Lawford Theatre
225 W. Main Street,
Havana,
IL
62644
225 W. Main Street,
Havana,
IL
62644
5 people
favorited this theater
Showing 76 - 100 of 133 comments
We’ve reopened comments on this theater. Please remember to keep your comments productive. Otherwise, we’ll have to close the discussion again.
Thanks!
Patrick
previously posted link about Paul Warshauer and related lawsuits here.
Take reasonable care.
Just look at what is posted, this person Paul or Mike, will always blame others, but to many of us KNOW the real you, this is not LawfordTheatre, this is someone who knows you, has been wronged by you (among others in the thread) Paul why dont you go to some other country and scam them, its all in the news, all one has to do is put your name in a search, and wham! they come up with theft, they come up with scams, they come up with YOU oweing folks money that even the courts say you owe? you really think all that is false? you live in a DREAM world, or should say what ol “clint eastwood' would say, ‘your a legend,,,,, in your OWN mind” its easy to see who is the liar and who is not, all the folks that have wrote bad things about you including the newspapers, we all lie i guess, like i said the proof is out there, i guess the courts saying you owe 4 grand for stiffing someone and only paying a little of it back are liars to. Dont worry Paul, all of us will continue the threads about you, posting the updated information about you, and keeping everyone notified of your business dealings, have a very productive day,, and if you can, try not to stiff your own family.
Movietech, or should I say Lawfordtheatre. You are both one in the same…sad! Your anger should be funneled into improving ticket sales and not disparaging others.
Three things are obvious; 1. You are angry at us for ticket sale shortfalls. 2. Your accusations are 100% false, and we can prove it. 3. It appears you are trying to string Cowboybuboy along to possibly buy the theatre if your shortfalls continue.
I’m done waisting time. Cowboybuboy call us if you like at 630-480-3345.
Interesting. I don’t see any reports of restoration work in the publications that usually print Lawford Theatre news. The theatre’s phone is disconnected as well.
As far as loans go, everyone know you asked the city for one. Everyone also knows that the city turned you down because they had doubts about your organization. How do we know? Because we read it in the newspapers…I don’t know where you come up with half of the stuff you say.
Here’s a comment from the Wheaton Grand message board, describing your work at the Portage Theatre in Chicago. There are similarities to the story now coming out of Havana:
Too bad about Havana. I worked with Paul in Chicago—the exact same thing happened there. As an employee—you are only as useful until you shut your checkbook. Then you become a “volunteer”. Let’s see if I get the scenario right? A man (Paul) comes in and declares he spends his life restoring theatres. His dream is re-open “this” one.
He needs help (usually teenagers and unsuspecting employees)—when money gets tight he asks the local government for money. When denied he looks to book “investors”—people to help him follow his dream. He thinks how he can divide the theatre into 3. More deposits come in from those groups hoping to get a piece of the
action (sorry—no theatre gets divided-no deposits returned). He then books bands and accepts deposits (now you know Wheaton why he was upset about bands not being allowed to play. Then we blame the local governement about repairs (wasn’t that the case in Chicago—2 venues-Wheaton now Havana—) Then nobody but Paul gets any money. The bills in Chicago; Havana; how are your bills Wheaton? go unpaid. Now let’s get to the employees. All of sudden (after being told of the Grand Opening) there is no money to be paid to employees and now they are called thiefs and volunteers. Sorry Paul—used that excuse many times. Anybody who didn’t “invest” is insulted and called liars. There are so many of us following your footsteps—maybe it is time to try your con in another state. Just remember, the internet is a wonderful tool. Let’s all of us “volunteers” make it our mission to not let him continue. How do you sleep at night Paul? Are there any available lawyers out there to help us with the possibility of a class action lawsuit? Can all of us who were left out to dry possibly take Paul to court? Mr. Novelli—maybe you could help? Have you woke up yet to Paul or are you just slower than normal? How much money did Paul make on ticket sales in Havana? Where is all that money? Certainly not paying bills or employees. Just like in Chicago—go forth and sell calendars on street corners to generate money. Who got that money—Paul did and he was able to travel out of the country while leaving others to possibly get arrested by City officials after being told the theater was fine to open. He then blamed aldermen and the mayor for not turning their backs on an unsafe building and allow patrons in. Paul doesn’t like rules and regulations. He also can’t stand people just a little bit smarter than him—which is most. It just takes us a little longer because most of us have never met a con man before. Our human nature tends to lead us to trust everyone—which now I trust no one. Most of us start out trusting and liking Paul but quickly learn. Are there any out there who started working with Paul and still admire him? Mike where did you come from? You weren’t with him in Chicago? Haven’t you learned yet (others are slower than the rest of us) or are you a con man too? I certainly would break away from Paul as soon as possible. Is this the type of man to be friends with? How is he able to pay you and not mininum wage workers? Again sorry Havana—you were warned. Best of luck Wheaton—you may be the first and only theater to stay on your feet after Paul and go forth. There are many others behind you and cheering you on. As for all others—let’s just watch the internet and watch where Paul goes next.
