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 Loew's Pitkin Theater

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Loew's Pitkin Theatre, Brooklyn, New York


 

<< Sweatshop

Loew's Pitkin Theater, Brooklyn, New York

Tenement >>

         

Flatbush Avenue
Synagogue
 

Public School No. 109,
Brooklyn, New York

Lower East Side
Sweatshop

The Loew's Pitkin,
Brooklyn, New York

Tenement of the
Lower East Side
         
Let’s start with the nuts and bolts. The dramatic Loew’s Pitkin Theater on Pitkin Avenue between Legion Street and Saratoga Avenue, backed by East New York Avenue, was born on Saturday, November 23, 1929 precisely 11 A.M. Its seating capacity of 2,827 people included a big auditorium below, a sizeable upstairs balcony section and several loges.

Designed by Thomas W. Lamb, it was one of the Loew’s theater chain’s highly touted atmospheric theaters, with a cloudy, starry sky and romantic lighting effects. There was a carpeted grand staircase in the lobby, with richly carved lion’s head details. Even the restrooms were elegantly decorated with their own entrance lounge areas. The first movie at Loew’s Pitkin was the talking-singing feature “So This Is College” (MGM) with Elliott Nugent, Robert Montgomery and Sally Starr. There was a stage revue as well, featuring performers direct from New York’s Capitol Theater, comedians and comic acts, magicians, acrobats, musical artists and famed acts like Buck and Bubbles. This combo pattern continued for years and even when it was no longer the norm, there were occasional live vaudeville shows along with the films. At opening, it offered four De Luxe shows daily at 1:30-3:45-7:00-9:00. It was heralded as LOEW’S AMAZING NEW! PITKIN on Sat. Nov. 9, 1929 at 11 A.M.. Opening Day prices were 11 a.m.-1 p.m. .35 cents, 1-5 p.m. .50 cents, 5 p.m. to closing .75 cents. Note (Loges slightly higher.).... next ►►


© 2007 by Sylvia Siegel Schildt.
Ms. Schildt's book is entitled "Brownsville: The Jewish Years."


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