Paradise Theater

The story of the fabulous, but long-lost Chicago PARADISE THEATRE is correctly told in the ANNUAL of 1977 of the Theatre Historical Society of America, titled: "The PARADISE THEATRE, Crawford near Washington, Chicago, Illinois" by Joseph DuciBella, past president of the Society. The 38-page, 8-1/2x11 long format booklet features dozens of black and white photos plus drawings of the theatre, one of John Eberson's very best. It opened the same month as the equally famous PARADISE in the Bronx, NY, but that house still stands. The Annual can be purchased for $12.50 plus shipping from the Society under the sidebar: PUBLICATIONS: ANNUALS > Ordering Information, at: www.HistoricTheatres.org. There was even an ad in "Signs of the Times" magazine of November 1928, page 59 that shows the front facade in a photo describing its 4,692 light bulbs on one of the vary largest marquees in the world, the 10,772 total light bulbs on the marquee being animated by 'Hotchkiss Silent Flasher' made jus north of Chicago in Milwaukee by the Cramblet Engineering Corp. The used a strip of mercury switches riding on a series of cams turned by a motor to spell out the P*A*R*A*D*I*S*E letters and to sequence the rise of the sunrise design of colored lights to light from bottom to top in order. Such sequencing is now done electronically, but in those days, the mercury switch was new in this application. Such devices plus contactors and transformers were what was contained in those large boxes often seen built on the top of the marquee out of sight of the ground.

The famous painting of the Gala opening of the Paradise Theatre has been reproduced on Styx's 1980 album "Paradise Theatre", on A&M/Geffen/Interscope Records.

This album also had a painting, on the back cover of the Paradise Theatre after it was closed. For more information, go to www.styxworld.com

To see the famous portrait of The Paradise Theatre LP cover, go to

http//www.styxworld.com

A quick artistic comment. The illustrator who did the cover of Styx's Paradise Theatre album used the facade of Chicago's then-still-standing Granada Theatre as his model, though with not as much rich terra cotta ornamentation as was really there. The marquee on the album is imaginary, though quite in keeping with the era.

Though I loved old theatres from the time I first went to movies, it was the fact that that, when a teenager, the then-new Paradise Theatre album cover reminded me of an abandoned theatre I knew of when younger (the Tracy, in Long Beach, CA), that really spurred my interest in old theatres. Thanks, Styx!

The style of this theatre really should say Atmospheric/French renaissance. The term "atmospheric" is important, as it classifies the auditorium as having a "open sky" effect, the French element being secondary, but no less important. Architect John Eberson (who designed the Paradise) is the inventor and best proponent of this style>

It must have been amazing to sit several rows away from the stage and look up and see three full size horses rearing over the audience below! The ANNUAL mentioned in the first post shows those life size plaster beauties being built in a shop and in another view, in position at the top of the proscenium, with a hand painted mural of a heard of stallions stampedeing behind them. With the drapery of the House Curtain below being painted with the Greater Birds of Paradise in full array, the thematic style may have only ben to suggest anything that architect/artist John Eberson thought of as appropriate to 'paradise'. 'Just some of the glories of this long-lost extravaganza. Such a pity.

Some of the statuary and fountains from the Paradise went to the Chateau Royale, a banquet hall built out of the Iris Theater at 5747 W. Chicago Ave. I remember attending weddings and functions there and admiring the beautiful fixtures. The building still exists today, except as a church.

The Paradise's atmospheric auditorium viewed from the balcony can be this in this 1930 photograph.

Another view of the auditorium of the Paradise can be seen here. The mural above the proscenium represened the god Apollo flying through the heavens in his horse-drawn chariot.

For those who do view the "mural" above the proscenium referenced by Bryan, note that the clouds shown in the photo are retouched onto it, and were not actually painted on the ceiling, but the horses were real, 3-dimensional full sized statues! 'Clouds' were projected as was usual in such theatres.

Jon Erickson's description of the wonderful PARADISE does accurately relay why the theatre failed, but there have been questions about the nature of the acoustics that should be addressed.
The ornamentation and auditorium decorative draperies so usually seen in movie palaces were not just for show; it was essential to absorb and deflect the sound waves coming from the stage and organ/orchestra so that only one sound wave struck the listener. When sound hits an essentially smooth surface --such as the ceiling of an 'atmospheric' (stars and clouds) theatre-- it is focused by that surface upon a single broad point in the audience, effectively amplifying the sound to those there, but dimming it for those elsewhere. Not only will others outside of that point not hear as much volume, but worse is the echo that develops as the main sound front hits the listener, followed by the delayed sound front reflected off the ceiling a split second later. Many smaller atmospherics had smaller effective reflective ceilings where the flanking false building fronts were closer to the surface and these absorbed or deflected much of the sound. In the over 3,000 seats in the PARADISE, the vault of the ceiling was just too vast to have any ornament or draperies near enough to counteract the reflection(s); remember the laws of physics: the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection/refraction. Thus when the sound front hit the ceiling, it crashed onto the audience mid-floor, AFTER they had heard the other sound fronts from the stage and elsewhere. During music this may just cause muddled sound, but speech can be rendered unintelligible. How could the great architect Eberson miss this fact during planning? I don't know, since acoustics was not an unknown science even then. It may be that the owner put too much pressure on him for a triumphal spectacular, which he achieved, as opposed to a good concert hall. After all, 'he who pays the piper calls the tune.'

Jim:

I suspect not much attention was given to acoustics because when the Paradise was on the drawing board, sound movies were still an uncertain reality. Even when the Paradise finally opened in 1928, talkies were not certain to stay. That, and the desire to out-do the neighboring Marbro probably accounts for the acoustical problem. Having never seen a movie at the Paradise, I have never understood why the acoustics there were so inferior compared to other atmospherics. For example, why wouldn't the Bronx Paradise have a similar problem? Or the Houston Majestic? Both of those are very large Eberson atmospherics. Maybe the additional plaster-work that both of those theatres have is enough to deaden the echo effect. I have seen movies in many other smaller atmospherics (2500 seats or so) and have not noticed any sound problems in any of those.

Hello, Scott,

In regards to why the acoustics of the Bronx PARADISE and the Houston MAJESTIC were not supposedly as bad as those in the Chicago PARADISE, I cannot be sure, since I have never had the privilege of hearing shows in them, nor have I seen the drawings for them. I suspect that the height and curve of the ceiling is different in both of those huge auditoriums as compared to the Chicago venue, and sometimes only a small difference in dimensions and curves can be a big difference in acoustics. I'm sure you will agree that just because they were by the same architect does not, of course, mean that they had to have the same dimensions, etc. You are probably right that the differing decors and their dimensions were partially responsible for the differing acoustics also. And you are most certainly right about the original aims of the PARADISE; sound movies were still on the horizon when it was designed, and likely they didn't entirely appreciate the adverse acoustics, or that such would ever really be a problem. As I mentioned, with music, only muddled sound may result, and audiences came mostly to see the silent movie, not judge the sound quality of the music. Sad to think that somehow if only sound films had not come to be, the great PARADISE might still be with us, but then maybe not. The great MARBRO is no longer with us either, good acoustics or not.

Jim-

Acoustics may have doomed the Paradise to an early death, but I doubt it would have survived the 1960s anyway. The Marbro, in spite of the Paradise being destroyed, didn't make it past 1964. The neighborhood that those theatres was in is a very bad ghetto, and has been for a long time. Anyway, there is no question that competition was the reason these two large and great theatres were built so close together in the same neighborhood. Obviously, B&K was trying to drive the owners of the Marbro, the Marks Bros., out of business. At the time, I doubt whether B&K was concerned with whether the neighborhood could support two large theatres, no more than Walgreens is concered today with whether its locations need a Walgreens and a CVS. My guess is that from the time B&K took over the Marbro in 1930 or so, B&K realized that it had more seats than it needed for that neighborhood. Thus, I believe that one of those theatres was doomed from the beginning. It's a shame one of them had to go, let alone both, but that was the nature of the competitive battle there. Too bad B&K didn't use the Paradise design in the Loop; maybe it'd still be there today.

You can see some great interior and exterior shots of the Paradise here: http://www.moviepalaces.net/chicagotheaters.htm

Great link beardbear, thanks for posting it. I'd never seen a photo of the Paradise's second marquee and vertical before, but I'd heard it was nothing like the original, now I see that's true, it's pretty sad looking compared to that great sunburst style marquee. It probably isn't the case, but it almost looks like the letters spelling out PARADISE from the old marquee and vertical sign were removed and reused on the replacement marquee and vertical.

Bryan,
The letters on the lower marquee do indeed look like they have been removed from the old one! I wouldn't doubt that, being the financial condition of the theatre at the time, that perhaps they cut a few corners when erecting the new marquees. And by the look of it, it doesn't look like they put a lot of extra money into it. :-)

John Eberson, a master of his craft also designed the oppulent Loews Paradise Theater in the bronx NY which is also considered one of the greatest movie palaces in America. It was also atmospheric and its almost 4,000 seat auditorium sat in a beautiful italian garden with the constellations set in the sky as they were on the birthday of Marcus Loew. On opening night there were canaries singing from their cages in the halls and lounges. The theater cost 4,000,000 1929 dollars and did phenominally even before the Central Park West subway line brought people in from the west side of Manhattan. The theater had been divided in four by the 70's. By the 1990's, there werent enough bronx residents attending with the multiplexes opening in the bronx and the rest of NYC as well as neighboring Westchester County. The movie palace closed 1994 and is currently being restored so that it can be an entertainment venue for Bronx opera companies, symphony orchestras and entertainers. Images of the interior can be seen here: http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=16520
Information on the venue can be found at: http://www.rpaniagua.com/paradise2.html

Sorry that there are no photos depicting the magnificent stage with its adornment and the atmospheric elements.

Divinity-

The link posted above by beardbear31 has pictures of the stage and auditorium.

I meant to say photographs of the auditorium of the Loews Paradise in the Bronx.

The drawing of the Paradise Theater for the Styx album cover was NOT taken from a picture of the Granada..... it was taken from a picture of the actual Paradise Theater..the picture even had the name of the movie, "State Street Sadie" on the marquee, which was a song on the album...also the taxi on the album cover is there.... this picture can be found at: http://www.moviepalaces.net/paradise-ext1.htm....and the woman with the outstreached arms, on top of the marquee on the album cover, is actually part of the interior decor, which can also be found further on this website..

Okay, to get this right for everyone... you are all sort of correct. The rock group Styx recorded a concept album "Paradise Theater" based on the rise and fall of the real Paradise Theater in Chicago. The inside of the album cover even had a reprint of the newspaper article telling of the theater's demolition. The songs were fictional accounts of life in and around the Paradise Theater over the span of the theater's existence. The film "State Street Sadie" was a real film that played at the Paradise Theater. Follow this link and you will see it displayed on the marquee in the third photo down the page, on the first line of the marqee, starring Myrna Loy. http://www.moviepalaces.net/paradise-ext1.htm
The song "State Street Sadie" was composed by Styx as the closing tune on the album - a sad instrumental played on a solitary out of tune piano. Presumably, the composer, Dennis DeYoung of Styx, saw the photo that the link listed above displays. So everyone was correct, together! ;-)
As for the theater itself, I did a little research on the Paradise a few years back, based on my curiousity and love of theater palaces, and I happen to be a Styx fan as well. I was completely aghast when I first saw the photos of both the exterior and interior of this jewel! While many times venues have claimed to be beuatiful and the finest or most luxurious - this was actually true of the Paradise. I am frustrated at the thought that I will never get a chance to see this incredible structure. So sad it is gone - and that was almost 40 years ago now.

good history at this link, along with some extra links at the bottom:
http://chicago.urban-history.org/sites/theaters/paradise.htm

"was billed as the world's most beautiful theater. It is regarded as one of the finest designs by its architect, John Eberson. The sheer opulence and intricate craftsmanship that went into the theater made it a showpiece in itself." "Unfortunately, in 1956, owners Balaban and Katz decided to demolish the theater and sell the land to a supermarket chain. The theater that was also built to stand forever almost lived up to that claim; what was to have been a six month demolition took two years!" I say, shame on you, Chicago!

beardbear: Your link with photos were great except for the 2000 photo! The marquee comparisons were really something to compare..nothing compares to that 'sunburst' design and I don't think I've seen one like it before now! Why would anyone want to change that very unique marquee design!?!

TC: Thanks for the photo and I just have to shake my head to think this theatre and many other elaborate Chicago theatres are either GONE or in very sad condition with rotting interiors due to leaking roofs and no heat during the harsh midwestern winters! If Eberson AND his son, Drew were to see all of this, they'd turn over in their graves!!!

Patsy-

I wouldn't really blame the City of Chicago for the demise of the Paradise. First, it was torn down in 1956-1958, which was well before any organized preservation movement in America. So no movement to save it is understandable to some extent. Also, at the time of its destruction, the very large Marbro (about 3900 seats) was still there, about 2 blocks away, along with a couple of other small theaters close by. The neighborhood never really needed 2 large deluxe movie palaces within 2 or 3 blocks of each other. One was built to drive the other out of business. Plus, there was the acoustics problem that the theatre was known for, and is discussed in some of the other posts here. At any rate, if the Paradise still stood, it would be in a very bad neighborhood. There would be no economic base to support it, and people would not come in from other areas of the city to patronize it. So it would die anyway, as did most of the other large neighborhood theaters in Chicago. So I wouldn't blame Chicago for this one, though the city is guilty of many other offenses to the preservation of beautiful buildings.

You noted the marquee replacement. That was done, in part, because of the tax on protruding signs that was either implemented, or increased, during the late 1930s or early 1940s. I believe it was also an extremely expensive sign to operate and maintain. If I recall correctly, the Theatre Historical Society's Annual issue of 1977 on the Paradise discusses this issue. But you're right, the replacement was a poor design compared to the original. No question that the Paradise, in its original form, was one of the most beautiful theaters ever constructed. It is definitely my favorite!

Scott,

"At any rate, if the Paradise still stood, it would be in a very bad neighborhood. There would be no economic base to support it, and people would not come in from other areas of the city to patronize it."

People had the same attitude when a small institution was built in a swampy area of new york near some shacks on a hillside, that was considered a slum at the time. That instution is know known as the American Museum of Natural History and it sits on Central Park West which is now some of the most expensive real estate in the nation.
Have you ever heard of a theater called the Loews Jersey? It sits across the Hudson River from NYC and I have met a great of people who travel from great distances to visit this gem. The theatre itself is contributing to the revitalization of the area by getting community members involved with restoration work, providing quality programing and the visual appeal of such a glorious edifice. If people are genuinely interested in a place, they will venture out to see it for themselves.

Divinity-

I'm aware that a theatre restoration can help revitalize a neighborhood. However, the Paradise was located on the west side of Chicago. The neighborhood that the Paradise was in, West Garfield Park, is now a ghetto. I can't imagine that a 3600 seat movie palace would be able to survive in a neighborhood such as that. We're not talking about a neighborhood that's just a little depressed. This is a major war zone. Vacant lots, run-down buildings, trash-strewn streets, violent crime. All the usual attributes of a ghetto. I drove through it a few years ago on a Saturday afternoon to see how it had changed since my youth, and I felt fortunate to have survived the trip. Maybe someday the neighborhood will come back, but right now it's beyond the movie palace stage. In fact, it's attracting very little investment of any kind. I don't think this situation is comparable to the Loews Jersey. The Jersey is in a downtown environment, which is a much more traditional gathering point for theatre goers. If you haven't seen the neighborhood that once housed the Paradise, it might be hard to appreciate what I'm saying.

The Paradise theater in Chicago has always been one that has fascinated me. I had heard of it prior to the Styx album in the late 70's early 80's, but the album probably caused me to conduct some research. The more I read about it, the more fascinating this place becomes.

The THS annual (mentioned in earlier posts) does have some wonderful photos and written descriptions of the entire complex. Some of the photos from the period right before it opened and after it opened are truly amazing. The storefront section seems so artfully done with bronze window panels! That original marquee and upright are outstanding. Some of the interior shots seem almost like drawings in the sense that it's difficult to picture something like this actually existed.

It seems this theater really had a sad story from beginning to end. Driving some people to bankruptcy getting built, a difficult life with competition from the Marboro and others in the same neighborhood, and driving some to bankruptcy while getting demolished.

This is the one theater out of all theaters (if I somehow had the ability) I'd like to visit and see a performance. Could care less if the acoustics were poor, I'd be there to see the building!

