Here are a few pics of what remains of the “old” Deerbrook mall (built circa late 1960s). Actually, a great deal of the mall is still functioning quite successfully, but mostly stand alones and outlots. The indoor portion is virtually deserted. I believe one of the anchors, Best Buy, was originally a Montgomery Wards that was accessable through the mall. Best Buy – operating in a completely new structure beginning in the mid-1990s – was originally accessable through the indoor mall, but eventually closed off this entrance with a giant white wall. This indoor mall was originally much larger and designed with a quaint street theme. Among the original fixtures still remaining are the fountain, most of the brick-lined floor, some of the original brick wall, several mall directories (amazingly!) and I believe the payphone kiosks (now without phones). I also think some of the ceiling is original although highly modified thorugh the years as are several of the walls and many of the storefronts (an effort to “open up” space). The “streetlamps” are no-longer original but replacements. Half of the indoor mall was demolished for new retail (Office Max, Bed Bath, etc.) in the late 1990s or early 2000s. The wall which now blocks off the demolished portion is clearly visible in the background of the shot below detailing the entire original fountain. This corridor originally lead to a Turn Style, then later a Venture. When these photos were taken, the only business operating was TJ Maxx, barber shop and nail salon. The theater operated as a two-screen General Cinema until the mid-1980s when one of the theaters was tripled to terrible effect. The marquee may be original, but I believe the concessions inside were redone during this time, even though their placement remained the same (a few pics here, but more to come. Stay tuned). The exterior mall entrance for the theater is accessible through the back of the mall. It appears exactly as it did originally, or at least the 1970s. Deerbrook Mall’s primary reign lasted until the opening of nearby Northbrook Court in 1978. Ever since, it was seen as a second-rate, albeit quaint, mall. The fact that any of the original indoor mall remains today is surprising given the affluence of the area.
Here’s a few photos I took shortly before the theater was converted to a fitness club. It had already closed by this point. In hindsight, I really wish I put my camera up to the glass doors for a few shots inside! I looked in there and most of the fixtures were still in place but furniture, etc. were all over. The exterior never changed as far as I remember throughout its 30+ year reign. Anyway, enjoy.
Thanks again for the great details, Mr. Jensen. I was under the presumption that the new Glen theater had incorporated some of the old Naval structure. You would certainly know better than me. It is, however, right next to the Hangar One area.
I grew up in the area from the early 70s on, so that was a little before my time. I’m sure much of it was still the same in the 70s. I grew up with a hundred acres of cornfield in my backyard and beyond that was the base runways. The thing I miss most are the summer air shows. I’d park up with friends along Euclid Ave to watch them every year, including the last one in ‘94.
Glenview/Northbrook is certainly not a bad place to live today by any means. But I have come to the realization that it little resembles the community I knew growing up (this is the same phenomena that happened with my dad and Oak Park). As far as Golf Mill and Niles goes…Yikes! I think there’s no question that it was a nicer place then. It did, however, begin getting a somewhat seedy reputation by the late 70s, at least in comparison to Glenview.
Listen, I tracked down an old Chicago Tribune scan for that fire. It was on happened on the morning of May 13, 1967, so your memory serves you well! Apparently, it took out the entire recreation facility (bowling alley, et. al.) If you’d like me to email it to you, just let me know:
Those are some great recollections, Mr. Jensen. Thanks for sharing that. You must’ve been stationed there in the 1960s? That may have been a little before my time. I never knew the Naval base had a movie theater. It’s funny, because in many ways the contents of the base seemed so mysterious to many of us. It’s also strange how things come back around again; the Glen development that took over the base has a great movie theater. It is housed, incidentally, in one of the base’s older remaining stuctures (I think where the control tower was).
In a way, I feel a little bit sad reading about how Golf Mill once was, and upset about how it’s changed. I guess if there’s one certainty in life, it’s that nothing stays the same. Oh well. One can’t dwell in the past.
Those are some great recollections, Mr. Jensen. Thanks for sharing that. You must’ve been stationed there in the 1960s? That may have been a little before my time. I never knew the Naval base had a movie theater. It’s funny, because in many ways the contents of the base seemed so mysterious to many of us. It’s also strange how things come back around again; the Glen development that took over the base has a great movie theater. It is housed, incidentally, in one of the base’s older remaining stuctures (I think where the control tower was).
In a way, I feel a little bit sad reading about how Golf Mill once was, and upset about how it’s changed. I guess if there’s one certainty in life, it’s that nothing stays the same. Oh well. One can’t dwell in the past.
The enclosure of Golf Mill in the 1980s ruined a lot of it’s old aesthetic. I hated it at the time even. The mill pond was removed then. Most of the “improvements” done at the mall over the past 20 years have been extrordinarily tacky. The Mill Run Theater was roughly where Kohl’s stands now.
