Pickwick Theatre

Is the pickwick theater in Park Ridge, Illinois having a new years eve charity event this year.

If so, please forward details.

Thank You!

Here is an early 50s postcard view of the Pickwick Theatre.

The Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge, Illinois is an absolutely extraordinary place to see movies. As a child and throughout my college years in Chicago, it was always a bastion of comfort to the notion that movies could be "larger than life".

I remember when I was ten years old going with my mother to see "A Christmas Story" there when it was origionally released. The theatre was packed with families on a snowy day with the town center of Park Ridge lending the perfect atmosphere outside to compliment the warm and charming feel of the movie we were watching.

Life imitated art that day and for a while my child imagination played tricks on me in the most delightful of ways. I could believe that I was Ralphie stuck in the mired world of his small town in Indiana in the 1950's. What a fantastic ride it was.

Pickwick significantly contributed to my love affair with movies and now that I'm 30 and in the great race to make studio films in Hollywood - I am very grateful to be able to come home for holidays and recharge my reserves to make that fight in Hollywood all worth while.

Thank you Pickwick Theatre.

JWG

http://www.catoe.org/Pickwick.html Shows some great pictures of the Pickwick's incredible firescreen and console, considered by some to be among the finest examples of cubist art. It also might be noted that the black portions of the marquee were recently painted red for some reason. Here is a cute story about a wedding proposal at the Pickwick, also indicating a coming TV appearance for it.

Brian, I think the black parts of that beautiful marquee might have originally been red prior to being painted over black at some point. I used to live in Park Ridge for many years, and remember a couple years back walking past the Pickwick, and seeing the paint peeling off the marquee in places, and seeing red paint showing thru under the black. It's nice they repainted it, because it really looked like it needed a fresh coat of paint last time I saw the marquee up close.

Yeah, that could very well be. Personally, I thought the black suited it better,though. It added to the deco feel. Also, they did a rather poor job of painting-black spots are all over around the edges, and the painting looks very unprofessional. I wonder what truly is the proper paint scheme for this marquee- I can't imagine that postcard view being correct, it looks so odd! Although it does show the eagle details painted, which may point to authenticity, since they have been whited out in the more recent paint schemes. Now, a marquee that really needs some paint is the Des Plaines... although I believe the DPTPS may be looking at replacement options.

I was recently at the Pickwick and saw they are doing renovation to the inside. When I asked what it was, I was told the were restoring the Crown Molding.

The Pickwick is one of my favorite places to see a movie. I've been there at least twice a year since the early 90s to watch films. It was great seeing the re-release of "A Hard Day's Night" on the big screen in the main auditorium a few years ago!

Closer views of the Pickwick's Deco marquee and a couple shots of the main auditorium can be seen here.

The Chicago Tribune's March 13 Arts & Entertainment section contains an article detailing Harold Zook, the Pickwick's architect. It is available at http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/arts/chi-0503130398mar13,1,4233239.story . Registration not required, but I expect that it will only be up temporarily.

http://www.architechgallery.com/arch_images/architech_images/iann/ian_pickwick.jpg Here is an early interior photo of the pickwick. Elsewhere on the site is a rather extensive biography on Ianelli; http://www.architechgallery.com/arch_info/artists_pages/iannelli_bio.html

http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/10436.html Here is a circa 1930 view of the exterior, looking almost the same as it does now. The updated URL to Bryan's 1950s postcard view is http://www.digitalpast.org/cgi-bin/viewer.exe?CISOROOT=/lakecoun004&CISOPTR=1538

In comparing these two photos, I notice that the starburst parts of the marquee are not actually present in the earlier picture. They must be retrofit. Interesting, the older photo looks more deco.

Regarding Brian Wolf's posting on Jul 26, 2004 - the photos in the weblink are incredible! I grew up in Park Ridge, and all movies I saw until I was about 15, were at the Pickwick and for a short time, I went to grade school with a girl who's family managed the Pickwick (although I don't recall the name). I haven't been there in about 25 years and understand it's mow a multi-plex, including some new theaters in the back - did they divide the auditorium? That's part of the reason I haven't been back - so I can remember the theater in it's beauty.

I remember feeling so small in the immense 4-aisle auditorium, staring at the beautiful velvet-like mural on the ceiling while waiting the the previews to begin, and how itchy the red velvet seats felt. I remember thinking the ladies lounge was elegant. To get to it, you had to walk DOWN a wide flight of carpeted stairs, with a beautiful wood railing running down the center. Once there, you'd be in a lounge area with velvet setees and beautiful mirrors. Everything was done in marble. The concession area itself was a small candy and popcorn counter, but the lobby area ran the width of the auditorium, and had various settees along the walls. There were some Roman/Greek style statues in alcoves in the lobby.

Thank you for helping me to relive such vivid memories.

The main auditorium is intact; the additional screens are behind the theater. It is much as you remember it, perhaps a bit better, perhaps a bit worse for the wear.

