Bob- I think I have your answer. The dozens (hundreds?) of times I went to the Clark throughout the 1960s, my one memory of music played at intermission is DELICADO. Liked it so much, I bought the LP. It is on London records; the album title: “The Cash Box Instrumental Hits Stanley Black his piano and orchestra”.
As late as August 1968, the Royal was still playing triple features. From the Chicago Sun Times movie directory on Friday, Aug. 30, 1968: ROYAL 1455 Milwaukee Ave. -Open 1:15 3 HITS! ALL IN COLOR! WALT DISNEY’S “JUNGLE BOOK” “THREE GUNS FOR TEXAS” Neville Brand “KISS of the VAMPIRE” Horror-Thrills!
The Wallace theatre was in operation at least through early summer of 1965. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings on Friday, June 4, 1965: WALLACE 31st- Lowe “TOWER OF LONDON” & “UNDER YUM YUM TREE”.
You’re right, CHI74: “THIEF” opened in Chicago on March 27, 1981. It was released by United Artists. However, it did NOT play the United Artists theatre (at least not first run). “THIEF” played at the Chicago, McClurg Court, and Portage theatres in the city, and a number of suburban theatres and drive-ins. At the Chicago theatre, they had a second feature: “THE FUNHOUSE”.
Through 1965, the Stony was open ;playing regular Hollywood fare. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings dated Tuesday, Sept.21, 1965: STONY 6855 So. Stony ISLE.-363-9707 URSULA ANDRESS “SHE” “JOHNNY COOL”– HENRY SILVA. Sometime in late 65, early or mid 66, the Stony closed yet again. But it re-opened in late November 1966, probably under new ownership. From the Sun Times movie directory, Tuesday, Nov.22, 1966: GRAND OPENING! Wednesday at 12 Noon Chicago’s Newest And Most Elegant ADULT THEATRE STONY 69th and STONY ISLAND Phone MU 4 -7766 ADULTS ONLY Continuous Entertainment Daily 12 NOON to MIDNIGHT GALA MIDNIGHT SHOW FRIDAY and SATURDAY.
Scott- thanks for the photos. In picture #5, the name Mode- in silver letters against a black background- is just the way I remember it from the late 1950s through the 60s. Directly below the name was a series of 5 or 6…maybe 7- mostly glass entrance doors. They were quite narrow. I’m surprised the name Mode stayed up there through the decades…1968- 69, the Puerto Rico theatre, the 70s- the Festival, the 80s and 90s-a grocery store…all the way to the very end. Another observation: those pink columns in one of the photos does not ring a bell with me. Either my memory is bad, or one of the new owners painted it. The colors I remember inside the theatre were light yellow, off white, and black. Anyway, thanks again for the memories.
The very first photo you posted, BW, really brings back nice memories. The four line marquee; above it the name LAKESIDE, was in orange neon, if I remember correctly. This I know for sure: under the letter E in LAKESIDE was the box office. Look closely and you’ll see the box office was on a slight angle. It faced south. The entrance doors were also on an angle, facing east. Just to the side of the box office,facing south (not visible in the photo) was space for two 28x22 posters advertising movies coming in a few days…TUES. WED. THURS., for example. Sometimes, management would display posters on the entrance doors…inserts, those 14 by 36 posters. Just past the southern most entrance door…looking left at the photo…was the mens washroom. If you were standing outside the theatre, you could see people going in and out of the washroom, and a small part of the room. Not a very big lobby! Just past the box office, you came to the ticket taker. Past him, and to the right, was the concession stand(facing south).Getting to the auditorium was just a few steps west. Although the lobby was relatively small, the auditorium was fairly large for a neighborhood theatre. Patrons watching movies faced west;the screen faced east. The theatre was super comfortable… in the winter, it was toasty warm; in the summer I remember it being VERY cool. My earliest memory of the Lakeside: I was 8 or 9, my parents dropped me off to see “DAY THE WORLD ENDED”, “PHANTOM FROM 10,000 LEAGUES”, and “BEAST WITH A MILLION EYES”. A great triple feature for a kid. A great theatre.
