Photo Flashback: RKO Prospect Theatre

Did you know that Steve’s C-Town (9th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenue) was once a vibrant theatre? Starting in 1914, the RKO Prospect, a vaudeville house turned movie theatre, hosted such names as The Marx Brothers, Burns and Allen, Fanny Brice, and Bert Lahr before closing in 1967.

Our favorite story, though, is that the RKO was one of the early stomping grounds of The Three Stooges. Here’s an interview with stooge Moe Howard, where he talks about teaming up with Ted Healey at the old theatre.

The marquee is long gone, but thankfully the exterior of the building did retain some of its original charm.

Historic photo via Brooklyn Public Library