Bonus: Lost Theaters
While many theater buildings remain, even if the entertainment has long since departed, many other theaters in Brooklyn have been completely lost. Below we take a look at some of the theaters that have left no architectural trace.
11. Stanley Theater, Bay Ridge
The Stanley Theater was once an independent second-run spot that opened in 1932 on the site of another former theater, the Colonial Theatre (1910-1932). Located on 5th Avenue between 74th Street and the Bay Ridge Parkway in Bay Rudge, it was a short Art Deco with a large marquee. The last film was shown in March 1957. Today the site is occupied by an Apple Bank branch, which stands next to the historic Lincoln Savings Bank building (now a Chase).
12. The Electra Theater, Bay Ridge
The Electra Theater was another independent theater that opened in the early 1900s. When it closed in 1953 it was converted into a supermarket. In the 1960s, the building was torn down and replaced with purpose-built supermarket structure at 3rd Avenue and Bay Ridge Parkway. Today it is a Key Foods.
13. The Ritz, Sunset Park
The site of the former Ritz Theater is now under construction. Opened in 1926 and later known as the Fox Ritz Theatre, the movie house closed in 1959. with Kim Novak in “Middle of the Night”. For a long time the building was occupied by a supermarket as “The Ritz Theatre” was still displayed above the entrance. Today, the building has been demolished and the lot is under construction.
Next, check out The Oldest Theater in Brooklyn, Alpine Cinemas and Forgotten Movie Theaters of the Bronx