Catherine- I go to the City North 14 on a fairly regular basis. Overall, my experiences have been good. Exceptions: on Tuesdays (bargain day) with a really popular film, it can be crowded: lots of high school kids…the noise level can go up considerably, and, my pet peeve: people in the row behind me kicking the seats. However, if you go on a Wednesday or Thursday, the place is quite different. No crowds, no noise, no problems. A friend of mine, who likes to see movies on the weekend, says some films sell out in the evening. Two students I know told me not long ago: “The City North… too many gang-bangers”. It seems since Kerasotes took over from AMC, the patrons are better behaved. Perhaps that little ad the theatre runs after the trailers has made a difference: “Welcome…….please refrain from talking, kicking seats, and moving around. We are always close by. Disruptive patrons will be asked to leave”. Bottom line- I like the place as long as no one is sitting behind me.
Charles-I have a vague rememberance of candy machines located across from aisle 2(the double doors).Cashews, M&Ms,and other candy for a nickel. The water fountain was in that general area. But I have no memory of candy machines between the washrooms, and since I was a popcorn and Coke kind of guy, didn’t buy much candy. No idea what that chewy candy was. A few other memories of the Mode : the auditorium doors were black. The public telephone was located on the south wall of the theatre, almost directly across from the ticket taker, who was positioned just east of the concession stand. If you made a phone call, and looked to your right, you could see the narrow staircase leading to the projection booth. The Mode’s phone number was BU 1-9506. Yes, that number is burned into my brain…saw it many times on the weekly flyers.
Brian-the alterations were few. I remember in 1963 or 64, they removed (or covered up) the 4 line marquee with a huge painted sign stating…NEW MODE Theatre DOORS OPEN 12 NOON DAILY. The name MODE was splashed across the sign from left to right. New owners/ operators, I presume…before that ,the Mode opened at 5p.m. weekdays, 1p.m. Sat. Sun. and holidays. That new policy didn’t seem to last very long. Also, they soon returned to the 4 line marquee.In 1968…1969, when the Mode became the Puerto Rico, the orange neon was gone, the name PUERTO RICO was painted on the vertical black background. I remember seeing “GOLDFINGER” in English…with Spanish subtitles. Around 1970, another name change…FESTIVAL was hand painted(each letter in a different color)against a light yellow or light gold background. It looked gaudy. On top of the vertical sign,one big light bulb ,facing down, with a cover on top, was installed to illuminate the sign at night. Through the years, the boxoffice and the tiles behind and to the sides of the theatre sign remained the same. Going back to 1957 or ‘58, I remember standing outside the Mode- between the boxoffice and the front doors- looking at posters for “FIRE MADIENS OF OUTER SPACE"and "BRIDE OF THE MONSTER”. It was early evening. Looking up, there was a big circle with lines radiating out to the boxoffice.It was in bright orange neon…just like the letters on the vertical sign. I think that was removed by the early to mid 60s. Above the entrance doors, in silver block letters, was the name Mode. In the photo with “INTERNATIONAL HOUSE” on the marquee, you can see what looks like “lobby cards” (14 by 11 inches) on the walls directly across from the boxoffice. From 1957-on , I’m sure they were moved more to the left and right. In other words, they were facing more to the street rather than the boxoffice. The lobby cards were under glass; NOT under glass was a series of 3-(28 by 22) movie posters against a wooden and steel holder, pretty much parallel to the boxoffice. Just west of these posters, before you got to the entrance doors, was another series of 3 movie posters on both sides of the wall. They WERE under glass. In my post of 3-31-05, I mentioned 3 or 4 aisles. Pretty sure there were three aisles: Aisle 1, right off the concession stand- and NO door!, the middle aisle with double doors, and aisle 3 at the far west of the theatre. Just outside aisle 3 was the ladies room; to the left of the ladies room was the mens washroom( in the southwest corner of the buiding).Similar in size to the Wilmette theatre washroom…maybe a little bigger, but not much. One more memory of the Mode -trivial, but what the heck- the ticket takers stand…where he dropped the stubs…was maroon in color.