The area has changed a lot since those glory days in the 60s & 70s. First of all, the demographic has gotten heavily immigrant (mainly Latino & Korean). Other factors have hurt Golf Mill over the years, amongst them, the decline of Sears. The exterior of this still-operating store once reflected classic late 1950s/early 1960s decor. The front doors were in the center (they were moved to the sides for some reason later on). The canopy over the door had a series of small flag poles along its top edge. The Sears logo was in black script. It was a very nice store with a toy section I loved as a kid. Another factor is a declining public interest in enclosed malls. If the theater helps business, they really should consider restoring this to an outdoor mall, a la Old Orchard, with modern ammenities. Lastly, competition has grown fierce, even within the area of Golf Mill itself, which once had open areas across Milwaukee Ave.
On the other hand, the new Wal Mart (former site of Venture, then KMart) on Golf Road seems to be doing booming business, which may actually help the other competing business around it by virtue of bringing more people to the area. The controversial off-track betting club opened in the former site of Circuit City seems to be doing quite well. Hopefully, this new theater will only add to the improvements.
Boy, now if there’s a place I miss most, this may be it. I saw a ton of films here growing up (Jaws, Grease, ET, Jaws 2) and continued to go through college. On the final weekend, a group of my friends went to pay our final respects at a triple feature (Mortal Kombat/Johnny Nemonic/Waterworld). It’s such a shame that this place has left us, for nothing really seems to have gone in its place (a retention pond? Hard to tell, but it still looks like open space to me). Such a great, cheap date as well. The triple feature could be had for a mere $6 or 7 dollars. They still seemed to be doing good business upon their close. I long for those golden days of having my trunk checked!!
One of the screens remained up for several years, and several lines of speaker stands could still be seen beyond a fence off of Hintz & Milwaukee roads up until, at least, about 3 years ago.
Great recollections, Anna. The “Breakfast Club” vibe you mention was definitely the atmosphere at the time. Strange how much things change! I totally forgot about those doormen! And what was with that weird incline leading to the theater? How strange that it extended into the concessions.
Some films I saw there: The Outsiders (about 5 times), Max Dugan Returns, Gremlins, Friday the 13th Part 4, Christine, Something Wicked this Way Comes, Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom, Lassiter, High Road to China (just can’t get enough of that Tom Selleck I guess), WarGames, One Dark Night.
So long Golf Glen. This was the last remaining movie theater from my youth. Mount Prospect Cinema, Twin Drive In, Golf Mill Theaters, Deerbrook Cinema, Edens Theaters, Palwaukee Theater, Town N' Country and Old Orchard are all a fond memory (okay, some better than others). Strange, but I never would have thought as a youngster that they would all disappear!
I saw Karate Kid here with a friend, so I guess that was around the month it opened. It’s so funny now that for us Glenview/Northbrook-ites who frequented Golf Mill, Golf Glen was originally considered very nice. It must have been the novelty appeal of so many different screens in one theater. I always preferred Old Orchard & Golf Mill over this one though, even then. In fact, I shouldn’t be so nostalgic about it. I think our standards have risen on the whole since the early 80s, and I’ll take the new Crown Glen over this any day of the week. As pointed out in previous posts, the area around here has changed a lot and is more of a crap hole then it’s ever been. No offense to its residents, but Niles is one ugly city.
Anyone remember the Axle Roller Rink? Okay, I may be going too far back now.
By the way, I mentioned above that it had red carpeting & drapery. Although these pics are in black & white, I was totally wrong about that. It was all gold. Not sure why I rememebered it as red. Could this have been the interior of the Edens II (built later & next door) that I was thinking of?
I’m pretty sure this theater is still in place as shown here. Much of the indoor portion of this mall has been demolished & replaced with other retail. I’m sure the rest of it, including the old cinema, will go within the next couple of years.
The outdoor portion is virtually the same as it was when I was a kid (check out the 70s-style lettering over the mall entrance!). It was always a General Cinemas, but the sign has been changed over the years, although the placement is the same.
As far as the interior, the theaters themselves were located on either side of the concession stands. They were originally 2, and one was tripled in the 80s. I’m not sure how much of the concession stand is original, but I do remember the foyer getting a facelift during the 80s remodeling. The placement of the concessions remained the same, but it was likely replaced in part or whole. Much of the area outside the entrance in the mall is original, including the floors & exposed brick. The ceiling, however, was redone during an 80s/early 90s mall facelift.
It was a basic multiplex style interior (actually, the first I can think of in the area). The theaters were fairly small, but well-kept (at least in its early days). Seems that the theaters were essentially arranged in a series of sub-halls, as opposed to the long corridors Cineplex Odeons usually have today, if that makes any sense. I remember the color scheme being muted tones; blacks, grays and navy blues. If you continued to walk straight at the main entrance of the mall, the theater was at the very end of concourse after the floor begins a gradual incline (a somewhat strange design). The ticket booth was at its entrance, and from the outside, the interior appeared very dark, which was not uncommon for theaters at the time. I think there was a marquee above the ticket booth, and possibly a hint of neon in there someplace too, either around the marquee or at the concessions. I know there was some color in the theater numbers, which were each a different shade on the marquee (it was the same scheme on the one in front of the mall as well) I’m pretty sure the concession counter was almost immediately after the ticket booth, in front of the theaters. This counter may have been circular or rectangular (allowing access on 4 sides)…I can’t remember positively. The large arcade that I mentioned above was directly to the right of the theater were one to face its entrance/ticket booths.