Since I'm not near the Chicago area, often wondered what was built there now. If you visit the terraserver web site and put in the theaters’ address, you can see a satellite image of the block. It appears to be some kind of industrial parking lot. Appears to be trucks, dumpsters and other industrial material on the lot. No building there at all. Have to wonder if the foundation or basement is somewhere down there?! Seems to be a fast food restaurant or bank office on the Marboro site.

Bobs, a search on the Cook County Assessor's site for the Paradise's address doesn't bring anything up, but the closest address they showed (213 N. Pulaski) shows something close to what you described (industrial materials). Here is what I found.

Bobs, since you are so in love with the Chicago PARADISE --and it is a wonderful theatre to be in love with-- let me tell you of how I better experience the interiors of theatres via photos: get as large a photo as you can and then, using a large magnifier, go as close in as you can and then back away slowly, and you will get the impression that you are inside the space. This is a technique used on many documentary TV shows when they have only photos to work from. Short of building a miniature of it (which you might be able to do via blueprints on file), this is as close to being inside that you can get, though I'm told that large commercial photo studios can adapt standard photos to projectable stereo photos that you could project upon a large wall, and sitting close to that could also put you 'inside.' Of course, you probably know that there are places such as Great Big Pictures that can enlarge any photo to almost any size, perhaps as large as a wall in your home. The Theatre Historical Soc. will sell 8x10 prints of the photos in the Annual you have and may well have others. Inquire of them via their web site: www.historictheatres.org and under ARCHIVE you will find their fees. Inquire of their Ex. Dir., Richard Sklenar, and he will send you an inventory of available photos (you might want to pay for photocopies of those not in the Annual in order to make your selection). Best Wishes.

What is especially tantalizing about this great theater is the fact that it seems nobody who reads this site was ever in it. It was torn down so long ago that any of its regular patrons would be fairly old now and hardly surfing sites like these to share their experiences and impressions of this beautiful and epic building.
Its like discussing one of the wonders of the ancient world.
If I had the money to rebuild any theater this would be it.

Vincent - I have a vague memory of the place. I lived close by the Paradise until 1961, when I was 13. I believe I attended a couple of shows there on Saturday afternoons, probably around 1954 or 1955. I distinctly remember the exterior not looking good. By the 1950s it was pretty blackened due to it's proximity to a nearby coal yard. But the interior looked immaculant as I recall. As I know now, it hadn't been open that many years due to poor business. So it didn't suffer from much wear and tear. Unfortunately, I can't recall many details, but I have a general memory of its condition and the cavernous auditorium. I also remember it closing, and it being demolished. Its loss didn't seem to shake too many people up at the time. Obviously I was young, but I don't remember any neighborhood outrage or movement to save it. But then, that sort of building was way out of style in the 1950s. And also, there was the still the Marbro, which I attended much more frequently, and was still standing when we moved away. There was also the Crawford Theatre, just a couple blocks south of the Paradise, but I don't recall ever being there. I also remember attending the Tiffin Theatre a few blocks to the north on North Avenue. You don't know how much I wish I could go back in time and see it as it all was in the 1950s. It must have been even more amazing in the 1920s when these places were hopping! Many years ago I spoke with a gentleman who actually was present at the opening. His favorite memory of the theatre seemed to be the outer lobby. Looking at the pictures it is indeed spectacular. I wish I would have paid more attention to it. But how many kids notice stuff like that?

Thank you Scott. How wonderful-all these neighborhoods filled with grand theaters showing movies. How unimaginable it seems today.

Bryan, thanks for the info from the Assessor's office, it even has a small picture of the current site. Someday I'll take a trip to Chicago and at least drive by the Paradise and Marbro site. Jim, thanks for the advice on using the magnifier, will give that a try:-) Still not quite the same because the lighting and colors used are pretty much left to our imagination. From the THS annual they describe how Artwork and niches were lit from the back. Must have been quite an effect. Scott, thanks for your memory of the area. Have many vague memories of theaters in my hometown too. When going with my parents, they were always late, so the film would already be on and the auditorium dark.

Yes, Vincent it does seem unimaginable. And it wasn't just the theaters, there were many other beautiful public buildings, such as restaurants, hotels, and ballrooms. In fact, there was the Paradise Ballroom almost right across the street from the theatre. I was never in it, but it appeared quite large from the outside. And the West Garfield Park neighborhood, where the Paradise was, had a beautiful housing stock back then, which was built around Garfield Park, which was just to the east of the Paradise. It was a gorgeous public park, and its botanical garden is still popular from what I understand. But, it's heartbreaking to see what's happened to the area. One thing I didn't mention in my previous message was that the two or three shows I saw at the Paradise were not well attended. There must have been just a couple hundred people (mostly kids) there, which made the 3600 seat auditorium seem almost empty. Man, was that a big auditorium. I'll never forget that.

One of Eberson's original drawings for the interior of the Paradise can be found at http://www.design.upenn.edu/archives/majorcollections/images/eberson2.gif

Per Bobs above: Bobs, it is clear that you are not from the Chicagoland Area. I would highly advise against driving around sites like the Marbro and the Paradise. As a previous poster said, these areas are ghettoes. Enjoy the many old photos of these theatres in books, etc. It's not worth the risk you'd take driving thru here.

I've often wondered how Dennis DeYoung & Styx came up with the idea of basing a concept album on the Paradise. Given DeYoung's birthdate, it is conceivable that he went there as a small boy. I also wonder if any demolition pictures of the Paradise exist anywhere.

There are some demolition photos in the Theatre Historical Society's ANNUAL for 1977 "The Paradise in Chicago" still available as a Back Issue under that heading from them at: www.historictheatres.org It is also quite likely that they have other such photos for sale; contact them for a list of the demolition views, or any other views desired.

Paul,
In an interview with Dennis DeYoung: "I saw a photograph of the Paradise about two years ago," says De Young. "It was taken just before the building was torn down in 1958, and there was a sign on the front that said: 'Paradise Closed.' That meant something to me."

BTW, The interview was from April 1981.

Thanks, bearbear 31, that clears up a lot for me. I once heard that DeYoung was from the West Side of Chicago (I can't confirm this) so, as I said above, it could have been possible for him to have gone to the Paradise. The album, "Paradise Theatre" actually peaked in 1981 and I recall going to see Styx at the Rosemont Horizon (now called the Allstate Arena and primarily used for pro hockey). Styx had a scale model of the Paradise marquee and it was the one from the album cover. I do recall hearing that the band rehearsed in the Granada Theatre for the tour. The band again played the Horizon for the 1996 "Return to Paradise" tour. In both the 1981 and 1996 tours, Tommy Shaw played the part of a janitor/stage hand before and after the concert.

On another note, I recall reading that the original demolition contractor did go bankrupt and that the company owner committed suicide during the project.

Mr. Fortini's final sentance statement above is corroborated by the illustrated page forming the inside back cover of the PARADISE Annual nentioned above. A sad but true account there.

I recently had the chance to "re-visit" Styx's PARADISE THEATRE CD and I know I have the old LP lying around somewhere. While it was a great trip during memory lane--I was a senior in high school when it was released--I don't think that the CD has aged well. This is in common with a lot of 70s album rock. But I do give Styx credit for what they were trying to say with the album and it certainly was an ambitious project for its time. I recall that the local music charts in late 1980 and early 1981 were dominated by just two albums, both by Illinois bands: PARADISE THEATRE and REO Speedwagon's HI INFIDELITY.

Getting back to the subject of actual movie theatres, and not just CDs about movie theatres, I recall reading that the basement or possibly the foundation of the Paradise Theatre was re-used in the construction of the supermarket.

Does anybody remember which chain (I.e. Jewel, National, A&P) the supermarket belonged to, if any?

Paul - I remember the grocery store, but it doesn't seem to me that it belonged to any of the chains you listed. If you could find a 1960s Chicago phone book you could figure it out. And you're right, they used the basement and some of the outer walls of the Paradise lobby in the construction of the grocery store. It's amazing that no photos seem to exist of the demolition (aside from a couple of grainy newspaper clippings of the auditorium), or of the grocery store. At least I've never seen any.

Photos of the demolition and at least one of the grocery store years do exist at the Theatre Historical Soc. outside of Chicago www.historictheatres.org

Jim Rankin, if one tries finding the photos on the link you indicated, they are not on the website. To be specific, one actually has to go to the Theatre Historical Society in Elmhurst, IL (it's in the same building as the York Theatre).

Thanks for the information. I have every other Friday off from work and I'll be sure to visit the Society.

From looking at the photos it appears that the sky in the Chicago Paradise extends down closer to the floor than at any other atmospheric theatre I have looked at. This could have been a cause of the acoustic problems. I know that the ceilings of atmospheric theatres were acoustically treated to reduce the reverberation. For example, the ceiling of the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans is covered in deep blue horse hair product. This sofents both the visual and acoustic properties of the plaster sky.

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

The Paradise Theatre opened on September 14th. 1928. The seating brakedown was 2268 on the main floor and 1338 in the balcony.

Hello all,

Wow! Apparently this particular theatre causes quite a stir! I guess primarily because of the Styx album. Back in the early 80's Styx was my favorite group and of course I had to get the Paradise Theatre album when it came out. My jaw hit the floor when I saw the album cover. I was like WOW this is one beautiful theatre. I read the small newspaper clipping that was within the album and found that the theatre actually existed. From then on I began a long research project on the Chicago Paradise Theatre. At first I was a bit disappointed when I first saw a picture of the REAL Paradise as it looks nothing like the one on the Styx album cover. True, the artwork is true to the period and design, but the marquee is totally different. The real marquee was vertical and perpendicular to the theatre. It had some what of a starburst design rather than the 'wave' depicted on the Styx Album. Someone mentioned at one time that the marquee on the Styx Album was from another theatre. So now I am confused at the what the truth is. Is the Styx marquee and facade depicting the Chicago Paradise just an inspired drawing or was it a borrowed idea from an actual theatre? Did the Paradise have at one time a Marquee that looked like that? I find the Paradise marquee depicted on the Styx album to be the most beautiful I have seen to date...and that is a long time since I had the album since the 80's. Much can be said about this album as it DID trigger an interest within me to getting into the theatre industry and possibly even owning a theatre someday. But my interest does lie more with a Performing Arts Theatre in that aspect. On a final note, I have noticed that most of the links to pictures of the Chicago Paradise are broken. I would appreciate it if someone could direct me to a good source of pictures of this theatre from it's beginnings to its demolition.

Thanks in advance and keep this thread going...it is an interesting one and I enjoyed reading everyone's posts.

JG

A splendid collection of photos --old and new-- along with the PARADISE'S complete story, is to be found in the Theatre Historical Society's Annual of 1973: "The Paradise In Chicago." It is still available as a back issue from them for $10 plus $2.50 shipping in the USA and 50 cents for each additional copy shipping. For shipping charge outside the USA, contact them. Their web site is: www.historictheatres.org and you would click on the BACK ISSUES link there.

Yes, the 38-page booklet of 8-1/2 x 11-inches in the horizontal format, does include photos and story about the actual original, city-block-long marquee and vertical sign as well as the blocky, white plastic affair there at closing. The photos of that original, 1920s stupendous marquee must be seen to be believed! According to a full page ad with photos on page 59 of "Signs Of The Times" magazine of November 1928, there were 10,772 lamps (light bulbs) in the marquee which were activated by mercury cam-switch flashers in over 44 circuits and made by a company then in Milwaukee. They caused the eight letters in the PARADISE name on the marquee and its vertical sign to flash sequentially. There were 3 of those "spelling types" as well as "2 of the 'Speed Border' [chaser] types." All photos in the Annual are in black and white primarily because there was no still color photography before the second World War, long after the photos of the movie palaces were taken at opening in the 'Twenties. The reprints of such publications will not be around forever, so it is strongly suggested that all interested ones order the Annual(s) of interest as soon as possible! You will be quite pleased by the high quality of their publications.
Jim Rankin, member of THSA since 1976

It was said that the artist who painted the cover to Styx's PARADISE THEATRE used the Granada Theatre (which was extant and hosting concerts at the time) as his model. However, the Granada had a modern marquee by that time.

However, I've always thought that if you look at the marquee for the Tivoli (the demolished on in Chicago, not the one in Downers Grove), you'll notice some striking similarities.

Hello

PAUL--Yes, that was what I did hear story about, that it was based on the Granada Theatre. But if that isn't the case, then there still remains the question if Marquee, as pictured on the Styx album cover, really did exist on a theatre.

As for the Tivoli theatre you mentioned, I only can find pictures on the Downers Grove one. Where can I see a picture of the theatre you mentioned? I did try to look it up here, but the caption for the Chicago Tivoli has no picture attached to it.

JIM--Thank you for the tip on that paper on the Paradise. I believe I will head over there get a copy. I will definately keep it with my original Styx Paradise Theatre album.

Yes it is facinating how they did the lighting mechanically back then. I am very much familiar with the old cam set ups. You can get them still made like that nowadays...especially for very high current applications. Contact blocks are too slow for that application.

Nice to hear you are with the THSA. I guess you have been following the progress on the sister theatre to the Chicago Paradise, the Bronx Lowes Paradise. I live just a little over an hour away from that one. I am happy to see that it was restored. It is a very beautiful theatre and I am happy to see that it was saved. Now that they are using it for concerts...the icing on the cake would be to have Styx have a concert there. Kind of like a 'Paradise Reborn' concert...or something like that. I would be there in a heartbeat.

Thanx for the info guys.

JG

Sorry for the double post guys...

JIM, I looked on the THSA site and found the area you were referring to. I believe I am in the right area. However It says "1977 No 4. Paradise (Chicago)". I am assuming this is the right one correct? Only making sure because you mentioned 1973 above.

JG

The 1977 No. 4 Paradise (Chicago) booklet is the right one.

Yes, it is the 1977 Annual as you surmise. I'm sorry if my mistake mislead you. Given your nearness to the Paradise in the Bronx, it is a pity that it is out of print -- hence my comment about getting them while one can. You would do well to check the NY area libraries for a copy of that Annual, including the Avery Library at Columbia University. It was by the late Michael Miller, though I believe the copyright is owned by the Society, so it might be cataloged under that name. Let us know what you thought of the publications.

JG,

For decent photos of the Chicago Tivoli Theatre, you can find them in history books about Chicago. An excellent example is LOST CHICAGO by David Gerrard Lowe (ISBN: 0823028712). It was in reading that book in 1981 that I discovered how much the PARADISE THEATRE album cover resembled the Tivoli.

If you look closely at the marquee on the STYX album, you'll see how it resembles a genie's hat. The artist may have, however, used the basic archeitecture of the Granada for his model.

Hello,

JIM--Thank you for verifying that about the Chicago Paradise Annual, however you tossed me another curve ball on the Bronx Paradise Annual. On the THSA website it shows 1972 - No. 2 Paradise (Bronx, NY). There is nothing showing the Annual is out of print. If it is out of print then someone is not keeping up the website. That annual doesn't even have a LOW COUNT warning next to it either. Are you sure it is out of stock? Reason I ask is because I was going to put that one on the order as well. If you could double check that for me I would appreciate it. I was almost ready to go to the post office now and cut a money order and send it out to THSA, but I will wait until I hear from you.

PAUL--Ahhh, so I see you got the information from a book. I was going nuts trying to find pictures of the Chicago Tivoli on line...kept getting pictures of the Downer's Grove one :(. So far I have not found pictures on the Granada either...but honestly I have not been actively looking for that one. I will give it a whirl.

But real or not I just fell in love with that Marquee on the Styx album. Should I eventually ever own a theatre you bet the Marquee will look very much like that one...that is if the building had no historic significance, of course.

JG

Here's a very tiny photo of the second Paradise marquee. Even with little detail visible in this photo, it clearly doesn't measure up to the original marquee.

Geo1, here is a 1928 photo from the Chicago Daily News that shows the Tivoli Theatre in the background. You can make out the marquee and part of the vertical sign. The vertical sign in the foreground with "Chop Suey" at the bottom is for the Cinderella Cafe.

Hello again,

PAUL--I finally dug up a good picture of the Granada Theatre.

http://img12.exs.cx/img12/7432/granadatheater5as.jpg

So you are RIGHT! This is it! I compared this closely to my Paradise Theatre Album and the facade clearly resembles the Granada more than the actual Paradise. The three window layout and the top arch are just about identical. I wonder why the artist chose to do this? I do understand the fancier marquee, but he still could have used the original Paradise facade. Why did he choose a different theatre altogether? Hmmmm, I guess one may never know. Paul, I was wondering if you have a scanner if you could scan that picture of the Tivoli marquee for me and post it here. It would be the last element I need to complete this puzzle.

