Flicks on the Beach Returns with Long Coney Island History

We all know of Coney Island’s recognition as the birthplace place of the amusement industry. However, not just the amusements of roller coasters. Movies or moving pictures had their start here in Coney Island.

Some of the first short films which today we call “movies” were shot by Thomas Edison right here on our beach and amusement district. Edison’s 1903 Rube and Mandy at Coney Island was filmed at the original Luna Park as well as along the Bowery. Around the same time Herman Wacke was showing what would be the first commercially viewed motion pictures at his hotel/cafe called the Trocadero near W.15th and the Bowery. Commercially viewed meaning one had to buy drinks at the bar to see the movies. If you only had to buy drinks to view movies today it would still cost you an arm and a leg.

Around a decade later Feltman’s Pavilion was showing outdoor films not too far from where the current Flicks on the Beach takes place every summer. Feltman’s Seaside Garden billed “Superb Motion Pictures” at their outdoor movie theater.

Speaking of Flicks on the Beach. Here is the July/ August schedule for 2015:

Brought to you by the Alliance for Coney Island.
A FREE Beachside Film Series In Coney Island!
On Mondays during July and August, a giant 40-foot inflatable screen turns the beach at West 10th Street into an outdoor movie theater!
Come on down and see great flicks, representing a mix of modern, classic, and indie movies.
Get ready for a great lineup for the fifth annual Coney Island Flicks on the Beach presented by Alliance for Coney Island, Rooftop Films and NYC & Company!

July 6th: The Terminator
July 13th: The Grand Budapest Hotel
July 20th: The Goonies
July 27th: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
August 3rd: Big Hero 6
August 10th: Mrs. Doubtfire
August 17th: Guardians of the Galaxy
August 24th: TBD

If you would like to learn more about Coney Island’s Theater and Movie History check out our friend the amazing theater historian Cezar Del Valle.