, according to data furnished by the managers, Messrs. J.O. Canfield and C. J. Wagner.  
"A feature of the house is its large mirror screen installed in the latter part of last April at an expense of $1,000. The measurements of the screen are 12 feet by 16 feet, and the managers claim that is a result of the large increase in patronage.
According to the report of Messrs. Canfield & Wagner the commendatory remarks of the patrons of the University have been the means of bringing managers of picture houses in Los Angeles and its environs to the house to see the effect the screen has upon the large audiences the University  always houses at every entertainment."

"The University is the only theater in the Southern part of California to exploit a mirror screen, and the managers deserve credit for being the first in that part of the state to recognize the efficiency of this projection surface.
"Another device that helps to give better projection at the University is the Mercury Arc Rectifier. The operating room, which is large, is built entirely of fire-proof material. In addition to the Mercury Arc Rectifier the projection battery consists of an Edison Model B and a Motiograph machine. On one side of the projection chamber there has been allotted space for a little workshop where all tools and appurtenances pertaining to such a room are carefully laid way and within easy access in case of emergency.    
"The auditorium, which is 48 feet by 104 feet in measurement, has a seating capacity of 600 persons. There is a stage 6 feet by 20 feet, with a singers booth on each side. There is a five foot aisle on each side of the auditorium and a wide one running across the  center. The exits are large and conveniently arranged. Fresh air constantly permeates the auditorium for the ventilating system is perfect.
"Entertainments are given only in the evenings with the exception of the first Saturday of each month when the managers put on a free show for the children in the vicinity. The University is the only house in Southern California to employ uniformed ushers. Moving pictures and songs constitute each entertainment." 



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

Bardavon 1869 Opera House, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

The 19th-century  Collingwood Opera House modernized by the Bardavon Theatre Corporation with William J. Beardsley as architect.

Excerpts from the Poughkeepsie Eagle News, November 20, 1922:
"The new Bardavon Theatre, which has majestically risen on the site of the Collingwood Theatre is rapidly being rushed to completion and will open to the public for its first performance on New Year's Day."

"The marquee at the entrance will be a blaze of brillancy which will follow through the entire 77-feet lobby to the main auditorium. The lobby decorations will consist of ornamental plaster ceilings with brilliant cove lighting, antique verde marble and tile flooring. In the big foyer, twenty feet square, will be a brilliantly lighted dome, while to either side patrons will be able to see the massive marble stairways leading to the mezzanine and grand balcony."

"The decorative scheme of the main auditorium is a brilliant exhibition of the work of the master artists. The immense dome in the ceiling measuring nearly forty feet in diameter, is finished in azure blue, brilliant gold stars dotting the blue field. Around the dome are ivory-toned figures and designs, giving the whole a massive and decidedly rich appearance.  
"The immense proscenium arch and the proscenium boxes on either side are massive in appearance and magnificently decorated in mulberry, azure blue and Roman gold.
"Directly over the proscenium arch is a beautiful painting depicting the Bard-of-Avon, from the studio of Mr. Sielke and picturing Shakespeare, the Bard, on the banks of the Avon getting his inspirations for his most widely known plays, beautiful visions of these plays appearing in the background. This painting is fifty-six feet long  and over twelve feet high, all brilliantly lighted in colored tones by a battery of colored electric lamps hidden in the recesses of the border of the sounding board."

"Off the main auditorium on the north is an open decorated arch which leads to the ladies rest room and a similar arch on the south side leading to the men's smoking room. Both of these are to be furnished for the utmost comfort of the patrons of the theatre." 

"The furnishings on the big stage will be thoroughly modern and complete and the size of the stage more than adequate to accommodate the biggest productions."

  The 1944 seat theatre opened on January 1, 1923 with a one-day performance of  Leo Carrillo in Mike Angelo:

From the Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle

The Poughkeepsie Eagle News, May 12, 1926:
"Mr. [Ely]  Elting has acted as president of the Bardavon Theatre Corporation, a million dollar combination holding the Bardavon, Stratford and Liberty theatres. At the present time these theatres are being operated for the Bardavon theatre group by the Publix Theatres, a branch of Famous Players picture corporation."  