posted by disgruntledemployee on Sep 12, 2005 at 7:49am
It would not matter, Paul was sued when he tried leasing to someone something that he could not, he jumped ship and came aboard another one. They both play games and have been known to do it in the past, once a con artist, pretty much always. You can read all about them in many papers and contact those folks he conned. It pretty much sums it up. Contact the Mayor of the cities. They have been trown out of theatrs because they could not pay money (locked out actually). They have a web site, that has been put up with all they have done, its there in black and white, including links of suits, writings about them, etc. Its all there. Nothing has been added from others except the folks he took, and those ones that they tried to con.
They cant afford a light bulb from what is said, they cant afford to pay there employees, The person that is running a theatre that they leased optioned to has reciepts of employees he had to pay because they never did when they just ran out, these folks were just teenagers, and they were owed just a few hours. If you check, this is a pattern with these 2, not paying bills, conning others, inlvolved in lawsuits, even losing in court and not paying the court ordered amount. Its all a pattern from these people at Grande Venues. It will continue to be a pattern, and all folks have to do is do searches on them. You cant hide from the truth, a marvelous age we live in that we can do searches on Grande Venues and there owners and come up with all kinds of bad things, one person saying something yes, but everyone including a mayor and townsfolk and other people they ahve duped? See the picture forming, yes, you can. I do hope that someday, they are brought before a court that bars them from doing to others they things they have done. It might not be today, or tomorrow, but someday, these guys will pay for all they have done, bne it here or in the next life. Lets hope its here on earth first!
Excuse me? I’m sure Cowboybuboy can fend for himself. For the record, GVI has no lawsuit against them. In fact, GVI is suing another party for tortuous interference and breach of contract.
Cowboybuboy we can provide several solid references if you so desire.
Call 630-480-3345. See for yourself if this is an opportunity.
the person that was going to purchase the theatre, itsa good one, we live here in town, i have noticed the names of TWO people with whom you do not want to deal with. They are Paul and Mike of the company called Grande Venues, If you do a internet search on them or there company, you will see they are involved in Lawsuits and have taken people for there money. They really are con artist, thats a proven fact. The people of Havana know who they are and we sure do not want them back in this town. They have done nothing it would seem except take peoples money, con them, and leave them high and dry, if you will look at the threads above and read and do research on them. You will see they are good for nothing. I am sure they will play the game of writing back, but from a middle person, i highly advise steering clear of these jokers. They cant run a theatre, much less behave in a civilized way or conduct HONEST business. I know who they are and have delt with them in other area’s. Leave them alone and run.
Whatever you do, dont do that, they are the ones that have many problems and complaints angainst them
Cowboybuboy, if you are interested in buying a theatre, we have a beauty to show you. Contact Mike or Paul at 630-480-3345.
