Back ... Again ... to the Trans-Lux

I’ve now written about the long-vanished Trans-Lux movie theater on Madison Avenue and 85th Street a couple of times. I first wondered aloud about it here, until I tracked down a photo of it here from the 1930’s. More recently, I found this shot of it from 1981. Again, these days, you’ll find no evidence on that particular strip that it ever existed.

For some reason, the Trans-Lux holds a particular place in my memory from childhood. As I probably mentioned in those older posts, I vividly recall being taken there as a very small boy to see any number of children’s movies. The Trans-Lux isn’t alone in that capacity – there are countless other places that are no longer there that resonate with my childhood memories. But, there’s something specific about the Trans-Lux that I can’t put my finger on.

In any case, I’m only bring it up again because of the photograph below. Thoughtfully sent in by a reader named David Cox, here’s another fleeting glimpse of Trans-Lux from some point in the mid-70s, with an extra peek around the corner of 85th. I want to say I remember being taken to that Luncheonette for some cinnamon toast at one point.

Beyond my personal associations, I just think this is an amazing photograph. I love that tiny hint of the checker cab’s taillights in the bottom-righ hand corner, and that orange VW Beetle parked on the corner. I love the lunceonette’s stately neon signage and the Whitman’s chocolate samplers in its front window. Check out the ridiculous pink flares the woman at the door is sporting. And I love the figure waiting just inside the Trans-Lux’s alcove, next to the rustic lamppost. What is she waiting for? It’s like a painting that I just want to climb into and explore. Click on it to enlarge.

Thanks again to David Cox for sending it in.