I watched many a movie in the RKO Keiths growing up in Flushing in the 1940's and 50's. We even saw some live stage performances. During one double horror show they had Frankenstein live on stage during the intermission. He leaped off the stage toward the audience and then the lights were turned low and you could hear him walking up the aisle. I remember trying to crawl over my brother and friends to get from my aisle seat toward the center. We were a bunch of scared kids!
I was born and grew up in Flushing, I agree ,Flushing is not what it use to be, I don't believe the residents of Flushing today would care if it was restored or not, it is such a shame, I have such good memories of the theatre, I still remember seeing the 10 Commandments there as a child, and many other movies. The building was so nice, it was a treat to go there.
RKO Keith's SHOULDN'T be restored and opened again. I don't want to see the damn Asians walking it's halls, crowding it's theater, littering everywhere, and filling the air with fart. RKO Keith should be left the way it is undisturbed since it's the only part of Flushing untouched by the scum of Earth. They can however, fix up the interior so it doesn't collaspe on itself.
My Bayside graduation back in 66 was at the RKO, I stayed hidden in the bathroom so I could wait for the theater to open, The English movie, "The Mindbenders" was playing. I loved the RKO, I remember a Whilrlitzer juke box in the lobby, the smell of popcorn, and yes the sky with clouds and stars, The statues the glorious red curtain. It was a palace in every sense of the word. I saw so many movies there. Zulu, The Day of the Triffids, Visit to a small planet, I use to live in Beechhurst.
Thank you for posting,I remember this place very well,the movies were part of the experience but the place itself was just so awesome.Alot of good memories,I'm sorry you didn't get to see it in it's grandeur.Thanks again for posting this,it's good to know that others feel the same way I do about the place.
I grew up in Flushing and saw some of my all time favorite movies here. My brother and sister worked here at the theater. (My brother was a manager!) I saw GREASE, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER and even BACK TO THE FUTURE here. It was a dark, beautiful, and a bit scary theater with an upstairs large auditorium screen and two theaters downstairs. Everything was ornate. Thanks for the memories. I saw countless movies and will always have amazing memories. (I'm 45 now and live in Washington DC!)
... place than where they came from but at the same time learn some values and respect the elderly. Great video! Thank you very much, after 22 years of living here I've finally met people who's been inside and appreciates what this building once was.
@Fizz826 I was born in flushing and lived there the first 6 years of my life then came to FL. I lived with my Dad every summer in Flushing and I used to love that theater. Last movie I saw there was Return of the Jedi. It's such a shame that someone hasn't restored in.
I'm currently 35 years old, came to Flushing in 1989 with my grandparents from Taipei, Taiwan. Ever since I've been here the RKO has been closed. I'd love to see this theater restored, even though i've only been here for 22 years I'm disliking what Flushing has become.. Land developers knows nothing about the past and just want to put up apartment complexes and malls. The people living here now just care about giving birth to their next generation on this land. I understand this is a better pla
Great video. Thank you for working on this project. I lived next to the Keith's for 18 years and have nothing but fond memories of it. Keep up the good work and let's bring back the Keith's to Flushing as one of our cultural icon's as it was. rbhood2468
Thank you for posting this Tom. So many fond memories from my childhood, seeing movies there, staring up occasionally at the starlit ceiling. The history and grandeur of the place, with its beautiful lobby made you feel like a movie star yourself!
THIS is incredible ! Thanks for posting cartoonsonfilm, and more than that Thank You for recording this footage. Wow. It would turn Flushing around if this old theatre was to be restored. Have you seen the restored Paradise Theatre in the BX ? Beautiful.
I been to many movies at this theater. But one thing that sticks out is when while standing out front I see this car flying making the right turn from Main St on to Northern Blvd and over the bridge. Right behind that car were like 10 police cars chasing it. We jumped back into the car and follwed it to the Iron triangle. We stopped on the corner. We heard a gun shot. We see this black male running who turns out to be a member of the Blak panthers that robbed a bank. Cops shot him in the head.
Would it be too much to ask to bring this building back as a Church? I think that would be an awesome tribute to those who worked so hard to build it. I say bring it back as a church and Honor not only the Keiths but God Almighty himself. He is capable of this miracle.
I grew up in flushing and my graduation from JHS 185 was at the keiths in 71. Its a disgrace, the city preserves all in manhattan, and bklyn, how could they allow this to be. This building is a magnificent centerpiece to the boro of queens. It is built like a fortress whatever it takes, the city should make sure that this building is put back into its glory. and those responsible should be punished. Its america, make them pay!
I remember this theater like it was yesterday. I can close my eyes right now and actually feel as if i am there as it was in the 70's and 80's. It's a haunting feeling and sad, very sad. Flushing used to be such a great place and now sadly has turned to complete and utter crap. I loved the RKO Keiths! I saw so many movies there, it was like family to me. How this could happen to this place is not only disgraceful but disgusting as well.