As far as the theaters themselves, I don’t remember anything really noteworthy about them. I think they were generally small to medium sized. There could’ve been a variety of sizes. I also remember, unfortunately, smoking cigarettes directly outside the theaters, which was allowed in those days. I remember the corridors having nice leather benches/lounges and foliage (perhaps these were around the bathroom areas)…and of course the obligatory silver ashtrays (the standing cylindrical kind next to the benches).
Town & Country was certainly nothing spectacular, but it was a nice, pleasant place to see a flick then. I would guess if I were to go back in time to visit it again, I would find it grossly outmoded. But it was very clean & neat and got good crowds during its first handful of years. The last time I was there, in about ‘86, it was basically the same way. Considering that it’s now closed, I’m guessing the quality of the place went downhill through the 90’s.
By the way, thanks much for the date on “Deathtrap!†My brother’s birthday is in March, so that matches up perfectly! The opening date listed above for this theater (1984) is certainly wrong.
Yes! Thank you Bryan. At least that’s a confirmation. That’s exactly where it was. I’m pretty sure it was on Rand & Golf, or Rand & Central. There was a batting cages across the street. I’ll check the website you recommended and one of these days get around to checking the Trib archives like I said. Thanks again!
No. It wasn’t that one (Morton Grove ended as a second-run theater right?? I remember that place). I could’ve sworn the theater I’m thinking of was located in Mount Prospect, but this defintely isn’t it. I think I should check a Chicago Trib from the 70s & see which theaters were in operation.
It was a great theater from the atomic age. The design inside remained positively early 60s throughout its reign. I never realized how uncomfortable Golf Mill Theaters were until the movie houses with the big, comfy seats started sprouting up. I began to see that it was dated by the 90s, and starting to become rundown. The audiences were shrinking too. The last flick I saw there was “Men In Black.†I was lucky enough to snap a few pics of the place before they gutted it a year or two ago. My memories of the theater being packed in the 70s and 80s are definitely not fantasy, however. Everyone within a 10 or 15 mile radius went to Golf Mill to see films then. The angular metal fire places in the lounge areas were always a treat on to sit near on cold nights, especially if you had to stand in line outside (as I did for “Empire Strikes Back” in ‘80. Although this opened in May, from what I remember, the night was very cold. Its run at Golf Mill was so successful, that the theater ran ads proclaiming, “16th straight smash week!!†and so forth).
The theaters themselves were all very spacious with balconies (except, as mentioned, theater III which was added later and hardly spectacular). Behind the building, there was a 50s-era bowling alley (now gone) and outdoor Golf Mill mall, which dated from the same period. Further down, towards Golf Rd, was the Mill Run Theater, which had live concerts on a rotating stage. I remember such acts as Sha Na Na, Rodney Dangerfield, America, etc. being regulars and plays such as You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Next to that was the Millionaire’s Club, a restaurant/bar that was rumored to be a mafia hangout. And, of course, who could forget the little “Golf†Mill itself; an idyllic little pond with a working mill that one could throw coins into.
The mall was enclosed/remodeled in around ’86 or so. I’ve never liked it much since then. It lost all of its character at that point, as far as I’m concerned. The enclosed portion still seems to get pretty good traffic, however, from the now-highly-diverse population in the Niles area (recent years, as elsewhere in the country, has seen a boom in Russian, Korean & Latino immigrants to this area.). The mall, however, looks very 80s dated, and is starting to consolidate its enclosed area. A chunk of the mall near Target & Kohl’s (former sites of Mill Run & Millionaire’s Club) has had the remaining stores there moved to the more active southern portion. The plan â€" which has yet to be finalized â€" is to do away with this portion & build a Value City. The owners are still awaiting approval from the anchor stores, according to the Chicago Tribune. I also have a feeling that the once-great Sears store is no longer holding its own as a mall anchor. This Sears, which dates from the malls’ inception, had its fascade redone about 10 years ago, which is a shame because its original appearance was a classic example of ‘50s chic
I think the last flick I saw at Town & Country was around ’86 or so. I took a date to see “Wanted: Dead or Alive.†Pretty awful stuff. Town & Country was simply an unsuccessful venture (come to think of it, I think there was a Venture there at one time!) I was in the area last night, in fact, and hadn’t even noticed that the mall had closed (there are a lot of trees lining the parking lot, so it’s not immediately visible to a passerby). It looked pretty ratty too. I drove up to the main entrance & peered inside and could just make out the corridor where the theater was. The façade was different from how I remember too. Perhaps it was redone at some point in the late 80s??? According to the Chicago Tribune, the initiatives to redevelop the mall were approved about 3 years ago. The plans, however, were put on an extension for 2 years, which I think has now passed. The village wants to tear down the indoor portion of the mall & build new retail. Nothing is happening but those signs announcing “redevelopment.†Something will happen eventually….I’m not really worried about that. However, in my opinion, Arlington Heights is a great community with fantastic resources & amenities, but the area in which Town & Country sits (Rand & Palatine Rds) is completely overdeveloped with retail. It’s virtually a continuous strip mall for a two mile radius. I would love to see them bulldoze the mall & redevelop it with very modest retail & new residential.
