A Fond Farewell to NYC’s Ziegfeld Theatre

At the conclusion of business on January 28th, 2016, the Ziegfeld closed its doors for the final time. Even though it hosted many world premieres and regular movie showings, it simply could not turn a profit and the huge annual losses it carried could no longer be sustained. It has been announced that the space, after two years of extensive renovation, is expected to reopen as the Ziegfeld Ballroom. News of the closing evoke a lot of emotion for true fans of film and of the theatre itself. Business in the last week was great, as many turned out to bid farewell to the theatre. Some ladies showed up in Ziegfeld Follies costumes, and some in tuxedos for their last time seeing a movie there. The final movie to play the theater was “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at 10PM. Both evening shows in the 1134-seat house were sold out on the last night, a fitting tribute to the last large operating single-screen movie house in Manhattan. The final premiere at theatre, held the prior Friday, was of the new show, “VINYL”, with Martin Scorsese and the cast in attendance, as he directed the first episode.

A TRUE THSA NEW YORK CITY MOMENT

On the last day of operating the Ziegfeld Theater in Manhattan, Joe Masher (COO, Bow Tie Cinemas and Treasurer, THSA) stopped by. During his visit, he overheard two ladies talking to customers, telling them they are members of the Reade family. Walter Reade, Jr. opened the current Ziegfeld Theater in 1969, adding it to his empire of locations, mostly in New York State and New Jersey. Joe approached the ladies and introduced himself, and spoke to them extensively about the theater, and THSA. Dolly Reade is the wife of the deceased Walter Reade, Jr ., and Ronnie Reade is his daughter. The two were reminiscing. Joe listed as Dolly described in detail her involvement in decorating the theater and the Reade offices upstairs, which for the past few decades have been used as a celebrity “Green Room”.

Ronnie Reade, Joe Masher, Dolly Reade in the Green Room

Joe asked Dolly and Ronnie if they wanted to go upstairs, and told them that Walter’s desk was still up there! They were very appreciative and excited, and as they ascended the stairs, Dolly spoke of the furnishings and where she procured them. She was set aback when the two luxurious leather couches she spoke fondly of were still there, which for many decades have been featured in the reception area, and have seen usage by most of Hollywood’s biggest stars and producers! Dolly and Ronnie then saw the desk, and again were treated to more opening night stories, Dolly said there used to be a window there, and it faced out onto an old building. The view was bad, so Dolly had commissioned a tromp l’oiel painting to brighten the room. Sometime after the Reade Organization was purchased by Cineplex Odeon in 1987, the window was removed. All wondered if the painting was still there?

Dolly told Joe that she has a 16mm film showing all of the events surrounding the Grand Opening, and Joe encouraged both ladies to have the film transferred to DVD as soon as possible, and that a copy should be donated to THSA’s archive. Joe then spoke extensively about THSA and its mission, and the ladies were thrilled to hear of it. Bow Tie Cinemas will sponsor Gift Memberships for the ladies for their first (of hopefully many) years of membership!

The tour continued, and both ladies said they initially felt that they were going to a wake. It was then that Joe took them outside and across the street. To honor the Ziegfeld in its last few weeks of operation, Bow Tie Cinemas removed its logo from the marquee, which covered up the original “A WALTER READE THEATRE”. Joe had the ladies turn around and tears of joy and celebration flowed. After meeting Joe, both ladies changed the tone of their visit and are thrilled that the history of the Walter Reade organization will live on not only in family memories, but in true fans of his theaters and of course, in THSA!

The ladies have agreed to contribute to the story of the Walter Reade Organization for a future Marquee article, and will participate in an oral history project.

Ronnie & Dolly Reade at the Ziegfeld

ABOUT THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: Founded by Ben Hall in 1969, the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) celebrates, documents and promotes the architectural, cultural and social relevance of America’s historic theatres. Through its preservation of the collections in the American Theatre Architecture Archive, its signature publication Marquee™ and Conclave Theatre Tour, THS increases awareness, appreciation and scholarly study of America’s theatres.

Learn more about historic theatres in the THS American Theatre Architecture Archives and on our website at historictheatres.org