Wow! is right, Brian. Great photos; the one showing the vertical sign with the accent on the e (Mow—day) ,the tiles surrounding the sign, the four line marquee, and the tiny box office facing Sheridan Rd… from the 1930s…is almost exactly the way I remember the theatre from about 1957 through the early 60s. Little- if any -change. I was beginning to think I would never see pics of the Mode…although memories of the outside and inside will be with me forever. Thanks…you made my day.
The seating capacity for each auditorium at Galewood Crossings is as follows: Auditorium #1, 220 seats, #2, 104, #3,155, #4, 299, #5, 176, #6, 113, #7, 220, #8, 104, #9, 155, #10, 299, #11, 176, #12, 113, #13, 297, and #14, 297. A grand total of 2,728 seats. Auditoriums 1 through 6 are to the right of the concession stand; 7 through 14 are to the left. For a megaplex, the lobby is quite small…wide, but not very deep. The auditoriums are nicely done and super comfortable. Because it just recently opened, it reminded me of the inside of a brand new car…it smells great!
Bryan…guess I was mistaken again. I didn’t see “FLESH GORDON” in 1973 or 1979, but in late January 1975. That means there were two crackdowns of downtown movie theatres in the 70s. I’m sure in 1979- Spring or Summer- Mayor Jane Byrne ordered a number of theatres closed (perhaps not the Monroe) but for sure the Oriental and the State-Lake, because of a rodent problem. I remember a quote from a city inspector re: the Oriental’s filthy conditions: when a dead mouse was found on a staircase, he said (I’m paraphrasing) “Gee, they don’t even bother to sweep the stairs”. To RickB: I suspect you’re right; highly doubtful the Monroe lasted into 1981 or early 82. On Wed. April 14, 1976, the Monroe was playing “BLAZING STEWARDESSES” plus “SWITCHBLADE SISTERS”. After that , the Monroe disappeared from the movie listings (at least in the Sun-Times; not sure of the Tribune). It may have stayed open a while longer…maybe even to 1978-79. But I know that even in 1974-75, business was way down; a once crowded and clean theatre(1958 through 1969 when I went) was dirty and not well patronized. Perhaps the arrests Bryan mentioned in his post of 3-4-07 also contibuted to the Monroe’s demise, whenever it occured. One more memory of the Monroe: there was NEVER an intermission; ALWAYS something on the screen. The theatre sold hot dogs. In between the double features a colorful ad for the hot dogs played. A voice said “YUM….YUM… IT’S A MEAL IN ITSELF” as a bright red hot dog (with eyes and a mouth)slid into a bun, splashed mustard and relish on itself, and said something like “enjoy a treat…have one now” or something like that. Those were the days when you could buy a ticket at ,say, 11a.m. and stay to 5p.m. or 7p.m. if you so desired. Continuous performances, food, and sexy, unusual movies encouraged a few people to watch the movies more than once. The films would generally start at 9a.m. and run to midnight.
The State theatre was operating at least through early July 1978- although it probably closed and re-opened once or twice during the 1970s with new owners/ operators. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings on Saturday, July 1, 1978: STATE 5814 W. Madison St. 261-0962—Open 1:00 “YOUNGBLOOD” “THE INCREDIBLE MELTING MAN”.
The 4 Star theatre was open at least through mid June 1970. Before it closed for good, it was advertised as the 4 STAR PLAYHOUSE. It was showing double feature “adults only” soft-core films. From the Chicago Sun Times on Friday, June 12, 1970: “LIKE IT IS” & “CALICO QUEEN”.