From Russell Phillips' Galleries:

Pickwick Lobby and Men's Lounge, 1984
A STUNNING photo of the Pickwick's Fire Curtain, 1985

Here is a December 8, 2004 photo of Jay Warren at the Pickwick Console

Nice political use of the theater's marquee:
http://www.howardfrimark.net/images_shared/Announce1_8.JPG

Another view of the Pickwick marquee can be seen here.

The Pickwick is a great place to see a movie. I liked the original auditorium. I am happy they left the original auditorum alone and not chop it. Rather than chopping it the other three theaters were located in the back. I saw movies like "Independence Day","Phonemenon","Patch Adams",and "Memento" at the Pickwick.

Perhaps out of all of the theaters I've been to, The Pickwick is by far my favorite. My parents had their first date there around 1960 and saw "The Ten Commandments". My earliest memory is of seeing "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" sometime in the early 1970's with my mom, dad and 2 sisters. I remember being intrigued as a kid by the art deco statues and designs by Park Ridge artist Ianelli. Somehow this place seemed like a set out of the "Wizard of Oz" and a wonder for any kid. I specifically remember seeing 1978's "Grease" two times in a row and leaving as my sister wanted to stay with her friend for another showing. There was 1987's "Dirty Dancing" as well as 1994's "Forrest Gump" just to name a few. Perhaps my favorite memory is of a special screening of the Italian classic "Cinema Paradiso" in 2000. In the movie, a young boy named Toto goes to the local cinema to escape the usual duldrums of every day life. As he grows, silents turn to talkies, stars fade and times change, and Toto becomes a man. One day he comes back to the theater in his mid 40's and remembers the theater that brought him so much joy throughout his life. Watching this one with it's beautiful visuals and moving score brought back all of my memories of growing up at The Pickwick. "Cinema Paradiso's" timeline is similar to that of The Pickwick's life which I must say is pretty uncanny. In the end, like Cinema Paradiso, The Pickwick has survived it all. From silents to talkies, big band to rock n' roll, disco to punk, pop rock to grunge, and hip hop to rap. What some may not know is that locals Harrison Ford and Hillary Clinton lived just blocks from The Pickwick and I'm sure saw many films there. I myself saw countless films at The Pickwick and graduated with a degree in film from Columbia College in 1993. Since then, I've worked in film and television and have always dreamed that perhaps someday one of my films will be shown at The Pickwick. As I sit here at my desk, I'm looking up at the 75th anniversary plate from The Pickwick. What joy this place has brought so many people through all the years past. It is a Park Ridge treasure and a masterpiece of grandeur that I'm proud to call my favorite theater of dreams. Thanks for wowing us for all since November 26, 1928!!!
Joe Bartel, Jr.

Here is another link for the Pickwick:
http://www.silentfilmchicago.com/Theatres.htm

I love the Pickwick. It is the only theater of my childhood that is still running. I Remember the day so well when my Uncle,father, and i went to see Back to the Future 3. It is amazing, and i am glad that nobody can touch it

Hey everybody

I am a Michael LeVan. I have lived in the city of Chicago my entire life. I am a filmmaker and a attendee of Columbia College, heading into my final year. I love all the old movie palaces of Chicago. It has been my intent for sometime to Make a documentary on the history, and the ongoings of these historic theaters in the present. The means to make this documentary are finally in my grasp. I planned on featuring 3 theaters, the Copernicus Center(formally The Gateway), The Patio(Formally The Avalon), and The Uptown. While the Documentary will focus on the entire history, These are the three that will be visual examples, and the ones i would like to film in. I have spoken with the People at The Gateway Theater, and they are estatic that i am doing this. The only problem now is The Uptown and the The Patio. These two theaters seem to have ghosts of owners , or even managers. If somebody could help me in finding someone to talk too, i would be very appriciative. Also, this documentary will require interviews, and finding old information as well. If anybody would be kind enough to do either that would be fantastic. My somewhat set date to start filming is June 10 ,2006. My goal with the entire project is to help and benifit these theaters. Help alot more people to gain interest, and all the profit that i attain, if any, will be donated to help with these theaters. I am going to submit it to Wttw(Pbs Chicago) , and also the History Channel. So if anyone would like to help in anyway, they can contact me at my email.

Bleedingchicagoproductions@gmail.com

or by phone (773)-656-5821

Well i appriciate if you read that entire thing, and hopefully i will be hearing from you

Michael Levan of Bleeding Chicago Productions

Here is another photo:
http://tinyurl.com/hxqpg

LEGENDARY FRANKIE VALENS 2006/2007 Oldies concert tour


B U L L E T I N - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE "Book Frankie now - while there are concert dates open........"


INTRODUCING,

Frankie Valens



Former legendary pop-singer FRANKIE VALENS, who toured in the late 60s and early 70s is back. Frankie has returned to provide entertainment with an 'oldies' show featuring songs from the 50s, 60s and early 70s and includes his recordings of "This Magic Moment," and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes."