My memories of Town & Country are exclusively from its first years of operation when it was still new and happening (apparently that was very short lived!). There was a Showbiz Pizza there (the early 80s equivalent of Chuck E. Cheese. I believe this was at what is now Old Country Buffet) and I recall doing birthday parties combined with movies. In fact, my brother’s birthday was held at Showbiz, and we saw “Deathtrap†before going, which would put the time at ’81, I think. I also remember someone giving him the Rolling Stones’ “Tattoo You†album as a gift, which further dates this. I know I saw “The Outsiders,†“Something Wicked This Way Comes,†“Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom,†& “High Road to China†there, so it was definitely there in ’82 or ’83 at the latest. There was also a great arcade in the mall right outside the entrance to the theater that I spent a lot of time playing “Gorf†and “Wizard of Wor†at, amongst others.
Wow. How restored is this place?? When I went there in the late 80s to see “Jason Takes Manhattan,” it was a fairly spooky place. I was the only white person in the audience & people were throwing things at me and heckling (!), so I left early. The place was trashed. There were chandeliers hanging from threadbare strings, the drapery was all torn up (as was much of the seating), and the grand staircase felt very, very creaky. Most of it looked original, but the way they had it tripled was nothing short of sacrilidge. I found this all very interesting as a Chicago native, having seen the painstaking refurbishment/restoration of the Chicago Theater on State. I beleive this theater may have had the same architechts? You tell me.
I saw tons & tons of flicks here. Took a lot dates here too. Old Orchard was a real treat because it was always very clean, and although there was no balcony, it was sprawling with gigantic screens. It was also a nicely designed theater, very streamlined and well-kept. The Gardens Theaters at Old Orchard don’t even come close to replacing this great theater.
Can’t remember the last movie I saw here, but I think it was “Saving Private Ryan.”
The Edens was simply awesome. I miss it, big time. The retro look of it was just amazing, and I often wonder what might have been had they decided to refurbish it. As mentioned, I don’t think anything had been replaced during it entire existence. I remember the 60s furniture, which by the 70s was dated, but still very cool & in good shape. Anyone who’s been there remembers all of that red carpeting and drapery. The front rows had carpeted partitions in front of them, which I used to sit up against when I was a kid (I remember watching “Superman” this way in ‘78). It all added so much to a larger than life presentation (by no means comparable to the “palaces” of the 20s & 30s, Edens instead had an Atomic Age charm all its own). It was sad to see everything start to wear down & fall apart…and ultimately stay that way. I believe the last film I saw there was Phantasm II. The last couple of years were especially sad because there was absolutey no effort paid to keep it up in the slightest. There were talks about a sale for several years and the owners obviously were just waiting for their deal to come through. The parking lots were starting to become somewhat overgrown & cracked long before the place even closed. At least I got to see it packed one last time: sold out showings for “Batman” in….hmmmm….'89???
Yeah, it was defintely there in the 70s. I saw Star Wars at some point (most defintely a re-release), the PG version of Saturday Night Fever, Grease, and countless kids films (they ran matinees). Some may also remember exiting on to Milwaukee Ave from Palatine Expressway late at night & seeing a cavalcade of costumed patrons lined up to see the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” They used to have midnight screenings in the late 70s & early 80s.
Not sure if this is the theater I remember. I know I saw “Star Wars,” “Clash of the Titans” & “Tron” at some theater in this area. I thought the picture would clinch it, but it doesn’t. Was this a General Cinema?? Did it have a marquee near the front of the parking lot? I seem to remember playing in the gravel/rocks at its base? This listing says it was a single screen, so I don’t think this was the one. Anyone from the area know what I’m thinking of?? It’s not Palwaukee, Deerbrook, Golf Glen, Golf Mill, Old Orchard, Twin, or Edens.
I used to go there all the time with my friends and we never had a problem with the quality of the place. As a preteen and early teenager, it was a good place to scope out girls. I never cared for it much, however, as I preferred the larger theaters at Old Orchard & nearby Golf Mill (both now gone as well. Why did this one last?). By the time the mid-90s rolled around, it looked hopelessly dated. Last time I was there was for “A Very Brady Sequel.” (‘96?) I thought I’d timewarped back to my 80s gradeschool/high school days. The place hadn’t changed a bit, and as someone pointed out, looked pretty ramshackle.