Closed in 1975, the theatre was scheduled for demolition but rescued by the organization Concerned Citizens to Save the Bardavon.
It is now one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in New York State and the only one between New York City and Albany to still have its original pipe organ. The Bardavon listed on the National Register of Historic Places.


Postcard: Theatre Talks LLC Collection

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

Theatorium, Perry, New York

Looking over early picture postcards of Main Street, one can sometimes spot a storefront theatre such as the Theatorium in Perry, New York.

 

A few sentences in the local press provide a basic history.

Its opening reprinted in Down Memory Lane, Perry Herald, March 21, 1957:
"March 21, 1907-Perry's new Theatorium will be open to the public on Friday March 22, in the Bullard block next to Coburn's restaurant, with new and up-to-date movies. Admission will be 5c."

Down Memory Lane, Perry Herald, May 23, 1957:
"May 23, 1907-The Theatorium has been making some changes in the front which are appreciated by their patrons. The fine quality of their pictures continues to change three times a week and draws a large crowd."

Wyoming County Times, March 31, 1909:
"Criswell's Theatorium  has recently been renovated and put in fine shape."

Perry Semi-Weekly Herald, November 2, 1909:
"R. U. Criswell, who formerly run [sic] the Theatorium here, has bought the Lyric Theatre, a similar moving picture show in Batavia."

Wyoming County Times, July 14, 1910:
"The Theatorium moving picture house has been closed." 

Wyoming County Times, November 17, 1910:
"The Theatorium is closed again and is being arranged inside for a store."

From the Perry Herald-News, June 13, 1907:

 

IMDb proves scant information on the film.

Postcard: Theatre Talks LLC Collection

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

Schine's Auburn Theatre, 12-14 South Street, Auburn, NY 13021

Excerpts, Karen Colizzi Noonan, Theatre Historical Society Readboard, February 6, 2012:
"Locals have, once again, launched an all out assault to get the theatre into responsible hands with proactive leadership."
"The Center Stage: Restoring the Schine to the Spotlight Facebook page received almost 250 new followers in just 2 days."

Schine Auburn, October 2000 (copyright Betty Sword, all rights reserved)

Excerpts, Citizen-Advertiser, Auburn, New York, September 13, 1938:

"On entering the lobby, one is treated to a first glimpse of the symphony of blending colors in which the theatre is decorated. Riots of pastel colors blend and harmonize in exquisite patterns to carry out the central motif and reflect the artistry of the famous Rambusch Decorating Studios of New York City."

"The construction of the [auditorium] ceiling provides for a series of steps, each in a different color tapering from dark mauve through a series of rich pastel colors to a bright canary yellow in the rear of the auditorium. The first large panels of the ceiling and walls nearest to the stage are lavishly decorated with modernistic stars and moons." 

"Equally pleasing are the many other elements in the auditorium. The chairs are cases of upholstered ease. The carpets, many of them made in Auburn by the Firth Carpet Company, are thick and restful. The lighting is gentle and designed to give the most beautiful color effects. The indirect lighting fixtures were especially designed for the theater and give a new treatment of lighting never before used in any other theater."    

"The talking picture equipment embodies all the latest ideas for this apparatus, so that the finest presentation of all pictures is possible. Special attention was paid to the acoustical treatment so that all sound reverberations will be absorbed. Ceilings, wall coverings, carpets and seats have all been designed for acoustical perfection." 

The Citizen-Advertiser, September 13, 1938

Not mentioned in the above article, John Eberson, architect

The theatre entered a period of decline after the Schine circuit was dissolved in the mid-1960s with the screen finally going dark in 1978.  The lobby, with the auditorium closed-off, served as a video store from 1986-1992. The space has stood vacant since that date while various groups have made attempts  to restore and reopen the theatre. In 2000 the Schine Auburn was given landmark status.

On October 12, 2000, I gave a talk "The Local Movie House-Entertainment, Architecture and the Community" presented by the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center and the Friends of the Auburn Schine Theatre (sponsored by the New York Council for the Humanities.).

