Skip to main content

“The Showplace of a Nation,” Radio City Music Hall Opens December 27, 1932

Image
By Old Time Radio Shows

On December 27, 1932, Radio City Music Hall opened its doors to a packed house of 6,000 people. Billed as “The Showplace of a Nation,” Radio City Music Hall enamored the audience with over 500 performers on its opening night. Some notables included dancer/choreographer Martha Graham, vaudeville actor/film star Ray Bolger, the newly formed Rockettes and a performance by a military band. 
Unfortunately, the programming lasted much longer than expected, causing half the audience to exit midway through the event. Subsequent events and programs were fine-tuned and changed. In 1933, Radio-Keith-Orpheum (RKO) pictures began to sponsor and premier films on a regular basis. Over the years, entertainment would extend to symphony orchestras, stage productions and beginning in the 1970’s, rock and pop concerts. 
At 60 feet wide and 100 feet deep, the Great Stage of Radio City Music Hall has supported thousands of performers over a span of nearly eighty years (which includes the golden age of radio). Built during the height of the Great Depression, John D. Rockefeller managed to turn a potential folly into an icon. Rockefeller had a dream. He was determined to build something that would uplift and celebrate the human spirit during a time of immense hardship and tragedy. 
Beginning in 1929, Rockefeller decided to convert some dilapidated Manhattan property into a one of a kind building complex. He was convinced that he could transform the former “speakeasy” district into prime real estate. In his mind, this transformation would attract tenants willing to pay top dollar; however, more than the money, the complex, he believed would stand as a model and an inspiration to the country. 
Radio City Music Hall stands as a testimony to the perfection and elegance of the art deco form. Interior designer, Donald Deskey chose to emphasize that beauty and grandeur could be achieved without gaudy excess. Deskey’s intent was to play tribute to the achievements of humankind. His theme, “The Progress of Man” is prominent on the exterior, as well as interior of the building. Deskey also used a variety of mediums, to create a visual concept of separate spaces within the structure. In addition, he used the latest engineering technology available during his time to create a hydraulic stage structure that could be lowered and elevated in sections. 
In 1999, the Hall underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and restoration to bring it back to its original splendor. Today, the hall continues to show a few new films, but it is best known for its concerts and events. The spectacular Christmas extravaganza begun in 1933 continues to attract thousands of visitors each year.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Old Time Radio: Spies and Espionage

By Old Time Radio
Old time radio featured many spy-themed shows , which were popular during the Cold War era . These shows often depicted heroic spies and agents who worked to protect their countries from enemy spies and espionage, adding to the cultural fascination with the world of espionage and intrigue during this time. Spy shows were popular in the 1950s for several reasons. Firstly, the Cold War was in full swing , and the fear of Soviet espionage and infiltration was widespread. As a result, there was a heightened interest in stories and characters that dealt with the world of espionage and intrigue. Spy shows offered a way for listeners to vicariously experience the world of espionage and feel a sense of excitement and danger. Additionally, radio was one of the primary sources of entertainment during this time, and spy shows offered a way for audiences to escape the anxieties of everyday life and engage with exciting stories and characters. Many of these shows also featured strong, heroic prot...
Post a Comment
Read more

Donating Old Time Radio Cassette Tapes

By Old Time Radio
Many listeners may have accumulated or inherited large collections of Old Radio Shows on cassette with episodes of  Suspense , Fibber McGee & Molly , Tarzan , Richard Diamond , Archie Andrews & and more .  Old time radio on cassette became popular and replaced 8-tracks in the mid-1980s.  The cassettes may have been enjoyed by previous generations or just enjoyed decades ago who loved collecting & listening to everything old time radio . Sadly, cassette tapes, open reel-to-reel tapes, 8-track tapes, DAT, and VHS can "go bad" (degrade) because they are magnetic tape mediums.  Old Time Radio cassettes were slowly replaced by audio CDs , MP3 CD  in the 1990's and 2000's.  Today  streamable/downloaded old time radio shows  are the the most popular choice. Unsure what to do with your collection of cassette tapes?  You could donate them to Goodwill or non-profit thrift store, but many listeners have found great satisfaction in donating ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Dr John Brickley Medical Quack

By Old Time Radio
  John Brinkley was an American physician who practiced medicine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is often referred to as a " medical quack " because of his unorthodox medical practices and his claims to have found a cure for impotence, which Brinkley achieved by transplanting goat testicles into men . Brinkley established a large medical practice in Kansas, and his reputation as a "miracle doctor" grew as more and more people sought treatment from him. However, despite his claims of success, there is little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of his treatments, and many of his patients experienced serious health problems as a result of his surgeries. Many of these patients were attracted to Brinkley's bold claims of success and his reputation as a "miracle doctor." However, many of them experienced serious health problems and complications as a result of his procedures, and some of them even died as a result of his treatments...
Post a Comment
Read more