It's a shame how they trashed this awesome theater. Return of the Jedi was the last movie I saw there in 1983. Downtown Flushing needs a good movie theater and this was a great one. They should definitely restore it, but they probably won't
I remember the RKO Keith back in the 1960s. It was a short bus ride from Kew Gardens Hills to downtown Flushing on the Q44 bus back then. Saw many a film at the Keith's and also attended several rock 'n' roll shows hosted by WINS disc jockey Murray the "K". Awesome memories!
OK, racist. What does the average Asian who lives in Flushing have to do with it? None of the great movie palaces in NYC are left, except for the partially restored Loews Paradise & that is rarely open.
The reality is that this place was bought by a real-estate magnate, who happens to be Asian, who purposely made the place an environmental hazard so he could tear it down without worrying about any preservation issues, but the place has been taken away from him.
This has reminded me of the days when I frequented the RKO Keith Movie Theater in the 60's and appears like a documentary on a "Once'' great society long since departed.
i was born and raised in whitestone,ny.and spent many saturday afternoons here.
i remember getting balcony seats, and throwing candy and popcorn down on the lower seats !! i remember when a car crashed into the front of the building,decapitating someone who was in the lobby.
I lived in Whitestone and frequently went to the RKO with my friends in the early 60's. Thanks for the video. It brought back alot of memories. I do remember looking up at those balconies as if expecting to see people sitting there. On a typical Saturday we would spend most of the day watching the main movie and the B movie that followed. The matrons patroled the theater, keeping us in line. KC
I remember as a kid going to the Keiths. When it was a movie thearter. I remember the sparkling ceiling and all the statues and the fountain. I remember running up and down the grand staircase. The man that bought this place let it fall apart because he had to conform to landmark status regulations. The fire damage it was said, he tried to burn it down, but it the fire was foiled and it couldnt be proved he had a hand in it. But thats what all the flushing locals think
I remember as a kid going to the Keiths. When it was a movie thearter. I remember the sparkling ceiling and all the statues and the fountain. I remember running up and down the grand staircase. The man that bought this place let it fall apart because he had to conform to landmark status regulations. The fire damage it was said, he tried to burn it down, but it the fire was foiled and it couldnt be proved he had a hand in it. But thats what all the flushing locals think
@tzujan1 He did not let it fall apart .It is a toxic site now because they pumped heating oil into the basement in an attempt to have it declared a hazard and then torn down, so they could develop it. Huang is a PIG!!
I worked there while in high school in the mid seventies---.. expansive...., magnificent,,,,,a glorious centerpiece at the crossroads of Flushing- -discarded as worthless ....two floors of dressing rooms backstage that were even then filled with debris after decades of neglect........Flushing has been rejuvenated with an influx of Asian investment ( like the USA in general) but its main artistic historical landmark has been left to rot........its a goddamn shame on us all,,,,,,,,,
I grew up in Flushing. I can still remember going there as a kid in the 1970's, being so fasinated with the decor of the theatre. Especially with the beautiful fountain in the lobby. I posted this video on my Facebook along with the petition for people to sign with hopes that the theatre can be preserved.
I grew up in Flushing. I can still remember as a kid how fasinated I was with the decor of the RKO Keith's theater. Especially with the fountain in the lobby. I posted this video along with the link to the petition for people to sign. With any good luck, it will be preserved.
guys i have tow ideas one apetiion to have the city restore it n make it a musium 2 write to mr bob villa bc he dose do all land mark projects acroiss the us n if ne one likes my friest idea email me lets get it under way
guys i have 2 ideas one we make a petition get thousand of signatures n we win n city resotres it n makes it a musium or i can wrte to bob vila n maby we see them resotre it bc after all he dose travel across usa restoring land mar buildings n houses . if ne one likes my first i dea email me lets get it under way
Used to go there for my sister's dance recitals during the early to mid 70's and saw Grease there after it tragically became a twin,and as for the Prospect I saw Gumball Rally and if I'm not mistaken Ode to Billy Joe with my older sisters of course since I was only in elementary school during the 70's
As you said what a shame Tommy Haung wasn't held accountable. On the other hand Flushing or Flu-Shing as it is often refered to now is an Asian city. I don't believe after seeing what they have done to some beautiful turn of the century homes in the area, the current residents give a rats ass about art. They only care about making a buck. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for any restoration. The old courthouse will probably be next. These folks just don't care about antone else's history.
what a tragic thing to let this fall into such disrepair. hopefully it will be restored but financing the job, it isn't cost effective unless someone wealthy does it for the reasons of the art. business wise, it isn't hopeful. in italy, art in buildings, fortunately is regarded with more consideration. on the other hand, italy is not a very wealthy country when looking from business vs art. i don't think its racist because you said it was moorish spanish. this is art, lets restore it if we can
What a great job cartoonsonfilm putting this together. I have some of my best memories seeing movies their. It's heart breaking seeing what happened to it, and some of the beautiful old buildings and houses that where around when I was growing up
i spent my childhood and teens (60s/70s) in this theater. they were referred to as "movie palaces" the first one (the regent, new york city) built in 1913 and then about 4,000 more throughout the U.S. from 1914 -1922. the reason for the ornate fantasy like palaces (water fountains, mural ceilings of night skies filled with stars etc.) was to be used as an escape from the day-to-day life. they were magical. (continued)...