Here are a few pics of what remains of the “old” Deerbrook mall (built circa late 1960s). Actually, a great deal of the mall is still functioning quite successfully, but mostly stand alones and outlots. The indoor portion is virtually deserted. I believe one of the anchors, Best Buy, was originally a Montgomery Wards that was accessable through the mall. Best Buy – operating in a completely new structure beginning in the mid-1990s – was originally accessable through the indoor mall, but eventually closed off this entrance with a giant white wall. This indoor mall was originally much larger and designed with a quaint street theme. Among the original fixtures still remaining are the fountain, most of the brick-lined floor, some of the original brick wall, several mall directories (amazingly!) and I believe the payphone kiosks (now without phones). I also think some of the ceiling is original although highly modified thorugh the years as are several of the walls and many of the storefronts (an effort to “open up” space). The “streetlamps” are no-longer original but replacements. Half of the indoor mall was demolished for new retail (Office Max, Bed Bath, etc.) in the late 1990s or early 2000s. The wall which now blocks off the demolished portion is clearly visible in the background of the shot below detailing the entire original fountain. This corridor originally lead to a Turn Style, then later a Venture. When these photos were taken, the only business operating was TJ Maxx, barber shop and nail salon. The theater operated as a two-screen General Cinema until the mid-1980s when one of the theaters was tripled to terrible effect. The marquee may be original, but I believe the concessions inside were redone during this time, even though their placement remained the same (a few pics here, but more to come. Stay tuned). The exterior mall entrance for the theater is accessible through the back of the mall. It appears exactly as it did originally, or at least the 1970s. Deerbrook Mall’s primary reign lasted until the opening of nearby Northbrook Court in 1978. Ever since, it was seen as a second-rate, albeit quaint, mall. The fact that any of the original indoor mall remains today is surprising given the affluence of the area.
http://bmac5.photosite.com/Album3/
Here’s a few photos I took shortly before the theater was converted to a fitness club. It had already closed by this point. In hindsight, I really wish I put my camera up to the glass doors for a few shots inside! I looked in there and most of the fixtures were still in place but furniture, etc. were all over. The exterior never changed as far as I remember throughout its 30+ year reign. Anyway, enjoy.
http://bmac5.photosite.com/Album5/
Thanks again for the great details, Mr. Jensen. I was under the presumption that the new Glen theater had incorporated some of the old Naval structure. You would certainly know better than me. It is, however, right next to the Hangar One area.
I grew up in the area from the early 70s on, so that was a little before my time. I’m sure much of it was still the same in the 70s. I grew up with a hundred acres of cornfield in my backyard and beyond that was the base runways. The thing I miss most are the summer air shows. I’d park up with friends along Euclid Ave to watch them every year, including the last one in ‘94.
Glenview/Northbrook is certainly not a bad place to live today by any means. But I have come to the realization that it little resembles the community I knew growing up (this is the same phenomena that happened with my dad and Oak Park). As far as Golf Mill and Niles goes…Yikes! I think there’s no question that it was a nicer place then. It did, however, begin getting a somewhat seedy reputation by the late 70s, at least in comparison to Glenview.
Listen, I tracked down an old Chicago Tribune scan for that fire. It was on happened on the morning of May 13, 1967, so your memory serves you well! Apparently, it took out the entire recreation facility (bowling alley, et. al.) If you’d like me to email it to you, just let me know:
Those are some great recollections, Mr. Jensen. Thanks for sharing that. You must’ve been stationed there in the 1960s? That may have been a little before my time. I never knew the Naval base had a movie theater. It’s funny, because in many ways the contents of the base seemed so mysterious to many of us. It’s also strange how things come back around again; the Glen development that took over the base has a great movie theater. It is housed, incidentally, in one of the base’s older remaining stuctures (I think where the control tower was).
In a way, I feel a little bit sad reading about how Golf Mill once was, and upset about how it’s changed. I guess if there’s one certainty in life, it’s that nothing stays the same. Oh well. One can’t dwell in the past.
Those are some great recollections, Mr. Jensen. Thanks for sharing that. You must’ve been stationed there in the 1960s? That may have been a little before my time. I never knew the Naval base had a movie theater. It’s funny, because in many ways the contents of the base seemed so mysterious to many of us. It’s also strange how things come back around again; the Glen development that took over the base has a great movie theater. It is housed, incidentally, in one of the base’s older remaining stuctures (I think where the control tower was).
In a way, I feel a little bit sad reading about how Golf Mill once was, and upset about how it’s changed. I guess if there’s one certainty in life, it’s that nothing stays the same. Oh well. One can’t dwell in the past.
The enclosure of Golf Mill in the 1980s ruined a lot of it’s old aesthetic. I hated it at the time even. The mill pond was removed then. Most of the “improvements” done at the mall over the past 20 years have been extrordinarily tacky. The Mill Run Theater was roughly where Kohl’s stands now.