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

Mancuso Theater 210 E. Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020

Main Street Looking West Batavia, New York 

Built by the Mancuso Brothers, the Mancuso Theatre opened June 5, 1948 with Bing Crosby and Joan Fontaine in The Emperor Waltz.

Excerpts from the Perry Herald, Perry, New York, June 3, 1948:
"The most important theatrical event in Western New York in recent years will be the opening of the new Mancuso Theatre at Batavia on Saturday, June 5th."

"Situated in down-town Batavia, the new theatre combines all the features that science and art have developed over a period of 25 years of deluxe construction. Gone is the heavy baroque motif that characterized the gilded palaces of the early thirties. Soft indirect lighting diffused on pastel shades of grey, blue, gold, and green creates an interior of breath-taking beauty and design.
"The seats are all on one floor, and the entire building, including commercial space is air-conditioned. An added   feature is a full-dressed stage with fly loft, capable of accommodating  a full musical production, complete with turn table on the stage, electrically operated."

Perry Record, July 1, 1948:
"Louis Prima and his sensational orchestra open a 4 day engagement Sunday July 4th, at the new Mancusco Theatre, Batavia."

Wyoming County Gazette, September 16, 1948:
"Duke Ellington is coming to Batavia two days next week. The songs, solos and jazz forms you'll hear on Sept. 21-22 at the Mancuso Theatre in Batavia, as written by Duke Ellington and played by his famous orchestra, are a forecast of the trends of popular music for the next ten years."

Mancuso Theatre (copyright Betty Sword).

The final films are on the marquee in this March 2001 photograph. A local church had just purchased the theatre. Painted over, the topless mermaid managed to survive.


Postcard: Theatre Talks LLC Collection

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

Rex Theatre, Masontown, Pennsylvania

A damaged postcard of the Rex Theatre featuring Pearl White in The House of Hate (1918). 

The Moving Picture World, August 19, 1916:

The success that can be attained by an up-to-date moving picture house in a small town is exemplified to an unusual degree in the Rex theater conducted by Theodore Mikalowsky at Masontown, Pa.. The Rex is a 300-seat house with standing room for 100. Despite the fact that Masontown has a population of but 950.

The attractions offered are of the largest and best type obtainable and always show a fine return. Big features are used exclusively and the prices range as high as 50 cents."

Postcard: Theatre Talks LLC Collection

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

Second Avenue Theatre, 35- 37 Second Avenue, New York, NY

The Second Avenue Theatre  will be one of the sites featured on my Footsteps of Yiddish Theatre walking tour for the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation on Sunday, June 8, 2012, 11 a.m. to      1 p.m.

It is free but reservations required: RSVP to rsvp@gvshp.org or call (212) 475-9585 ext. 35
Meeting location available upon registration.

The Second Avenue Theatre opened on September 14, 1911 with God, Man and Devil by Jacob Gordin.

Excerpts from the New York Clipper, September 23, 1911:
"David Kessler's Second Avenue Theatre, New York City, the new theatre of the Ghetto, at Second Street and Second Avenue, opened Thursday night, Sept. 14, and Mayor [William Jay] Gaynor was present to help.
"The theatre cost $800,000, and is to represent everything that is artistic in the Yiddish drama."

"On opening night thousands were turned away, and the project looks like a huge success."

"David Kessler's Second Avenue Theatre seats 2,000 people without crowding. Besides the large orchestra floor there is a balcony, a gallery and twelve boxes arranged in tiers. The building extends from First Street to Second Street, and from Second Avenue half way to Third Street.
"In the interior the decorations are unique and costly. The draperies and upholsterings are in olive green, in contrast with the deep bronze walls and ceilings. The drop curtain, of the same shade of green as the draperies, is painted in covent[?] design, encircling the letters D. K. for David Kessler. The building is thoroughly fireproof, even the floors being of cement. There are twenty-one exits and the fire preventative conditions are said to be superior to anything in the city."

The theatre was demolished in 1959.       