Visit www.frankievalens.com (complete with sounds bites)

Frankie loves to entertain the crowds. The crowds can dance or just listen to the 'golden oldies' sung by what has been described as the 'golden voice' of FRANKIE VALENS. Frankie's wife Phyllis joins him in singing famous duet songs from the past.

Frankie has been in concert with such notable acts as: THE BYRDS, CRYSTAL GALE, THE PLATTERS AND THE BOXTOPS. Frankie has appeared at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City with former President Reagan; the Waupaka Performing Art Center in Wisconsin; and the famous Orpheum Theatre in Wichita, Kansas where Red Skelton appeared.

Note: Frankie Valens will be inducted into the Music Hall of Fame later this year in Wichita, Kansas at the Museum of World Treasures, who is planning a musical exhibit and creating a special CD edition of Frankie's greatest recordings.

*********************************************************** *******************************
BOOKING OLDIE CONCERTS FOR 2006/2007

Call 316-789-0051
Please call or e-mail us to let us know if any of these dates are available: 316-789-0051 or fvpv7@sbcglobal.net

From the offices of
FVM Headquarters
PMB # 322
620 N Rock Road, Ste 230
Derby, KS 67037

316-789-0051 or
913-378-6874
www.frankievalens.com
fvpv7@sbcglobal.net

Frankie & Phyllis Valens

Here are some recent photos of the Pickwick Theater. Click each photo to expand it.

This is another recent 2006 photo of the Pickwick Theater from a different photographer. Here is a closeup of the marquee.

Here is a photo of the Pickwick Theater and its WurliTzer organ.

My greatest single cinema memory took place at the Pickwick. My father took me there to see, "Weekend at Bernie's." It was a pretty lame movie as far as artistic merit goes. But it was full of cheap humor. The Pickwick was packed front to back that evening. It was amazing to sit there in such cool surroundings and laugh at the same time with 1500 other people. Going to the movies is still fun. But I think we've lost some of what I experienced that night.

More Russell Phillips photos:

Pickwick Exterior
Pickwick Auditorium
Pickwick Foyer
Pickwick Ladies Lounge

I don't believe this photo has been posted yet:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbyworld/53198618/

Here are pictures of this theater

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975

Pickwick Theater Building *** (added 1975 - Building - #75000657)
5 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge
Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: McCaughey,William F., Zook,Roscoe Harold
Architectural Style: Art Deco
Area of Significance: Architecture, Art
Period of Significance: 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Specialty Store, Theater

The Pickwick will be hosting a benefit for the Des Plaines Theater Preservation Society on Thursday, April 12 at 8:00 P.M. Acclaimed theatre organist Jay Warren will accompany The Pawn Shop starring Charlie Chaplin (1916), Never Weaken starring Harold Lloyd (1921), and Sherlock Jr. starring Buster Keaton (1924). Visit www.dptheatre.org for more information.

Recent photos of this theatre are HERE

I don't think this is true: "Currently, the theater is a performing arts venue, managed by the Pickwick Theatre Council."

This is another photo of the Pickwick Theater.

A personal recollection regarding seeing a movie (the first BATMAN w/Michael Keaton) @ the PickWick;

Took my 2 young sons here and it was (almost) their first time at a theater, and what they did spontaneously and totally on their own just bowled me over.

Because I'd long since forgotten, but I did it too when I was their age--when the movie started they just got up from their seats and sat themselves comfortably right down in the aisle! (And there remained).

On a different subject: if you find yourself frustrated, even mad when you're at one of the chain multiplex cinemas (there're 2 not terribly far from PW) because the big blockbuster pic that just opened is seats sold-out when you arrive there, remember the PickWick is a relatively fast drive down Greenwood/Cumberland or up Touhy Aves. And they certainly won't be sold-out in their huge main auditorium.

And the screen is bigger, the audience is better behaved, and the sound is probably better, too.

Here is the Pickwick at night.

How wide is the screen in the main auditorium?

I haven't been here yet, but I wonder if some 70MM revivals could be run in the future?

This is a 2009 photo.

Here are some 1982 photos:
http://tinyurl.com/qeaxjr
http://tinyurl.com/q4mn9c
http://tinyurl.com/qr5uhn

Here is a July 1941 ad from the Daily Herald:
http://tinyurl.com/q7hq6e

Here are more 1982 photos:

Photo1

Photo2

Photo3

Photo4

Photo5

Here is a November 1928 ad from the Daily Herald:
http://tinyurl.com/n9jtt5

A nice recent night photo is here.

Here are some more photos of the Pickwick Theatre. Click ecah photo for a larger view.

http://www.agilitynut.com/06/7/decot2.jpg

http://www.agilitynut.com/06/7/decot.jpg

http://www.agilitynut.com/06/7/decot5.jpg

Theatre appears at # 121 on the 150 places to visit in illinois
http://www.illinoisgreatplaces.com/