The area has changed a lot since those glory days in the 60s & 70s. First of all, the demographic has gotten heavily immigrant (mainly Latino & Korean). Other factors have hurt Golf Mill over the years, amongst them, the decline of Sears. The exterior of this still-operating store once reflected classic late 1950s/early 1960s decor. The front doors were in the center (they were moved to the sides for some reason later on). The canopy over the door had a series of small flag poles along its top edge. The Sears logo was in black script. It was a very nice store with a toy section I loved as a kid. Another factor is a declining public interest in enclosed malls. If the theater helps business, they really should consider restoring this to an outdoor mall, a la Old Orchard, with modern ammenities. Lastly, competition has grown fierce, even within the area of Golf Mill itself, which once had open areas across Milwaukee Ave.
On the other hand, the new Wal Mart (former site of Venture, then KMart) on Golf Road seems to be doing booming business, which may actually help the other competing business around it by virtue of bringing more people to the area. The controversial off-track betting club opened in the former site of Circuit City seems to be doing quite well. Hopefully, this new theater will only add to the improvements.
Boy, now if there’s a place I miss most, this may be it. I saw a ton of films here growing up (Jaws, Grease, ET, Jaws 2) and continued to go through college. On the final weekend, a group of my friends went to pay our final respects at a triple feature (Mortal Kombat/Johnny Nemonic/Waterworld). It’s such a shame that this place has left us, for nothing really seems to have gone in its place (a retention pond? Hard to tell, but it still looks like open space to me). Such a great, cheap date as well. The triple feature could be had for a mere $6 or 7 dollars. They still seemed to be doing good business upon their close. I long for those golden days of having my trunk checked!!
One of the screens remained up for several years, and several lines of speaker stands could still be seen beyond a fence off of Hintz & Milwaukee roads up until, at least, about 3 years ago.
Great recollections, Anna. The “Breakfast Club” vibe you mention was definitely the atmosphere at the time. Strange how much things change! I totally forgot about those doormen! And what was with that weird incline leading to the theater? How strange that it extended into the concessions.
Some films I saw there: The Outsiders (about 5 times), Max Dugan Returns, Gremlins, Friday the 13th Part 4, Christine, Something Wicked this Way Comes, Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom, Lassiter, High Road to China (just can’t get enough of that Tom Selleck I guess), WarGames, One Dark Night.
So long Golf Glen. This was the last remaining movie theater from my youth. Mount Prospect Cinema, Twin Drive In, Golf Mill Theaters, Deerbrook Cinema, Edens Theaters, Palwaukee Theater, Town N' Country and Old Orchard are all a fond memory (okay, some better than others). Strange, but I never would have thought as a youngster that they would all disappear!
I saw Karate Kid here with a friend, so I guess that was around the month it opened. It’s so funny now that for us Glenview/Northbrook-ites who frequented Golf Mill, Golf Glen was originally considered very nice. It must have been the novelty appeal of so many different screens in one theater. I always preferred Old Orchard & Golf Mill over this one though, even then. In fact, I shouldn’t be so nostalgic about it. I think our standards have risen on the whole since the early 80s, and I’ll take the new Crown Glen over this any day of the week. As pointed out in previous posts, the area around here has changed a lot and is more of a crap hole then it’s ever been. No offense to its residents, but Niles is one ugly city.
Anyone remember the Axle Roller Rink? Okay, I may be going too far back now.
There are some fantastic pictures posted here. Should bring back plenty of memories!
http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=3471
By the way, I mentioned above that it had red carpeting & drapery. Although these pics are in black & white, I was totally wrong about that. It was all gold. Not sure why I rememebered it as red. Could this have been the interior of the Edens II (built later & next door) that I was thinking of?
Check out this link; it should bring back a few memories:
http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=6294
I’m pretty sure this theater is still in place as shown here. Much of the indoor portion of this mall has been demolished & replaced with other retail. I’m sure the rest of it, including the old cinema, will go within the next couple of years.
The outdoor portion is virtually the same as it was when I was a kid (check out the 70s-style lettering over the mall entrance!). It was always a General Cinemas, but the sign has been changed over the years, although the placement is the same.
As far as the interior, the theaters themselves were located on either side of the concession stands. They were originally 2, and one was tripled in the 80s. I’m not sure how much of the concession stand is original, but I do remember the foyer getting a facelift during the 80s remodeling. The placement of the concessions remained the same, but it was likely replaced in part or whole. Much of the area outside the entrance in the mall is original, including the floors & exposed brick. The ceiling, however, was redone during an 80s/early 90s mall facelift.
It was a basic multiplex style interior (actually, the first I can think of in the area). The theaters were fairly small, but well-kept (at least in its early days). Seems that the theaters were essentially arranged in a series of sub-halls, as opposed to the long corridors Cineplex Odeons usually have today, if that makes any sense. I remember the color scheme being muted tones; blacks, grays and navy blues. If you continued to walk straight at the main entrance of the mall, the theater was at the very end of concourse after the floor begins a gradual incline (a somewhat strange design). The ticket booth was at its entrance, and from the outside, the interior appeared very dark, which was not uncommon for theaters at the time. I think there was a marquee above the ticket booth, and possibly a hint of neon in there someplace too, either around the marquee or at the concessions. I know there was some color in the theater numbers, which were each a different shade on the marquee (it was the same scheme on the one in front of the mall as well) I’m pretty sure the concession counter was almost immediately after the ticket booth, in front of the theaters. This counter may have been circular or rectangular (allowing access on 4 sides)…I can’t remember positively. The large arcade that I mentioned above was directly to the right of the theater were one to face its entrance/ticket booths.
