This cache is placed as a homage to all the old movie palaces that once dotted New York City. Among those gems was The Midtown, designed by the architecture firm of Boak & Paris which opened in 1933. From 1948 through April 1972, it was part of the Brandt circuit, featuring sub-run foreign and independent fare starting in the 1950s. It exhibited films such as Belle de Jour, Shame (and just about every other Bergman movie), Breathless, Hiroshima Mon Amour, Repulsion, L’Avventura, Straw Dogs, and Gimme Shelter, though never in exclusive engagements. After Brandt's management, it operated as an adult film venue.
In 1982, its operation was taken over by New York Cinemas and it was twinned. Renamed the Metro, it opened for business as an exhibitor of repertory art house fare. On July 17, 1987, management of the theatre was assumed by Cineplex Odeon. Clearview Cinemas operated the theatre from December 1998 through August 26, 2004. Clearview finally shut down the theater in 2005. There have been many plans to revitalize the theater but none has yet taken place. The theatre's Art Deco facade received landmark designation in 1989 although the interior was gutted.
ABOUT THE CACHE
The actual cache is small and camouflaged, but there are lots of muggles around. Please be very discrete when taking and replacing to ensure that this one lasts.