Enjoyed your essay so much Anita… We could be relatives! I was there when Jack & Bobby were downtown and what a day that was. The sun hitting JFK’s head and I remember how handsome he was. When I started to go downtown the streetcars were still running. I loved when they pulled up to the Marbro for I could lean over and read the marquee. I always sat on the left side to do this. Such excitement for a west side kid. You are a very very good writer Anita.
This is just like the serials that I am sure played at this theater in the 1930’s Saturday after Saturday always with"to be continued" theme. Finacing problems seems to be the problem in many start-up projects, especially entertainment venues. This “poor theater” has gone through so much in the last 30 years.
Also she mentioned how wonderful the ice cream treats were at the Kings. Many flavors and generous portions. How great would it be if she did a first night benfit for continued preservation of this glorious movie palace!
On the other hand, Jam Productions here in Chicago have everything ready to start on the Uptown Theater. Parking,
traffic flow,alcohol license,design teams(the seats on the main floor will be removed for a dance floor).What is NOT in place is the $70 million funds which they predict will happen next year with an opening date in 2015. They would never have bought the building to let it sit for years and had plenty of time to “iron out” the details. Its not that we are pessimists, but is there even a sign outside the Kings announcing the project? Does Ace actually own the building and have title?
On the other hand, one would think the city/state would “grease” the way for a prompt easying of bureaucratic rules to get this project up & running. It will be 2013 in three months. A delay would only hurt the investors I would think. I think I will go with Scott on this one..
On the other hand, one would think the city/state would “grease” the way for a prompt easying of bureaucratic rules to get this project up & running. It will be 2013 in three months. A delay would only hurt the investors I would think. I think I will go with Scott on this one..
I don’t want to believe Tinseltoes posting the need for the King’s existing due to the new Barclays opening and the small theater created for smaller shows. I wonder what tax breaks the Barclays received from the city/state and if any public funds were used in that massive project. Is The King’s to be funded by ACE entirely? I thought the city manager had a hand in it. You might be on to something Scott….
How far was the Loew’s Pitkin to Loew’s Kings? I didn’t realize Brooklyn was so large. 1929 was sure an important year for the Loew’s chain wasn’t it? If only they could see the depression around the corner, these pleasure palaces might never have been built.
BRAVO !! amoswald…A wonderful story. I enjoyed it very much and related to almost everything you wrote about, even the green river drinks. Almost every child in that glorious neighborhood did the same thing on saturdays. The Marbro movie was the highlight. My parents did the same routine going twice or more a week. Loved the story how your sister was born. It was a hoot !!! Thanks for sharing your memories with us all.
Tinseltoes, you did it again !! Many thanks for the wonderful link. B&K removed those glass doors prior to demolition and re-installed them in the Portage Theater on the northwest side of Chicago where they hang today in the open mode in the outer lobby. Also bits & pieces of the flashing marquee were salvaged and used for the Portage marquee modernization. Looking so forward to your piece amoswald..
I believe I read somewhere where the opera company was thinking of taking over the Roxy or the Capitol theatres as their home…But as we all know it was ruled out and we have Lincoln Center today.
Has anyone seen any activity or beginning of an activity at the Loew’s Kings…In a few months it will be 2013. Surely something should have been started if they insist on a 2015 opening whouldn’t you think??
I was at the LOEWS STATE 4 in the basement once. The screen went dark hafway through the picture and NOBODY had a clue what to do. Did not see any usher and the girl in box office was busy chewing gum and gave us a refund and said very little. This was before IPADS for she would have been on that too.
I didn’t care what the audience did or did not do. There is nothing like seeing a major motion picture in a major movie palace. A first-run movie at Radio City Music Hall with a stage show/organ and all the hoopla can never be equaled, ever……
You always send the most interesting items..Thanks.
Just before being sold, Loews always ran an ad in the NYTimes telling the features playing in their theaters.
A nice view of the Paramount’s flashing marquee in color in the movie “Stage Struck”. 1958 directed by Sidney Lumet starring Susan Strasberg. Just screened at Portage Theater in Chicago.
Great photo btkrefft….I went there many saturdays in the 50’s as we were “dropped off” as parents visited relatives who lived 2 blocks away. It is sad how so many great neighborhoods have changed for the worse in Chicago.
I surely hope the former Norridge patrons will discover the Patio. A real deal and not sky high prices for popcorn & drinks and a beautiful screen!! The attraction board is blank today at the Norridge and the Loews Theaters sign is removed.
I too am surprised AMC didn’t wait until September to shut it down especially since “Batman” opens Thursday pm. One of the sites are stll giving “BATMAN” showtimes for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Is it possible they will only show one movie this week-end?
Wouldn’t you think that would have been done during the first year of operation? At least not the bank but maybe the church, somewhere. Parking is a must in todays movie business. No parking=loss of future patrons. Portage has a deal with Sears big lot. Who wants to pay for Chicago’s high street parking fees. Outrage and insane idea…
Enjoyed your essay so much Anita… We could be relatives! I was there when Jack & Bobby were downtown and what a day that was. The sun hitting JFK’s head and I remember how handsome he was. When I started to go downtown the streetcars were still running. I loved when they pulled up to the Marbro for I could lean over and read the marquee. I always sat on the left side to do this. Such excitement for a west side kid. You are a very very good writer Anita.