Like Mr. Brennan said, we might continue with the transactions now that everything’s been cleared. I just hope for the best for Robert.
After talking with Ron, we both mis understood each other, i was worried because of what mike and paul from GVI did to this town and its people, ron and i will continue to talk and we still might continue with negotiations, ron is a respectful guy.
Me and Mr. Brennan have come into terms that we decided not to do this deal. Mr. Brennan will deny the $1000 from paypal and refund it to me.
So, I’m the one who has the problem? What about the paypal transaction #85469638RX521221N? According to paypal:
“This payment cannot be cancelled. Please contact the recipient to request a refund.
You can only cancel payments that are sent to unregistered recipients."
Meaning, you’re the one who can cancel or refund the payment. So, what’s holding you? You keep changing the topic. It’s not about the theater anymore. It’s about my money that you have in your paypal account. You’re saying that I can’t handle the biz? How did you know about it? Did we start the training already? You called off the deal when you noticed that I was serious in buying the property. Right now, I have no interest in this transaction. So with all due respect sir, cancel my payment and refund my money. Paypal already emailed you and I have a copy. And don’t threaten me about your atty. and how we will go to court for $1,000. I believe it’s my money and I’m looking forward to getting it soon. After that, we’re done. Apparently, you don’t want to give it up. I don’t need an atty. I can go to the small claims court to get my money back plus any damages this situation have caused. Readers of this forum. This man is not a hero. I hope that the Mayor of Havana is reading this message.
The theatre here is a well designed theatre, When we took it over, there were many many items we had to replace, we have replaced, lamphouse’s, projectors, screen, speakers, sound equiptment, and more, what a job this has been but it sure has been worth it!
These kinds of theaters are thw ones worth saving, i hope to see more of them someday in the cities where they are at!
Wecan go back and forth, he wanted this and wanted that, his money has never been excepted, he could not from what he said go more then any amount over 25k so i chose not to sell it, its a good theatre, i dont believe he can run it, simple truth, i have chosen not to sell it, and have never taken a dime from him. He can always yell and scream, and carry on but again no money has been taken, and he will not buy it.
The problem with this person is: i have never taken any money from him, its never been excepted, and when he could not come up with additional monies, it took him out of the loop, thanks though for posting.
I have been contacted by this person, Robert Brennan, to purchase the theater in Havana, IL AKA Lawford. He was selling it for $125k according to ebay listing. He said that he rescued it from the hands of those people who doesn’t know about the theater. According to ebay listing, 4423328322, he will train the new owner for 30 days and finance it till June 2006. At first he told me over the phone that he owns the building. Then, later, he said that it’s owned by GVI and I will lease it from them. Since I was determined to buy this property because it looks like an excellent venture, I told him to cancel the auction, which he did, and I’ll send $1000 worth of good faith deposit. He told me that he’ll send the documents to be signed on Mon or Tues. After all the emails and phone calls about his promises, I did not receive anything. Today, 12/12/05, he emailed me that he decided with his wife that the theater is worth $250k and he wants out. So, I emailed him that I’ll consult my atty. But I don’t want to go to all the hassles of lawsuit since there are no solid documents signed. I told him to refund the money by cancelling my paypal payment. He responded, “well first off, we did not have a agreement in WRITING, second of all
the
auction STATED 25k DOWN was the minimum, you did not HAVE that and
wanted
me to go to 20k down, if you need to go to a attorney, be my guest"
Hey, Mr. Robert Brennan, if you read your auction, it’s $20k down. Do you have Alzheimer’s? Or just acting stupid. He not responding to my calls. I’m just trying to get my $1000. Some points that are important to this matter:
1. He claimed that this theater has been re-opened for 6 mos. now and his earning $6-8k net per month.
2. So, I asked for the ownership starting on Dec. 15, 2005 so I can take over Narnia and King Kong. He said he’ll consider it provided that I’ll pay around $1600 to $2000 to pay for those movies. I said yes. Then, he cancelled the deal, today, 12/12/05.