Postcard part of the collection of Theatre Talks LLC

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

 

Halloween-- What Happened to Showmanship?

The scream pierced the darkness, houselights went up and two ushers ran down the aisle with a stretcher. A young woman had fainted during a scary moment of a horror film at the Loew's Gates in Brooklyn. Can't recall the name of the movie or whether I fell for this bit of  hokum.

In the days before the multiplex, streaming video, and Netflix, movie houses often featured some form of gimmick or tie-in to promote the feature film. Not even the so-called classics were spared.Sometimes the movie theatre presented an event connected to holiday such as Mother's Day or Halloween.
But even at a young impressionable age, I was never impressed  by William Castle, his films and the assortment of exploitative tricks used to promote them. I never  thought that a $1,000 life insurance policy was really needed for Macabre. Apparently my local movie house could not afford a nurse on duty or a hearse that the other theatres offered for this 1958 film.
For me, EMERGO did little to improve Castle's House on Haunted Hill. The same applies for Percepto and The Tingler.  The films didn't scare me, the monsters didn't impress me and I left the theatre feeling cheated and disappointed.
Not so for the young John Waters who idolized Castle "without a doubt the greatest showman of our time." "His film made me want to make films." "William Castle was God."
The quotes are from an article by Waters entitled "Whatever Happened to Showmanship." While disagreeing with him on Castle, I also ponder the question of what happened to showmanship, ballyhoo and exploitation.

Box Office, Penn Theatre, Washington D.C.

I remember going with my father to the Penn Theatre, in Washington D.C., for a Halloween show. Once again don't recall the film but the stage show lingers. Basically a magician/hypnotist did an act that had for a climax a woman from the audience coming up on stage. While he hypnotized her, a clip of thunder and lightening suddenly flashed on the screen as the Frankenstein monster walked out. We really couldn't see exactly what was happening on the stage but suddenly the monster stood up, holding a woman's head high. He begun to lumber out into the audience just as everything went dark.   
Now that was scary. 


On October 28, the Loews Jersey will have a rare screening of The House on Haunted Hill in EMERGO. Plus Q&A with William Castle's grandson. .

The Brooklyn Theatre Index--One Year On

On August 29, 2010, I gave an illustrated talk at the Coney Island Museum as part of their Ask the Expert series. This was the official launching of the first volume of the Brooklyn Theatre Index.

 Being introduced by museum director Aaron Beebe

Brooklyn historian, John Manbeck, gave the Index an excellent review in the Brooklyn Eagle newspaper of September 2010:

“Inside the book are 477 pages of information about Brooklyn’s love affair with theaters, both live action and movie. The sheer numbers are overwhelming. The table of contents runs according to street names but in the index, theaters are cross-referenced alphabetically by theater names, which makes the tome ideal for a future online transfer of production titles and names of individuals.”

“It sounds like a reference for theatre buffs and it is. But it is also fascinating information for the average Joe.”

A second volume followed in October with both receiving an excellent review by theatre historian Ken Roe on the Cinema Treasures website:

“The definite appraisal of all movie theatres to have operated in Brooklyn, a borough known to have had the most theatres operating out of the five NYC boroughs.”

The Brookyn Theatre Index was chosen 2010 Outstanding Book of the Year by the Theatre Historical Society of America. The society’s president, Karen Colizzi Noonan, stated:

“Comprehensive, accurate and useful, The Brooklyn Theatre Index series is a valuable addition to any series theatre historian’s library.”

A third volume on Coney Island is now nearing completion.

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Theatre Talks LLC

The Brooklyn Theatre Index copyediting, interior book design and layout was by David Bow at Integrative Ink.

Lost Stages of the Lower East Side

 Lost Stages of the Lower East Side

Saturday, August 13, 2011

12:00pm-2:00pm

Cezar Del Valle will be conducting a walking tour for the

Lower East Side History Project

$20 per person, RSVP not required

Meet Outside of the Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery

Subway: F train to 2nd Avenue

More Information: 347-465-7767

"Critics Pick"-- Time Out New York