This is just like the serials that I am sure played at this theater in the 1930’s Saturday after Saturday always with"to be continued" theme. Finacing problems seems to be the problem in many start-up projects, especially entertainment venues. This “poor theater” has gone through so much in the last 30 years.
Is this theater still standing? Or has the wrecking ball begun to swing?
Also she mentioned how wonderful the ice cream treats were at the Kings. Many flavors and generous portions. How great would it be if she did a first night benfit for continued preservation of this glorious movie palace!
That is a great thought Tinseltoes. I also wonder if she will request a tour of her “old haunt”.
I too will shut up and just be patient!
On the other hand, Jam Productions here in Chicago have everything ready to start on the Uptown Theater. Parking, traffic flow,alcohol license,design teams(the seats on the main floor will be removed for a dance floor).What is NOT in place is the $70 million funds which they predict will happen next year with an opening date in 2015. They would never have bought the building to let it sit for years and had plenty of time to “iron out” the details. Its not that we are pessimists, but is there even a sign outside the Kings announcing the project? Does Ace actually own the building and have title?
On the other hand, one would think the city/state would “grease” the way for a prompt easying of bureaucratic rules to get this project up & running. It will be 2013 in three months. A delay would only hurt the investors I would think. I think I will go with Scott on this one..
On the other hand, one would think the city/state would “grease” the way for a prompt easying of bureaucratic rules to get this project up & running. It will be 2013 in three months. A delay would only hurt the investors I would think. I think I will go with Scott on this one..
I don’t want to believe Tinseltoes posting the need for the King’s existing due to the new Barclays opening and the small theater created for smaller shows. I wonder what tax breaks the Barclays received from the city/state and if any public funds were used in that massive project. Is The King’s to be funded by ACE entirely? I thought the city manager had a hand in it. You might be on to something Scott….
How far was the Loew’s Pitkin to Loew’s Kings? I didn’t realize Brooklyn was so large. 1929 was sure an important year for the Loew’s chain wasn’t it? If only they could see the depression around the corner, these pleasure palaces might never have been built.
BRAVO !! amoswald…A wonderful story. I enjoyed it very much and related to almost everything you wrote about, even the green river drinks. Almost every child in that glorious neighborhood did the same thing on saturdays. The Marbro movie was the highlight. My parents did the same routine going twice or more a week. Loved the story how your sister was born. It was a hoot !!! Thanks for sharing your memories with us all.
Tinseltoes, you did it again !! Many thanks for the wonderful link. B&K removed those glass doors prior to demolition and re-installed them in the Portage Theater on the northwest side of Chicago where they hang today in the open mode in the outer lobby. Also bits & pieces of the flashing marquee were salvaged and used for the Portage marquee modernization. Looking so forward to your piece amoswald..
I believe I read somewhere where the opera company was thinking of taking over the Roxy or the Capitol theatres as their home…But as we all know it was ruled out and we have Lincoln Center today.
Has anyone seen any activity or beginning of an activity at the Loew’s Kings…In a few months it will be 2013. Surely something should have been started if they insist on a 2015 opening whouldn’t you think??
I was at the LOEWS STATE 4 in the basement once. The screen went dark hafway through the picture and NOBODY had a clue what to do. Did not see any usher and the girl in box office was busy chewing gum and gave us a refund and said very little. This was before IPADS for she would have been on that too.
I didn’t care what the audience did or did not do. There is nothing like seeing a major motion picture in a major movie palace. A first-run movie at Radio City Music Hall with a stage show/organ and all the hoopla can never be equaled, ever……
You always send the most interesting items..Thanks. Just before being sold, Loews always ran an ad in the NYTimes telling the features playing in their theaters.
A nice view of the Paramount’s flashing marquee in color in the movie “Stage Struck”. 1958 directed by Sidney Lumet starring Susan Strasberg. Just screened at Portage Theater in Chicago.
Great photo btkrefft….I went there many saturdays in the 50’s as we were “dropped off” as parents visited relatives who lived 2 blocks away. It is sad how so many great neighborhoods have changed for the worse in Chicago.
I will answer my own question. 4 days after closing for good, the attraction board is blank and the LOEWS THEATERS sign is removed. Gone forever..
I surely hope the former Norridge patrons will discover the Patio. A real deal and not sky high prices for popcorn & drinks and a beautiful screen!! The attraction board is blank today at the Norridge and the Loews Theaters sign is removed.
Thanks Tinseltoes for your article on Cinemascope one year old and your terrific magazine as always.
I too am surprised AMC didn’t wait until September to shut it down especially since “Batman” opens Thursday pm. One of the sites are stll giving “BATMAN” showtimes for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Is it possible they will only show one movie this week-end?
Wouldn’t you think that would have been done during the first year of operation? At least not the bank but maybe the church, somewhere. Parking is a must in todays movie business. No parking=loss of future patrons. Portage has a deal with Sears big lot. Who wants to pay for Chicago’s high street parking fees. Outrage and insane idea…