BRYAN--Eeewwww! That second marquee is horrible. If that was the choice back then...I would have NEVER replaced the original.


JG

JG- Yes, THS Annual #2 is of the Bronx Paradise. It was out of print for many years, but the Theatre Historical Society reprinted it a few years ago. It is definitely worth purchasing. Lots of great photos. Their annual of 1977 that features the Chicago Paradise is even better; absolutely superb photos. Also, I suggest getting their special publication on the Tivoli in Chicago. I don't know the volume # off hand, but it came out around 1985. I'm sure you can find it listed on the THS web site. That publication and the Annual on the Chicago Paradise feature some of the best work of the Chicago Architectural Photographing Company.

With respect to the austere marquee that replaced the original at the Chicago Paradise, that was the result of high operating costs and a tax that was levied on protruding signs starting in Chicago in the late 1930s or early 1940s. I had heard the tax was only applicable to boulevard streets, but Crawford Ave was not a boulevard. Sometime I'll have to do more research on that. Anyway, the worst aspect of the exterior in its later years, which I remember from my youth in the early and mid 1950s before it was torn down, was not the marquee but the grime on the facade. There was a coal yard nearby, and by the 1950s the exterior was very blackened from that. The interior was still like-new, but the exterior looked pretty bad. I'm sure many other buildings in the area were affected by the coal yard as well.

Scott,
I hate to say it, but I have a picture of the new vertical and marquee of the Paradise, and it seems to be in the same size of the original marquee.....anyone that would like to see this pic, write me at beardbear31@aol.com

Hello

SCOTT--Good to know that the Bronx Paradise publication was reprinted. Are you a member of the THSA as well? I am surprised that if it went back to print that Jim didn't mention it. But I am definately going to get both Annuals without a doubt. I have to see if they have one on the Granada Theatre since it appears that it too was some inspiration in the creation of the Styx album cover.

It is a shame that the Paradise had to destroy that beautiful marquee because of darn taxes. Well, I guess the thousands of light bulbs didn't help the issue any either.

Sorry, but I have not seen any later pictures of the Paradise...just those when it was in it's full glory. Must have been awful with all that black crap on it. Worse, it sounds like you must have witnessed the demolition as well, huh?

BRYAN--I have dug up that picture myself about an hour ago...but the Marquee is at a bad angle and the picture dark...so I really cannot make anything of it. What I would need is a good head on shot of the Marquee.

Well, I am off. I am gawk over some pictures I found of the restored Bronx Loews Paradise.

Thanx guys.

JG

Hello all,

Sorry about the double post again, but I had a recollection...

BAM! It finally came to me after I banged my head against the wall a couple of times. It was Robert Addison that created the artwork for the Styx Album. I tried to track him down but I came across a website that said he died in 1988 :(.

I did find a teeny tiny picture of his original concept art for the album, which is the full drawing of the theatre. It is definately Granada inspired without a doubt. Damn, and come to think of it back in the 80's I should have asked the record store for the promotional display for the Paradise Theatre album when they were through with it. The thing was 6 feet tall!!

JG

Sorry to have thrown you a curve again, JG, but I must need new glasses! You are right, of course, that the Bronx PARADISE's Annual is indeed back in stock, I'm happy to see. So, do send off that money order as soon as you can --before it again goes out of print!

Speaking again of the Chicago PARADISE, there was an "Encore" article about it in their MARQUEE: Vol. 10 #4, 4th Qtr. 1978 which IS listed as out-of-print there, but perhaps one of the libraries I mentioned will let you photocopy the relevant pages (page 16 is a drawing of a planned revolving roof-top tower "lantern" sign that was never built, and 17 is two photos; one across the upper balcony with the cove lights turned on and 'clouds' retouched onto the sky portion, and also a view of an area not well represented in the Annual's photos: "beyond the vestibule, but before the lobby." THSA is nothing if not thorough!

Hello

JIM--Just was double checking again, that was all. I already had the letter (order) made up for the two items, but would have had to redo it if the one was not in stock. I would have added the Granada Theatre as well, but didn't find one on the THSA website. There IS a Granada Theatre, but it was for the San Franciso one.

Wow, that was a nice bit of info to learn that the Paradise intended to have a revolving "lighthouse" sign, but I do like the original Marquee and how it turned out. But the Styx album cover is still my favorite. My next favorite Marquee was the one featured in the movie, "The Majestic". Not so much so in the day time, but lit up at night, it was awesome! I could only imagine what the original Paradise's Marquee looked like at night. More then likely it was all white lights...I don't think colored bulbs were that much in vogue in the 20's.

JG

Hello again,

JIM--Off topic. Would you happen to have a list of John Eberson theatres. I would like to check out more of this Architect's work. Moreover I would like to know more of his theatres that are still standing.

Also, I am interested in seeking a career in theatre...perhaps help restore an old theatre and stay on for sound work. However, I feel that discussion would be out of place here since that is a topic not related to the Chicago Paradise. Would you have a direct email where I can reach you to discuss this further?

Thank You,

JG

If someone wants a THSA publication on Chicago's Granada Theatre, then purchase Annual # 96 from 1999. It features the works of Levy & Klein, which includes the Granada and Marbro theatres from Chicago. As most of you know, the Marbro was near the Paradise and was much like the Granada, only larger and more ornate. That issue also features the Regal (original) and Century Theatres from Chicago. Even more pictures of the Granada can be found on the Library of Congress web site.

(http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?hh:7:./temp/~ammem_qAuQ::

I previously mentioned THSA's publication on Chicago's Tivoli Theatre. That is a regular issue of Marquee, Vol 17, No 4 from 1985. Highly recommended.

Finally, the second marquee at the Chicago Paradisde was not as large as the original, though it was probably about the same length. I don't know for sure if the original was removed for tax reasons. I just know it happened about the time Chicago instituted the tax. I suspect the reason for its replacement had more to do with cost. Seems reasonable, given the vertical was also replaced. The original, from what I've read, did indeed have multi-colored bulbs. The Paradise was nothing if not colorful. Ditto for the inside. Trust me, if there were color photos of the Paradise they would make your jaw drop. The outer lobby and main inner lobby were an explosion of color. Someone asked if I witnessed the demolition. Well, I remember it, even though I was only about 10 at the time. It did seem to take a long time for it to come down. Not much controversy about its demolition, since it wasn't a very popular movie house by then. Attendance was very light, which is a shame. There must be people, just a little older than me, who have many more memories of the place. The Marbro, which was more popular, came down after I moved away.

Hello...

SCOTT--Thanx for that tidbit of info. I was trying to look up the Granada by NAME and never thought twice of searching by the designer. I will probably add those to my list. The link you provided is not working for some reason. Either something is missing or there is not enough there.

Wow, so the Paradise DID have multi-color bulbs? I guess that could be one of the reasons why they changed the sign. Even nowadays there is a price difference between white and colored bulbs. Back in the day colored bulbs were not common, the price difference (by ratio comparing to todays cost) was probably greater. Then again, they could have changed them all to white if that were the case...certainly easier than replacing the entire marquee. But I guess too probably it was the operating costs in terms of power requirements that could have did the marquee in. I remember a while back I did a power calculation for someone that was restoring an antique carousel that had almost 1000 bulbs. It used 11 watt bulbs and pulled about 90 amps. NINTY AMPS!!! The lighting pulled more power then the actual carousel drive itself. The owner of the carousel almost dropped dead after we figured that out! We came up with a lower power solution that dropped the current below 60 amps, so as the carousel would not put that much of a dent in the power budget. I could only imagine what the Paradise Theatre sign pulled...even if it was on a chaser control.

Yes, I would agree. Even the B&W photos of the Paradise are awesome. But it probably wouldn't compare to color. Seeing the color photos of the newly renovated Loew's Paradise (Bronx) really got me fixated on these theatres. I saw the color pictures of the Akron Loews theatre (also a John Eberson creation), and again I had to scrape my jaw off the floor.

Yes it was I that asked if you witnessed the demolition of the Paradise. It must have been awful to have memories of that especially if you have an interest in theatre history.

Last night I found more pictures of the Granada, including the demolition. It is an un-nerving thought that some many beautiful theatres were destroyed like this.

JG

JG - Here's the link to the Granada pictures at the Library of Congress. If the link isn't active, then copy and paste this into your address bar and it should take you to the Granada pictures.

http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?hh:7:./temp/~ammem_HqLz::

If this fails, then go to the Library of Congress web site and you can probably find it by searching with "Granada." They also have pictures from many other theatres, including Eberson's Palace in Louisville. I just noticed that in my prior post I referred to THSA's annual from 1999 as #96. That should be #26. That's the one with pictures of the Granada, Marbro, etc.

Well, JG, you may want to revise that order to THSA, since there is yet another of their Annuals that you may want, given your great interest in Ebersonian's works: Annual #27 for the Year 2000 = "A John Eberson Scrapbook." Its 40 pages are filled with photos of his works, including many of his less known works, and a portrait of the master himself with a mini-biography. There is a list of his theatres inside the back cover. THSA no longer has a formal Index to give out, but you might ask them for a gratis copy of their "QR" (Quick Reference) which has other citations to mentions of Eberson within the Society's publications; likely they will include it with your order for Annuals.

You ask about working in theatres, and I hope your plans for such go well, but you might want to observe some of the cautions I and others gave a young woman with similar asperations at: http://cinematreasures.org/news/14407_0_1_0_C/ It can be a rewarding occupation from the perspective of an outsider, but given its unpredictable nature, you might want to plan for a back-up career if you can. By all means, go to the sources we mention there and let them help you analyze the potential in light of your own needs.

Should you wish to contact anyone making comments here, merely click on their name or 'handle' in blue at the bottom of any comment. This takes one to their Profile page where there is a field: CONTACT INFO where they *may* have left such as an E-mail address, as I did. Many people have left nothing there, as in your case, but that can be revised by clicking on the link PROFILE which is on the upper right corner of every page (if one is registered and signed in, which is done by this site's 'cookie' on your computer automatically if you have 'cookies' turned on, and if you have set up a profile here). I will be happy to supply you with what little information I might have, given that I've never worked in theatres directly. I was the Archivist/Historian to my native Milwaukee's PABST THEATER ( http://cinematreasures.org/theater/2753/ ) in 1990-91 and wrote their 2-volume Application for National Historic Landmark designation --successfully-- but that is as close as I've gotten in my 60 years. ( www.pabsttheater.org ) Best Wishes.

By the way, as Scott brings out, colored light bulbs were quite common in the 'Twenties, as you will discern from the photos in the Annuals when you notice in the black & white photos the different tints of the light bulbs. Oh, to have had color photography back then! As the late Ben M. Hall says on the page 42 caption of the NYC's RIALTO's photo of its sign in his 1961 landmark book "The Best Remaining Seats": "This was designed by men who knew what light bulbs were for!"

Hello...

SCOTT--Thank You that link now works. I am so shocked that the Granada was around into the 90's and nothing was done to save this theatre. But the thing that would make me send a 1000 thank you's to you for pointing this link out to me is this picture right here

What I am pointing out here is the marquee. I didn't know that the Marquee was changed on the Granada. THIS IS the elusive marquee I was looking for. There is my wave. So apparently the artist, Robert Addison, based the concept art of the Paradise Theatre almost entirely on the Granada Theatre. I did some more digging and found out that the concept art for the Paradise Theatre album was done WAY before the album came out. Styx Paradise Theatre was released in 1981 and the concept art was done in 1977. More then likely it was a pre-existing drawing, or one in the works. So last question is...Why was the name Paradise slapped on a drawing which was supposed to be the Granada Theatre? Legalities does come to mind as the Granada was still open during this time. Perhaps it was Addison's initial purpose to capture the essence of the Granada as it existed. He could have been commissioned by Styx's graphic artists to come up with a concept drawing based on the Paradise Theatre. I guess this answer I will never know anytime soon.

Once again, Scott, 1000 thank you's for that link. That one picture alone answers a bunch of questions.

JG

JG - If you pick up the THSA Annual #26 from 1999, I believe you'll get that exterior shot of the Granada. And, if I recall, correctly, the picture is sharp and clear, unlike the HASB photo on the LOC web site. If it's not that picture, there's one very similar in the annual. I'm at work, so I can't check my copy of the annual to verify that. Regarding the Styx album, I think you're confusing Dennis DeYoung's concept with the album cover. His concept was indeed based on the demolished Paradise Theatre. He stated that in an interview. What the artist used as a model for the album cover may have been the Granada, or the Marbro. At any rate, I'm sure you'd agree that the cover adequately conveyed what the album was about.

Hello,

JIM--Thanx for the tip on Annual #27. But it will have to wait for now. I just put my money order in at lunch time. I guess I will poke around on the net for now to see what other creations J. Eberson did.

As for theater work...I have not anything etched in stone in terms of planning. But it would be cool to hook up with someone who is restoring a theatre with intentions of running it as a Performing Arts Theatre. As I mentioned I have done mixing and sound work before in this field, so I would fit right in. As for risks...well, isn't it like that with any self made business? I figured I was either go into the amusement or theatre industry. It is just in the cards right now to plan something as my current line of work is winding down and my wife's office just closed down. Ironically, she worked for Loews Theatre's AP department in Manhattan, but AMC, the new owners, decided to close the Manhattan office down

Anyway, I will check out that link/story you provided. Oh, so that is how the email thing works. Ha! Didn't know. Learn something new everyday. Thanx for that info.

I just checked out the links to the Pabst Theatre. Pretty nice place...it looks pretty big that is for sure. I see they went the concert route like the Loews Paradise. It is a shame that one cannot support a place like this with movies like they were initially designed to do. But pretty much my interests lie in the performing arts anyway. But it is nice that you helped to save a classic theatre...and that is the main thing. I am surprised that you were not involved with theatre directly. You sound like a seasoned vet on the topic :).

As for bulbs, I honestly don't know their history but it just seemed like most marquees used white bulbs. Even in amusement parks of the period, they had a tendency to stick with white or clear bulbs. It is funny how you mention the 'shading' of bulbs in B&W pictures. When I receive the THSA paperwork, that was the exact thing I was going to look for to verify what Scott was saying. However, it seems like you have done that already. Yep, color photography would have been a plus. Too bad there wasn't anyone that created artwork on the theatre, then you would have an idea of what it would look like in color. Like a postcard or something. I have some old postcard pictures of Coney Island in the 20's and most of them are in color..but they are obviously all artist renderings and not photographs. They are really well done though.

Well thank you for the information. I will check out those links you provided in detail.

JG

Hello SCOTT,

Yes, I put that Annual in my order. I definately want to do more research on the Granada Theatre now. It is too closely linked to Album Art.

Speaking of which...I knew the concept behind the album already, I knew that by heart when I was kid and it was back then I first researched the Paradise Theatre. So there is no confusion there. Perhaps I just worded something poorly up there and I apologise for that. What I was doing now was trying to dig deeper as to why the actual Paradise Theatre was not accurately represented in the cover art of the album. I knew for a long time already that the real Paradise Theatre didn't look like the art work on the Album cover. But, I let it go thinking the cover art was fictious and was "an original design" and left it at that. But I also know how artists are...especially when it comes to period based material and designs. They are usually always inspired by something, so I knew I was going to revisit this to investigate further and that is what I am doing here and now. In a way you have actually provided much of the information I was looking for. So based on what I seen it is very clear to me now that Robert Addison seen that picture of the Granada with it's old Marquee and worked off that. The details in both his work and the Granada are far too similar to be conincidence. I am wondering now if both ideas came together at around the same time. Perhaps Addison really intended to create a rendition of the Granada theatre. Somehow Dennis from Styx got wind of it, loved the drawing, commissioned Addison and the drawing was adapted for the Album cover art. Of course that is just speculating, and it is just a hypothesis. So now I am interested in finding out the facts. While Robert Addison has passed away...Dennis would logically be the next person to try and ask. Wish me luck on this one!

I am off.

