From Film to Faith: The Transformation of New York's Warner Theatre
The Hollywood Theatre, designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb for Warner Brothers, opened on April 22, 1930, as a premier venue for “talkie” movies. Originally featuring an Art Deco lobby entrance on Broadway, access later shifted to W. 51st Street. Inspired by French Baroque and Rococo styles, the theatre boasted a lavish three-story rotunda and a 1,603-seat auditorium. Though built with a stage, it primarily showcased films without live performances.
In October 1930, the Hollywood Theatre was the only venue in New York to feature Warner Bros.’ 65mm Vitascope widescreen process for Kismet. During the Great Depression, Warner Bros. leased the space for stage shows and concerts under the name 51st Street Theatre. Reverting to the Hollywood Theatre during World War II, it found success once again as a movie house.
Renamed the Warner Theatre, it hosted the world premiere of Life With Father on August 15, 1947. However, it closed on May 16, 1948, and was sold soon after. It reopened as the Mark Hellinger Theatre on January 22, 1949, for stage productions, including the legendary Broadway run of My Fair Lady with Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews in 1956. Despite early success, the theatre struggled in the following decades, with Sugar Babies (1979–1982) being its last major hit.
After Legs Diamond closed in 1989, the Nederlander Organization leased the venue to a church group before selling it in 1992 for $17 million. Now home to the Times Square Church, the theatre remains well-preserved, with both its interior and exterior protected under New York City landmark law.
Matt Lambros NY New York Mar 06, 2025 History Movies Theaters
Mar 06, 2025
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