In the book “CHICAGO- GROWTH OF A METROPOLIS” by Harold M. Mayer, there is a nice shot of Broadway- looking north- from Leland to Lawrence on page 344. The year is 1926; the vertical sign RIVIERA is clearly visible in the background. Photos of the Paradise, Marbro, Tivoli, Wilson(aka 4 Star), and Parkway(on the south side)are also featured on pages 345, 347, and 348.
In the book “CHICAGO- GROWTH OF A METROPOLIS” by Harold M. Mayer, there is a photo of Madison street near Western Ave. from 1934. You can see the vertical sign of the Wilson theatre(aka 4 Star). It’s on page 345. Also in the book: the vertical signs and marquees of the Paradise, Marbro, and Tivoli theatres from the 1920s on page 347.
In the book “CHICAGO- GROWTH OF A METROPOLIS” by Harold M. Mayer, there is a small photo of 111th- Michigan from 1934. The Parkway theatre is there; on the marquee: Gary Cooper in “OPERATOR 13”. Also, in the background, you can see the vertical sign of the State theatre. It’s on page 348. On page 347, there are pics of the Paradise and Marbro theatres (1929) and the Tivoli theatre (1924).
In the book “IMAGES of AMERICA- CHICAGO’S SOUTHEAST SIDE” by Rod Sellers, there is a nice pic of the East Side theatre on page 34. Nice shot of the marquee;“THE OUTLAW” with Jane Russell is playing along with a second feature. The year is 1950. The EastSide theatre was one of the first theatres to convert to “talkies” in the late 20s. Also on page 34, a photo of the Gayety; on page 33 is a nice shot of the Commercial theatre(marquee and entrance).According to the text, at one time 17 theatres were operating on the Southeast side!
In the book “OAK PARK IN VINTAGE POSTCARDS” by Douglas Deuchler, there is a nice photo of the marquee and vertical sign of the Lake theatre(from 1936) on page 93. On the marquee: Chester Morris in “MOONLIGHT MURDER” plus OUR GANG COMEDY. Under the marquee, there is a banner stating COOLED BY REFRIGERATION. According to the text, the Lake was one of the few places in Oak Park to have air conditioning in the mid 1930s. Also, on page 97, there is a small picture of the Lamar theatre from 1947.
On Tuesday, June 11, 1957, the California theatre was listed as the CAL in the Chicago Sun Times. It was showing a triple feature: “TATTERED DRESS” “ISTANBUL” “FEAR STRIKES OUT”. On Monday, June 26, 1961, their policy was considerably different. From the Sun Times: CALIFORNIA Phone 521-0657 3434 W. 26th All Czech Films & Program.
In the movie “CRAZY LOVE”, there is a scene of 42nd street and 7th avenue- looking west- from the early 1970s. You can see the New Amsterdam theatre on the left; across the street is a marquee with the title “ALL ABOUT SEX OF ALL NATIONS”. I’m guessing this is the Rialto theatre. This is all the information I could get, since the scene lasts only 2 or 3 seconds (about 1 hour into the film). When the movie comes out on DVD, one can study the scene and surely get more details. Not a bad movie,either…
Grace- the movie was released in 1986; I’m assuming Spike Lee filmed it in 1985 and/or 1986.The setting was the mid 80s. Yes, New York libraries and the historical society might do the trick. Did you contact the pastor by letter? If possible, try to get to the church and see the pastor in person. I suspect that would be more fruitful. Even if no pictures result, perhaps he…or long time members of the congregation…have some memories to share.
Saw the movie “SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT” last Tuesday. It was filmed mostly- if not entirely- in Brooklyn. In the beginning of the film, there are a number of street scenes; one very quick shot of a movie theatre with the name Terminal. The marquee is blank. The letters of the name seemed to be written, but not connected. The year had to be 1985 or 1986.