JG

Hello all again,

UPDATE:

JIM--You are right about the bulbs. I read an article just now stating that the "Paradise Theatre in Chicago was very unique in that it's marquee had over 10,000 bulbs in 10 different colors". 10 different colors huh? I sure would think that would keep the maintenance guys on their toes. Could you imagine though...10,000 bulbs??? If each lamp was a standard 11 watt bulb, if all the lamps were steady burning at one time, the sign would pull a staggering 956 amps (at 115volts). Even if they used a standard chase-4 circuit AND 220 volts that would still mean the sign pulled a continuous 120 amps. That is just the sign...rest of the building not included!! OUCH!! No wonder why they replaced the sign.

SCOTT--I was definately seeing double today. You are right, the Granada had an (almost) identical twin! I finally saw a picture of the Marbro...and a good picture it is.

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whi/fullRecord.asp?id=25246

There is another picture I seen of the Marbro but at a distance. The crest on top is very different from that of the Granada. I couldn't paste the link on that one though.

Absolutely Gorgeous though. It looks like I just became a fan of Levy & Kleins work in additon to J. Eberson's work.

JG

Hello, JG: Glad you found the data about the PARADISE's marquee's ten bulb colors (Where was that article, please?) Yes, the movie palaces were expensive affairs from many standpoints, including electricity, and even though rates were just a few cents per kilowatt hour back then, it all added up. As the years wore on and the PARADISE proved less a gold mine than expected, the owners may well have regretted the cost of the marquee lights adding to costs, but it was usually other reasons that changed the marquees across America.

In many cities, marquees were indeed taxed to reduce the proliferation of "gaudy" signs then crowding building fronts. Such light bulb extravaganzas were originated in the years not long after the invention of the light bulb, something that so changed the street scape and way of life back then that we can scarsely believe its significance today; even an entire book was written about this phenomenon: "Disenchanted Night" by Wolfgang Schivelbusch, 1983. After the Second World War, the entire attitude of our society changed drastically, and formerly admired European precedents came to be sneered at as the new world 'conquerer', America, embraced the souless 'International style' of architecture and decor wholeheartedly. The ornate curves of marquees were only some of the graciousness that was denigrated and discarded as fast as a society running toward televisioin and blatant materialism could. Sign companies hearlded this post-war change since it meant fortunes for them as they convinced owners that they had to modernize to compete, and then the companies made millions removing old marquees and designing and building new, plastic and fluorescent ones to reeplace them. No doubt the PARADISE's fell victim to this same ethos spreading across the land. The owners were running scared in view of television, and the sign guys played expertly upon the owner's desperation to get the public to notice them against competition! Within just the decade of the '50s, many thousands of theatres were re-signed, now that men and materials were again available after the war. The sign companies then made more fortunes melting down the removed marquees and verticals, and the wholesale slaughter of the previous 30 years of artistic signs went on as vigorously as Urban Renewal in the next decades -- and for some of the same reasons! So, the PARADISE's marquee was replaced, but not necessarily due to maintenance costs alone.

Hello JIM

I found the article by accident when I was at work. Some genius closed the screen and I didn't find the original article I read but here is another one...

http://chicago.urban-history.org/sites/theaters/paradise.htm

Just to the bottom left of the writing below the picture this site also mentions the 10 different colors.

Yeah, I noticed that many theatres changed their marquees. Most of the more elaborate and larger theatres had the characteristic vertical sign in addition to the front marquee. I found another nice theatre...The Capitol in Wisconsin...which shares a very similar 'wave' type marquee like the Granada and Marbro. (See pix)

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whi/fullRecord.asp?id=10175&qstring=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ewisconsinhistory%2Eorg%2Fwhi%2Fresults%2Easp%3F%26pageno%3D3%26subject%5Fbroad%5Fid%3D%26subject%5Fnarrow%5Fid%3D%26subject%5Fnarrow%3DTheaters%26results%5Frelevancy%3D%26search%5Ftype%3Dbasic%26sort%5Fby%3Ddate

I am not sure if this theater had a marquee change, but just about all the 'changed' marquees were drab in comparison to the originals. Oh Ok, the Granada's second marquee wasn't too bad...but still, it doesn't compare to the original. The wave pattern on a chaser must have looked awesome! Like a carnival ride :).

Speaking of which...I know what you mean about America's facination with the light bulb. I read much about that in regards to my research on Coney Island. It did seem early Amusement Parks and Theatre's did share much in common with attracting patrons.

I must say your explanation of the demise of the "electric fantastic" theatre marquees is probably the best reason why they disappeared.

Still I only can imagine what one of these marquees must have looked like. I would love to witness one that is operational on a theatre today. But I would gather that would be a rare find indeed.

JG

Hello

JIM.

I am getting pretty good at this theatre research thing :).

http://www.wagnersign.com/bardavon-903.jpg

Well, this answers my question above. Some theatres STILL have kept their old "electric fantastic" marquees. This one is on a theatre in Poukeepsie, NY.

Granted this one is small and probably would never come close to the grandeur of that of the Paradise, Granada, or Marbro. But it is still very 20's

JG

I have often thought the Chicago Paradise would be a great (digitally created) backdrop for an american version of "Cinema Paradiso". Film in another Eberson atmospheric and digitally fake the Chicago Paradise proscenium detail.

Well, Mr Lauter, it may not be that easy to really fake convincingly that auditorium of the PARADISE. For example, that trio of plaster horses above the stage was life size, and reared out over the fourth row of seats, almost 40 feet out from the stage edge behind the vast orchestra pit. It was so vast that it is difficult for most camera angles to capture it as it was for the thousands inside. Most all movie palaces were a loss, but this was one of the special ones that must have inspired awe. One must really get large photos of it (which can be ordered from www.historictheatres.org ) and either have enlargements of several feet square made locally, or take each 8x10 bought from THSA and, using a magnifying glass under bright light, put the photo close to your nose and then back it away slowly, and you will get somewhat the illusion of being in there.

Ahhhh, what I would do to go back in time to check out all these wonderful theatres. The Paradise would be #1 on my list. Anyone have a flux capacitor and a Delorean laying around?

JG

Well, JG, if you find one, sell tickets, and I will be among the first to buy one and go with you!!

Hello

JIM--Yep that would be a good thing to do. Anyway, do you have information on that Capitol Theatre I mentioned above? Would you know if it still stands? I tried doing a theatre search here at CT, but about half the things on this site are working and the search engine isn't one of them. The site is very slow too.

JG

Hello

JIM--Yep that would be a good thing to do. Anyway, do you have information on that Capitol Theatre I mentioned above? Would you know if it still stands? I tried doing a theatre search here at CT, but about half the things on this site are working and the search engine isn't one of them. The site is very slow too.

JG

Hello Jim,

Nevermind...I found what I was looking for here:

http://www.overturecenter.com/history.htm

YUP, it still stands...and is in use. But the beautiful marquee is GONE! Grrrrrrr.

JG: Glad you found the CAPITOL in Madison, Wisconsin's state capitol, hence the name. I last was in it in '81, and it was a shadow of whatb it had been, so Imguessv the loss ofthe marquee was to be expected.

This site is very unpredictable from about noon to midnight, which is why I mostly come on in early morning. I have a hunch that its server is shared with much bigger clients who pay more, so CT gets whatevrt is left over. If the honchos are on broadband, they may not know what it's like for those of us on dial-up. Last week I submitted a comment, and the update page never appeared, and when I could get back in to it, my comment had vanished! So if anyone has a major comment to upload, do it in the early morning or well after midnight -- or at least keep a copy of it.

I CAN REMEMBER ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE THEATER ALL PART OF THE SAME BLDG THAT HOUSED THE PARADISE WAS A DRY CLEANERS BY THE NAME OF CARL STOCKHOLM. HE WAS A FAMOUS BOARD TRACK BIKE RACER SO I WAS TOLD. THEIR NEON SIGN INCLUDED A BICYLE AND RIDER. ALSO REMEMBER SPIKES ON THE WINDOW LEDGES TO DETER PIDGEONS FROM ROOSTING.
COMMENTS ANYONE?

Hello Jim--

Glad you here you made a trip to the Capitol. Yeah, I did some reading on it and it was heavily altered. But at least the facade is mostly intact. Still it is a nice looking theatre.

As for this site...I have not experienced lost postings yet...just the annoyances I mentioned. Mainly with the search engine not working right. Also this site dosen't work well with Mozilla (web browser).

I hate to bring up another off topic. But would you or the THSA have any information on the Granada Theatre in Beaver Falls PA? I know there is a listing for it here on CT, but not much information is available about it in terms of history or pictures. I will put future postings on that theatre there if I have any more questions for you about it.

Thanx,
JG

Hello--

JIM--I received my package from the THSA today. I just want to tip my hat off to you for directing my attention to these. I just skimmed through the one on the Paradise and I am totally impressed! The pictures are unbelieveable. Very extensive documentation. So if there is anyone out there hesitant on buying these...DON'T! These are a MUST! They are well worth the price just for the pictures alone!

Get a load of this! The Paradise actually had a playroom for children with a mini carousel!! The book has an awesome spread in the middle showing off the theatre's prescenium. It is FAN-TAS-TIC! The books have building layouts and cross sections. Architectual concept drawings...If one would want to rebuild the Paradise, this would be the first book to get!

As Jim pointed out to me earlier, and it is very true in every word, if you really want to 'See' the Paradise in all it's glory, you must get this book. I concur!

Now it is time to get to some heavy reading :).

I'm glad you enjoyed the Annual on the PARADISE. Visitors here should nottice that entire list of Annuals under the BACK ISSUES link at www.historictheatres.org to see some of the finest theatres ever made.

Geo, you mention the Paradise having a children's playroom. I know the Uptown, Southtown and Piccadilly also had nursuries/playrooms. I wonder if many other Chicago movie palaces had this amenity as well? Anyone know?

Hello--

JIM--I skimmed through the others as well, but last night I started reading the 1999 Annual first, which is the Levy and Klein theatres. The pictures are beautiful and the documentation is absolutely fantastic. I really WISH there was something like this for antique carousels (another interest of mine). But from what I saw in the Paradise annual, I must say, for anyone that has the slightest interest in this theatre or wants to do a research project on it...this is a must. Good call JIM!!! Oh, Jim, one last thing...as I mentioned before. Do you or the THSA have any information on the Beaver Falls Granada?

BRYAN--That is something I didn't know. I always thought it would be a cool idea to have a small rec room for kids when waiting for show to start, or during intermissions and low and behold I was amazed to see that it has been done already and in the very theatre I am always singing praises about. With the exception of the Uptown I have not heard about the other theatres...well not in detail anyway. I didn't know the Uptown had a playroom either. I remember the Uptown was used for concerts. Does the Uptown still exist or did they release the Chrome Breasted Silver Back Theatre Eater on it?

JG

I have nothing on the Beaver Falls GRANADA, so you will have to inquire of THSA through its Ex. Dir., Richard Sklenar, via his E-mail address on their front page at: www.historictheatres.org

Ah, yes, the venerable Chicago UPTOWN still stands, and its web site is listed on its page here on CT. There are multiple efforts to preserve and reopen it, but like the wonderful KINGS in Brooklyn, it is so vast that it is daunting; and, Yes, THSA does have an Annual on it too! Enjoy.

Hello JIM,

Thank you for the info. Also it is nice to hear the UPTOWN is still standing. I originally wrote a longer reply to your answer above...but because it was related to the UPTOWN and the not the Paradise...I moved it there. Take a look see.

JG

I always loved Styx and this thread is so cool! Thanks for all the info!

Hello Rick-

Yes I am a big Styx fan and as stated above, I ended up doing so much research on the paradise theatre and other theatres here in this forum that I realized my old dreams of actually owing/running and old theatre...primarily for live acts. But I decided it is time to stop dreaming and actually do something. I am hoping to buy a classic theatre as we speak :). I owe most of this dream to this very album. But moreover I hope to save just one more classic theatre for those to enjoy now and for time to come. Enjoy old theatres, enjoy classic rock and welcome to Cinema Treasures.

JG

If you go to google`s earthlink i think it is and type in the address of the theatre (this works great if you have a faster connection like cable or DSL) but if you do this and go and zoom in you will see that it is just another empty lot i think it is being used for a storage lot for school buses or something.
Also i agree with the post above mine thank you for trying to save a nother old theatre i wish you luck and hope that you can.:)

Hello CH174

Well, I believe if you read through this post, it will give you a good idea of the full history behind the Paradise. I believe after the building was razed a retail outlet was built on it's site and that too didn't do too well and shut down. Just about everything that went on that spot had bad luck. I think that building was razed too and it is as you see it now, and empty lot. I am not sure if it used for parking. It could be. What would be funny is that I wouldn't be surprised if much of the basement structure of the Paradise still exists. The retail store was built right on top of it.

The theatre I am looking into just happens to be a John Eberson creation as well, but it is not a Golden Era theatre (A theatre built in the 20's), but more along the lines of an Art Deco or Art Moderne. Still it is a classic.

JG

Thank you for the information.
I wish you all the luck in the world and hope that you can do it.
And that more people help back the effort to save if not the physical buld. at least keep the memories alive.
Thank You.:)

I bought the Styx Paradise Theater album when I was in 8th grade, in the early 80's and I remember being very interested in the finding information on the Theater. However, since we didn't have the internet yet, and I hated the library at the time, I never followed up on it.
However, I've kept this and other albums with me all these years and just bought a new record player in the last week. I've pulled out all my old albums and now my kids are asking about the Paradise Theater.
Thanks to the internet, I found this site and thanks to all of your posts, I have now found out a lot of information I can pass to my kids, the oldest is which in 7th grade.
Geo 1, you commented that the artwork for the album are done by Robert Addison. Looking at my album cover, it credits the illistrations to Chris Hopkins, Willardson and White, Inc.
Jim Rankin, thanks for your information on the Annuals from THS and your link. As soon as I can, I'm going to get the Paradise Annual as well as the one with the information on the Marbro and Granada. Since most of the links with pictures to the Paradise are under construction and you cannot pull up the pictures, this will be very interesting to see.
Thanks again everybody for posting.

I just went into Chris Hopkins website and the advertising for Styx Paradise Theater is there. The website says he's still doing artwork also.

http://www.chrishopkinsart.com/ChrisHopkinsArt.com

is the website for Chris Hopkins.

Hello MARY L.

I received the source of that information based on a auction of Robert Addison's creations. One of them is clearly the art work used for the Paradise Theatre album cover. Now since you referred to Chris Hopkins, Willardson and White INC (the keyword being the INC). It very may well be possible that that Addison could have worked for them. There are alot of misconceptions about the album, for one is the use of artwork that resembles another Chicago theatre...The Granada. I am a Styx fan myself as you probably followed along and I even went to the extent of trying to contact Dennis DeYoung to get some answers regarding the album and the artwork used (emails and calls went unanswered). My questions though were not originally geared to who created the artwork for the album, but why was the backdrop of a very different theatre used. If you see the references to the pictures I made of the Granada...and I mean the old pictures with the original marquee, you can see that almost the entire Styx album art inspiration draws from the Granada Theatre rather than the Paradise Theatre--including the Marquee (to an extent). Why the Granda and not the Marbro? Well, what you don't see on the album cover is the full layout of the original drawing. I have seen the full layout and the top crest of the building matches that of the Granada Theatre. While similar but slightly larger, the Marbro has a much different crest on it's facade. But the two buildings are very close in design and are sister theatres. So why was this artwork chosen and not artwork of the original Paradise? I really do not know. However, one good guess is that since the drawing DID exist a few years before the conception of the Paradise Theatre album, I started to think that Dennis DeYoung saw this drawing of the Granada first and probably that became the initial trigger for the concept of the Paradise Theatre album, given that at the time, the Granada Theatre was still standing...it would seem more dramatic to do a cover on a theatre that was maliciously destroyed. The only hitch to this theory is that the Marbro theatre was torn down a few years AFTER the Paradise. So it could be that Styx didn't know about the Marbro (highly unlikely)...or perhaps they liked the sound "Paradise" better (highly likely) and did the cover on that theatre yet. Using a pre-existing drawing and having it altered to the use of the album would certainly be cheaper than having a drawing made from scratch. Remember we are talking about pre-computer age here, so many printers didn't have the luxury that we have today with computers. Ok, so another poser...why not just use a picture of the original Paradise? Well, in the 20's there were no color photographs. So the bottom line is that the artworks is very attractive and it does bring across the Golden Era of theatres very well. The album cover is appealing to the masses. Apparently Styx perhaps didn't into account that their fans may also be classic theatre fans and might to research on the real theatre as we all have here. Since these fans would be so few in comparison to the masses, the flak they would take from those people would be minimal. It also seems like the solution is effective too...ignore them rather then explain it. Again this is all speculation on the real reason why artwork representing the Granada Theatre was used and not an acurate representation of the real Paradise Theatre was used. I see that you have taken Jim's advice and ordered the annuals on the Paradise, Marbro, and Granada theatres. I have these documents myself and you will NOT be disappointed. While the pictures are B&W, they are of astounding quality. The proscenium in the Paradise Theatre is and probably will always be my favorite. Nothing compares to it. Also The Paradise is a prime example of an Atmospheric Theatre at it's best. The Paradise does share a relative that still stands here in NY. It is of the same creator (John Eberson) and also the same name. While an Atomospheric itself, it is very different inside. However, it has been recently restored and is breathtaking. The theatre is the Loew's Paradise right here in the Bronx (NY). You should get the annual for that theatre too. Unlike the Chicago Paradise, Marbro, and Granada...this one you can still visit and see in all it's glory.

