On Sunday,May 10, 1959, the Jackson Park theatre was showing “TEENAGE THUNDER” plus “CARNIVAL ROCK” according to the Chicago Sun Times. On Sunday, Jan.17, 1960, the Jackson Park had a triple feature: “BEATNIK”, “WASP WOMAN”,“BEAST FROM HAUNTED CAVE”.(from the Chicago Tribune).
The Ark theatre (aka Drexel) was in operation at least through May 1959. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings, Friday April 19,1957: ARK -LOW PRICES ADULTS .25 CHILDREN .10.(No films are listed.) From the Sun Times Sunday, May 10, 1959: ARK –“THE VIKINGS” “BOUNTY HUNTER” “FLAMING FRONTIER”.
Brian- thanks for the photos. On page 3, photo 12, the box office was directly under the second blue square from the left. The entrance was perhaps 15 feet west of the (very) small boxoffice. Above the red and blue squares was the flush mounted marquee with 4 lines.(Of course, that red and blue decoration was NOT there with the theatre). The yellow square tiles facing south, east, and north were there for as long as I can remember.(1957- on).It helped hold in place the vertical sign (m o d e)in neon against a black- or very dark brown- background. When the Mode switched to Spanish films -circa 1970-it became the Puerto Rico- minus the neon. The sign was painted on; same thing happened when the theatre switched to art films (1973-74?)and hard core porno (1975 to 1980);it became the Festival with a hand painted sign. In photo 14, the lobby started where the car is parked, extending west to the southwest section of the building, where the pretty small men’s room stood. Just to the north of the men’s room was the ladie’s washroom, right near the entrance to aisle 3.(4?) The auditorium was on the other side of the wall with the “AUTHENTIC CUBS STADIUM SEATS” sign. In photo 15,the entrance to the former grocery store and Cub ticket store did not exist when it was a theatre. On the other side of the brick wall was the Mode’s screen.
The Hub was a small neighborhood theatre that played mostly triple features. It had a three change a week policy. The Hub had a boxy marquee; no lines for the film titles. Instead, facing east and west, in big letters: H U B in orange neon against a green background. To the left of the “H”, in black painted letters pointed up on a 45 degree angle, were the words MATINEE DAILY. The lobby was quite small- similar to the Parkway theatre (long, but not very deep). The candy counter was to the right as you entered the door. The auditorium had off white walls with a light green tinge, as I recall. It was very soothing. My first trip to the Hub was in 1966 or ‘67. Even though I lived far away and didn’t have a car, couldn’t resist “BILLY THE KID VS. DRACULA” plus “JESSE JAMES MEETS FRANKENSTEIN’S DAUGHTER”. The Hub seemed to be one of the few theatres to show this double feature.If memory serves, the Hub (and the Alvin theatre, located less than two blocks east) closed around 1969- maybe 1970. However, after many years, the Hub actually reopened (around late 1988?), showing double features changed weekly(similar to the Logan theatre at the time). In April 1989 I saw “THE NAKED GUN” ; in June of 1990 saw “THE FIRST POWER”. The theatre had not changed all that much. But, business was not too good; I think by late 1990 (early '91) the Hub closed for good.
In “NEIGHBORHOODS WITHIN NEIGHBORHOODS-20th CENTURY LIFE ON CHICAGO’S FAR NORTH SIDE” by Neal Samors, there is a nice marquee shot of the Ridge theatre- circa 1940- on page 40. The Ridge specialized in westerns and war movies. Also in the book: at least 3 pictures of the Granada (from 1930, 1950, and 1964),the Norshore(3 great pics of the marquee, lobby, and auditorium),the Cine, and the Howard theatre.
In “NEIGHBORHOODS WITHIN NEIGHBORHOODS-20th CENTURY LIFE ON CHICAGO’S FAR NORTH SIDE” by Neal Samors, there is a great shot of the marquee and vertical sign of the Cine theatre- circa 1935- on page 197. Many other theatre photos are featured in the book, including the Granada, Howard, Norshore, and Ridge.
In “IMAGES of AMERICA: CHRISTMAS ON STATE STREET 1940s and BEYOND” by Robert P. Ledermann, there is a great shot of the Roosevelt theatre on page 79. On the marquee: “FIST OF FURY PART TWO” plus “YOUNG DRAGON”.
In “IMAGES of AMERICA: CHRISTMAS ON STATE STREET 1940s and BEYOND” by Robert P. Ledermann, there are a number of pictures of downtown movie theatres. On page 78, the Chicago and Loop theatre; the Chicago is playing “TONY ROME” with Frank Sinatra. Page 80 has the Chicago and State Lake; on the marquee: “REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE”. Page 81 has another shot of the State Lake, showing “ALL ABOUT EVE”. Finally, there is a picture of a 1955 movie directory listing from- maybe- the Sun Times. The Oriental theatre is showing “THE TENDER TRAP”. The ad says 98 cents to 5 P.M.