@campirella Hi, I used to go to the Keiths during the late 50's and early 60's with my brother. Mom would drop us off on a rainy day and we would spend the whole day there watching Marx brothers and three stooges and Jerry lewis movies for about a quarter! We lived on 61st. rd. in front of Queens college. I went to elementary school at P.S. 201 off Kissens blvd. Let me know if you get this please, thank you........Doug
...the RKO KEITHS was landmarked at the time that the notorious tommy huang purchased and knowingly inflicted irrepairable and permanent damage to this once glorious movie palace. it's despicable that he was never really held accountable for his actions.
It's a travesty that this beautiful theater closed. I saw "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi" there. The last movie I saw there was "The Jewel of the Nile" with Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny Devito. A theater with the class, history and stature such as this one SHOULD be restored to its original glory.
like....what type of stage. and what are they doing to it right now? like i mean where or are they planning on demolishing it? and what was the main reason it closed? thanxs(: and thanxs for the posting this talking about a lifesaver (:
i still live near the theater, every time i drive buy it , i think about all the times i when to the movies there and danes show they had there , it was a very best movie theater i have ever been too , it is very sad what happen to it something should be done to make it a landmark
This is heart breaking. I've been to this theater countless times and even as a child I knew that the architecture was very special. ecwnikos as glad as I am for what you are doing I am sorry for you with your passion that you may never know how truly beautiful and well kept this theater was up until the closing. I am also sorry that the only area that is landmarked is the main area.
Hi, thanks for posting this and showing all that you could of the interior. So sad that it wasn't preserved, but would be fantastic if someone could now. I grew up in Tampa where there is another Lamb's designed theatre and it is a real treasure!!! If you get down there sometime be sure to check it out in downtown.
I also was sickened when I first heard that this beautiful theatre was almost torn down. I remember seeing Jaws when I was just 8 years old in this place! Also, Star Wars a couple of years later. Whatever it takes to save this old beauty should be done. It should not and cannot be torn down. Thank you for this amazing footage. I know I used those telephone booths! My heart breaks a little to see the inside look like this.
Oh wow! Same here, I grew up in Flushing and as a kid I remember seeing Empire Strikes Back and Jewel of the Nile their. Back then I would either go to the UA Quartet further east down Northern Blvd, or RKO. I miss it, what a shame it's distruction.
ah, my beloved keiths.. my favorite theater of all time... the last movie i saw there was a midnight show of ReAnimator in 1985, when i was 15. i remember the audience was so rowdy. it was the most fun i think i've ever had in a theater...
i remember, when they were trying to re-animate the dead cat, some guy yelled out "give it a cat scan" and the audience spent 5 minutes calling the guy a dick. it was great!
@Fedmarti88 Everyone needs a reality check. It will NEVER be restored. We have Netflix'd, Blockbuster'd, and IMAX'd overselves to death. We have become a mobil, and disposable society. Years ago, immigrants would assimilate into AMERICAN society. Now, because of our bleeding heart liberals, they want it the other way around. We are rapidly losing all vestiges of what America is. We have nobody to thank but ourselves. That era is long gone, and the new "residents" care less.
You got the first part right. The 2nd part is simply a paranoid and racist rant. The decline of movie palaces has nothing to do with immigrants. It has to do with the economics of the movie theater business. And the fact is that most large theaters, most of which were built right before the depression, were never profitable. Most went into bankruptcy and were resold many times.
@zoetmb Go fuck yourself asshole. It's not racist asshole. It's reality. Years ago people wanted to be American. Now every other flag is flown around here except the US Flag. The liberals want it that way. They want to keep everyone stupid, and dependant on them. THATS RACISM. Instead of setting them up for the long haul, and to do well, they get set up for poverty and welfare..THATS RACISM.
I suspect you're just a loser who blames everyone (but especially immigrants) but themselves for their state in life. And it's not liberals who want to keep everyone stupid. It's conservatives who are afraid of science and the realities of history. What all this has to do with an old movie theatre though, I don't know. Besides, liberals have been in power only 14 of the last 43 years.
What a shame, it's enough to make you sick. Here in Rochester we had an RKO, slightly smaller I think but just as opulent and interestingly opened on the same day. They tore it down in the 60's to make way for a "modern" complex. I was around, but, living in the 'burbs, never got to see it. It's still an empty lot 45 years later! Thankfully, they saved the Wurlitzer organ, moved it to another nearby theater where's it's still played regularly.