JG

Thanks for the info Geo1. It is possible that Addison worked for Willardson and White, Inc. and drew the original picture. The link I referred to above looked like advertising and not the original album cover. However, if you look at the album, on the lower right hand side, under the Marquee, Hopkins name is on the drawing.
I'm thinking maybe Addison drew the original and Hopkins drew the album cover when it was released.
P.S. Thanks for verifying that the THS Annuals are worth the money. I can't wait to receive them. Can you tell me which Annual has the Paradise in NY?

That ANNUAL is No.2, from 1975, and is "THE Paradise, Bronx, NY" and is listed on their site's Link on their front page at: www.historictheatres.org under either ANNUALS or BACK ISSUES. You may find in that back issues list other theatres of interest. Some of the ANNUALS and Marquees do have latter day color photos, but they usually are of 'restorations' of a sort, rarely including the lavish draperies, unfortunately, such as you will see in black and white in the original Paradise photos. A suggeston to all: if any title on that list sounds interesting, don't hesistate to order it, since once they go Out-of-Print, it is seldom that they are reprinted due to the high costs involved. Some titles, such as "Grand Drapes, Tormentors, and Teasers" (types of stage draperies) (#10 from 1983) and "Pictorial History of Marquees" (#7, 1980) contain photos of dozens of theatres across the nation, and are therefore a good way tomlearn if you want to know more about an individual place. The "Grand Drapes" one even comes with a fold-out professional Drawing showing how these 3,000-pound extravaganzas were planned. The photos in this ANNUAL are not just of draperies, but of entire auditoriums.

For those who would like to make a collection of ANNUALS there are Albums to store them archivally (acid-free) from such as www,lightimpressionsdirect.com Their "Panoramic Albumn" #9236 is of the proper 'Long' format: http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/servlet/OnlineShopping;jsessionid=619D1DBFAA337668148C63AB11036583?ACTN=80000&searchtype=all&keyword=9236&Search.x=0&Search.y=0
Their "Scrapbook Page" for this Albumn, #9216, will enclose one or two entire ANNUALS away from air, light and dust:
http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/servlet/OnlineShopping?DSP=50000&PCR=30000:100000:104000:104100&IID=9216

The Society has many thousands of photos that have never been published and virtually all their photos are available as 8x10 prints for you; write or E-mail them with your subject of interest and eventually a volunteer there will get back to you with what is available. See the details on their site under ARCHIVE-- "Photograph and Slide Reproduction."

Hello MARY L

I cannot find the original site, but this also should give you a clue:

http://www.theartsource.com/thread.cfm?threadid=93&messages=32

Click on this and do a browser search for "Robert Addison Paradise Theatre". I am right now looking at the CD of the Styx Paradise Theatre album cover and it is very small, but for some reason I homed in the spot right above the last poster case. There is a name there that I can barely make out. Shoot! I have the original record album at my parents house. Another way to get to the bottom of this is contact Hopkins...see what he says. Maybe he can also shed some light on why the Paradise Theatre concept album used the facade of the Granada. But it is a good thing that you did find that picture on Hopkin's site. While it is still not the whole picture, it does clearly show the pediment on top and it is clearly Granada inspired. This is getting really interesting and I think it may be a good idea to contact Hopkins. As you pointed out...it is clearly his name on the piece. I have noticed on the Addison reference they also mention the Paradise Ballroom. There WAS a real Paradise Ballroom and it was owned by the same people that created the Paradise Theatre. I am wondering if there was a mix up on the auction site and they referenced the picture of the Paradise Theatre rather than the Paradise Ballroom. Still the one poster in that link I gave you mentions he has the 1977 Piece labeled Paradise Theatre. So if it is indeed Hopkin's work, his signature would be on it. This is peculiar. I think next order of business is to contact Hopkins, since Addison is no longer living.

Oh! If you are ever in NY, you must check out the Paradise Theatre in the Bronx. Also Indiana has a beautiful John Eberson creation, the Indiana Theatre in Terre Haute. The whole facade is built on a curve (it is a corner theatre). It is a gorgous building and in my opinion one of Eberson's best facades.

Here take a look see: http://cinematreasures.org/theater/1677/ It has been restored, but unfortunately no longer carries it's original sign.



Well I am off,

JG

Geo 1, I'm confused by this as well, but I e-mailed Chris Hopkins Art Galleries and if they answer me, I will pass on any information I receive.
Thanks also for the link to the Indiana Theater. We don't get out to Indiana much, (I don't know why, since we are in Illinois), but the next time we get out there, I'll have to go check the Indiana out. It looks beautiful in the pictures, but I'd like to see it first-hand.
Jim Rankin, thanks for the info on the protectors for the annuals, once I receive the annuals, I'll have to order the book.

Hello MARY L

Thank you for doing the follow up on Hopkins. I got a bit side-tracked as I am pretty busy lately. But it is something I am very curious about...especially I would like to confirm or bust my theory on why artwork was chosen based on the Granada theatre. As for the Indiana, I have not seen it personally myself, but it gorgous and probably would be must do for anyone wanting to do a 'theatre crawl' in the area. I myself am looking to buy and run a classic theatre myself for the use of live shows and performing arts. I owe those dreams and inspirations to the Paradise Theatre album. Growing up in NY suburbia in the 70's and 80's as a kid, I was never exposed to beautiful theatres like the Paradise. So when I first picked up Styx's 'new album' in 1980, my jaw dropped when I first saw the picture on the album cover. So that kind of started it. Watching the movie "The Majestic" didn't help matters either. It was only recently that I found out about the Granada and all the other beautiful Chicago Theatres that were torn down. Then of course you probably heard of NY's grand-daddy of a theatre, The Roxy, which was also demolished. The Loews Paradise is a fine restored example of these golden era theatres. But one I am still rooting for and hopefully it does get fully restored is the Chicago Uptown. The Uptown is huge, physically larger than Radio City Music Hall (it has much less seating capcity though)and very much eleborate like The Roxy. Even in it's unrestored state, the Uptown is a beauty to behold. But my favorite will always be the Chicago Paradise. When you get the Annual and see the expanded shot of the proscenium, you will see what I am talking about.

Oh, OK, I can't have you busting at the seams...here is a teaser:

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~cap/PALACE/avalon1.jpg

Have a good day!
JG

Geo1 and everyone else:
I have heard from Chris Hopkins and am going to attempt to copy his e-mail here, as it is long and detailed and I don't want to mess it up.

Mary,
I am truly amazed at this inquiry. It seems that I painted the Styx
Paradise Theater album cover art an eternity ago. I was 25 years old
and fresh out of art school. Paradise Theater was one of my first jobs.
I was working as an illustrator for an illustration/design firm called
Willardson and White. At that time A and M records was a steady client.
My self and another illustrator (Mick McGinty) would do all of the
illustration work and almost all of the design work. While a movie
poster campaign for Flash Gordon went to Mick, the entire campaign for
Styx Paradise Theater came to me. The project involved not only album
cover art front and back, but also inside art, 45 sleeve art, the
record label art, the round art in the middle of the LP ( which would
subsequently be used as a lazer etching on the LP vinyl). The
lettering and boarder front and back had to be designed and painted as
well as designs and paintings for the outdoor boards. I designed the
cover art in a way that could be altered and used as a 36"x48" poster
as well as a 12"x12" album sleeve (there is much more of the building
in the original art and printed posters) . I painted this project back
in 1980 ( or 81) I apologize as this was so long ago and so very many
paintings ago. I vaguely remember getting a stack of reference on how
the band wanted the feeling of the concept to proceed. I was working
with Chuch Beeson who was art director at A and M at the time, I was
also working with Derek Sutton who was managing Styx. I am sorry and
embarrassed to admit that I am not familiar with Robert Addison nor do
I know anything of the Granada Theater. I was a young man from the
pacific northwest working in Los Angeles with absolutely no reference
to the Chicago area. I was simply given a stack of reference and told
of the attitude of the concept and proceeded accordingly. If samples of
Mr. Addison's work or photos of the old Paradise theater, as well as
other classic theaters were included in that stack... well I just do
not remember as it was 26 or 27 years ago. It is also important to
remember that the band was seeking a feeling or an artistic statement
rather than an exact architectural rendering of a specific structure in
which case I would have been the wrong person for the job. I remember
having fun designing a building facade( based on reference) and all the
gargoyles and the one sheet marquees on the front of the theater. I
remember the band requesting that I put a number 10 above the ticket
window (I think It may have been their 10th album however I'm not
entirely sure of it's significance). They also asked me to design a
one sheet poster marquee for the dilapidated back cover art, "Sparky
The Flying Dog". I was never really aware it's significance. I had my
friend Ted Witus design a black and white solution of the Paradise
Theater marquee which I incorporated and translated to color and
dimension. Ted was one of the leading title designers in Hollywood at
the time designing movie titles for:" Raiders of the Lost Arc", "The
Natural" and a great many others. It was my decision to paint the
figures and vehicles on the front art in a deco style as I felt it
would contribute to the feel and period of the concept. It seems that
the art went over well as A and M printed the art as a limited edition
print minus the title lettering on high quality paper ( an addition of
500 I think, I assume those must be worth something I know that I must
have a few artist's proofs stashed away some where for a rainy day) The
art was also a finalist for a grammy award in the category of "Album
Packaging Design".
I have been intending to delete the Paradise Theater art from my web
site as it was created so long ago and I believe that my painting
skills have improved drastically. But as it turns out yours is not the
only inquiry as of late. I suppose I'll delay it's removal for a little
while longer.
Thank you Mary for this trip down memory lane,
Should you have any more questions feel free to ask,

Chris

This answers some of the questions on the artwork, but doesn't answer why Styx didn't use the Paradise for the cover. Since Dennis DeYoung didn't answer you back, Geo 1, we may never know. However, at least we got some information on the artwork and in the process made Chris Hopkins' day by letting him know we were admiring his artwork.

Hello MARY L

WOW, that is incredible that you heard from Chris Hopkins so fast! What I am amazed at is that he doesn't have much recollection of the source of his inspiration to create the album cover. What more is that he says that he has no prior knowledge of the Granada Theatre AND he is not from Chicago. So that still does leave the Robert Addison situation. While I was hoping there was some on-line mix up...I am beginning to think that there were TWO artists. Hopkins, who did the final work for the album cover and Addison, who did the original drawing in the first place. Now I am really starting to believe my theory even more. Dennis DeYoung must have been inspired by Addison's work and perhaps secured permission to duplicate it for his Paradise Theatre album cover. The drawing must have been presented to Hopkins and he made his creation from there. NOW I went back to the small drawing I have which is labeled "1977 Addison Paradise Theatre" and compared it to Hopkins'work. Guess what? It is different...but very slightly.

I just now emailed Hopkins myself and forwarded that drawing to him and I am going to see if he recognizes it. The next step is I am hoping he might know someone that could shed some light on the truth. You know that I come to realize that I been hung up on this for over 25 years now (off and on). I was 11 years old when I got that album! Ouch! Makes one feel old!

JG

Hello All,

On a different note...can anyone identify THIS Paradise Theatre?

http://widget.ecn.purdue.edu/~mlynarik/Capital_One_Bowl/Paradise%20Theater,%20NY.jpg

JG

It looks fake Geo, like it is on Main Street at Disneyworld.

Question for someone regarding atmospheric theatres: back in the day did they leave the stars and decorative lights on all the way through the show? Some of the restored atmospheric theatres I have visited in the modern era turn all of that stuff off just before the show begins. Actually the same goes for restored hard top theatres. I have been to shows where the colored lighting is totally turned off as the curtain opens. Is this the way it was in the glory days or did they turn the lights down to something less distracting, like blue? What was the standard practice? And how did that change during the years of decline (50's onward)?

According to a few accounts from the 20s, they left the stars 'on' during the show along with dimmed-down blue horizon lights. The brighter amber or white lighting in the facades along the walls and such, were turned almost 'off' until intermission, and then back to full as also during overtures, stage acts, etc. This is partially how the electrician-stage hands earned their wages. They were proud to show off their lighting effects back then when they had thousands of admissions daily to pay for all that.

In our day, there are rarely any stage hands aside from those brought in for individual shows, so most lighting is automated with the projectors which often just turn out the lights rather than dim them which requires more expense in equipment.

What happened in the "glory days" is described on page 200 of "The Best Remaining Seats" by the late Ben M. Hall thusly: "Remember how the curtains used to start closing as the picture unreeled the final embreace, so that "The End" was projected on the rippling velour? And how the colored spotlights from the sides of the proscenium used to play across the curtains as the footlights faded up from purple to violet to red to orange and their final golden burst, making the fringe and the rhinestone butterflies sparkle? This spelled out real CLASS, and when you saw it, you knew now something marvelous was about to take place."

We've come a long way from those "glory days" and into a day without showmanship, where the sole concern is *profits* and 'to-hell-with-the-public.' From the '50s onward, the greedy salivation for profits coupled with the far smaller audiences now living in suburbia, meant there was no more time for niceties of exhibition, only a race to send off the daily box office report to distant accountants as the everyone raced out the door of the shoe-box multiplexes to commute home. There was no more neighborhood, no more artists on any stage, and managements trained in MBAs rather than as Showmen. As Ben Hall so well put it in his closing chapter, They had changed from Empressarios to candy salesmen!

Hello LIFE'S TOO SHORT

Actually I think the picture I posted above for that 'rogue' Paradise Theatre is very real. Why? Look at the road. Would Disneyworld have a double yellow line a crosswalk and a traffic light? Nope, this is definately a working intersection. BTW, this is Disneyworld Main Street:

http://www.diggersrealm.com/mt/archives/crosscountry2005/disney_main_street-thumb.jpg

Also for the most part the building 'looks' open for business. I checked with all the Cinema Treasure's theatres under the name Paradise. Thankfully there were only a few and I know half of them. But I never came across this one before. So I do not think it is fake. The big bummer is that I cannot make out the name on the second building to the left. Knowing that could help identify where this theater is located. For one...this Paradise looks like a beauty and I would like to see the inside. Moreover, I would like to see the whole town. If you notice the back street has buildings of the same type and era. So I am gathering that this is probably a small town someplace. As for atmospherics...I would LOVE to get one. There was one in Beaver Falls, PA that I took an interest in...and believe it or not, it was The Granada. It was VERY Ebersonian in style, but it was not one of Eberson's masterpieces. Alas the theatre required too much work and I had to forgo it as a contender.

JIM I know exactly what you mean by the 'downgrading' the showmanship side of theatre nowadays. I too remembered a theatre by me, The Deer Park theatre, that used to have a gorgous horizontally rippled curtain that lifted straight up on cable pulls (the same way Radio City does it) and it raised for each movie and then lowered at the end. It even had the lights on the bottom of the stage that lit up the curtain from the front in hue of oranges and ambers. Very very nice. But as time went on, they only raised the curtain on the first show and lowered it on the last of of the day. Eventually for a short time they changed hands and they stopped using it altogether and left it open. They stopped using the pretty lights too. It wasn't long after that before the theatre closed for good. The theatre wasn't torn down, but was 'absorbed' by a Marshall's clothing store that moved in next to the theatre. Today it is a Sears hardware store. But if you go around to the back of the Sears, you can clearly see that the left side of the Sears store was a movie theatre.

I am hoping to restore much of the 'pre-entertainment' side of things when I do find my 'dream theatre'. I would like Butterfly Curtains if possible and I would put the small lamps in front of the curtain very much in a similar way as to the old Deer Park Theatre I remember.