3. Paypal payment remains unclaimed. So I called if I can cancel it. Paypal said, it has to be cancelled by the recipient. I asked him to cancel it, he won’t do it. No response.
4. He lowered the price to $105,000 provided that I can pay $23k or less. He claims that it’s for my advantage.
5. At first, he claims that he owns the building free and clear. Well now he’s saying that GVI owns it, which I don’t mind as long as they extend the lease option to me.
6. He claimed that he’s going to finance it till June 2006, formerly 18 months, and train the new owner for 30 days.
As you can see, I was willing to purchase this business from him. I believe he got greedy and wanted more. Well, if you look at the ebay listings, he listed it for $190k, it didn’t sell. Lower, it didn’t sell. $125k it almost sold. But he cancelled the deal. If it’s really work $250k, how come you’re selling it for $105,000? And now you cancelled and won’t return my money. To everyone reading this message, this was my experience from him. I’m still trying to get my money back. He’s full of lies and I have all his emails if you want proof. We’re not yet done. I have reported you to the online business bureau. Don’t act as if you’re a saviour or hero of a small town. Saving their movie theaters. Give me back my money greedy, old man.
My apollogies, I gleened the operation information from links to various articles further up in this thread.
Yes, it had a troubled past, that is for sure, and most of every comment here is about people, not the theatre, this is nothing more then a forum' for saying things against people, which is not what the site is about, as i did say, you can come here, look over the figures which are based on fact,the problem with your post was, the figures charged was wrong, the showing of how many films per day or weekend was wrong, not based apon fact, there has always been since we aquired this theatre at least 2 films per day including weekends, until this week when we show Harry Potter which is a 2 week run by itself, good luck to you,
What part is incorrect?
Your email to me says exactly, “yes, it is, app 8-10k net per month ,absentee, only open thru winter at 4 days per week”
I am correct that you made the specific claim of making “8-10k net per month” in your email to me.
My request for additional details to support your claim resulted in your vague reply,
“If you want to make a appointment and come here, you can see everything i have. thank you”
However, I don’t wish to get into a back and forth here. I was simply adding my post and the information I have to the thread for what seems like a theater that has had a troubled recent past.
Best of luck!
This person that wrote the above statement “m' is not correct in most that they wrote, this will be the only post as we dont want to ‘join’ in all the mumbo jumbo thats been written here about folks, the Lawford is open, after spending 18k to redo it for the town, its doing good, with double shows most weekends, twice nightly sometimes, bands on mondays and tuesdays, its doing good again, am proud that we are trying to give Havana the theatre they used to have, all you guys and gals that only use the forems to knock people over the head, go ahead, as Clint Eastwood said "Go Ahead, Make My Day”
The sad thing is people here are choosing to say things in a ‘forum’ about people, not about the theatre, wrong place for back biting and grumbling, there are more then that showing, and your price is also wrong, your also not taking into account about the bands that are playing on Mondays and Tuesday, but then again as mentioned, it would seem most people here are only saying bad things about each other, not the theater, good luck you guys,
This theater is now offered for sale on Ebay
View link
I contacted the seller through Ebay and asked,
“Is it profitable? What is the NET income? And is it run absentee?”
The reply I recieved is as follows:
“yes, it is, app 8-10k net per month ,absentee, only open thru winter at 4 days per week”
Sounds like an huge NET profit form a theater that has a once a
night showing (twice on weekends) at $5 per adult.
I then asked for more details(before discovering this thread),
“Do you have certified CPA audits or tax records to show this kind of NET? It seems extreem. How long have you been running this theater? What is your average daily attendance? Additionally, can you provide a detailed profit/loss statement?”
No reply yet but I’ll post whatever reply I get. It all sounds kinda “iffy” after having read the post on this thread.
thanks! there are many more good comments from other papers even after the theatres grand re-opening,, i think 4 news papers reported on it, the town sure is happy!