In “IMAGES:CHICAGO’S SOUTH SHORE” by Charles Celander, the Jeffery theatre is on the cover. On the marquee: Martin and Lewis “LIVING IT UP” plus Robert Stack “THE IRON GLOVE”. Just under the marquee, there is a white sign – or banner- stating DELIGHTFULLY COOL.
In “IMAGES of AMERICA- CHICAGO’S ENGLEWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD” by Maria Lettiere Roberts, there is a pic of the Linden theatre- in the 1930s- on page 58. A sign on the sidewalk, near the curb, says ADULTS 15 cents. On the very next page is a shot of the lobby of the Southtown theatre. It is AMAZING!
In “IMAGES of AMERICA-HYDE PARK-ILLINOIS” by Max Grinnel, there is a nice shot of the Woodlawn theatre-early 1950s- on page 56. On the marquee: TRIPLE FEATURE——-MATINEE DAILY——-COOL. Ah, triple features!
Check out “Images of America-World War II Chicago” by Paul M. Green. On page 119, there is a nice shot of 55th-Halsted in the early 1950s. The Halfield theatre is there, showing “FRANCIS GOES TO WEST POINT” plus “SCARLET ANGEL”.
The City North 14 opened in December 1999. Just six months earlier, it was an empty lot with weeds. Two of the opening attractions were “ANY GIVEN SUNDAY” and “DEUCE BIGALOW, MALE GIGOLO”. It’s very comfortable and clean, with a very wide lobby. Auditoriums 1, 12, 13, and 14 are the largest.(400-500 seats). Auditorium 7 is really small (101 seats?). Every Tuesday is “Bargain Day”– all seats are $5.00 all day/ evening and you get a free small popcorn.
Hi Charles- I don’t have a flyer from the Mode,although as a kid I saw and kept dozens of them. However, I do have flyers for the Parkway theatre(Clark and Diversey) circa 1971, and the Deluxe theatre on Wilson Ave. from- I’m guessing- 1966 or 67. Both these theatres had similar policies to the Mode. All showed a variety of films, second, third ,even fourth run. Double or triple features with a 3 or 4 change a week policy. If anyone has a flyer- or a photo of the Mode, please let me know. Here is a worthless piece of info, but proves that the Mode was one of my favorite theatres:the telephone number was BU 1-9506.(Buckingham). Anyone with a flyer can verify the number. Charles I don’t remember the bicycle raffles- were they held on Saturday afternoons? Seems that by 1963-on, business was down. But, Sundays were more crowded than Saturdays, as I recall. RE: Hot Dog Haven- I remember a hot dog place on the north west corner of Sheridan and Dakin.This was in the late 70s- early 80s. Perhaps they moved across the street? Around this time, the Mode had been renamed the FESTIVAL, showing hard core X rated fare.
Charles, the Riviera and Uptown were second run theatres showing double features.After a film premiered downtown, it would go to the neighborhood theatres.In the late 50’s, the Riviera played many horror films(many from AIP):“VOODOO WOMAN” plus “THE UNDEAD”,“I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN” plus “BLOOD OF DRACULA”, “THE BEGINNING OF THE END"plus "THE UNEARTHLY”,“THE BLOB” plus “I MARRIED A MONSTER FROM OUTER SPACE” ,and dozens more. Many of these double features initially played the Roosevelt theatre for a two week period.The Uptown played more adult oriented fare-lots of dramas(“GOD’S LITTLE ACRE”).There were exceptions- the Uptown played-first run- “HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL"with EMERGO(a skeleton floating over the heads of the audience,starting from behind the right side of the screen to the edge of the balcony,and back again). In the early to mid 60’s the Uptown played most of director Roger Cormans films…"HOUSE OF USHER”, “TALES OF TERROR”, “PREMATURE BURIAL”, “THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM”.All of these films played with a second feature.The Uptown also showed most of the beach movies…“BEACH PARTY”, “MUSCLE BEACH PARTY”, “BIKINI BEACH”.At this time, the Riviera was playing all sorts of double features-comedies, dramas, some horror/sci-fi. “THE LOVED ONE” was a hoot. Saw it downtown at the United Artists theatre. I remember it so well for two reasons: a great black comedy, and the ticket taker at the UA- an elderly gentleman named Morrie- had to dress as a mortician(complete with top hat).He was not happy about it! I don’t remember the magazine you mentioned; I do remember the Foster and Montrose beaches in the summer, and playing softball behind the Edgewater Beach Hotel.
Was in Barnes and Noble today; came across the book “LOST CHICAGO” by David Garrard Lowe. Pages 204-209 will be a treat for all theatre lovers.Pictures of the Tivoli, Marbro, Paradise, and Diversey are shown…all great. However, pics of the lobby and auditorium of the Norshore (page 207)are…well… two words: Beautiful! Fantastic!