I was 14 years old when I saw "The Godfather" at the RKO Keith's. I saw dozens of movies there as a kid and took my younger brother with me on Saturdays. I continued going to the RKO Keith's seeing "Lady Sings The Blues", Taxi Driver", "Godfather Part II" and many more. It was an amazing place! The staircases were something out of "Sunset Boulevard". I hate all the multiplex theaters today. There was something magical, just as it should be, about film when you saw it in this environment.
yes great movie theater i watched the empire strikes back rocky jaws halloween the last film to play there was running scared in 1984 it was fantastic to enjoy a movie wow i want to cry j lol
This was great, im gonna join the facebook group. I remember seeing Friday the 13th I think in there and being terrified to walk to the bathroom down that dark silent hallway! lol The last movie i saw here was the Karate Kid, I miss this place. I hope it gets restored and become another store where no one shops on main street.
I must be an optimist because what I see is that with some silicone molds, plaster, paint and gold leaf, this place could be restored in a heartbeat....along with a little perseverance.
I wish you were right, but it would probably take $20 million or more to restore the theatre. There's a great book on the restoration of the New Amsterdam theatre by Disney. You might want to check it out.
As for the RKO Keith's, there have been a number of plans for the place, some of which have promised to keep the lobby, which apparently, isn't in too bad a shape.
Sad. The interior looks in much worse shape than I would have thought. Restoration will be complicated by the fact that so much of the detail is simply missing ... not just damaged. Still in need of restoration, I suspect the Loew's King in Brooklyn has more intact for a restoration. Nonetheless, I have fond memories of the Keith's glorious interior from the time before it was turned into a triplex.
Thank you so much for raising awareness about this cultural treasure.... although it is so sad to see what the interior of this once grand theater looks like now.
When I was a little girl, my parents often brought me to the RKO Keith's, and I thought it was the most beautiful place in the world, with its "sky" ceiling with "stars." The theater must be restored and saved.
I would love to see this theatre restored, did anyone think about the asbestos and lead paint in this building?....All of that, which is the detailed plater that was painted, is covered with lead paint....
I watched many a movie in the RKO Keiths growing up in Flushing in the 1940's and 50's. We even saw some live stage performances. During one double horror show they had Frankenstein live on stage during the intermission. He leaped off the stage toward the audience and then the lights were turned low and you could hear him walking up the aisle. I remember trying to crawl over my brother and friends to get from my aisle seat toward the center. We were a bunch of scared kids!
Lyc360 1 week ago
Thank you. I was a kid in the 60's and went there often. That which made the lobby super special was the lighting. It was simlpy incredible.
loveaodai100 4 months ago
I was born and grew up in Flushing, I agree ,Flushing is not what it use to be, I don't believe the residents of Flushing today would care if it was restored or not, it is such a shame, I have such good memories of the theatre, I still remember seeing the 10 Commandments there as a child, and many other movies. The building was so nice, it was a treat to go there.
marydeliaful 4 months ago
RKO Keith's SHOULDN'T be restored and opened again. I don't want to see the damn Asians walking it's halls, crowding it's theater, littering everywhere, and filling the air with fart. RKO Keith should be left the way it is undisturbed since it's the only part of Flushing untouched by the scum of Earth. They can however, fix up the interior so it doesn't collaspe on itself.
GodzillaBoyNY 5 months ago
My Bayside graduation back in 66 was at the RKO, I stayed hidden in the bathroom so I could wait for the theater to open, The English movie, "The Mindbenders" was playing. I loved the RKO, I remember a Whilrlitzer juke box in the lobby, the smell of popcorn, and yes the sky with clouds and stars, The statues the glorious red curtain. It was a palace in every sense of the word. I saw so many movies there. Zulu, The Day of the Triffids, Visit to a small planet, I use to live in Beechhurst.
ivor1 5 months ago
this theatre is actually being restored and i heard on NY1 that its going to be a cultural centre or something...
liltony116 5 months ago
Thank you for posting,I remember this place very well,the movies were part of the experience but the place itself was just so awesome.Alot of good memories,I'm sorry you didn't get to see it in it's grandeur.Thanks again for posting this,it's good to know that others feel the same way I do about the place.
TheDreamingTiger62 7 months ago
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howardlee7 7 months ago
I grew up in Flushing and saw some of my all time favorite movies here. My brother and sister worked here at the theater. (My brother was a manager!) I saw GREASE, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER and even BACK TO THE FUTURE here. It was a dark, beautiful, and a bit scary theater with an upstairs large auditorium screen and two theaters downstairs. Everything was ornate. Thanks for the memories. I saw countless movies and will always have amazing memories. (I'm 45 now and live in Washington DC!)
howardlee7 7 months ago
... place than where they came from but at the same time learn some values and respect the elderly. Great video! Thank you very much, after 22 years of living here I've finally met people who's been inside and appreciates what this building once was.
