Theatre Talks

From Victorian opera houses to opulent movie palaces, theatre historian Cezar Del Valle offers a series of entertaining and informative talks and walking tours.

[theatretalks]

Lakewood Puts Up a Good Front

Motion Picture Herald, February 4, 1939:

"Porcelain enamel, flashed white opal glass, stucco and unlimited lighting compose the striking facade of Interstates' new Lakewood in Dallas, Texas.

"The entire building front below the marquee ceiling, the box office, the lobby walls and ceiling, and the two towers, are all Texlite porcelain enamel. While opal glass provides the windows of the beacon.

"The porcelain sphere that tops the large tower sparkles with more than 500 winking incandescents. White, red, orange and soft blue predominates in the lighting scheme."

Lakewood Théâtre

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

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 were chosen as the 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.

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[theatretalks]

The Neon Tower of the New Sandra

Motion Picture Herald, November 11, 1939:

"Forming a striking architectural feature of the new Sandra theatre, Wichita, Kansas, is the luminous sign tower rising above the marquee and lighted in six pastel shades to harmonize with the color scheme of the building front."

Hound of the Baskervilles

Everybody's Baby

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 were chosen as the 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

[theatretalks]

Newsreel Theatre, 33 W. 50th Street, NY

The Exhibitor, April 19, 1939:

"Fast becoming the official headquarters for the motion-picture and radio industries, with 'branches' in Hollywood, California, is New York's famed Rockefeller Center, the largest privately owned business and amusement center in the world. Since its start in 1931 Radio City Music Hall, the largest cinema in the world (seating capacity 6,200), and the 3,600-seat Center Theatre have been opened to the public.

Recently another cinema was opened, the Newsreel Theatre."

"The front, at night brilliantly illuminated, is typical of those theatres with a newsreel policy. The stainless-steel doors and display frames carry still pictures from the cinemagraphic journals, as well as from short subjects. The doorman, in this instance, is able to devote all his time toward showing the patrons the usual courtesies without being bothered with ticket-taking, turnstile eliminating this aspect of the post."

The Center Magazine

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 were chosen as the 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

[theatretalks]

Times Square, 1938

Photograph by Arthur W. Grumbine (1901-1998):

Grumbine donated his photographs to The New-York Historical Society.

More on Flashbak

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 were chosen as the 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

[theatretalks]

"Juarez" Opens on Broadway

Motion Picture Herald, April 29, 1939:

"It was a big-name opening, as the sidewalk throng's attentions evince, when Warners 'Juarez' opened Tuesday night at the Hollywood theatre on Broadway."

Juarez

Hollywood Theatre

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 were chosen as the 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

[theatretalks]

The New Harper, Detroit

The Exhibitor, March 20, 1940:

"Owner: Wisper & Wetsman" "Architect: Charles N. Agree"

"The exterior at night is most impressive. A terra cotta facade enhanced by brilliant signwork has brought startling results. The huge signwork, rising to a height of 79 feet above the sidewalk is composed of three large units--vertical, parapet and marquee. This display is unusually attractive, can be seen for miles in this residential community and dominates its immediate surroundings.

"The lower portion of the facade beneath the marquee, is faced with with porcelain and stainless-steel Macatta."

The Rains Came

Chicken Wagon Family

Harpos Concert Theater

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 were chosen as the 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

[theatretalks]

Panic Not on In Paris

Motion Picture Herald, December 3, 1939:

“Despite the theatre sign, the panic is not on in Paris, at least at the Le Paris, where "Room Service” under the title “Panique A L'Hotel” is reported to have brought to the box office boulevardiers in great numbers.“

"Aiding the campaign no end as reported by Mike Hoffay, RKO foreign publicity director, was the lifesize giant cut-outs of the Marx Brothers planted on either side of the entrance.”

Room Service

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 were chosen as the 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

[theatretalks]

Snow White in Amsterdam

Motion Picture Herald, January 28, 1939:

"Plainly visible for some blocks distant was the giant front constructed by Manager Van Royen of the Noggerath in Amsterdam, Holland, for 'Snow White'. Entire front was covered with compo-board scene stills, including the castle and dwarfs in the woods."

Snow White

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 were chosen as the 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

[theatretalks]

"The Master of Macabre in an Uncanny Mystery!"

The Ghoul starring Boris Karloff Gaumont British Picture Corporation Released in the United States November 25, 1933

Motion Picture Herald, April 21, 1934:

Japanese poster:

Center characters top to bottom: Boris Karloff

The title read right to left: Gekoseki (Moonlight Stone)

Director T. Hayes Hunter is listed on the left.

Released by Towa Shoji Teikyo

Above translation by artist Yoichiro Yoda

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, Volume I.

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

[theatretalks]

Drums Along the Rocky Mountains

Motion Picture Herald, November 26, 1938:

"This is no Hollywood set, folks, but rather Nature's marvelous backdrop of the Rockey Mountains.

"Charlie Pincus, Centre Theatre, Salt Lake City, utilized his theatre tower to display a multi-colored 32-foot banner to herald the engagement of 'Drums'. Banner was visible from the center of the city."

Sabu

The Drum

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

[theatretalks]

Theatre Talks turned 11 today!

[theatretalks]

Spellbound on Broadway

Motion Picture Herald, November 17, 1945:

"Eye filling and impressive by night as well as day, the front of the Astor Theatre, New York, playing David O. Selznick's 'Spellbound'. The picture was directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and is being distributed by United Artist."

Spellbound

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, Volume I.

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

[theatretalks]

Cleo in Cologne

Motion Picture Herald, May 4, 1935:

"In the modern manner is this smart treatment of 'Cleopatra' at the Schauburg Theatre in Cologne, Germany, by Wilhelm Fink, owner-manager."

Cleopatra

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, Volume I.

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

[theatretalks]

250 posts!

[theatretalks]

Clara Bow - True to the Navy

Entrance to New Strand Theatre, Liverpool Street, Hobart - Clara Bow - True to the Navy showing on Saturday, 1930

The Tasmanian Archives and The State Library

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, Volume I.

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

[theatretalks]

Loew's State Theatre Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Loew's State 703 S. Broadway Los Angeles, CA Opened: November 12, 1921, with "photoplay features and stage varieties."

Postcard based on a pre-opening drawing:

The Architectural Digest: Southern California Edition 1922:

Loew's State: history

State Theatre

Theatre Posts

Theatre Talks

[theatretalks]

Chicago Theatre Celebrates 100th anniversary

Designed by architects Cornelius W. Rapp and George L. Rapp, the Chicago Theatre opened October 26, 1921, becoming the flagship of the Balaban and Katz chain.

Excerpts from Forest Leaves, November 10, 1921:

“The sixth Balaban & Katz theater-the Chicago-has made its appearance. It opened its doors to an anxious and curious crowd on last Wednesday at 6 o’clock in the evening.”

ABC Eyewitness News, October 26, 2021:

"The Chicago Theatre is celebrating its 100th anniversary Tuesday. The marquee and the six-story-high sign have become Chicago landmarks and tourists often stop by to take photos. The theater first opened as a dazzling movie palace that was part of the Balaban & Katz theater empire. Silent films were shown along with full orchestras performing during the features. The theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and was listed as a Chicago Landmark in 1983."

Chicago Theatre

Historic Theatres and Movie Palaces of Balaban & Katz

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