Stars Light up the Marquee at the Rialto

Rialto Theatre
5345-6347 Gratiot Avenue
Detroit, MI

 

The Exhibitor, January 21, 1942

"Renovations to the front of this house brought forth a new marquee on which are being used color transparencies of stars and plastic letters in opaque black and red in varied sizes which allow better composition."

Rialto Theatre

When Ladies Meet

Charlie Chan in Rio

 

 

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

Footlight Parade Lights Up the Vertical in Sioux City

Motion Picture Herald, December 9, 1933:

"One of the last stunts put over by Joe Kinsky, before leaving the Capitol, Sioux City, for his new post. Note the cutout gals on the upright, and the special spotlighting that made the display visible at a distance.

"For a farewell gag, Joe did himself proud. It takes an extra bow."  

Footlight Parade

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 on Etsy and Amazon

It's Maytime at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

Maytime taglines:

"Forbidden Love...Fatal Consequences"

"One day to last them the rest of their lives."     

  

Motion Picture Herald, July 24, 1937:

"Marquee and vertical sign assembly on the Metro Theatre, Prairie du Chien, Wis., operated by George Panka. Marquee has splayed sides with attraction boards carrying Adler type silhouette letters.

"Sign and marquee (by Electrolite Signs, Milwaukee) have 400 feet of neon. The marquee soffit is lamped."

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.

Charninsky Brings Alcatraz to the Rialto Theatre

With a great sense of ballyhoo, theatre manager Louis Chaminsky knew how to sell a movie. He was featured in our May 19, 2015 posting Rialto Calling Dr. Kildare. 

Motion Picture Herald,  April 22, 1939:

"A typical Charninsky front for the subsequent run of 'King of Alcatraz' at the Rialto. Depending largely upon such displays for extra attention, in this instance Louie emphasized  strength of the picture by the title in outline letters and blowups of the stars."


King of Alcatraz

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