With today's rising gas prices, people need more reasons to get up and go to the theatre. Just showing ad slides and a bunch of pre-views in ones face is NOT entertaining. Nor are these new bland monochromatic auditoriums. Something enticing when you walk in and to before the show starts is mandatory. I do remember 'back in the day', my mom said she used to go to Radio City and said that they used to show a Cartoon, a feature film, AND a short live act. You were in the theatre for just about the WHOLE day. Now THATS entertaining.

Speaking of entertaining, has anyone seen the Loews Paradise lately? OH....MY...GOD...! This is definately one of the "Die-go to heaven" type theatres.

JG

Geo 1,
I don't recognize that theater either, but you're right, it must be from a small town. A bigger town would have taller buildings.
Keep us informed if Chris Hopkins gets back to you on your drawing also. I'd like to know if he recognizes it.
Mary

That Paradise Theatre is located at Universal Studios Florida. It is a take-off on the Times Square Paramount facade and marquee.

LIFE'S TOO SHORT!
From what I remember as a kid-in-tow-by-mommie at the Jamaica Valencia, the stars and clouds were fired up, twinkled, and floated across that marvelous plaster firmament from the morning opening of the house 'till the late show closing curtain.

Hello:

LIFES TOO SHORT --LOL, it is funny that you mention the Valencia...that was my mom's 'other' favorite theatre.

JAZZLAND-- Well, I guess LIFES TOO SHORT wasn't too far off then. I guess it must be situation on the outside of the complex then as that does look like a working street intersection and nothing that is in a park. But I never been to Universal, so I could be very much wrong on that count.

MARY L-- YIPPEE! Chris Hopkins just got back to me with exciting news! I showed him the pictures of the original Paradise, and both the Granada and Marbro Theatres. He was totally amazed that his drawing represented actually buildings that really existed (Granada & Marbro). Then I sent him the small copy of Addison's drawing I had. Chris said when he saw that little picture, it hit him like a ton of bricks! He remember that it was that picture which was given to him by Derrick Sutton, Styx's manager at the time. So it is coming around as I theorized! So now the last thing to do is to contact Sutton. Once that last piece is in place I would have finally come full circle on a question that has been nagging me for close to 25 years! (off and on of course).

JG

Geo 1,
I received a cc copy of Chris Hopkins e-mail he sent to you as well, and it appears you are right. Thankfully, you had those pictures to send to him. I'm also glad we contacted him now, so he won't take the print off of his website.
It's kind of funny, how inspired a bunch of us were some 25 years ago to find out more about the Paradise Theater because of an album cover, and how much we all have found out about other theaters in the past few months, especially because of the cover not representing the actual theater.
Please keep us informed if you find Derrick Sutton, or if you want me to try, let me know.
Mary

Hello MARY L

I kind of figured that Chris would have CC'ed you as well. Yeah, I just can't believe I had one piece of the puzzle under my nose all along. I remember Hopkins' name on the back of the album cover, but back in the day there were no home computers, so following up on a lead like that was difficult. But I was foolish for not going back to that lead myself. Even on my CD copy it does mention Hopkins and his organization. Well, as they say two heads are better than one and apparently we attacked this from both angles and met in the middle. At first when I recalled Hopkins when you mentioned him that there must have been some mix up on my end with Addison. But then I had TWO different references to the same piece with one claiming to own the original art work. Then when Hopkins mentioned that he had no prior knowledge of the Chicago theatres...then the cat was out of the bag. I then examined both pieces and realized that while similar, they were very different, especially in the Marquee Area. Hopkins basically custome tailored Addison's work for the Album. So we were both right. It was great when Hopkings said is memory was jarred into place when he saw that picture. I would like to show everyone the original picture... but one it is small and hard to make out and two, I don't know how to upload the photo here. BUT what you can do is do a Yahoo IMAGE search for Paradise Theatre (spelled this way) go in to page 5 and look for a small picture of what resembles the rear cover of the Styx album. If you click on the picture you will be taken to that auction site I mentioned above, BUT here is the kicker, the picture doesn't show up there. So all this time I only have the thumbnail from the image search. An alternative is you could also give me your email address and I can mail you the little picture.

I emailed Derek Sutton (sorry misspelled it up there) this afternoon. I am crossing my fingers that he does respond soon. Music people usually have tight schedules and I am hoping that he does come through, so I think bombarding him with two similar emails may not be a good idea. I tell you I must have sent 5 letters, twice as many emails, and several phone calls trying to get in contact with Dennis DeYoung over the years. I guess I was ignored because I am sure he has been bombarded by that question quite a few times. I just can't believe after all this time it is FINALLY coming together and hopefully soon I will be able to complete this project.

Mary, it seems like we make a good team on this project. I just got an idea. Maybe Dennis DeYoung would respond to you.

Here is his website http://dennisdeyoung.com ...AND you are not going to believe what he has on his homepage!

Off I go!

JG

Satellite image seems to suggest some sort of industrial use for the property currently:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=231%20N.%20Pulaski%20Road%2C%20Chicago%2C%20IL%2060624%20United%20States&hl=en

I wonder if they excavated the basement when the supermarket was removed.

I was there--not once but many times--as a child and as a teenager. I have written about it in my book, THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD: MEMORIES OF A CHICAGO CHILDHOOD, 1942 TO 1952. Here is an excerpt:
Notify me when someone replies to my comment? Note: Cinema Treasures is not affiliated with PWhen I was quite young, my mother took me one afternoon to the Paradise Theatre on Pulaski Road, about a mile’s walk from our apartment. The Paradise lived up to its name. Built a year before the advent of talking pictures, the huge structure was embellished everywhere with pseudo?classical paintings and statues of gods, goddesses, cupids, angels, and other quasidivine apparitions. This heavenly host wore little other than a few strands of drapery and strategically placed fig leaves. The ceiling was ablaze with tiny stars. The half?bright house lights were left on between shows so that every detail of the theater could be savored.
The scale of everything was palatial. The labyrinthine lower floors, where the rest rooms were hidden, contained a room marked “Menagerie,” containing wondrous mechanical animals on which to ride. The Menagerie was a day care facility where mothers once left their disinterested toddlers during the shows. Unfortunately, my mother explained, the wartime “labor shortage” had forced the theater to close this attraction—never to reopen. (The wonderfully equipped and competently staffed nursery at Marshall Field’s Loop store had also been closed for the same reason.) For years, the beckoning lions and tigers waited secure behind a locked grating—frustratingly in view but always just out of touch.
Strolling about outside the Paradise was almost as interesting as being inside. Next door was my favorite?in?the-whole?world popcorn and candy store. Across the street was Carl Stockholm’s dry cleaning plant and store. Carl, a former champion bicyclist, was some sort of local hero, and the symbol of his store, an animated abstract logo of a man furiously peddling a cycle held my fascinated interest. Nearby was a marvelously stocked toy store—a rare emporium at a time when most toys were sold at department stores and five and dimes. If one walked down the street or across the street and looked back at the Paradise, the blinking lights of its massive marquee deluded one into seeing animated black and white boxes running eternally around its periphery.

Life's too Short,
I was wondering about the basement also. If it's still there, (and anyone took care of it), that would be interesting to see what's down there. Of course, from what I've read above, the neighborhood would have to turn around in order for me to go and look.
Geo 1,
I linked on Dennis DeYoung's website and I laughed! This explains Chris Hopkins' question as to they insisted "Sparky the Flying Dog" be put on the album cover. I've e-mailed Chris with the website address to look at, if he's interested.
I've also e-mailed Dennis DeYoung, and maybe he or someone who works for him will get back to me, but maybe not. If they do, I'll let you know. I would think that with his website promoting the 25th anniversary of the Paradise Theater album, he would either answer one of us, or send us a link to his website letting us know the answer is posted there.
I'm glad you got in contact with Derek Sutton, it's been a crazy day for me and this was the first time I could get to my computer today.
Lowell Streiker,
That excerpt is very detailed and I could almost picture it in my head. I say almost because I have never seen the inside of the Paradise, and I can't order my Annual from THSA until Thursday, so I'll have to wait for it to come to see the pictures. However, I could imagine the frustration of seeing the Merri-Go-Round, but never being able to ride on it, or even touch it.

Hello MARY L

I have not emailed Dennis DeYoung recently and so far Derek Sutton has not answered my email. I just found and emailed him, but we will see. I will give it a few more days. Yeah, I figured you would get a kick out of the front page on Dennis DeYoung's site. I dunno, maybe I will try him again.

Oh yeah! When you do get the annual you will see the room with the carousel and other play items. I couldn't believe that when I first saw it. In addition to my theatre dream I always wanted to get an antique carousel as well so naturally I reasoned why not have both. So when I started to look for a theatre I did hope to find one with a store front in which I could house the carousel and a few games in a building next to the theatre. I would punch a hole through the wall into the lobby so this way the carousel 'room' could be accessed through the theatre's lobby. So naturally I was really taken back when I saw that picture in the Paradise annual. Someone beat me to my idea and it was the Paradise no less! Unbelieveable.

As far as the basement of the Paradise is concerned, I consulted my annual. They built the supermarket right on top of the Paradise's basement and even retained the original lobby floor. So at that point the lounges and playroom probably still existed. However, I would believe that it has been filled in by now. If not there wouldn't be much to look at. The supermarket burned in 70's and the basements filled with water.
There is also a cool arial shot of the Chicago West Side in the annual and it shows the Paradise Theatre, The Paradise Ballroom and even the Marbro Theatre. It is amazing how close these buildings are to each other. Anyway, I looked at the location of the Paradise using LIFES TOO SHORT's satellite image. I tried to match building for building the area where these theatres were located in relation to each other. If you home in to street level on that satellite photo, scroll down a bit from the Paradise's site until you find a road with a chicane (s curve) in it. Now scroll left one block by the parking lot(oh that parking lot IS there in the old photo) and now scroll down one block. You will see a building with a red mansard roof then next to it across the street you will see a building in the center of a small parking lot. THAT was where the Marbro was located. Now here is the kicker all the buildings to the left of the Marbro on that block were there when the Marbro still existed. GREAT! Keep the bland office builings, tear down the beautiful theatre!

Here is the Marbro's reference point in case you didn't get to it right.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4110%20W.%20Madison%20Street%2C%20Chicago%2C%20IL%2060624%20United%20States&hl=en

JG

It is a bummer. But what is to be done with a movie palace in the middle of the ghetto? The one that was restored (Avalon) is now shuttered again. Future uncertain.

Hello LIFE'S TOO SHORT

I was being faciscous with my remark up there. I know very well that the Chicago West Side is not what it used to be and none of the Chicago Golden Age Theatres would work out there today. I also know it is very difficult to get and keep a large theatre in operation in general. This is why I am very concerned for the very big theatres like the Uptown. Right now I am looking in to possible purchase of a 900 seat theatre and it is much bigger than what I was looking for. But it is a nice place. It is such a hard building to pass up on so I am going the extra mile to ensure that I can keep it open should I buy it. So I do know what you mean and it is a constant struggle. The artistic side of me is always fighting with the business reality. But for me, if this works, I for one can save a classic theatre and that would be a tremendous achievement in my life. It isn't the Uptown, but for me it is enough. By the way, I meant to ask you. Do you have a theatre of your own? I been following your posts carefully and you seem to know quite a bit about the industry.

JG

I am not a theatre owner. My background comes from the fact that I am related to architects who made their living designing theatres in the 20's. You mentioned Chicago's Uptown, which happens to be one of them. I have been surrounded by the business since I was a little kid. I wouldn't say that I know all that much. But I enjoy Cinema Treasures because it is an outlet for the information I have built up over the years. Hopefully it is useful to someone out there.

Good luck with your project. You will succeed if you work hard and keep it real. It is a tough business. But then all business is tough business in one way or another.

Hello LIFE'S TOO SHORT

So you are decendant from the Rapp family huh? I guess that does explain quite a bit. Yes, I guess all business's have their rosy parts and not so rosy parts. I have ran business's before, but this is the first one starting from the ground up, so it is pretty scary too. But if it does work, the reward would be tremendous.

JG

Hello LIFE'S TOO SHORT

Just for the record, I pulled up the Uptown Satellite.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4816%20North%20Broadway%2C%20Chicago%2C%20IL%2060640%20United%20States&hl=en

My God the that place IS big. It takes up the whole block!

Just how are you related to them?

My grandfather was last to operate the firm, closing it upon his retirement in the 60's. My mother and two uncles all opted for other paths in life.

From an interview with Chuck Panozzo from Styx: "I saw a serigraph of the Paradise Theatre in an art gallery, and I bought it and showed it to the art department of A&M, and they came up with the album cover. Jeff Ayeroff was a fan of the band's, and he's gone on to bigger and greater things. He was head of the art department at A&M at the time. He loved when I showed him the Paradise Theater picture, he just loved it. We were the biggest thing on A&M Records at that time, so you get the nice packaging at that time."

Hello All, MARY L

As you know I been making progress with the help of MARY L in regards to the origins of the artwork and conception of the Styx Paradise Theatre Album. Well today I can finally say that the saga finally comes to an end.

Derek Sutton, Styx's past manager finally contacted me with the answer to my question. Here it is:

<<Dennis was reading a book about old theaters
there were a lot of pictures, showing the palaces
in their haydays.

Somehow he saw a line drawing of the Granada sadly
unrestored.

That lead to a series of discussions with album artists

Which lead to the cover.

hope this helps


Derek Sutton>>

Beardbear31 also made an interjection above that confirms this. In addition the seriograph (picture in question) was labeled Paradise Theatre...even though it was the Granada. So it was Robert Addison that misnamed the print. Perhaps accidently, perhaps on purpose. But the fact is that his drawing is named Paradise Theatre. So Styx saw the Robert Addison drawing, liked it and brought it to the attention of their manager and A & M records. A & M records commissioned Chris Hopkins to 'refine' the Addison drawing to work with Styx's Album Concept, and the rest is history. BAM! Case Closed!

Finally after so long I have my answer. Ahhh.

The nice cherry on the cake would be to finally talk to Dennis DeYoung. I always wanted to me him. In my pre-teen years Styx was my favorite band for the longest time.

So there you have it.

Special thanks goes to MARY L for the key to solving this.
Thanks to Chris Hopkins and Derek Sutton for the facts.
Thanks to Beardbear31 for the confirmation.

Enjoy the theatre and enjoy the album...in fact I am going to pop it in now to celebrate I havn't listened to it in a while.

JG

ANSWER TO WHY THE STYX PARADISE THEATRE ALBUM IS ACTUALLY AN ARTIST'S RENDERING OF THE CHICAGO GRANADA THEATRE.

PLEASE READ ABOVE POSTS BY MARY L, BEARDBEAR31, AND MYSELF GEO1 STARTING FROM JULY 21, 2006 ABOVE... ENJOY!!!

Geo 1 and Beardbear,
Thanks for your help in solving this mystery. I'm glad I was aable to help out also.
Geo 1, I haven't heard from Dennis DeYoung either, so apparently he doesn't want to answer our question, (or maybe he's just tired of hearing it).
I sent my check off for the Annuals yesterday, so hopefully I'll receive them soon. I can't wait to see the beautiful pictures everyone is talking about, especially the carousel.
Jim Rankin, thanks again for bringing the Annuals to my attention.
Mary L.

Hello MARY-L

I think when it comes to Dennis DeYoung, contact with a 'higher authority figure' may be in order. But it could be also as you said and what I said before that perhaps we are not the only ones to ask this question. Well, it is posted here now and it is fully documented as to the reason why Styx chose art work based on the Granada rather than the Paradise Theatre. Mostly it was a mislabeled drawing and I wouldn't be surprised that while Styx did some homework on the theatre, it could possibly be that they didn't get a picture of the real building until production was well under way for the album cover. But of course that would be another story. You WILL enjoy the annuals. They are the best sources of information on old theatres. Which ones did you get besides the Paradise? I am going to put an order in again for another batch of annuals because I want to get one for the Uptown, The Loews Valencia, and The Roxy. Oh! As far as that children's room carousel...don't get your hopes up. It is not a big flashy light bulb encrusted carousel that you would normally expect from that era. The entire room was scarcely larger than a large living room in a present day home. The carousel probably had seating for more than 8 - 12 kids. It was just a simple wooden platform with a hand rail and really nicely carved wooden carousel animals. But no big fancy canopy, no fancy lighting. There is also a cool slide that is in the shape of an elephant as well. There are a few hobby horses, rocking horses and of course blocks balls, and tops (no bottoms, that toy hasn't been invented yet). The room is fairly bland in comparison to the rest of the theatre. Clearly the room was designed more in terms of function rather than form. Don't forget back in the day a theatre that even offered an ammenity like this stood out. After all that was what the whole concept behind the Paradise was. This theatre was designed to severely crush the competition, in many aspects it could have very well done that, if it wasn't for the fact that a severe acoustic problem reared it's ugly head as only a year later talking films were introduced. Well so there you have it the answer to a 25 year old question of mine.