Bob- I think I have your answer. The dozens (hundreds?) of times I went to the Clark throughout the 1960s, my one memory of music played at intermission is DELICADO. Liked it so much, I bought the LP. It is on London records; the album title: “The Cash Box Instrumental Hits Stanley Black his piano and orchestra”.
As late as August 1968, the Royal was still playing triple features. From the Chicago Sun Times movie directory on Friday, Aug. 30, 1968: ROYAL 1455 Milwaukee Ave. -Open 1:15 3 HITS! ALL IN COLOR! WALT DISNEY’S “JUNGLE BOOK” “THREE GUNS FOR TEXAS” Neville Brand “KISS of the VAMPIRE” Horror-Thrills!
The Byrd was open as late as July 1967. From the Chicago Sun Times on Saturday, July 1, 1967: BYRD OPEN 1:30 – “THE PAD” “VALLEY OF MYSTERY”.
The Wallace theatre was in operation at least through early summer of 1965. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings on Friday, June 4, 1965: WALLACE 31st- Lowe “TOWER OF LONDON” & “UNDER YUM YUM TREE”.
You’re right, CHI74: “THIEF” opened in Chicago on March 27, 1981. It was released by United Artists. However, it did NOT play the United Artists theatre (at least not first run). “THIEF” played at the Chicago, McClurg Court, and Portage theatres in the city, and a number of suburban theatres and drive-ins. At the Chicago theatre, they had a second feature: “THE FUNHOUSE”.
Through 1965, the Stony was open ;playing regular Hollywood fare. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings dated Tuesday, Sept.21, 1965: STONY 6855 So. Stony ISLE.-363-9707 URSULA ANDRESS “SHE” “JOHNNY COOL”– HENRY SILVA. Sometime in late 65, early or mid 66, the Stony closed yet again. But it re-opened in late November 1966, probably under new ownership. From the Sun Times movie directory, Tuesday, Nov.22, 1966: GRAND OPENING! Wednesday at 12 Noon Chicago’s Newest And Most Elegant ADULT THEATRE STONY 69th and STONY ISLAND Phone MU 4 -7766 ADULTS ONLY Continuous Entertainment Daily 12 NOON to MIDNIGHT GALA MIDNIGHT SHOW FRIDAY and SATURDAY.
Scott- thanks for the photos. In picture #5, the name Mode- in silver letters against a black background- is just the way I remember it from the late 1950s through the 60s. Directly below the name was a series of 5 or 6…maybe 7- mostly glass entrance doors. They were quite narrow. I’m surprised the name Mode stayed up there through the decades…1968- 69, the Puerto Rico theatre, the 70s- the Festival, the 80s and 90s-a grocery store…all the way to the very end. Another observation: those pink columns in one of the photos does not ring a bell with me. Either my memory is bad, or one of the new owners painted it. The colors I remember inside the theatre were light yellow, off white, and black. Anyway, thanks again for the memories.
The very first photo you posted, BW, really brings back nice memories. The four line marquee; above it the name LAKESIDE, was in orange neon, if I remember correctly. This I know for sure: under the letter E in LAKESIDE was the box office. Look closely and you’ll see the box office was on a slight angle. It faced south. The entrance doors were also on an angle, facing east. Just to the side of the box office,facing south (not visible in the photo) was space for two 28x22 posters advertising movies coming in a few days…TUES. WED. THURS., for example. Sometimes, management would display posters on the entrance doors…inserts, those 14 by 36 posters. Just past the southern most entrance door…looking left at the photo…was the mens washroom. If you were standing outside the theatre, you could see people going in and out of the washroom, and a small part of the room. Not a very big lobby! Just past the box office, you came to the ticket taker. Past him, and to the right, was the concession stand(facing south).Getting to the auditorium was just a few steps west. Although the lobby was relatively small, the auditorium was fairly large for a neighborhood theatre. Patrons watching movies faced west;the screen faced east. The theatre was super comfortable… in the winter, it was toasty warm; in the summer I remember it being VERY cool. My earliest memory of the Lakeside: I was 8 or 9, my parents dropped me off to see “DAY THE WORLD ENDED”, “PHANTOM FROM 10,000 LEAGUES”, and “BEAST WITH A MILLION EYES”. A great triple feature for a kid. A great theatre.