Fizz826 7 months ago
@Fizz826 SO beautifully said!
cartoonsonfilm 7 months ago
@Fizz826 I was born in flushing and lived there the first 6 years of my life then came to FL. I lived with my Dad every summer in Flushing and I used to love that theater. Last movie I saw there was Return of the Jedi. It's such a shame that someone hasn't restored in.
davidcapps110 5 months ago
I'm currently 35 years old, came to Flushing in 1989 with my grandparents from Taipei, Taiwan. Ever since I've been here the RKO has been closed. I'd love to see this theater restored, even though i've only been here for 22 years I'm disliking what Flushing has become.. Land developers knows nothing about the past and just want to put up apartment complexes and malls. The people living here now just care about giving birth to their next generation on this land. I understand this is a better pla
Fizz826 7 months ago
Great video. Thank you for working on this project. I lived next to the Keith's for 18 years and have nothing but fond memories of it. Keep up the good work and let's bring back the Keith's to Flushing as one of our cultural icon's as it was. rbhood2468
rbhood2468 8 months ago
Thank you for posting this Tom. So many fond memories from my childhood, seeing movies there, staring up occasionally at the starlit ceiling. The history and grandeur of the place, with its beautiful lobby made you feel like a movie star yourself!
kit1954 8 months ago
THIS is incredible ! Thanks for posting cartoonsonfilm, and more than that Thank You for recording this footage. Wow. It would turn Flushing around if this old theatre was to be restored. Have you seen the restored Paradise Theatre in the BX ? Beautiful.
stillphil 9 months ago
I been to many movies at this theater. But one thing that sticks out is when while standing out front I see this car flying making the right turn from Main St on to Northern Blvd and over the bridge. Right behind that car were like 10 police cars chasing it. We jumped back into the car and follwed it to the Iron triangle. We stopped on the corner. We heard a gun shot. We see this black male running who turns out to be a member of the Blak panthers that robbed a bank. Cops shot him in the head.
Milkman12114 9 months ago
Would it be too much to ask to bring this building back as a Church? I think that would be an awesome tribute to those who worked so hard to build it. I say bring it back as a church and Honor not only the Keiths but God Almighty himself. He is capable of this miracle.
Cibaena1 10 months ago
I saw many a movie at this theater; just a short bus ride from Bayside.
This was the definition of a "Theater Experience".
I remember arriving late to see "The Twelve Chairs" in 1970, only to be treated to a live performance by Dom DeLuise after the movie.
This theater should be restored to its original glory at all costs.
156Metro 1 year ago
I grew up in flushing and my graduation from JHS 185 was at the keiths in 71. Its a disgrace, the city preserves all in manhattan, and bklyn, how could they allow this to be. This building is a magnificent centerpiece to the boro of queens. It is built like a fortress whatever it takes, the city should make sure that this building is put back into its glory. and those responsible should be punished. Its america, make them pay!
RydePatrol 1 year ago
I remember this theater like it was yesterday. I can close my eyes right now and actually feel as if i am there as it was in the 70's and 80's. It's a haunting feeling and sad, very sad. Flushing used to be such a great place and now sadly has turned to complete and utter crap. I loved the RKO Keiths! I saw so many movies there, it was like family to me. How this could happen to this place is not only disgraceful but disgusting as well.
PatriciaSmear 1 year ago
I saw 'Airport' there in '70 , took the 7 from 40st.
rowland6128 1 year ago
Saw 'Airport' there , LIKE YESTERDAY :(
rowland6128 1 year ago
SO THAT'S WHAT IT IS!!! IVE BEEN LOOKING AT IT FOR A DECADE AND I NEVER KNEW WHAT THIS WAS!
TheRoseYao 1 year ago
It's a shame how they trashed this awesome theater. Return of the Jedi was the last movie I saw there in 1983. Downtown Flushing needs a good movie theater and this was a great one. They should definitely restore it, but they probably won't
noslenpar 1 year ago
I remember the RKO Keith back in the 1960s. It was a short bus ride from Kew Gardens Hills to downtown Flushing on the Q44 bus back then. Saw many a film at the Keith's and also attended several rock 'n' roll shows hosted by WINS disc jockey Murray the "K". Awesome memories!
DrIronside 1 year ago
Comment removed
bobszvetics1 1 year ago
@bobszvetics1
OK, racist. What does the average Asian who lives in Flushing have to do with it? None of the great movie palaces in NYC are left, except for the partially restored Loews Paradise & that is rarely open.
The reality is that this place was bought by a real-estate magnate, who happens to be Asian, who purposely made the place an environmental hazard so he could tear it down without worrying about any preservation issues, but the place has been taken away from him.
zoetmb 1 year ago
Comment removed
bobszvetics1 1 year ago
@bobszvetics1
Your brilliance and intellect speaks for itself. Not that it should matter, but I'm not asian and my family has been in this country for 114 years.
zoetmb 1 year ago
Comment removed
bobszvetics1 1 year ago
This has reminded me of the days when I frequented the RKO Keith Movie Theater in the 60's and appears like a documentary on a "Once'' great society long since departed.
Very nice job on the presentation.
