I stumbled on this thread and thought it would be interesting to read about a grand old theater in Illinois, one of my favorite states. However, I am now removing myself from this listing because it is nothing but endless tedium. Good luck, children. Try to play nice.
This theater is open and hopping. While it’s not ideal, there is no denying the fun of going to see a popcorn picture at a drive-in movie.
I took my two year old to see Charlotte’s Web and she loved seeing a movie from the front seat of the car, a place in the car she isn’t usually allowed.
While she was watching the screen in front of us, I turned around from time to time to look out the side window and watch some innocent victims getting dismembered by “The Hitcher” on a nearby screen. Good times.
The screen is the same size, which seemed really big at the time, but not so much now in comparison to the big screens at the newest AMC and Regal cinemas.
As I posted back in 2004, it kills me to know that I was alive when the theater closed (though still a youngster living in the suburbs.) Actually, maybe I should kill my parents instead for not realizing what we were about to lose and taking me to see it.
I saw Streisand’s “A Star is Born” here, or as Mad magazine more aptly put it, “A Bore is Starred.” Even at the tender age of 19 I could tell a real stinker when I saw it.
Saw Vertigo here last year; auditorium is lovely. And took a peek at the mini-cinema, which is wildy decorated like an outdoor garden (I think). It was great to a see a 100 seat “atmospheric.”
The former RKO Rockville Centre Twin is sitting vacant and waiting for a new tenant. There is plenty of parking near the theater and it’s only about 5 miles over the Queens border. Check it out!
I meant that the reason e-walk is beginning to feel shabby with that 42nd Street flavor is because Regal are poor housekeepers in general, not because of the decor.
And the Mc/BK metaphor reminds me that when Burger King took over the locations of many old Automats, they really did desecrate the places.
The descriptive text may need to be revised because I believe the old theatre (last called the Park Avenue) was torn down several years ago and the new cinema (Long Beach Cinema 4) was built from the ground up at the same site.
Some people have to get out of their mother’s basement once in a while. And not “one day,” but today.
I stumbled on this thread and thought it would be interesting to read about a grand old theater in Illinois, one of my favorite states. However, I am now removing myself from this listing because it is nothing but endless tedium. Good luck, children. Try to play nice.
And as a bonus, the big red neon “Thunderbird” sign was brightly lit the night we were there.
This theater is open and hopping. While it’s not ideal, there is no denying the fun of going to see a popcorn picture at a drive-in movie.
I took my two year old to see Charlotte’s Web and she loved seeing a movie from the front seat of the car, a place in the car she isn’t usually allowed.
While she was watching the screen in front of us, I turned around from time to time to look out the side window and watch some innocent victims getting dismembered by “The Hitcher” on a nearby screen. Good times.
Really seedy, considering that it’s in a sort of prime location.
It’s very shabby and musty smelling…and in my auditorium the image jiggled and jumped the entire show, despite repeated reports to management.
Nice, graceful sloping stadium seating, though, and the rooms are nicely decorated; some are over 400 seats.
I heard this Riverfront complex is a financial bust and is being redeveloped. I wonder if this place is coming down, too.
All in all, pretty disappointing.
Still closed.
The screen is the same size, which seemed really big at the time, but not so much now in comparison to the big screens at the newest AMC and Regal cinemas.
I don’t see how they can enlarge the screen without changing the design of the proscenium and the side speakers (with the big “Z” logos.)
Sniff.
And, ladies, don’t forget to remove your hats.
Wow, Warren. Those are eye-popping photos on the church’s website. Thanks for the tip.
Jeez, remind me never to come to Wheaton, Illinois. This thread is a load of crap.
Myron, why will this be your last film at the Ziegfeld?
As I posted back in 2004, it kills me to know that I was alive when the theater closed (though still a youngster living in the suburbs.) Actually, maybe I should kill my parents instead for not realizing what we were about to lose and taking me to see it.
I saw Streisand’s “A Star is Born” here, or as Mad magazine more aptly put it, “A Bore is Starred.” Even at the tender age of 19 I could tell a real stinker when I saw it.
>>It is built in the conviction that the American passion for the movies is here to stay.
My favorite line in the Times article. And it was written in 1916!
Saw Vertigo here last year; auditorium is lovely. And took a peek at the mini-cinema, which is wildy decorated like an outdoor garden (I think). It was great to a see a 100 seat “atmospheric.”
Anybody remember Steve Napoli, the projectionist there? He is a great guy.
The former RKO Rockville Centre Twin is sitting vacant and waiting for a new tenant. There is plenty of parking near the theater and it’s only about 5 miles over the Queens border. Check it out!
/theaters/6147/
It’s always smething around here.
It’s worth a look.
I meant that the reason e-walk is beginning to feel shabby with that 42nd Street flavor is because Regal are poor housekeepers in general, not because of the decor.
And the Mc/BK metaphor reminds me that when Burger King took over the locations of many old Automats, they really did desecrate the places.
The descriptive text may need to be revised because I believe the old theatre (last called the Park Avenue) was torn down several years ago and the new cinema (Long Beach Cinema 4) was built from the ground up at the same site.
I have passed this location many times and never noticed the back. And now, poof, there’s an old theater right in front of me. Thanks, Ed.
I see the holiday fruitcake has arrived.
I’m happy to read that Clearview’s Craig Connor was there opening night; I’m not surprised to find that he had a hand in it.