Catherine- I go to the City North 14 on a fairly regular basis. Overall, my experiences have been good. Exceptions: on Tuesdays (bargain day) with a really popular film, it can be crowded: lots of high school kids…the noise level can go up considerably, and, my pet peeve: people in the row behind me kicking the seats. However, if you go on a Wednesday or Thursday, the place is quite different. No crowds, no noise, no problems. A friend of mine, who likes to see movies on the weekend, says some films sell out in the evening. Two students I know told me not long ago: “The City North… too many gang-bangers”. It seems since Kerasotes took over from AMC, the patrons are better behaved. Perhaps that little ad the theatre runs after the trailers has made a difference: “Welcome…….please refrain from talking, kicking seats, and moving around. We are always close by. Disruptive patrons will be asked to leave”. Bottom line- I like the place as long as no one is sitting behind me.
Charles-I have a vague rememberance of candy machines located across from aisle 2(the double doors).Cashews, M&Ms,and other candy for a nickel. The water fountain was in that general area. But I have no memory of candy machines between the washrooms, and since I was a popcorn and Coke kind of guy, didn’t buy much candy. No idea what that chewy candy was. A few other memories of the Mode : the auditorium doors were black. The public telephone was located on the south wall of the theatre, almost directly across from the ticket taker, who was positioned just east of the concession stand. If you made a phone call, and looked to your right, you could see the narrow staircase leading to the projection booth. The Mode’s phone number was BU 1-9506. Yes, that number is burned into my brain…saw it many times on the weekly flyers.
Brian-the alterations were few. I remember in 1963 or 64, they removed (or covered up) the 4 line marquee with a huge painted sign stating…NEW MODE Theatre DOORS OPEN 12 NOON DAILY. The name MODE was splashed across the sign from left to right. New owners/ operators, I presume…before that ,the Mode opened at 5p.m. weekdays, 1p.m. Sat. Sun. and holidays. That new policy didn’t seem to last very long. Also, they soon returned to the 4 line marquee.In 1968…1969, when the Mode became the Puerto Rico, the orange neon was gone, the name PUERTO RICO was painted on the vertical black background. I remember seeing “GOLDFINGER” in English…with Spanish subtitles. Around 1970, another name change…FESTIVAL was hand painted(each letter in a different color)against a light yellow or light gold background. It looked gaudy. On top of the vertical sign,one big light bulb ,facing down, with a cover on top, was installed to illuminate the sign at night. Through the years, the boxoffice and the tiles behind and to the sides of the theatre sign remained the same. Going back to 1957 or ‘58, I remember standing outside the Mode- between the boxoffice and the front doors- looking at posters for “FIRE MADIENS OF OUTER SPACE"and "BRIDE OF THE MONSTER”. It was early evening. Looking up, there was a big circle with lines radiating out to the boxoffice.It was in bright orange neon…just like the letters on the vertical sign. I think that was removed by the early to mid 60s. Above the entrance doors, in silver block letters, was the name Mode. In the photo with “INTERNATIONAL HOUSE” on the marquee, you can see what looks like “lobby cards” (14 by 11 inches) on the walls directly across from the boxoffice. From 1957-on , I’m sure they were moved more to the left and right. In other words, they were facing more to the street rather than the boxoffice. The lobby cards were under glass; NOT under glass was a series of 3-(28 by 22) movie posters against a wooden and steel holder, pretty much parallel to the boxoffice. Just west of these posters, before you got to the entrance doors, was another series of 3 movie posters on both sides of the wall. They WERE under glass. In my post of 3-31-05, I mentioned 3 or 4 aisles. Pretty sure there were three aisles: Aisle 1, right off the concession stand- and NO door!, the middle aisle with double doors, and aisle 3 at the far west of the theatre. Just outside aisle 3 was the ladies room; to the left of the ladies room was the mens washroom( in the southwest corner of the buiding).Similar in size to the Wilmette theatre washroom…maybe a little bigger, but not much. One more memory of the Mode -trivial, but what the heck- the ticket takers stand…where he dropped the stubs…was maroon in color.