WHEATGERM1948 1 year ago
This is depressing.
peggy986 1 year ago
i was born and raised in whitestone,ny.and spent many saturday afternoons here.
i remember getting balcony seats, and throwing candy and popcorn down on the lower seats !! i remember when a car crashed into the front of the building,decapitating someone who was in the lobby.
billio0104 1 year ago
Wonderful photos! It is so sad that we have lost so many beautiful theatres!
jkmek99 1 year ago
Grew up in Bayside, Bayside HS, class of 1964. So many memories here. What a shame what has become of Flushing.
tzoidman47 1 year ago
I lived in Whitestone and frequently went to the RKO with my friends in the early 60's. Thanks for the video. It brought back alot of memories. I do remember looking up at those balconies as if expecting to see people sitting there. On a typical Saturday we would spend most of the day watching the main movie and the B movie that followed. The matrons patroled the theater, keeping us in line. KC
roxykcny 1 year ago
Koreans and Chinese have been given the utmost liberty to transform "Frushing" into another Seoul and Hong Kong.
All the storefronts have East-Asian writing. The NYFD has issues locating addresses in case of fires due to no numeric addresses readily visible.
No names recognizable.
Unless you have native Korean or Chinese firemen to translate, how is one able to discern??
ermayo93 1 year ago
I remember as a kid going to the Keiths. When it was a movie thearter. I remember the sparkling ceiling and all the statues and the fountain. I remember running up and down the grand staircase. The man that bought this place let it fall apart because he had to conform to landmark status regulations. The fire damage it was said, he tried to burn it down, but it the fire was foiled and it couldnt be proved he had a hand in it. But thats what all the flushing locals think
tzujan1 1 year ago
I remember as a kid going to the Keiths. When it was a movie thearter. I remember the sparkling ceiling and all the statues and the fountain. I remember running up and down the grand staircase. The man that bought this place let it fall apart because he had to conform to landmark status regulations. The fire damage it was said, he tried to burn it down, but it the fire was foiled and it couldnt be proved he had a hand in it. But thats what all the flushing locals think
tzujan1 1 year ago
@tzujan1 He did not let it fall apart .It is a toxic site now because they pumped heating oil into the basement in an attempt to have it declared a hazard and then torn down, so they could develop it. Huang is a PIG!!
peggy986 1 year ago
I worked there while in high school in the mid seventies---.. expansive...., magnificent,,,,,a glorious centerpiece at the crossroads of Flushing- -discarded as worthless ....two floors of dressing rooms backstage that were even then filled with debris after decades of neglect........Flushing has been rejuvenated with an influx of Asian investment ( like the USA in general) but its main artistic historical landmark has been left to rot........its a goddamn shame on us all,,,,,,,,,
string0pearls 1 year ago
I grew up in Flushing. I can still remember going there as a kid in the 1970's, being so fasinated with the decor of the theatre. Especially with the beautiful fountain in the lobby. I posted this video on my Facebook along with the petition for people to sign with hopes that the theatre can be preserved.
RolexRenee 2 years ago
I grew up in Flushing. I can still remember as a kid how fasinated I was with the decor of the RKO Keith's theater. Especially with the fountain in the lobby. I posted this video along with the link to the petition for people to sign. With any good luck, it will be preserved.
RolexRenee 2 years ago
guys i have tow ideas one apetiion to have the city restore it n make it a musium 2 write to mr bob villa bc he dose do all land mark projects acroiss the us n if ne one likes my friest idea email me lets get it under way
deejaypprada 2 years ago
guys i have 2 ideas one we make a petition get thousand of signatures n we win n city resotres it n makes it a musium or i can wrte to bob vila n maby we see them resotre it bc after all he dose travel across usa restoring land mar buildings n houses . if ne one likes my first i dea email me lets get it under way
deejaypprada 2 years ago
Used to go there for my sister's dance recitals during the early to mid 70's and saw Grease there after it tragically became a twin,and as for the Prospect I saw Gumball Rally and if I'm not mistaken Ode to Billy Joe with my older sisters of course since I was only in elementary school during the 70's
bwork66 2 years ago
As you said what a shame Tommy Haung wasn't held accountable. On the other hand Flushing or Flu-Shing as it is often refered to now is an Asian city. I don't believe after seeing what they have done to some beautiful turn of the century homes in the area, the current residents give a rats ass about art. They only care about making a buck. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for any restoration. The old courthouse will probably be next. These folks just don't care about antone else's history.
ammagic11 2 years ago
what a tragic thing to let this fall into such disrepair. hopefully it will be restored but financing the job, it isn't cost effective unless someone wealthy does it for the reasons of the art. business wise, it isn't hopeful. in italy, art in buildings, fortunately is regarded with more consideration. on the other hand, italy is not a very wealthy country when looking from business vs art. i don't think its racist because you said it was moorish spanish. this is art, lets restore it if we can
bettygoodbody 2 years ago
What a great job cartoonsonfilm putting this together. I have some of my best memories seeing movies their. It's heart breaking seeing what happened to it, and some of the beautiful old buildings and houses that where around when I was growing up
financialfit 2 years ago
check out (youtube) TCM Fanatic: Movie Palaces
campirella 2 years ago
i spent my childhood and teens (60s/70s) in this theater. they were referred to as "movie palaces" the first one (the regent, new york city) built in 1913 and then about 4,000 more throughout the U.S. from 1914 -1922. the reason for the ornate fantasy like palaces (water fountains, mural ceilings of night skies filled with stars etc.) was to be used as an escape from the day-to-day life. they were magical. (continued)...
