On a recent episode of American pickers the Princess theater is the subject of interest. Mike Wolfe and his brother Rob find some theater lobby card frames. Some good history about the Princess Theater and nearby Mt. Hope Theater is mentioned in this episode. Relatives of the original owners tell some interesting stories about both theaters. (see Photo section for related scenes)
On a recent new episode of the American Pickers television show, Mike Wolf and his brother Rob, talked to relatives of the Mt. Hope Theater and near by Princess Theater. Mike found items from the Princess Theater and purchased them. Some good history about the theaters is talked about n this episode. (See Photo section for related scenes)
From the newspaper ad (photo above), I believe the line “This is your last chance to see “Fritz”, refers to Fritz the Night-Owl, a TV Horror Show Host. He must have been doing live appearances at this Drive-In. If anyone knows, please comment
From the newspaper ads (in the PHOTOS section), I believe the line “last chance to see Fritz”, refers to Fritz the Night-Owl, a TV Horror Show Host. He must have been doing live appearances at this Drive-In. If anyone knows, please comment.
The Earl Smith Strand Theatre can be seen in the Christmas Hallmark movie “Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses” (2019) starring Jill Wagner and Matthew Davis. Also some of the Marietta Square and shops can be seen in the movie.
1959 the Majestic had the “world premier” of “The Killer Shrews” and “The Giant Gila Monster” twin bill. Newspaper article added to the “Photo” section.
Its posible that the building at 2897 – 2899 S. Archer is by the same designer. Both buildings look similar. See the photo I added to the “Photo” section. Maybe it’s the same building?
Newspapers are known to make mistakes. The marquee never was changed, always showing it as Twi-Light". Cinema Treasures could add both versions of the drive-in name since papers usually had it in print as “Twilight”. CT’s call.
Newspaper ads from 1980’s have the address as 835 N. Michigan. But newspapers have been known to make mistakes. See newspaper ad in the “Photo” section that I posted.
Newspapers from the mid 80’s have the address as 418 S. Michigan Avenue. Phone number at the time as 939-3700. (see ad in “Photo section”) Newspapers have been known to make mistakes.
It seems a lot of folks think this theater opened July 1, 1988. This is not correct. That date is the opening for the Commons Cinema across the street (99th St.) from the main Mall. The Chicago Ridge Mall Theatre was in business earlier in the 80’s. I have added in the photo section a ad showing what was playing at the theater in 1986. The theater was open earlier. I believe some of the confusion is because it became a AMC Theatre in ‘88. Same theater, different name.
Wednesday, June 19, 1957 Movie stars Peter Graves and Peggie Castle made a personal appearance at the Roosevelt for the premier of “Beginning of the End”. Autographing photos in the theater lobby.
On a recent episode of American pickers the Princess theater is the subject of interest. Mike Wolfe and his brother Rob find some theater lobby card frames. Some good history about the Princess Theater and nearby Mt. Hope Theater is mentioned in this episode. Relatives of the original owners tell some interesting stories about both theaters. (see Photo section for related scenes)
On a recent new episode of the American Pickers television show, Mike Wolf and his brother Rob, talked to relatives of the Mt. Hope Theater and near by Princess Theater. Mike found items from the Princess Theater and purchased them. Some good history about the theaters is talked about n this episode. (See Photo section for related scenes)
From the newspaper ad (photo above), I believe the line “This is your last chance to see “Fritz”, refers to Fritz the Night-Owl, a TV Horror Show Host. He must have been doing live appearances at this Drive-In. If anyone knows, please comment
From the newspaper ads (in the PHOTOS section), I believe the line “last chance to see Fritz”, refers to Fritz the Night-Owl, a TV Horror Show Host. He must have been doing live appearances at this Drive-In. If anyone knows, please comment.
The street, “McVicker Ave.” in Chicago, is named for the original owner of this theatre.
My favorites too!
I’m always on the lookout for these type of photos of old movies and theaters. Thank you!
The Earl Smith Strand Theatre can be seen in the Christmas Hallmark movie “Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses” (2019) starring Jill Wagner and Matthew Davis. Also some of the Marietta Square and shops can be seen in the movie.
Groucho Marx was in the audience for the showing of “Animal Crackers” when the movie was re-released in the 70’s. (see Photos section)
Just added the 1929 newspaper ad to the “Photo” section. Thanks for the info.
1959 the Majestic had the “world premier” of “The Killer Shrews” and “The Giant Gila Monster” twin bill. Newspaper article added to the “Photo” section.
Added in the “Photo” section… Article that may or may not explain the 400 theater name. Thank you Broan for finding this article.
https://thepoloinn.com
The web site for Polo Nut Company as of 2019.
Its posible that the building at 2897 – 2899 S. Archer is by the same designer. Both buildings look similar. See the photo I added to the “Photo” section. Maybe it’s the same building?
Also shown in newspapers as “Twilight Gardens Auto Theater”. Makes me wonder just who was responsible for what was put in the ads?
As for the Crawling Thing… there were many casualties!
Newspapers are known to make mistakes. The marquee never was changed, always showing it as Twi-Light". Cinema Treasures could add both versions of the drive-in name since papers usually had it in print as “Twilight”. CT’s call.
Newspaper ads from 1980’s have the address as 835 N. Michigan. But newspapers have been known to make mistakes. See newspaper ad in the “Photo” section that I posted.
Newspaper ads for this theater list the address as 2004 N. Western, but papers have been known to make mistakes. See posted ad in the “Photo” section.
Thanks DavidZornig! Just added it to the “Photo” section for you.
The Biograph Cinemas phone number during the 80’s (and probably earlier) was 348-4123. See posted ad in “Photo” section.
Newspapers from the mid 80’s have the address as 418 S. Michigan Avenue. Phone number at the time as 939-3700. (see ad in “Photo section”) Newspapers have been known to make mistakes.
The photo of the sign is from 2009 based on all the movies mentioned on it.
It seems a lot of folks think this theater opened July 1, 1988. This is not correct. That date is the opening for the Commons Cinema across the street (99th St.) from the main Mall. The Chicago Ridge Mall Theatre was in business earlier in the 80’s. I have added in the photo section a ad showing what was playing at the theater in 1986. The theater was open earlier. I believe some of the confusion is because it became a AMC Theatre in ‘88. Same theater, different name.
This ad is for the Commons theater. Not the theater in the mall. Two separate theaters.
The Cascade Drive-In when it was featured on Chicago’s Best. Check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RihTME88k0
Wednesday, June 19, 1957 Movie stars Peter Graves and Peggie Castle made a personal appearance at the Roosevelt for the premier of “Beginning of the End”. Autographing photos in the theater lobby.