Wow! is right, Brian. Great photos; the one showing the vertical sign with the accent on the e (Mow—day) ,the tiles surrounding the sign, the four line marquee, and the tiny box office facing Sheridan Rd… from the 1930s…is almost exactly the way I remember the theatre from about 1957 through the early 60s. Little- if any -change. I was beginning to think I would never see pics of the Mode…although memories of the outside and inside will be with me forever. Thanks…you made my day.
The seating capacity for each auditorium at Galewood Crossings is as follows: Auditorium #1, 220 seats, #2, 104, #3,155, #4, 299, #5, 176, #6, 113, #7, 220, #8, 104, #9, 155, #10, 299, #11, 176, #12, 113, #13, 297, and #14, 297. A grand total of 2,728 seats. Auditoriums 1 through 6 are to the right of the concession stand; 7 through 14 are to the left. For a megaplex, the lobby is quite small…wide, but not very deep. The auditoriums are nicely done and super comfortable. Because it just recently opened, it reminded me of the inside of a brand new car…it smells great!
Bryan…guess I was mistaken again. I didn’t see “FLESH GORDON” in 1973 or 1979, but in late January 1975. That means there were two crackdowns of downtown movie theatres in the 70s. I’m sure in 1979- Spring or Summer- Mayor Jane Byrne ordered a number of theatres closed (perhaps not the Monroe) but for sure the Oriental and the State-Lake, because of a rodent problem. I remember a quote from a city inspector re: the Oriental’s filthy conditions: when a dead mouse was found on a staircase, he said (I’m paraphrasing) “Gee, they don’t even bother to sweep the stairs”. To RickB: I suspect you’re right; highly doubtful the Monroe lasted into 1981 or early 82. On Wed. April 14, 1976, the Monroe was playing “BLAZING STEWARDESSES” plus “SWITCHBLADE SISTERS”. After that , the Monroe disappeared from the movie listings (at least in the Sun-Times; not sure of the Tribune). It may have stayed open a while longer…maybe even to 1978-79. But I know that even in 1974-75, business was way down; a once crowded and clean theatre(1958 through 1969 when I went) was dirty and not well patronized. Perhaps the arrests Bryan mentioned in his post of 3-4-07 also contibuted to the Monroe’s demise, whenever it occured. One more memory of the Monroe: there was NEVER an intermission; ALWAYS something on the screen. The theatre sold hot dogs. In between the double features a colorful ad for the hot dogs played. A voice said “YUM….YUM… IT’S A MEAL IN ITSELF” as a bright red hot dog (with eyes and a mouth)slid into a bun, splashed mustard and relish on itself, and said something like “enjoy a treat…have one now” or something like that. Those were the days when you could buy a ticket at ,say, 11a.m. and stay to 5p.m. or 7p.m. if you so desired. Continuous performances, food, and sexy, unusual movies encouraged a few people to watch the movies more than once. The films would generally start at 9a.m. and run to midnight.
The State theatre was operating at least through early July 1978- although it probably closed and re-opened once or twice during the 1970s with new owners/ operators. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings on Saturday, July 1, 1978: STATE 5814 W. Madison St. 261-0962—Open 1:00 “YOUNGBLOOD” “THE INCREDIBLE MELTING MAN”.
The 4 Star theatre was open at least through mid June 1970. Before it closed for good, it was advertised as the 4 STAR PLAYHOUSE. It was showing double feature “adults only” soft-core films. From the Chicago Sun Times on Friday, June 12, 1970: “LIKE IT IS” & “CALICO QUEEN”.
