Just Put Our Foot In It

Postally Unused:

From back of postcard:
“Footprints of the Stars–Forecourt of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where concrete slabs have captured the footprints, handprints and signatures of the movie stars of yesterday and today.”

Postally Unused:

From back of postcard:
“Grauman’s Chinese Theatre Hollywood California Motion picture star Doris Day placing her and footprints in this world famous forecourt.”

Ceremonies for Doris Day took place on January 19, 1961.

Postally Unused:

From back of postcard:
“Mann’s Chinese Theatre-Hollywood, CA First opened in 1927, Hollywood’s most famous landmark where the footprints, handprints and signatures of the movie stars are preserved in cement.”

In 1973 Grauman’s was sold to Mann Theatres. Enter the Dragon started an eight week run on  August  24 of that year. It was Bruce Lee’s final completed film before his death on July 20, 1973.

TCL Chinese Theatre

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre- A Fan Site

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

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.

Private walks also available.

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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Greetings from Kearney the Sandhill Crane Capital

“Kearney is known as the best place in Nebraska to view the annual spring sandhill crane migration”–Travel Awaits

Postally Unused:

Kearney Hub:
“The theater opened on Sept. 21, 1914, as the Empress Theatre. Its main floor and the balcony seated 654. Admission was 5 cents, 10 cents or 15 cents, depending on location. The theater burned down in 1940.

In 1941, it was rebuilt and named The Fort Theatre. Seating was reduced to 450 with new “love seats” at the ends of every other row that allowed two people to sit together. The theater closed in September 1993 and became Pony’s Bar for about 14 months.”

Postmarked September 7, 1953:

Roadside Architecture:
“The building now houses Fort Theatre Dentistry. The marquee was adapted and is still lit at night.

Fort Theatre Dentistry

On the above marquee:
The Black Book (1949)

Yes Sir, Mr. Bones (1951))

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

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.

Private walks also available.

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

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Deep in the Heart of Texas

Postally Unused:

Lonely Planet:
“The 1915 Aztec Theater, the first Mayan Revival–style movie theater in the US, was a center of Eagle Pass community life until it closed in 1983. It’s currently being used as retail space, but you can still admire the renovated architecture.”

Bullock Museum

 

Postally Unused:
Polk Street-“The Best Lighted “Main Street’ in America”

Playing at the Paramount: Honolulu with Eleanor Powell and Robert Young

Downtown TX:
“Built in 1932, The Paramount Theater was Amarillo’s finest movie theater. The building was designed by architect, W Scott Dunne and constructed by Charles S. Lambie. The two story, Terra cotta-clad building showed movies until March 20, 1975, and was later converted into office spaces in 1978. The lobby has been restored to include some of the original light sconces and the original water fountain. The 33.5-foot neon lighted sign was restored in 2006. The building now houses offices of the second floor, while the first floor is an upscale sushi bar, Rain and a nationally known coffee shop, Palace coffee.”

Amarillo Globe-News

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

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.

Private walks also available.

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

 

Welcome to Radio City

Two postally unused postcards.

From back of postcard:
“Seating 6,000, this is the largest auditorium in the world. Moving pictures and lavish stage shows are presented daily.”

 

From back of postcard:
“Showing the largest stage in the world with one of the weekly spectacular footlight productions. The stage is framed by the great proscenium arch, built to resemble a sunburst.”

 

Radio City Music Hall-Official Site

History of Radio City Music Hall

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

 

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.

Private walks also available.

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

 

 

Greetings from the Granite State

Colonial Theatre, Main Street, Bethleheim, NH
Postally Unused

Built in 1915, the Colonial is one of the oldest continously operating movie theatres in the United States.

Colonial Theatre

 

The Gem Theatre, Berlin, NH
Postmarked September 12, 1916

Written on the back:
“Dear Mame, We are at Berlin NH tonight Mame & Jim”
Addressed to M A Drinkwater, Bangor, Maine

Built in 1909, the Gem “lasted about fourteen years.”

Berlin Theatre

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

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.

Private walks also available.

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

 

Greetings from Hollywood

Two large size postcards of the Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, California.

Grauman’s, contemporary  postcard, postally unused:

Back of postcard:
“Construction of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre nears completion as shown here in 1927.”
“Published and Distributed by Olde Tyme Photo Cards, Los Angeles”

 

Ted Mann purchased the theater in 1973 , postally unused:

Back of postcard:
“Inspired by a trip to China, showmen Sid Grauman built the Chinese Theatre to host extravagant premieres for his pictures, The courtyard is the world’s largest autograph book, boasting the signatures and foot prints of Hollywood legends both past and present.”
“Designed and printed by The Postcard Factory”

On January 11, 2013, Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL Corporation purchased the facility’s naming rights, under which it is officially known as TCL Chinese Theatre.

TLC Chinese Theatres

Hollywood Footprints

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

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.

Private walks also available.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roxy on Granby Street

The Film Daily, “Theater Openings”, April 9, 1938:
“Norfolk–Roxy, 432 seats (4-4-38), Granby St.; Builder: W. T. Gregory & Co.; Architect: Ben Speigel; House Manger: S. J. Gates.”

Postmarked: Aug 14 1940
Written on back:
“Having a good time was married Monday still traveling Best Fred”

On the marquee: Paul Muni in The Woman I Love

 

 

Postally unused

Printed on back:
“View of the downtown business section, Norfolk, Va., looking northward along Granby Street from City Hall Avenue.”

“Kodachrome by Clark A. Brandenburg”

On the marquee: Henry Fonda in Blockade

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

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

 

 

 

Greetings from Coney Island

A scenic railway on Surf Avenue, postmarked August 23, 1912:

On back:
“It is a lovely ride on the boat here.”

To the right of the Rocky Road is the Prospect Hotel, one of the many movie shows along “Flicker Alley” :

Postally unused

Coney Island Museum, Saturday, June 29, 5pm:
Ask the Experts: Cezar Del Valle – Son of Coney Island Goes to the Movies

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

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.

Updated third edition of the Brooklyn Theatre Index will be published in 2019

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

 

 

 

Auditorium Theatre, 427 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles

The largest theatre west of Chicago opened its doors on November 7th 1906 with “Aida.”

The Auditorium part of a $350,000 project funded by the Temple Baptist Church and local businessmen to serve the dual purpose of providing facilities for the church and  offering Los Angeles a proper venue for entertainment.

Designed by Charles E. Whittlesey and C. R. Harris the building also  featured two smaller halls and a nine story office block.

 

The  simplified Art Nouveau interior influenced by Louis Sullivan’s Auditorium in Chicago.

From back of postcard dated “8/18/08”:

“This hall has a seating capacity of 4000, and is greatly in demand for local conventions, concerts and meetings.”

The seating is an exaggeration. The actual capacity was 2,670.

Leased to exhibitor Billy Clunes in 1914,  “The  Birth of a Nation” premiered there the following year as “The Clansman.”

 

The Auditorium 

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

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.

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

Greetings from New Orleans

Orpheum

 

From back of postcard:

“Canal Street and the ever growing skyline of the South’s Greatest City. This 171 foot wide thoroughfare has been termed America’s most beautiful business street. It has terrazzo paving with pink borders.”

Saenger Theatre 

Loew’s State

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

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.

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom