About the photographs...

Joe Coco writes:

"Most of these photographs are publicity photos found in presskits for the major CinemaScope productions. Many were published in trade publications like the Motion Picture Herald and Boxoffice. The bulk were found among stacks of stills at flea markets, etc. Some were given to me (gratis believe it or not) by movie memorabilia dealers who felt that "no one was interested in them." This was within the last 10 years. The older WARNER, BEACON and STRAND photos came from the RKO real estate office, which went out of business about 10 years ago. Unfortunately, the collection was disseminated by the time I got to it. Most of the photos relating to Fox movies were taken by Metropolitan Photo Service, 1564 Broadway, NYC. The photographer often noted is Paul Schumach. I am positive the photos originated there.

I hope these photos lead to more discussion concerning these theaters. People often negate them to "legendary status" (particularly the ROXY and Times Square PARAMOUNT) and tend forget that millions of New Yorkers enjoyed them on a daily basis for many years. Perhaps that is one reason why they were allowed to slip away so easily during the 1960s. Most of the focus has always been on the "glory" years during the late 1920s. But they were important centers of entertainment for many years thereafter. They were important sites for the movie industry to showcase their best films. With great projection and sound that would put most of today's multiplexes to shame. Most believe the ROXY sound and projection system was superior to RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL's.

Perhaps a picture book could be published detailing the "fun" of visiting places like Times Square and having your choice of a dozen grand movie palaces to visit (which often provided a stage show to boot) any time you wished. A big difference from the new "plastic" (and very expensive) Times Square. The movies made Times Square, and by the 1970s, had broken Times Square. No one is able to admit that fact."