In the book “CHICAGO- GROWTH OF A METROPOLIS” by Harold M. Mayer, there is a nice shot of Broadway- looking north- from Leland to Lawrence on page 344. The year is 1926; the vertical sign RIVIERA is clearly visible in the background. Photos of the Paradise, Marbro, Tivoli, Wilson(aka 4 Star), and Parkway(on the south side)are also featured on pages 345, 347, and 348.
In the book “CHICAGO- GROWTH OF A METROPOLIS” by Harold M. Mayer, there is a photo of Madison street near Western Ave. from 1934. You can see the vertical sign of the Wilson theatre(aka 4 Star). It’s on page 345. Also in the book: the vertical signs and marquees of the Paradise, Marbro, and Tivoli theatres from the 1920s on page 347.
In the book “CHICAGO- GROWTH OF A METROPOLIS” by Harold M. Mayer, there is a small photo of 111th- Michigan from 1934. The Parkway theatre is there; on the marquee: Gary Cooper in “OPERATOR 13”. Also, in the background, you can see the vertical sign of the State theatre. It’s on page 348. On page 347, there are pics of the Paradise and Marbro theatres (1929) and the Tivoli theatre (1924).
In the book “IMAGES of AMERICA- CHICAGO’S SOUTHEAST SIDE” by Rod Sellers, there is a nice pic of the East Side theatre on page 34. Nice shot of the marquee;“THE OUTLAW” with Jane Russell is playing along with a second feature. The year is 1950. The EastSide theatre was one of the first theatres to convert to “talkies” in the late 20s. Also on page 34, a photo of the Gayety; on page 33 is a nice shot of the Commercial theatre(marquee and entrance).According to the text, at one time 17 theatres were operating on the Southeast side!
In the book “OAK PARK IN VINTAGE POSTCARDS” by Douglas Deuchler, there is a nice photo of the marquee and vertical sign of the Lake theatre(from 1936) on page 93. On the marquee: Chester Morris in “MOONLIGHT MURDER” plus OUR GANG COMEDY. Under the marquee, there is a banner stating COOLED BY REFRIGERATION. According to the text, the Lake was one of the few places in Oak Park to have air conditioning in the mid 1930s. Also, on page 97, there is a small picture of the Lamar theatre from 1947.
On Tuesday, June 11, 1957, the California theatre was listed as the CAL in the Chicago Sun Times. It was showing a triple feature: “TATTERED DRESS” “ISTANBUL” “FEAR STRIKES OUT”. On Monday, June 26, 1961, their policy was considerably different. From the Sun Times: CALIFORNIA Phone 521-0657 3434 W. 26th All Czech Films & Program.
In the movie “CRAZY LOVE”, there is a scene of 42nd street and 7th avenue- looking west- from the early 1970s. You can see the New Amsterdam theatre on the left; across the street is a marquee with the title “ALL ABOUT SEX OF ALL NATIONS”. I’m guessing this is the Rialto theatre. This is all the information I could get, since the scene lasts only 2 or 3 seconds (about 1 hour into the film). When the movie comes out on DVD, one can study the scene and surely get more details. Not a bad movie,either…
Grace- the movie was released in 1986; I’m assuming Spike Lee filmed it in 1985 and/or 1986.The setting was the mid 80s. Yes, New York libraries and the historical society might do the trick. Did you contact the pastor by letter? If possible, try to get to the church and see the pastor in person. I suspect that would be more fruitful. Even if no pictures result, perhaps he…or long time members of the congregation…have some memories to share.
Saw the movie “SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT” last Tuesday. It was filmed mostly- if not entirely- in Brooklyn. In the beginning of the film, there are a number of street scenes; one very quick shot of a movie theatre with the name Terminal. The marquee is blank. The letters of the name seemed to be written, but not connected. The year had to be 1985 or 1986.