campirella 2 years ago
@campirella Hi, I used to go to the Keiths during the late 50's and early 60's with my brother. Mom would drop us off on a rainy day and we would spend the whole day there watching Marx brothers and three stooges and Jerry lewis movies for about a quarter! We lived on 61st. rd. in front of Queens college. I went to elementary school at P.S. 201 off Kissens blvd. Let me know if you get this please, thank you........Doug
chefdoogie 2 years ago
...the RKO KEITHS was landmarked at the time that the notorious tommy huang purchased and knowingly inflicted irrepairable and permanent damage to this once glorious movie palace. it's despicable that he was never really held accountable for his actions.
campirella 2 years ago
Great video! I'd always wondered what had become of the interior of RKO.
veeganboy 2 years ago
It's a travesty that this beautiful theater closed. I saw "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi" there. The last movie I saw there was "The Jewel of the Nile" with Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny Devito. A theater with the class, history and stature such as this one SHOULD be restored to its original glory.
76SuperChic 2 years ago
I really wish this theater will be restored so I, and my community, can see this majestic place that didn't exist when we were here.
And please stop with the racist comments -_-
TheConundrumer 2 years ago
Comment removed
madfurby 2 years ago
ok can someone tell me the info about this theater im doing this report about it!! :DD
shinyztar6 2 years ago
What kind of info are you looking for?
cartoonsonfilm 2 years ago
like....what type of stage. and what are they doing to it right now? like i mean where or are they planning on demolishing it? and what was the main reason it closed? thanxs(: and thanxs for the posting this talking about a lifesaver (:
shinyztar6 2 years ago
i still live near the theater, every time i drive buy it , i think about all the times i when to the movies there and danes show they had there , it was a very best movie theater i have ever been too , it is very sad what happen to it something should be done to make it a landmark
joe4654 2 years ago
This is heart breaking. I've been to this theater countless times and even as a child I knew that the architecture was very special. ecwnikos as glad as I am for what you are doing I am sorry for you with your passion that you may never know how truly beautiful and well kept this theater was up until the closing. I am also sorry that the only area that is landmarked is the main area.
ctinsmyth 2 years ago
The word definitely needs to be spead
BboySloppy 2 years ago
Hi, thanks for posting this and showing all that you could of the interior. So sad that it wasn't preserved, but would be fantastic if someone could now. I grew up in Tampa where there is another Lamb's designed theatre and it is a real treasure!!! If you get down there sometime be sure to check it out in downtown.
JUANTIKI73 2 years ago
I saw Fletch there ! lol
freshdirect144 2 years ago
I remember going to the movies there before it was torn down...The architecture was amazing. great memories.
LSNY85 2 years ago
Sad to see this. I saw The Godfather here in 72.
sto59 2 years ago
did u know its up for sale ? I have a video about it. my user name is ecwnikos please comment on it.
ecwnikos 2 years ago
JEWS DID WTC
ASIANS DID FLUSHING
HardBodyNyC 2 years ago
I also was sickened when I first heard that this beautiful theatre was almost torn down. I remember seeing Jaws when I was just 8 years old in this place! Also, Star Wars a couple of years later. Whatever it takes to save this old beauty should be done. It should not and cannot be torn down. Thank you for this amazing footage. I know I used those telephone booths! My heart breaks a little to see the inside look like this.
stcrimi 2 years ago
Slight correction to your otherwise accurate comment, JAWS was playing down Main St. at the Prospect.
avk222 2 years ago
Oh wow! Same here, I grew up in Flushing and as a kid I remember seeing Empire Strikes Back and Jewel of the Nile their. Back then I would either go to the UA Quartet further east down Northern Blvd, or RKO. I miss it, what a shame it's distruction.
financialfit 2 years ago
ah, my beloved keiths.. my favorite theater of all time... the last movie i saw there was a midnight show of ReAnimator in 1985, when i was 15. i remember the audience was so rowdy. it was the most fun i think i've ever had in a theater...
i remember, when they were trying to re-animate the dead cat, some guy yelled out "give it a cat scan" and the audience spent 5 minutes calling the guy a dick. it was great!
insaneorama 2 years ago
What a sad betrayal to the wonder of Flushing!
Since last week there is a huge sign with a horrible picture of the new modern "complex" they intende to erect instead of the Keith.
Not even the facade will be respected and, to add further insult to Flushing's history, most of the sign is not even in English, just in Chinese.
The last thing we need is to have one more septic mall void of personality or beauty.
Somebody said, and I agree, that it would be profitable as a movie theatre again.