As far as the theaters themselves, I don’t remember anything really noteworthy about them. I think they were generally small to medium sized. There could’ve been a variety of sizes. I also remember, unfortunately, smoking cigarettes directly outside the theaters, which was allowed in those days. I remember the corridors having nice leather benches/lounges and foliage (perhaps these were around the bathroom areas)…and of course the obligatory silver ashtrays (the standing cylindrical kind next to the benches).
Town & Country was certainly nothing spectacular, but it was a nice, pleasant place to see a flick then. I would guess if I were to go back in time to visit it again, I would find it grossly outmoded. But it was very clean & neat and got good crowds during its first handful of years. The last time I was there, in about ‘86, it was basically the same way. Considering that it’s now closed, I’m guessing the quality of the place went downhill through the 90’s.
By the way, thanks much for the date on “Deathtrap!†My brother’s birthday is in March, so that matches up perfectly! The opening date listed above for this theater (1984) is certainly wrong.
Yes! Thank you Bryan. At least that’s a confirmation. That’s exactly where it was. I’m pretty sure it was on Rand & Golf, or Rand & Central. There was a batting cages across the street. I’ll check the website you recommended and one of these days get around to checking the Trib archives like I said. Thanks again!
No. It wasn’t that one (Morton Grove ended as a second-run theater right?? I remember that place). I could’ve sworn the theater I’m thinking of was located in Mount Prospect, but this defintely isn’t it. I think I should check a Chicago Trib from the 70s & see which theaters were in operation.
It was a great theater from the atomic age. The design inside remained positively early 60s throughout its reign. I never realized how uncomfortable Golf Mill Theaters were until the movie houses with the big, comfy seats started sprouting up. I began to see that it was dated by the 90s, and starting to become rundown. The audiences were shrinking too. The last flick I saw there was “Men In Black.†I was lucky enough to snap a few pics of the place before they gutted it a year or two ago. My memories of the theater being packed in the 70s and 80s are definitely not fantasy, however. Everyone within a 10 or 15 mile radius went to Golf Mill to see films then. The angular metal fire places in the lounge areas were always a treat on to sit near on cold nights, especially if you had to stand in line outside (as I did for “Empire Strikes Back” in ‘80. Although this opened in May, from what I remember, the night was very cold. Its run at Golf Mill was so successful, that the theater ran ads proclaiming, “16th straight smash week!!†and so forth).
The theaters themselves were all very spacious with balconies (except, as mentioned, theater III which was added later and hardly spectacular). Behind the building, there was a 50s-era bowling alley (now gone) and outdoor Golf Mill mall, which dated from the same period. Further down, towards Golf Rd, was the Mill Run Theater, which had live concerts on a rotating stage. I remember such acts as Sha Na Na, Rodney Dangerfield, America, etc. being regulars and plays such as You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Next to that was the Millionaire’s Club, a restaurant/bar that was rumored to be a mafia hangout. And, of course, who could forget the little “Golf†Mill itself; an idyllic little pond with a working mill that one could throw coins into.
The mall was enclosed/remodeled in around ’86 or so. I’ve never liked it much since then. It lost all of its character at that point, as far as I’m concerned. The enclosed portion still seems to get pretty good traffic, however, from the now-highly-diverse population in the Niles area (recent years, as elsewhere in the country, has seen a boom in Russian, Korean & Latino immigrants to this area.). The mall, however, looks very 80s dated, and is starting to consolidate its enclosed area. A chunk of the mall near Target & Kohl’s (former sites of Mill Run & Millionaire’s Club) has had the remaining stores there moved to the more active southern portion. The plan â€" which has yet to be finalized â€" is to do away with this portion & build a Value City. The owners are still awaiting approval from the anchor stores, according to the Chicago Tribune. I also have a feeling that the once-great Sears store is no longer holding its own as a mall anchor. This Sears, which dates from the malls’ inception, had its fascade redone about 10 years ago, which is a shame because its original appearance was a classic example of ‘50s chic
I think the last flick I saw at Town & Country was around ’86 or so. I took a date to see “Wanted: Dead or Alive.†Pretty awful stuff. Town & Country was simply an unsuccessful venture (come to think of it, I think there was a Venture there at one time!) I was in the area last night, in fact, and hadn’t even noticed that the mall had closed (there are a lot of trees lining the parking lot, so it’s not immediately visible to a passerby). It looked pretty ratty too. I drove up to the main entrance & peered inside and could just make out the corridor where the theater was. The façade was different from how I remember too. Perhaps it was redone at some point in the late 80s??? According to the Chicago Tribune, the initiatives to redevelop the mall were approved about 3 years ago. The plans, however, were put on an extension for 2 years, which I think has now passed. The village wants to tear down the indoor portion of the mall & build new retail. Nothing is happening but those signs announcing “redevelopment.†Something will happen eventually….I’m not really worried about that. However, in my opinion, Arlington Heights is a great community with fantastic resources & amenities, but the area in which Town & Country sits (Rand & Palatine Rds) is completely overdeveloped with retail. It’s virtually a continuous strip mall for a two mile radius. I would love to see them bulldoze the mall & redevelop it with very modest retail & new residential.
