The introduction of cinema was one of the turning points in human history. Millions of viewers were immediately won over by blue screens. Thus they marked the start of a new mega-profitable sort of activity.
The movie theater industry plays an important role in American culture. They even came up with open-air cinemas where the audience sits in the car. Also, Brooklyn Bridge Park occasionally holds an outdoor movie screening. Alpine Cinema was the first movie theater in Brooklyn. It is also one of the city’s oldest. Find out more at brooklyn-trend.
FUN FOR A PENNY
The first film presented at Alpine Cinema was Thomas Meighan’s “The City of Silent Men”. In 1921, Marcus Loew, the owner of the movie theater, resorted to a clever act. He invited movie stars to the premiere of the film. These names will tell us nothing in the twenty-first century. However, at the turn of the twentieth century, they were well-known to everyone.
Although, the cost of the movie ticket was only 25 cents. Alpine Cinema was located on 5th Avenue in Bay Ridge.
At that time, the cinema building was regarded as the most beautiful in the entire borough. It was luxurious, elegant and stylish. It radiated the style of the 20s of the last century. There was stucco on the walls and a luxurious chandelier. The floor was draped with red velvet. The walls were adorned with tapestries. The primary colors of the structure were gold and brown. The exterior facade of the cinema hasn’t changed much over the years of the cinema’s existence.
All of this was created thanks to the Carlson & Wiseman company. Two renowned theater architects have outdone themselves. Harrison Wiseman, or, to be more precise, his work, is well-known all over New York. Wiseman designed 20 theaters, including the Village East movie theater, Pavilion Cinema and Cameo Theatre. The majority of them lasted until the twenty-first century, but they no longer serve as movie theaters. The Cameo Theatre, for example, was converted into a church.
Marcus Loew is known as the “King of Movie Theaters.” He established about 20 venues in New York. Alpine Cinema was distinct from other theaters in that all seats, particularly 2200, could be arranged on a single floor. Making one large hall without balconies or a gallery.
INDEPENDENT EXISTENCE
Alpine Cinema had been a member of the Loew’s movie theater chain for many years. The theater began to separate from the Loew’s Corporation in the 1970s. At first, it was divided into two sections. In the 80s, additional screens were installed. Interestingly, Alpine Cinema will offer eight distinct halls by 2023. The cinema was sold in 1986, and it has since operated as an independent unit. However, this cannot be considered the start of the cinema’s prosperity. It, on the other hand, began to decline. In 2006, Nick Nicolaou purchased the old structure and brought it back to life. He had previous experience owning movie theaters. When he heard that the oldest theater in the borough was closing, he couldn’t pass it by. Alpine Cinema was therefore saved.
Major repairs took a very long time. It was impossible to make significant modifications since the cinema remained open. The cinema’s owner used the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 outbreak to enhance the building’s condition. Everyone was pleasantly surprised when Alpine Cinema reopened. The contractors rebuilt the floor, raised the ceiling and changed the ventilation system. During repairs in the 1980s, builders dramatically reduced the ceiling height, destroying its attractiveness. This transformed the long-established movie theater into something utterly modern and new. However, the fine particles of the previous century were preserved. In the twenty-first century, it’s hard to believe Alpine was the first borough cinema.
Alpine Cinema is also known for its affordable prices. When it was opened, tickets were only 25 cents, and in 2023 a ticket costs 10 dollars. When compared to other modern cinemas in the city, this is the lowest pricing. The theater’s administration assures everyone that ticket costs would never rise. As a result, they provide everyone with the chance to experience the world of cinema for a small fee.