Fedmarti88 2 years ago
@Fedmarti88 Everyone needs a reality check. It will NEVER be restored. We have Netflix'd, Blockbuster'd, and IMAX'd overselves to death. We have become a mobil, and disposable society. Years ago, immigrants would assimilate into AMERICAN society. Now, because of our bleeding heart liberals, they want it the other way around. We are rapidly losing all vestiges of what America is. We have nobody to thank but ourselves. That era is long gone, and the new "residents" care less.
devildoc225 1 year ago
@devildoc225
You got the first part right. The 2nd part is simply a paranoid and racist rant. The decline of movie palaces has nothing to do with immigrants. It has to do with the economics of the movie theater business. And the fact is that most large theaters, most of which were built right before the depression, were never profitable. Most went into bankruptcy and were resold many times.
zoetmb 1 year ago
@zoetmb Go fuck yourself asshole. It's not racist asshole. It's reality. Years ago people wanted to be American. Now every other flag is flown around here except the US Flag. The liberals want it that way. They want to keep everyone stupid, and dependant on them. THATS RACISM. Instead of setting them up for the long haul, and to do well, they get set up for poverty and welfare..THATS RACISM.
devildoc225 1 year ago
@devildoc225
I suspect you're just a loser who blames everyone (but especially immigrants) but themselves for their state in life. And it's not liberals who want to keep everyone stupid. It's conservatives who are afraid of science and the realities of history. What all this has to do with an old movie theatre though, I don't know. Besides, liberals have been in power only 14 of the last 43 years.
zoetmb 1 year ago
What a shame, it's enough to make you sick. Here in Rochester we had an RKO, slightly smaller I think but just as opulent and interestingly opened on the same day. They tore it down in the 60's to make way for a "modern" complex. I was around, but, living in the 'burbs, never got to see it. It's still an empty lot 45 years later! Thankfully, they saved the Wurlitzer organ, moved it to another nearby theater where's it's still played regularly.
flyurway 2 years ago
remember the RKO as a teenager in the 50"s
corkynprc 2 years ago
I was 14 years old when I saw "The Godfather" at the RKO Keith's. I saw dozens of movies there as a kid and took my younger brother with me on Saturdays. I continued going to the RKO Keith's seeing "Lady Sings The Blues", Taxi Driver", "Godfather Part II" and many more. It was an amazing place! The staircases were something out of "Sunset Boulevard". I hate all the multiplex theaters today. There was something magical, just as it should be, about film when you saw it in this environment.
sp31767 2 years ago
yes great movie theater i watched the empire strikes back rocky jaws halloween the last film to play there was running scared in 1984 it was fantastic to enjoy a movie wow i want to cry j lol
nightrider71 2 years ago
This was great, im gonna join the facebook group. I remember seeing Friday the 13th I think in there and being terrified to walk to the bathroom down that dark silent hallway! lol The last movie i saw here was the Karate Kid, I miss this place. I hope it gets restored and become another store where no one shops on main street.
Truex1 2 years ago
I must be an optimist because what I see is that with some silicone molds, plaster, paint and gold leaf, this place could be restored in a heartbeat....along with a little perseverance.
Kateb411 2 years ago
Right on!
cartoonsonfilm 2 years ago
@Kateb411
I wish you were right, but it would probably take $20 million or more to restore the theatre. There's a great book on the restoration of the New Amsterdam theatre by Disney. You might want to check it out.
As for the RKO Keith's, there have been a number of plans for the place, some of which have promised to keep the lobby, which apparently, isn't in too bad a shape.
zoetmb 1 year ago
Sad. The interior looks in much worse shape than I would have thought. Restoration will be complicated by the fact that so much of the detail is simply missing ... not just damaged. Still in need of restoration, I suspect the Loew's King in Brooklyn has more intact for a restoration. Nonetheless, I have fond memories of the Keith's glorious interior from the time before it was turned into a triplex.
mhuntm 2 years ago
Thank you so much for raising awareness about this cultural treasure.... although it is so sad to see what the interior of this once grand theater looks like now.
When I was a little girl, my parents often brought me to the RKO Keith's, and I thought it was the most beautiful place in the world, with its "sky" ceiling with "stars." The theater must be restored and saved.
coloraturaLinda 2 years ago
yes this movie theater had a sky blue celling
can i ask how old were you when your parents took you there very nice theater so sad
nightrider71 2 years ago
To answer your question: II was probably only about 6 or 7 years old when my parents took me to the Keith's.... and that was a long time ago! :)
coloraturaLinda 2 years ago
wow this movie theater was is is forever part of my childhood when i was living at union street and 35 ave in 1975 so sad to see how it is now
what a shame to see it like this damn
nightrider71 2 years ago
Thanks for this rare look into the theater.
MeTaLoFeArTh 2 years ago
I would love to see this theatre restored, did anyone think about the asbestos and lead paint in this building?....All of that, which is the detailed plater that was painted, is covered with lead paint....
I think its too far gone......rip
pj0187 2 years ago
Wow. This place is pretty far gone.
thephotoplayer 2 years ago
Hey Thomas, you've done a good thing here,
and you've done it very well.
I would say there is quite a bit worth restoring.
Thanks!
dannykuchuck 2 years ago 2
The editing is immaculate
JamesNintendoNerd 2 years ago
The Men's Room caught my eye.
rainbowxxbritee 2 years ago