My memories of Town & Country are exclusively from its first years of operation when it was still new and happening (apparently that was very short lived!). There was a Showbiz Pizza there (the early 80s equivalent of Chuck E. Cheese. I believe this was at what is now Old Country Buffet) and I recall doing birthday parties combined with movies. In fact, my brother’s birthday was held at Showbiz, and we saw “Deathtrap†before going, which would put the time at ’81, I think. I also remember someone giving him the Rolling Stones’ “Tattoo You†album as a gift, which further dates this. I know I saw “The Outsiders,†“Something Wicked This Way Comes,†“Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom,†& “High Road to China†there, so it was definitely there in ’82 or ’83 at the latest. There was also a great arcade in the mall right outside the entrance to the theater that I spent a lot of time playing “Gorf†and “Wizard of Wor†at, amongst others.
Wow. How restored is this place?? When I went there in the late 80s to see “Jason Takes Manhattan,” it was a fairly spooky place. I was the only white person in the audience & people were throwing things at me and heckling (!), so I left early. The place was trashed. There were chandeliers hanging from threadbare strings, the drapery was all torn up (as was much of the seating), and the grand staircase felt very, very creaky. Most of it looked original, but the way they had it tripled was nothing short of sacrilidge. I found this all very interesting as a Chicago native, having seen the painstaking refurbishment/restoration of the Chicago Theater on State. I beleive this theater may have had the same architechts? You tell me.
I saw tons & tons of flicks here. Took a lot dates here too. Old Orchard was a real treat because it was always very clean, and although there was no balcony, it was sprawling with gigantic screens. It was also a nicely designed theater, very streamlined and well-kept. The Gardens Theaters at Old Orchard don’t even come close to replacing this great theater.
Can’t remember the last movie I saw here, but I think it was “Saving Private Ryan.”
The Edens was simply awesome. I miss it, big time. The retro look of it was just amazing, and I often wonder what might have been had they decided to refurbish it. As mentioned, I don’t think anything had been replaced during it entire existence. I remember the 60s furniture, which by the 70s was dated, but still very cool & in good shape. Anyone who’s been there remembers all of that red carpeting and drapery. The front rows had carpeted partitions in front of them, which I used to sit up against when I was a kid (I remember watching “Superman” this way in ‘78). It all added so much to a larger than life presentation (by no means comparable to the “palaces” of the 20s & 30s, Edens instead had an Atomic Age charm all its own). It was sad to see everything start to wear down & fall apart…and ultimately stay that way. I believe the last film I saw there was Phantasm II. The last couple of years were especially sad because there was absolutey no effort paid to keep it up in the slightest. There were talks about a sale for several years and the owners obviously were just waiting for their deal to come through. The parking lots were starting to become somewhat overgrown & cracked long before the place even closed. At least I got to see it packed one last time: sold out showings for “Batman” in….hmmmm….'89???
Yeah, it was defintely there in the 70s. I saw Star Wars at some point (most defintely a re-release), the PG version of Saturday Night Fever, Grease, and countless kids films (they ran matinees). Some may also remember exiting on to Milwaukee Ave from Palatine Expressway late at night & seeing a cavalcade of costumed patrons lined up to see the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” They used to have midnight screenings in the late 70s & early 80s.
Not sure if this is the theater I remember. I know I saw “Star Wars,” “Clash of the Titans” & “Tron” at some theater in this area. I thought the picture would clinch it, but it doesn’t. Was this a General Cinema?? Did it have a marquee near the front of the parking lot? I seem to remember playing in the gravel/rocks at its base? This listing says it was a single screen, so I don’t think this was the one. Anyone from the area know what I’m thinking of?? It’s not Palwaukee, Deerbrook, Golf Glen, Golf Mill, Old Orchard, Twin, or Edens.
To think I took dates there in the late 80s & early 90s!!!!!!!!
I used to go there all the time with my friends and we never had a problem with the quality of the place. As a preteen and early teenager, it was a good place to scope out girls. I never cared for it much, however, as I preferred the larger theaters at Old Orchard & nearby Golf Mill (both now gone as well. Why did this one last?). By the time the mid-90s rolled around, it looked hopelessly dated. Last time I was there was for “A Very Brady Sequel.” (‘96?) I thought I’d timewarped back to my 80s gradeschool/high school days. The place hadn’t changed a bit, and as someone pointed out, looked pretty ramshackle.