The New Nostrand

 The Exhibitor, April 29, 1939:

"This year Brooklyn could point to another achievement, the Nostrand Theatre, built by the Century Circuit, Inc., from the plans of New York's famed John Eberson. Seating nearly 1,000 the theatre, as here shown, presents the modern theatre at its best, created within the walls of a massive, confidence-inspiring structure, a credit to architect Eberson, the Century Circuit and the Borough of Brooklyn."

 

"The exterior at night is as brilliant as any downtown first-run theatre. Although there is nothing outstanding about the marquee, it still smacks of showmanship, with plenty of space to 'sell' attractions. The box office is done in structural glass and stainless steel."  

 

"The auditorium, looking toward the rear, allows one to obtain a better idea of the capable manner in which the design of the interior has been handled. Damask of two distinct designs has been used on the walls: the lower portion in  stripes, the upper portion in figures."

 

 "The proscenium, as seen from the balcony, has been designed to aid the ocular comfort, with lines on the side walls directed towards it. The modern motif has been handled in a dignified manner, there by disposing of 'gingerbread' effects. An interesting note is the floral murals." 

 

Nostrand Theatre
2817 Nostrand Avenue

The Great Man Votes 

Pacific Liner 

Lincoln in the White House 

 

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

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Century's College Theatre

1584 Flatbush Avenue,
Brooklyn

Architect: John Eberson
Owner: Century Circuits, Inc.

Opened February 10, 1939 with Mickey Rooney in Out West with the Hardys and Storm Over Bengal with Patric Knowles

Closed in 1984 and converted to retail use. 

The Exhibitor, November 15, 1938:

"The exterior at night is brilliantly illuminated by the modern signwork and marquee. White stone with a black stone base is the facade covering. Beneath the soffut, which is an intricate pattern of exposed incandescent lamps, is a gayly decorated boxoffice. Rectangular in shape. it is a unit in itself set apart from the rest of the building."

 

"The ladies lounge has been given a touch which definitely stamps it as feminine. Deep pile carpeting and modernistically designed furnishings contribute toward making this room most acceptable to the lady patron as the place to rest."  

 

 "The men's lounge has the same wall treatment as the ladies' retiring room, but the furnishings are more masculine. Here has been installed a candy vending machine over which is a large mirror giving an appearance of greater dept to the room."

"The stadium balcony, in the background, allows for an additional number of seats without extending the auditorium area a great degree. Prominent here is the wall treatment. Damask, in colonial design over rock wool, has been used exclusively for decorative as well as acoustical perfection."

 

"The proscenium is at the apex of this triangular shaped auditorium. So as to have the side walls flow more gracefully into it the architect designed the walls in a series of steps, which give a columnar effect. Over the exit doors which flank the proscenium are large murals depicting a submarine theme. Indirect lighting illuminates them to good advantage."  

 

Dawn Patrol 

Swing, Sister, Swing

 

 

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

Medotcom  

 

The New Clinton

595 Clinton Street.
Brooklyn

The Exhibitor, March 20, 1940: 

"The new Red Hook low rent rental housing development, just completed by the New York City Housing Authority in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, was the incentive for the erection of this neighborhood deluxe house.

"The development, which replaces what were formerly junk and lumber yards and dilapidated buildings, will house 2500 families, all of whom are potential theatre patrons."

 

 "The exterior of this modern deluxe house is of various colored face brick laid with horizontal tooled joints and trimmed with cream colored terra cotta. The theatre entrance is at the corner of the building and is accentuated by a curved marquee and upright name sign of stainless steel and porcelain enamel. 

A glass block tower illuminated from behind with mercury vapor reflective lights adds further prominence to this corner of the building."

 

 "The standee room is partitioned from the auditorium by the standee rail and Venetian blinds.  Illuminated "Silence" signs have been placed over the entrance to each aisle to help insure comfortable hearing for those already seated."

 

"The auditorium and balcony are quite spacious and allow a total of 1644 seats with ample spacing back to back. Auditorium spacing is 34 inches, with the balcony spacing a minimum of 36 inches. All interior lighting is indirect with many beautiful effects being gained by a blending of colors through the dimmers."

 

Red Hook Houses 

 

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

Medotcom  

 
 

Art Theatre

 

954-958 Marcy Avenue

1939 Tax Photo

Excerpts from the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition, to be published 2022.

MAC DONOUGH THEATRE

October 29, 1913-1915 

The Brooklyn Eagle, “Business Opportunities”, September 27, 1914:
“Motion Picture Theater—For rent: first-class opportunity; 954 Marcy av, near Fulton st; open for inspection Sunday and Monday.”

 Real Estate Record and Builder’s Guide, March 3, 1917:

“Frederic Brown resold to Isaac Levin, 954 to 964 Marcy av, a moving picture theatre, with two stores, 77x115x51x120, recently required by him in an exchange with Stephen Hoff.”

 

(NEW) CLASSIQUE THEATRE

1916-1928

Seating Capacity: 550

Advertisement, The Weekly Chat, September 23, 1916:
“The Classique Theatre is now under the same controlling management as is now directing the Regent and the Colonnade of the Bedford section. We have taken this house for the simple reason that the Classique is one of the prettiest and best equipped houses in the city to present Photo Plays properly.”

ART THEATRE

1932-1946

Seating Capacity: 550 

The Film Daily, “Changes in Ownership”, May 27, 1935:
Art, 954 Marcy Ave. transferred to 954 Marcy Corp. by Koman Corp.”

Motion Picture Daily, March 8, 1939:
“I. T. Berg and Charles Friedman have purchased the stock of 954 Marcy Corp. operator of the Art, Brooklyn, from Harry Kutinsky and Morris Block.” 

Film Daily Yearbook, 1946, lists the Art as closed 

Proscenium, September 2015 (Photo: Ken Roe)

The former Art Theatre, September 2015 (Photo: Betty Sword)

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

Medotcom