I only hope by the time 2014 comes around the US ecomomy improves. Otherwise at 50+ dollars a seat, it might be hard to fill the theatre seats night after night being more of a threat than TV in the 1950’s.
What a great pix!! I remember this theater only as being closed and the article in the newswpaper of it being torn down. What a massive vertical sign!!!! Wasn’t it on Chicago Ave? or North Ave?
May I suggest Cinema Treasure name tags with our names.
I expect it to be as exciting as it was years ago when the theater opened its doors for the first time. Actually more exciting because so many palaces were opening in the 1920’s it was “common” to see what one would outdo the other. This will be a real Phoenix rising from the ashes!
It is indeed confirmed fact. The organ was removed from the home in Il. and is on its way to Oklahoma before being shipped out east. I can hardly wait to attend the re-opening in 2014. That will quite a night!
Just heard the organ that graced the theater at the opening was just returned to the Loew’s Kings from the owner in Illinois. It will be shipped to Oklahoma for a restoration before coming home to the King’s. Isn’t that great news?
Of course I was not serious about being happy with the lobby plans. I read all of the earlier posts. But then again, no lobby at all would be worse. Loved your Roxy photos Ed Solero!
I think the amusement tax is helpful for the city when it concerns ball games, rock concerts etc. They probably can’t exempt classic movie theaters because it is for profit as well as the movie theaters located in the city. That is why a first-run movie house costs more in the city vs.suburbs. I hope the crowds keep up the attendence.
SBGreig, I read the book and thanks for reccomendation. It opened my eyes! It seems the city was a fault for so many reasons. Not inforcing # of people living in small quarters (4 families living in a one flat with up to 5 names on mailboxes) Not fixing basic infrastructure streets etc, despite pleas from business owners to protect their property and much much more. It was a great read and for the first time I understand what happened to my “playground” even though the city had plenty to lose with sales tax decline.
The Marbro had its share of out of control youths gone wild in the early 60’s which led B&K to think what to do. They talk about “flash gangs” today, well they had them back then too. The West Madison area became very unsafe and led people to flee in great numnbers.This great theater became a very unsafe place to watch a movie in the dark…….
Thanks SBGreig for the info. It is very nice to remember such wonderful memories where our family would visit together especially after a movie. I really did think the Marbro would outlive the Senate. I couldn’t believe when the Marbro was closed for good and the Senate was still operating!
IT LISTENS GOOD!! It was a working middle class neighborhood hence all the movie theaters for the masses. People started selling in 1955 and shopping in the burbs where parking was aplenty and free. I am looking forward to the book. The city bought homes and demolished them for parking near the Paradise & Marbro theatres. A last ditch attempt which failed.
Thanks Bill. It must have been something to see at the Capitol. Going to see a major motion picture in a one screen palace really made the whole experience something special!!
Thanks for the name of the book. I will look for it right away. Hard to imagine it started in the 20’s because it was so wonderful in the early 50’s. But of course I was young and didn’t think or cared about the bigger picture….
Wow!! I bet nobody forget that experience.. Thanks Tinseltoes for your updates. Just imagine, all that for a couple of dollars…..
Thanks! Kings was a better choice..
Why Tilden? Is that a name of a person? Or a place?
Hear Hear!!!! It was a beauty………
I only hope by the time 2014 comes around the US ecomomy improves. Otherwise at 50+ dollars a seat, it might be hard to fill the theatre seats night after night being more of a threat than TV in the 1950’s.
What a great pix!! I remember this theater only as being closed and the article in the newswpaper of it being torn down. What a massive vertical sign!!!! Wasn’t it on Chicago Ave? or North Ave?
Wonderful to see it beginning to unfold. Loved the video! Many thanks..
“Drama at the Keiths” Now Playing at RKO Keith’s…
Great photo..Would love to see same photo in late 40’s & 50’s same view new signage. Thanks.
It is so wonderful to read all of these dates and I enjoy them so. In many ways you keep the Loew’s Capitol stll “alive”. Thank you.
Ditto, I will also check it out. Always interested about stories of the majestic Marbro….
Thanks for pix’s. This theater must have been a stunner when it opened and operated!
May I suggest Cinema Treasure name tags with our names. I expect it to be as exciting as it was years ago when the theater opened its doors for the first time. Actually more exciting because so many palaces were opening in the 1920’s it was “common” to see what one would outdo the other. This will be a real Phoenix rising from the ashes!
It is indeed confirmed fact. The organ was removed from the home in Il. and is on its way to Oklahoma before being shipped out east. I can hardly wait to attend the re-opening in 2014. That will quite a night!
Just heard the organ that graced the theater at the opening was just returned to the Loew’s Kings from the owner in Illinois. It will be shipped to Oklahoma for a restoration before coming home to the King’s. Isn’t that great news?
Of course I was not serious about being happy with the lobby plans. I read all of the earlier posts. But then again, no lobby at all would be worse. Loved your Roxy photos Ed Solero!
LuisV, thanks for the update. I was wondering what was happening on the site. I guess we should be happy the ornate lobby will be saved and restored!
I think the amusement tax is helpful for the city when it concerns ball games, rock concerts etc. They probably can’t exempt classic movie theaters because it is for profit as well as the movie theaters located in the city. That is why a first-run movie house costs more in the city vs.suburbs. I hope the crowds keep up the attendence.
SBGreig, I read the book and thanks for reccomendation. It opened my eyes! It seems the city was a fault for so many reasons. Not inforcing # of people living in small quarters (4 families living in a one flat with up to 5 names on mailboxes) Not fixing basic infrastructure streets etc, despite pleas from business owners to protect their property and much much more. It was a great read and for the first time I understand what happened to my “playground” even though the city had plenty to lose with sales tax decline.
ShawnS, sorry about your mom. Thanks for the photos of a time gone by. Your grandfather must have loved going to work in such an ornate building!
The Marbro had its share of out of control youths gone wild in the early 60’s which led B&K to think what to do. They talk about “flash gangs” today, well they had them back then too. The West Madison area became very unsafe and led people to flee in great numnbers.This great theater became a very unsafe place to watch a movie in the dark…….
Thanks SBGreig for the info. It is very nice to remember such wonderful memories where our family would visit together especially after a movie. I really did think the Marbro would outlive the Senate. I couldn’t believe when the Marbro was closed for good and the Senate was still operating!
IT LISTENS GOOD!! It was a working middle class neighborhood hence all the movie theaters for the masses. People started selling in 1955 and shopping in the burbs where parking was aplenty and free. I am looking forward to the book. The city bought homes and demolished them for parking near the Paradise & Marbro theatres. A last ditch attempt which failed.
Thanks Bill. It must have been something to see at the Capitol. Going to see a major motion picture in a one screen palace really made the whole experience something special!!
Thanks for the name of the book. I will look for it right away. Hard to imagine it started in the 20’s because it was so wonderful in the early 50’s. But of course I was young and didn’t think or cared about the bigger picture….