Loew's Paradise Theatre

In this age of crowded multiplex theaters in which people pay ridiculously high prices to be seated in tiny little seats, it's hard for young people to imagine a time when a visit to a movie theater was an enjoyable, even awe-inspiring event. While the “picture palaces” of the 1930s and 1940s are largely gone now, in the heart of New York's Bronx efforts are underway to restore one of the nation's most architecturally and aesthetically magnificent theaters--Loew's Paradise. Narrated by broadcast journalist Marvin Scott, this video takes a lovingly detailed look at the history of the Paradise, examining the artwork found throughout this landmark, and interviewing people who remember the excitement of seeing movies for 25 cents while seated in the midst of Italian Renaissance splendor. Sure to be a welcome addition for both public library collections and universities with strong architecture holdings, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Carlson)