Maryland Theater
855 E. 63rd Street,
Chicago,
IL
60637
855 E. 63rd Street,
Chicago,
IL
60637
1 person
favorited this theater
The Maryland opened in 1918 in the heart of the Woodlawn neighborhood’s East 63rd Street business and entertainment corridor, standing between Drexel and Ingleside Avenues. The Maryland was within blocks of both the palatial Tivoli Theatre and the Trianon Ballroom (sister to the Aragon Ballroom in Uptown), as well as a handful of smaller theaters.
The Maryland, which originally seated around 1800, was operated by Balaban & Katz from the 40s until the 60s, when it was part of the ABC Theatres chain.
The theater was closed in 1977, and demolished in the 1990s.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 14 comments)
The Maryland theatre was open at least through April 1975. From the Chicago Tribune, Friday April 11, 1975: TWO MARYLAND “TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE” “RETURN OF THE DRAGON”. This double feature was also playing at the Ramova, Parkway, and many other Chicago theatres. The TWO was The Woodlawn Organization. I remember reading in 1969 (1970?) that the Woodlawn Organization, a civil rights community group that, among other things, battled the University of Chicago re: acquiring land and demolition, took over operation of the Maryland. They tried showing classy fare- John Schlesinger’s “SUNDAY, BLOODY SUNDAY” played here in 1971 (‘72?). However, the Maryland soon went to action, horror, and martial arts movies. Seeing the title “MONKEY HUSTLE” brought back memories of Roger Ebert’s review in 1976. I don’t think he cared much for the movie, but he did like his surroundings: Ebert: “MONKEY HUSTLE” is doing such good business…they had to open the Roosevelt’s balcony. I haven’t been up there in years. It’s a hell of a balcony"
Ebert used to be so funny. I used to read Ebert, Kehr,and Siskel with a passion back in those days. Get a copy of “Monkey Hustle."
You’ll see some priceless footage of 63rd street, c. 1975
The Woodlawn Org (TWO) is still open, their offices are now located near stoney Island on the north side of 63rd street.
I think the Maryland theatre was open until 1977. What was up that fence in front of the screen? Did you ever visit the Rhodes and the Hamilton ?
Hi chicagomovieman- I will get a copy of “MONKEY HUSTLE” ; the views of east 63rd street will be worth it. I was never in the Maryland- but remember seeing it from the ‘L’ train on my way to 63rd- Stony. After visiting the Museum of Science and Industry, in the 60s, we would walk back to the CTA and, instead of boarding at Stony Island,walk west on 63rd. I had to get a close up view of the theatres I had passed from above. My most vivid memory is of the Lex, a small theatre about two blocks east of the Maryland. You’re so right, the area was bustling! Many people on the street; lines at the boxoffice windows (at least on Saturday/Sunday afternoons).Never had the time to venture inside; I regret it now. Since I was born and raised on the north side of Chicago, my knowledge of south side theatres is very limited. Never been to the Rhodes or Hamilton.
If anyone can find any pix of the Maryland—-please help …I was hoping to see something if possible…..thanks in advance for any help provided
:)
GOSSIP COLUMN ITEM:
Chicago Tribune, Tuesday, February 25, 1964, s. 1, p. 22, c. 2:
Tower Ticker, by Herb Lyon
“… .In a late rush, B&K’s State Lake, Maryland and now Uptown are sold out for tonight’s Liston-Clay theater TV episode. The Marbro has seats … .”
For Maryland pics contact the Theatre Historical Society. Web address:
http://www.historictheatres.org/
The web site has email and phone contacts. I know for a fact that they have some photos of this building & they would be happy to sell you copies at a very reasonable price.
Hey,
Are these these the photos that you shot in the late 80’s ?
If so, please post them here on the site, or provide a link.
Its kinda difficult to buy photos sight unseen. Please post!
thanks “LTS”
Yes, they do have my photos. But they also have others. I no longer have copies myself. When I was taking photos there were no digital cameras. I got sick of storing Kodak slides as I got older and gave everything to THS. I also figured the collection did more good there than in my basement.
Seriously, give them a call. The prints don’t cost much, and if you can’t make it to the archive they will send you copies for examination with a watermark before you buy.
Thanks….i had no luck searching the archive woth my lack of skills
I’ll keep trying….where there’s a will………..
As noted above, you can see the Maryland Theatre in the movie “MONKEY HUSTLE”. 39 minutes and 38 seconds into the film, the box office, the glass entrance doors,a number of poster cases(J.D.’S REVENGE is on display), and many light bulbs under the marquee can be seen in a great night scene. See it for free at the Internet Movie Database or Hulu.