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....September 15, 6:59 PM |
| Those Historic Houses: Queens’ Unique Movie Theaters Face Extinction
By JEFF FEINMAN There was a time in Queens when going to the movies carried the same kind of magical awe that can be inspired by a Broadway play or other such grandiose productions.
Comedy acts, rock bands, or celebrity appearances would precede the evening showings, which would offer moviegoers an entertainment spectacle. Traditions were created, consisting of taking a date out to a flick and then a nearby restaurant hot spot afterwards to make for a fulfilling and enjoyable evening. Today, with constant development and hordes of new people swarming in and out of the borough, the historic link that connects the older generation of moviegoers with the classic film palaces of the past grows smaller as these legendary movie houses close down one by one. Those who cherish the memories of such classic movie houses gnash their teeth, take a deep breath, and let out a long sigh as they see another piece of their past - many of which were constructed before World War II - turned into houses of worship, stores, and markets. RKO Keith’s in Richmond Hill Standing on the outside, one may think that RKO Keith’s is still a functioning movie theater because it is bedecked with an old fashioned, light bulb-speckled movie house sign. This Hillside Avenue Cinema rolls the projection tape no more, however, as it has been transformed into a flea market and bingo hall. Even today, those who enter the site to shop or try their luck on bingo cards are still treated to an eye-catching piece of architecture. “From the outside, you would not believe the immensity of the theater,” said Richmond Hill Historical Society President Nancy Cataldi. “It was a very elegant building and the wallpaper and chandeliers are still up. When movies were playing, people would dress up nice to attend the theater.” RKO Keith’s was built in 1929 as a 2,500-seat venue, where bands would perform and the brightest stars would shine on screen. It was opened originally as a vaudeville house, but by 1929 vaudeville was starting to decline in popularity as movies with sound took over. In the early 1960’s, bands such as Herman’s Hermits frequently opened for evening performances, and Lucille Ball and Bob Hope also came to introduce a film. Many residents in the area can still remember the magic that RKO Keith’s would stir up during romantic weekend nights. “In the ‘60s, I went there when the rock band the Dave Clark Five were appearing. I remember my older brother holding my twin and me up so we could get a glimpse of them. We always went to Jahn’s next door,” said Mary Ann Manders, a Long Island resident who lived in Richmond Hill as a child. Cataldi said that she went on her first date to the theater and saw “My Fair Lady.” During the shoot of a little-known movie called “The Guru” starring Heather Graham, the production company removed the aluminum siding and discovered that the original siding of the theater is still sparklingly beautiful. The exterior of RKO Keith’s is on New York State’s Register of Historic Places list, so it will remain intact though the theater is long gone. Valencia in Jamaica Opened in 1939, this 3,554-seat monstrosity of a movie theater was the first of five Loew’s “Wonder Theatres” to open its doors in the New York-New Jersey area. Legendary architect John Eberson dipped deeply into Spanish panache while designing his masterful palace. After 48 years of entertaining the masses, the Valencia closed down in 1977 and became a very different place of gathering when it became the Tabernacle of Prayer for All People. People old enough can remember back in the days when the Valencia offered numerous sneak previews and even hosted personal appearances by movie stars such as Joan Crawford. "It will remain always in my memory as one of the magic places in Queens,” said long time Queens resident Jeff Laffel. “This was a truly magnificent theater. The theater was designed to look like Valencia in Spain.” Back when the theater was functioning, moviegoers would walk through a hallway that would feature many posters of upcoming films. After giving their ticket to the ticket taker, they would enter a highceilinged lobby with goldfish pools adding to the visual splendor. The church has left much of the architecture intact, though they have repainted much of the inner parts and have removed some of the more secular statuettes. |
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