JIM RANKIN Does the THS have an annual for the Radio City Music Hall?

Have a good day!

JG

No, THSA does NOT have an ANNUAL about the Music Hall, though it was the subject of more than one major MARQUEE article, and you can find a listing of all ANNUALS and major articles in MARQUEE under the link Back Issues on their front page at: www.historictheatres.org The Music Hall's web site does have a nice and colorful booklet about it for sale and there is at least one hardbound book about it at Amazon.

Also, there are no ANNUALS on the Roxy or the Valencia either, though both have had major articles in MARQUEE, some of which are still available. (They can't cover every theatre, and it is quite expensive to produce them, so if you really want one on a theatre, volunteer to do the reseach and write up a treatment of it, and likely they already have enough photos.)

Life’s too short, the question that you posed on July 23 about the house lighting in movie palaces is right down my alley. As a student for the past thirty-one years, of how the designers of these great theatres designed the lighting, I can assure you that the stars, clouds, and accent lighting was left on during the show. In most all movie palaces all of the coves in the auditorium were wired with at least three circuits for three different colors of lights. Up to one third of the control board backstage was for house light control. All of this was so the lighting could be part of the show.

So what happened? Jim Rankin hit the nail on the head as to why they were not used in the later years. Although there were exceptions because of stagehands or maintenance people that cared enough to keep the stars lit. I was at the Fox in Atlanta in January of 1975 for what was to be the last movie ever as the theatre was to be destroyed six weeks later. This was the first time I had seen an atmospheric theatre, and all of the stars and clouds were working during the movie. This was the beginning of my love for movie palaces.

So what about the restored palaces of today? There are a couple of reasons why the decorative lighting is not used. For the theatres that went through major restoration in the eighties and nineties, the multiple circuits of cove lighting were reduced to one circuit of white light for budget reasons. In many cases the house light control is a four button station with the choice of full on, two-thirds, half, or off. Some theatres that have been restored in the past few years have used the new LED technology in the former lighting coves. This gives a lighting designer an unlimited choice of colors that make the auditoriums come alive in ways that the original designers could only dream about. But unless the stage electrician is instructed to use decorative lighting as “running lights”, when the show starts most of the time they just turn them off.
Another reason why you do not see any stars or accent lighting during a live show is because the show artistic directors will not allow it. In today's academic theatre, directors do not want anything to take attention away from the stage. This is the same thinking that has destroyed the auditoriums of some palaces in the misguided notion of making them more suitable for live theatre.

Fortunately things are starting to change. Theatres that have invested in the LEDs hire technicians who know how to creatively use them. The Tennessee Theatre where I am the Technical Director, installed the LED lighting during our past restoration and the house lighting IS part of the show. House lights do not just go out, they transition from amber, to red, to blue, to a low level of accent lighting just like they did in the “Golden Days”. And for those directors who want all the lights out, I point out that if some dim lighting can draw attention away from their show, then they have bigger problems then the lights. Case Closed!

Hello JIM RANKIN,

Oh, I probably mixed them up them, perhaps I ment Marquee. I know there was something you had on the Valencia and Roxy. I know I didn't see anything on Radio City. WOW, that would be an incredible task to right up an annual for the THS. I would more than love to do it, given that I do have a knack for finding things out. The only thing right now is that I already have too many eggs boiling in the pot. As you may know I AM in the midst of looking for a theatre to buy myself and with all the business planning, it does take up most of my days. So if I were to do something, it would have to wait.

TNTIM, I know what you mean about certain house accents designed to be on for the show. I have been in a few theatres that have cove lighting and usually during a show, they go to a dim dark blue and stay that way. The theatres look beautiful. Yet another theatre, one I am considering for purchase, has murals and they stay lit during the show, albeit dimmer. So 'art' lighting is not quite dead yet! But I am glad to see that it is making a comeback. As for atmospherics, it was this theatre, the Paradise that started it for me. I have completely fallen in love with the atmospheric style. There was one beautiful one that I wanted to get a hold of, the Beaver Falls Granada. However, it is a theatre that was butchered terribly and also has a roof problem...a serious roof problem. There is some water damage. But unfortunately I do not have the funds to restore AND then start a business at that location. Moreover, I seriously doubt the town would support a 1600 seat auditorium with only parking in the town for half of them. So I abandoned that project. Bottom line is that whatever building I get, I would most definately look into house lighting accents. Restoring beauty to an old theatre is what will set it appart from the the new stale stadium seating boxes. People do take to this very well, especially if the theatre is competatively prices. But even so, if the pricing were the same and the same movie was playing at a local multi-plex AND at an older theatre or even a Drive-In, people would pick these types of theatres over the multiplex. So that is proof that things are changing and I take it as a good sign. So I feel this is a good time to get into the theatre business and do what I always dreamed of.

JG

Geo 1, Thanks for your warning on the picture of the Pardise Carousel. Although I didn't expect it to be big, I thought there might be a few lights on it, (although I didn't expect anything like a Six Flags Carousel).
I still can't wait to see the picture of it though. I ordered the 1977 Paradise Annual and the 1999 which has the Marboro and Granada in it. Since I don't work in the summer, I figured I'd start with these and when I get back to work, I can order more. I'd like to get a Marquee book and look at some of the beautiful Marquees, as well as some of the other theaters.
TNTIM, thank you for information on the house lights. I would like to see a theater that changes the color of lights during the movie or production. I've never seen that done before. Unfortunatly, my husband isn't into older buildings as much as I am, and talking him into going to an older theater isn't easy unless there's a movie he wants to see. I'm hoping the annuals will inspire him. He seems interested in these posts so there is hope.
I grew up going to an older theater to watch movies, (The Des Plaines Theater, in Des Plaines, Il. which is still operating and has a page on this website), so I know how beautiful these buildings can be.
We've also recently taken our daughter to see Dora the Explorer at the Rialto Theater in Joliet, Il, and he commented on the archetecture of that theater. So maybe I can get him to more old theaters in the future???? Then maybe I can see a theater where the lights fade.
Mary

Geo 1, Thanks for your warning on the picture of the Pardise Carousel. Although I didn't expect it to be big, I thought there might be a few lights on it, (although I didn't expect anything like a Six Flags Carousel).
I still can't wait to see the picture of it though. I ordered the 1977 Paradise Annual and the 1999 which has the Marboro and Granada in it. Since I don't work in the summer, I figured I'd start with these and when I get back to work, I can order more. I'd like to get a Marquee book and look at some of the beautiful Marquees, as well as some of the other theaters.
TNTIM, thank you for information on the house lights. I would like to see a theater that changes the color of lights during the movie or production. I've never seen that done before. Unfortunatly, my husband isn't into older buildings as much as I am, and talking him into going to an older theater isn't easy unless there's a movie he wants to see. I'm hoping the annuals will inspire him. He seems interested in these posts so there is hope.
I grew up going to an older theater to watch movies, (The Des Plaines Theater, in Des Plaines, Il. which is still operating and has a page on this website), so I know how beautiful these buildings can be.
We've also recently taken our daughter to see Dora the Explorer at the Rialto Theater in Joliet, Il, and he commented on the archetecture of that theater. So maybe I can get him to more old theaters in the future???? Then maybe I can see a theater where the lights fade.
Mary

Mary L,
My pleasure helping to figure out this mystery! I read through many long interviews with Styx from that point in time, and I guess it finally payed off! That's what we are all here for, helping each other enjoy our favorite movie palaces, and try and answer those difficult questions about them that time has almost erased. Cheers!

Hello MARY L

The carousel is 'unique' in many ways, but I just wanted you not to think of a carousel like you or I would think of at a park from that era. The early 20's not only had it's place with creating beautiful theatres, but also beautiful carousels. The Golden Age for theatres is also the Golden Age for carousels. The carousel in the Paradise was much like the small carousels that you may see at a party mounted to a trailer that someone brings along for guests at a birthday party. It does look mostly made of wood and the animals are nice carvings. But there are no lights or anything really fancy on it.

Glad to hear you are also getting the annuals for the Granada/Marbro theatres. These theatres are just as beautiful as the Paradise. The annuals will definately 'WOW' you.

Sorry to hear that hubby isn't into going to old theatres like yourself. My wife is the same way. She isn't too 'gung-ho' about my theatre project either. True as well, many things she considers fun, I find bore me to death! Touche' I guess. Well, you know the saying, opposites attract :). We do like to see Broadway shows together though when we get a shot to go into the city.

JG

Geo 1,
WOW is right! I received my Annuals and went through them. I can't believe they demolished theaters that were so gorgeous!
To think of all the work that went into these theaters, the statues, the carvings, not to mention the planning...it makes me sick to think these theaters were destroyed.
Of course, when I read in the Paradise Annual, (on page 28) that the painting in the Ladies' Lounge disappeared the first week and was never replaced, I thought "that was an omen, it was just the beginning".
The picture of the kids playroom, Wow. The carousel isn't as grand as we see today, but I think in many ways it's just as beautiful. I wish I could have seen it.
I really wish I could have seen the Paradise, as well as the Marbro and I wish I would have gone to see the Granada. Oh, well, the only thing I can do now is to support the beautiful theaters that still exist.

Mary L-
It is a shame that theaters such as these have been demolished. However, all that spectacular grandeur was not there for altruistic reasons; it was done to make money. Granted, the exhibitors and builders may have had pride in their creations, but it was still centered on the profit motive. Remember, the same firm that built the Paradise had it demolished. And I have argued many times that there never was an expectation that the neighborhood that was home to the Paradise and Marbro theaters would support both of them. The Paradise clearly was built to put the Marks Brothers, who built the Marbro, out of business. Without any question it was competition that made the Paradise as grand as it was. Anyway, as we all know, theater attendance started to decline dramatically in the mid 1950s and thereafter. So the loss of these theaters is our fault. The public stopped going. I attended a few shows at the Paradise in the mid 1950s and you'd be surprised how few people were there. Granted, poor acoustics turned many people to the Marbro, but you'd think people would still have attended the Paradise to marvel at its opulence, right? Such was not the case. These buildings were not generally appreciated for their beauty in the 1940s-1960s like they are today, though many people have fond memories through their rose-colored glasses. We're lucky that so many of them still stand. And you're right, we need to continue to support them if we want them to survive.

Hello MARY-L

I am glad that you are happy with the Annuals, as I figured you would be. They are very worth the cost and the THS has done an excellent job at presenting each and every theatre that they cover. Heh, heh. Yeah I know the carousel is not what one would normally think of. Generally when you think of a carousel this (click on link) pops in one's head!

http://staff.jccc.net/jmerritt/images/AboutMe/TripReports/KennyCarouselPost.jpg

I have seen the Kennywood carousel in person. Trust me it is to die for.

The reason I picked this carousel in particular because it was built around the same time the Paradise was built...1927. This coursel was built by the John Eberson of carousels, William Dentzel. So it is very much possible that Denzel could have carved the horses on that mini carousel for the Paradise.

If you have become attached to old theatres like I have and want to support saving them, do talk with Jim at the THS some more. What I found out from him is that the THS has MANY nice pictures of old theatres that do not have annuals written yet...and really just about anyone with a knack for history and finding information on a theatre could write an annual for the THS. I think if more stories started circulating on standing, but not operating classic theatres, it could inspire more people, like me, that want to buy and bring back a theatre to it's former glory. That is all anyone can do as it is very heart wrenching to see what has become of classic gems such as the Paradise, Marbro, Granada, Roxy and other beautiful theatres. There is alot going on with the Chicago Uptown and I am keeping my fingers crossed for that theatre. Given today's economy and business structure, it is very hard to keep a large theatre in business. The grim reality is that very few theatre's the size of Radio City Music Hall are still in business. They are just way too big. Years ago, when they were built there were no TV's and in some cases no radio. So theatres were a primary source of entertainment. That box that sits in your den with the satellite dish attached to it was the primary distructive that has destroyed both the large theatre industry AND the large amusement park industry of the Roaring 20's. So if you love these theatres (and the amusement parks too) help them out visit them if they are still open or band together to help them reopen.

Oh, lastly, if you are in the Pittsburgh area of PA, DO make sure you visit Kennywood Amusement Park. This is an example of what a 'REAL' traditional amsuement park is all about. They are by far a better alternative to the Six Flags parks. In fact just about all the PA parks have their traditional roots intact, such as Dorney and Hershey. While there, take a good look at the carousels and the artistry involved. VERY similar to these old classic theatres. As they say, they just don't build them like they used to anymore.

SCOTT--You pretty much hit the nail on the head with what I was explaining to Mary with correlating old theatres to old carousels of the same era. What you said is very true of the Carousel makers as well. There were Five huge carousel companies in existance in the 20's and all vied for their piece of the pie by making each carousel larger, fancier, with more lights, more animals. In the end, each carousel was a moving palace in itself. The authenticity and realizm of the carousel animals in addition to it's flashy colors and lighting were designed to touch the imagination of all people and would entice them ride. Notice I said "ALL PEOPLE" rather than just children. Back in the day, the carousel was considered a major park attraction and ride for everyone. They didn't have massive thrill rides prior to the early 20's when most of the beautiful carousels were built. It was only in the late 20's when a roller coaster inventor, John Miller invented something called an 'upstop' that made roller coasters as you come to know them today. So slowly with developement of this invention, the roller coaster replaced the carousel as the park's main attraction.

Unlike the many old theatres which are are still left, there are less than 200 of the once 3000 antique carousels left. So like old theatres carousels do share the same plight and in some cases worse. But the grandest of carousels are, luckily, in the hands of good parks that will be around for quite a while and that really care for these wonderful machines.

So if you love old theatres...do your part in trying to help those that are in need. I know, easier said than done, but the more people that become aware and interested, the better the chances that these old picture palaces will be saved.

JG

"JG"'s sentiments about saving old theatres are commendable, but his advice to talk to me is innacurate. One must approach the Theatre Historical Society directly if one would like to make a proposal to write an ANNUAL on a particular theatre, or sub-topic. While they do have a publication schedule, they will be very encouraging of any serious attempts, and have editors and rewriters that will be of help if desired. Of course, they would make available any relevant photos they have, of course. Do not contact me, but do contact their Ex. Dir., Rich Sklenar, at the address on the bottom of their front page at: www.historictheatres.org

It would be most helpful to click on their link there: BACK ISSUES to first learn what has been covered. For those listed as "Out of Print" note that the major obstacle to reprinting them is money, so if you can make a sizeable donation to that goal, it is possible that one of interest to you will again be available.

Scott,
In my comment on August 5, I was only saying that it is a shame such beauty had to be destroyed. I know when these theaters were built, they were built to attract people to watch the shows that were playing, not to attract people to their archetecture. You should also know that one picture struck me deeply in the Annual for Levy & Klein, (page 36) showing men on scaffolding 100 feet above floor level, working on the ceiling plaster. Those are the workers I was talking about. I know that even in the 1920's companies were only concerned with the bottom line, not the hard work these people did. Seems like some things never change.
Also, in reading earlier posts, I know that in this day and age, theaters like the Paradise, Granada & Marbro wouldn't have lasted in the neighborhood they were built in. It's just heartbreaking to me.
Geo 1,
You are right about the carousel. That link is what my kids were thinking of when I told them about the carousel in the kids' room at the Paradise, and when they saw the picture of the actual carousel, they were disappointed. I, however, loved the carousel.
When I received my Annuals, I also received letters describing what the THS is, a "Partial Description of Archive Holdings", a flyer on the American Movie Palace Museum, and a letter of how to become a volunteer. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer, you can contact Richard Sklenar at the THS.

Hello MARY-L

LOL! Yes, most kids would think of the 'other' style of carousel. I believe I mentioned that I too wanted to combine a theatre with a small entertainment complex that would include an antique carousel. However finding a building that could support that operation is like finding a needle in a haystack. BUT!! There is a glimmer of hope in that I did find a property for sale with some acreage in Vermont this weekend. The property has several buildings and two large barns. One could be made into a theatre and the other into a small entertainment center and I could put a small antique carousel in there.

Im off!

JG

Geo 1,
Keep us informed if the property in Vermont works out. I've never been there but I heard it is a beautiful state.
Mary

Hello MARY-L

Oh yes, it is a beautiful state. I only could imagine what it looks like in the fall when the leaves change color. Anyway, the real estate agent that introduced me to the property also knows of someone that owns a theatre in town, but is not doing anything with it. So I might be able to lease that while I get a game plan going for the property. So that will be cool if that goes down.

JG

Re. the carousel at the late lamented Paradise Theatre. I am enjoying the photo of the playroom in the Annual devoted to the theatre in question. Can anyone tell me: did the carousel actually rotate or was it fixed in place--just a stationery platform with carved figure? --Lowell

Hello LOWELL,

It did rotate. I have seen these carousels before and in fact someone is selling one someplace. I forgot where. While it does rotate, the horses do not go up and down or anything like that. On some old carousels like this there could have been a 'rocking' motion built into a spring mechanism, much like a 'playground pet' type riding animal. The handrails also suggests that the platform rotated as well.

JG

Thanks, JG. I'd like to incorporate your earlier comments on the carousel into my revised version of my book, THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD: MEMORIES OF A CHICAGO CHILDHOOD. How would you like to be cited?

Hello LOWELL

Come again? I don't follow.

JG

Hello LOWELL

Come again? I don't follow.

JG

JG

In your posting of July 29 at 9:07 a.m. you describe the playroom at the Paradise in detail. I would like to quote you in next edition of my book. How would you like to be credited? By name or as Geo1?

Hello LOWELL,

Oh! Ok, Cool! It has been a while since someone wanted to put me in a book. Well, online I am pretty much known as Jukin' Geo. You could use that and put "AKA Geo1 from Cinema Treasures" in parenthesis, since I been hanging out here alot lately. Before you ask, the Jukin' Geo goes way back when I used to do jukebox and antique radio restorations. But lately since I been wanting to follow my dream I been concentrating on larger projects. I have a dual interest in both the theatre AND amusement industries...hence my knowledge on carousels. It is amazing that the roaring 20's was a very artistic time period and not only is this evident in the construction of theatres, but also in amusement devices as well. The 20's produced the most spectacular carousels. Once numbering in the several thousands in the 20's, the number of antique carousels still operating today is less than 200. So like our old Golden Age theatres, we have lost many beautiful carousels and wonderful roller coasters as well.

Here take a look at this:

http://naid.sppsr.ucla.edu/Venice/mapsdocs/images/plp-dentzel.jpg

Fat and Juicy. They just do not make them like this any more. Could you imagine what this carousel would look like in color?

Pardon me while I wipe the foam from my mouth.

JG

I'm guessing this link may not work, but if you go to gettyimages.com and do a search on "theatre" you'll find there is a clip of the Chicago Paradise. It's only about five-seconds long, which is frustratingly brief. There are other theatres there as well, mostly of New York. There's an interior clip of what I think is the Paramount, though it's labelled as the Roxy.

http://creative.gettyimages.com/source/Film/filmresultsmain.aspx?source=quickSearchFilm&txtSearch=42nd+street&brand=14

Thanks for that link Scott. I have several photos of the first and second Paradise marquee, but that's the only one I've ever seen in color, and actually a few seonds of film! I agree, it's frustratingly brief, but still incredible.
Also, that site has several other very short films of the Times Square area, including several now demolished theaters along with the old Astor Hotel. Very good link.

Hello SCOTT

GREAT LINK! Wow! I couldn't believe all the old theatre movies on that site. Too bad the site is not very stable. It crashes my computer every 4th or 5th films. But I did get to see the Paradise Marquee. Also, everyone, you must check out clip #239-15. This is one of the few that is longer than just a few seconds. It is someone taking a flim of a busy city theatre district. All those flashing bulbs and neon. FANTASTIC! I could only imagine what it would have been like to view that in person. Incredible! It just makes one realize how much we have lost over the years. Today's theatres are just horrible in comparison. I am glad that I am still finding some really nice gems leftover from the past and some have been really nicely restored such as this one:

http://www.agilitynut.com/05/5/nystan3.jpg

SAAWEET!

JG

JG -

Yes, 239-15 is a great clip. I also liked 561-55, which shows a neat row of what I assume is 42nd Street theaters. I also liked the shots of the Ziegfeld, State, and Capitol theaters in NY, and also State Street in Chicago, showing the Chicago and State Lake theaters. But seeing the Paradise was special since not much photographic evidence aparently exists of that theater, except for what was taken at the time of its opening. I remember that marquee quite well from when I attended in the 1950s. I wish the film clip would have shown the rest of the facade so we could see how it was lighted. Anyway, it's a fun web site to check out.

JG--My wife and I love the carousel photo. Would you be so kind as to give us specifics of where it is or was located? --Lowell

Hello SCOTT

I must say, I would love to have seen the original marquee from the Paradise. I never cared for that new one, but I must say, it didn't look that bad lit up a night. But the original... Well, so many of those wonderful marquees have disappeared. The Chicago Marbro and the Granada were just about the best Marquees I have seen. It was a nice trip though to see those old movies with the marquees lit up and flashing. That Stanley theatre marquee looks very impressive. Not a bad job for a repro. I will take a look at 561-55 when I get home. Hopefully my home computer has a better time at running those clips. They just keep crashing my office machine.

LOWELL

Which carousel were you referring to? There were quite a few I posted. One of my all time favorites is the Kennywood carousel, a 1927 Dentzel. If there was a vision of a classic American made carousel that would pop in ones head when the word 'carousel' is spoken, that carousel would be it. It think it was one of the first ones I posted. The last one...fat and juicy? Well that one no longer exists. Much like the problem with old theatres, old carousels were destroyed to sell of their animals as private collective artworks. However, with active preservation movements and also a host of 'new blood' wood horse carvers, the destruction of a classic carousel is kept to a minimum. I wish the same will eventually happen for theatres. Anyway that carousel is the Venice Beach Pier carousel. Also a Denzel (circa 1920). Hershey Park in PA also has a very impressive carousel. That one is another favorite of mine, PTC #47. It was made by the same company that built Disneyworld's Impressive 5 row carousel.

JG

An opening day ad (September 14th, 1928) spotlighted the awe-inspiring auditorium:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/bkpara01.jpg
A major cause of the Paradise's eventual failure was fierce competition from the Marbro, which presented this program during the Paradise's opening week: www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/chimarbro.jpg

Hello WARREN,

Acutally there is much to the story of the "Fall" of the Paradise Theatre. Bad timing is the main issue. The Paradise was designed at a time when silent movies reigned supreme and most theatres supplied sound to these movies by elaborate organs. For this purpose the Paradise was simply the best theatre of it's time, but an ugly acoustical problem reared it's ugly head when "talkies" or films with sound came out. Given that this was just one year after the Paradise's opening, many people realized that the Paradise fell short on it's acoustics for the new "talkies". The Marbro faired much better during this changeover to sound and naturally being just 'round the corner, it quickly became the favored theatre in town. The Paradise was only hanging on by a thread, but the reason why it was demolished is that Balaban and Katz bought out the Marks Brothers theatre chain and this included both the Granada and Marbro theatres. Naturally, with owning the Marbro, there was no need to keep the Paradise, which was already failing. So they had it demolished, in favor of erecting stores, which also was unsuccessful. Call it the Paradise curse, but every business that has been on that property has failed miserably. Today, from a satellite image, it looks like the property is a parking lot or industrial site for heavy machinery.

A 1937 clip of the Paradise is available by searching http://www.wttwdigitalarchives.com/searchres.php for 22276

Nice! Great movies you put up today B. You are the man.

When the theater was demolished, the seats were offered to the Democratic National Committee for their 1956 convention.

Brian - the 1956 convention was at the International Amphitheatre near Halsted and 42nd St, correct? I remember that building getting razed in the late 1990s and I've wondered what happened to those seats.

Yes, it was at the Amphitheatre.

Thanks, Brian, for that film clip. Sad that the original marquee and vertical sign, which were magnificent, didn't survive for even ten years. I suppose they were changed to save on operating costs and probably also to create a new image for an unprofitable theatre.

So did the Paradise go through three marquees?

that looks like the final marquee to me. I once saw a photo of the Paradise after closing, and it looked to be sporting the same design with the boxes in the middle that appears in that photo. It is hard to tell without seeing the top, but I think that might be the original vertical sign. The final vertical sign had nothing but panels with lighted letters on them, sort of like the Chicago Granada's final vertical. It does appear to me that the marque had different attraction boards on it when the theatre closed. Maybe that was done at the same time they put up the final vertical. I wonder if the removal of the original marquee had anything to do with widening Crawford Avenue, as was sometimes the case with old theatres?

Go to http://creative.gettyimages.com/source/Film/filmresultsmain.aspx?source=quickSearchFilm&txtSearch=42nd+street&brand=14 then type in 2023-348 under search, and you will see a film clip of the last marquee in action.

Thanks Scott for the link.

The Doors of Paradise Open:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/paradoors.jpg

Look at all those theatres, will you? It certainly was a different time.

I just was down Pulaski today to take a look at this site,and it is as described,a fenced in storage lot for building materials,and equipment,so sad an end to such a beautiful palace.The ONLY consolation is this theatre did not live to see the riots that rocked this area in 68'.

Well corvetteguy1963, I must say you are a brave soul. As I mentioned in a previous post, I drove through this area in the early 1990s and will not return. Even though I grew up there, I was in great fear driving through. Granted, I drove there from Oak Park using a side street (I think it was West End), so that may have played a part. If I had used a main artery to Pulaski my pulse might have stayed under 100. I should have taken the Eisenhower to Pulaski and stayed on it to North Ave. Anyway, it was a weird feeling being scared to death in a place where we used to ride our bikes and play in the street with no adults around.

Reading an old Time magazine article about the 1956 Democratic convention, I actually found out what happened to the seats from the Paradise Theater! It is towards the bottom of this page: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,865421,00.html

A great clip of Styx circa 1982 performing ROCKIN' THE PARADISE can be seen here http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4051745780532240653&q=Styx+Rockin+The+Paradise&total=50&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

Seats from the Paradise Theater remain in Chicago. The Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago's Rogers Park Neighborhood http://www.leatherarchives.org possesses about 200 of the original seats from the Paradise along with the lion head isle lights. Although not obtained directly from the Paradise, the seats must have been in another venue or in storage until the 1970's when the Space Between Corp. turned the former synagogue at 6418 N. Greenview Ave., into the Greenview Arts Center. The Leather Archives & Museum purchased the building in 1999 and turned it into Chicago's only BDSM Sex Museum. The seats reside in the Etienne Auditorium named for the artist and ballet dancer Dom Orejudos (Etienne). http://www.leatherarchives.org/exhibits/auditorium.htm

It is nice to see that at least some of the Paradise is still around and is being used and not lost to time,like the elephant chairs that were at the Orential thay are just a memory in a picture now.
Thank you for your time :)

Does anyone know the name of the lead sculptor at the Paradise? I believe his firt name was Etore? Thanks for any leads or insights.

The sculptures came from the Laredo Taft studios in Chicago. I assume he was the lead sculptor.

Here is a circa 20s photo:
http://tinyurl.com/34dsqv

Here are new direct links to ads for the grand opening of the Paradise Theatre. Some of the competition is shown as well:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/paradoors.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/bkpara01.jpg

Warren, from what I understand, Balaban & Katz ran extensive advertising for the Paradise for a couple of weeks prior to its opening. I assume the ads became more elaborate as opening day neared. Usually the hype is greater than the reality, but in this case, the Paradise was everything the ads claimed, and more. It would be neat to see an opening day program. I wonder if one exists?

Scott, I don't know if there was an opening day programme, but if there was, you might be able to find it in the archives of Theatre Historical Society of America, which are located near Chicago and are especially rich in material from that area.

Warren, I haven't been to the THS for over 20 years, but when I was there in the mid 80s I was able to look at the blueprints of the Paradise, which were fascinating. I don't recall anything else from the Paradise, aside from pictures, but I will check with them. On the day I was there, a couple of volunteers were working who had attended the Paradise in the early years, and their recollections of the theatre were interesting.

I'm not sure if anyone has posted this link yet, but the Museum of the Moving Image has a great collection of over 20 photographs of the Paradise (some online) that show the theatre in great detail and even some photos of the construction...

http://collection.movingimage.us/index.php?g=entity_detail&entity_id=160

Thanks for posting that link. A couple of those pictures were new to me. I'm sure there were dozens more taken during construction that are now lost. Is there a way to see the rest of the Paradise photos online, or do you have to actually visit the museum in person? It would be nice if they sold copies.

For those who may be interested in what is currently located at the Paradise site, google now allows for a street view of certain areas of certain cities. If you go to google.com, click on maps(near top of screen), then enter the address for the Paradise, you get the option for a street view. If you click on it, you can see an interactive photo of the site, the street and what is located across the street. It even enables you to travel up the street to the old Crawford site and Marbro site.
This is a great option for those of us who live a distance from Chicago.

Meh2185, thanks for posting the link above to the moving image collection. The site has a few views of the theater interior that I’ve never seen before!

What seems odd is that the greatest and most beautiful of the movie palaces was built in what seems like a borough rather than downtown.
Like building the Roxy in Queens.
At the time was this neighborhood populated enough to support it on a regular basis?
Does anybody know if in it's heyday it ever managed to sell out or was it a white elephant from practically the beginning?

Leon,

The Paradise did pretty well up until about 1931. It actually closed in 1931, and didn't reopen until sometime in 1934. The depression hurt business substantially, as did its poor acoustics when sound films became the norm. In the ensuing years the Paradise played second fiddle to the Marbro, which was about 2 blocks away. In general I would say attendance was poor. In fact, it was closed again - sometime in the early 1950s if my memory is correct. I have the dates of its closures somewhere, so if you want that I can look it up. As a result of the closures and general lack of business over its life, the interior looked almost perfect when it was shuttered for good in 1956. I remember it from the early or mid 1950s, having seen a few movies there during that time. Every show that I went to was poorly attended. I was in this cavernous auditorium with probably just a couple hundred other people (i.e., kids). It's really a shame the acoustics were so bad. It was a great theater in every other way. So I think your characterization of it as a white elephant is accurate. It only did well during its first few years and I bet it had very few sell outs after that.

Regarding your question about the neighborhood being able to support it, I don't think the area could support both the Paradise and the Marbro. The Marbro did ok up until the late 1950s or so. The Paradise was built by Balaban & Katz to drive the Marks Bros., owners of the Marbro, out of business. That plan succeeded (if you ignore the losses they no doubt suffered on the Paradise over the years), after which B&K bought the Marbro and put their better shows there. So, in my opinion, no exhibitor would have built two giant movie palaces that close together; it was simply done out of competition. The West Garfield Park neighborhood eventually lost a large percentage of its population and businesses, but that mostly occurred after both theatres had already been razed. What happened to those theatres and the neighborhood is very depressing.

This might be of interest to people from Chicago. You get a glimpse of the Paradise need the end of the video.

Blaming the demise on the sound system makes for a good urban legend. Muddled sound is the kind of issue that gets addressed if the property is a cash cow and ignored if it's a marginal performer.

Sure in the post divestiture, TV era it had the same problems that plagued all the big houses.

That doesn't really explain it's lackluster financial performance for the first twenty years.

I'd say it suffered from really poor site selection. Madison St. was(and still is) the primary trip generator and the Paradise was well off of the commercial strip.

It wasn't a bad sound system, it was bad acoustics caused by the design of the ceiling. Perhaps we'll never know precisely the extent to which this affected the Paradise's business, but I believe it was a factor. When sound pictures became standard, the Paradise suffered because the Marbro had better acoustics. Even if the Paradise's acoustics could have been improved, I don't believe B&K had any reason at that point to do so because they had the West Garfield Park neighborhood sewn up and there was an over-supply of seating capacity. That is, an improved Paradise would have just taken business from their other theatres, such as the Marbro. I do agree that the Marbro had the better location, being on Madison Street, but the Paradise did very well up until 1930 or so. The depression combined with bad acoustics caused the first closure of the Paradise (i.e. mid 1931 to early 1934) and it struggled the rest of its brief life. It also appears that once the Marbro proved preferrable to the movie-going public, B&K booked its better movies at the Marbro, which further hurt the Paradise.