You’re right, Brian, the inside was rather plain. As I recall, the lobby walls were neutral colors-off white, beige,some gray toward the rear of the lobby-but all dull. The auditorium walls, I’m almost positive, were ALL gray- with dark (black?) seats-very much the opposite of the plush red seats of the Balaban & Katz theatres(Uptown and Riviera).Still, it was comfortable. And, with all those great American-International and Allied Artists posters on the walls…(She Gods of Shark Reef,How to Make a Monster,Viking Women and the Sea Serpent, The Bride and the Beast, Attack of the Crab Monsters) you did not much notice the drab walls. Those posters, along with the bright red hot dogs Richard G. mentioned, were the most colorful things inside the Mode!
Brian, the Mode’s screen was on the other side of the brick wall facing Dakin St. The box office, small and isolated from the front doors,faced Sheridan Rd.The entrance, at 3912 Sheridan, was just north of the restaurant now in business.On the walls to the left and right of the box office, under glass, were a series of 6 (maybe 8) “lobby cards” advertising the movies showing that day.After buying your ticket(Adults .55, children .25 , as I recall)and before reaching the glass front doors,to the left and right you could see 28X22 size posters of the films coming in a few days (Fri.& Sat., Sun. & Mon.) They, too, were under glass. Once past the front doors, you walked through a somewhat narrow lobby (heading west) to the ticket taker.The walls inside had literally dozens of posters of various sizes, advertising upcoming movies for the next two weeks. Lots of eye candy! Just past the ticket taker, to the right, was the concession stand.To the left was a narrow staircase leading to the projection booth. On either side of the booth was a small balcony, seating perhaps 50. It was rarely open, but I got up there once on a Sunday- they had a full house for “CALTIKI, THE IMMORTAL MONSTER” plus “TORMENTED”.Past the candy counter, and to the right, was the auditorium (facing north) with 3…maybe 4 aisles. So, the auditorium was parallel to Sheridan Rd. Across from the aisle doors, on the wall, were even more posters…(Coming, Coming Soon, Wed. & Thurs., Tuesday Only…ADULTS ONLY!)Walking past these posters (heading west again)there was a water fountain and the washrooms. I don’t remember a stage.Outside, the Mode had a flush mounted marquee,just like the Lakeside and Pantheon (at least from 1957-on).The marquee,facing Sheridan and easily visible from the “L” train, had this on the bottom line…“ALWAYS THE BEST FOR LESS”.The first two lines had the titles; the third line was usually empty.The vertical sign…in small letters…m o d e had an accent on the e.(Mow-day).When lit, the letters were a bright orange. As a kid and teenager, the Mode was one of my favorite theatres…a B movie lovers paradise!
To Mary Anne: I’m guessing that bowling started about 1960, because in the mid to late ‘50s, the Calo was showing movies.I grew up in the Edgewater area- just east of you. My first visit to the Calo-about 1956-was the first time I saw “THE WIZARD OF OZ”. Not long after, a bunch of us kids went to the Calo for= I think- 12 Saturdays in a row. Why? We were hooked…A Superman serial (with Kirk Alyn?)about 15 minutes long each week, with a cliffhanger ending to keep us coming back. This, along with cartoons and a single feature, kept us entertained. But, I suspect the adults much preferred the theatres east of Clark st.-the Uptown, Riviera, Devon, and Granada. These theatres were bigger,more attractive and inviting than the Calo, which was rather ordinary,as I recall.So, I think the Calo closed for movies 1959-1960, coverted to a bowling alley early '60s through mid to late '70s. You’re right, Mary Anne, so much has changed. But one business is still there- Augie’s Restaurant on Clark near Balmoral- since 1954, according to Augie. To Bryan: Thanks for the photo of the Calo. Please keep them coming; they are much appreciated!
The Aardvark was a very small theatre located at 1608 N. Wells, very close to where the Pipers Alley theatre now stands. My memories of the place are vague: a bare bones auditorium with wooden floors and not many seats (150-200?) It reminded me of a small barn, yet comfortable enough. Before the feature started, an announcement was made over the PA: “The smoking of ANYTHING in this theatre is illegal”. This always got laughs, since the neighborhood (Old Town) was a magnet for young people- hippies, longhairs, and various radicals. The Aardvark played first run single features; off beat films most other theatres wouldn’t touch. In 1968 saw Andy Warhol’s “FLESH”, later that same year “LONESOME COWBOYS”. In the early 70’s, “PINK FLAMINGOS” had a rather lengthy run. The features would play from late morning through the evening, admission was $1.75.
The seating capacity for each auditorium is as follows: #1-121 seats, #2-121, #3-121, #4-234, #5-166, #6-109, #7-260, #8-71, #9-286, #10-446, #11-336, #12-427, #13-191, #14-71, #15-99, #16-191, #17-99, #18-71, #19-109, #20-183, #21-187. A grand total of 3,899 seats.
The Newberry was, at various times, a second,third, fourth run house showing regular Hollywood fare with lots of B movies. Generally triple features on weekends, and a double feature midweek. There was a 3 or 4 change a week policy. A rather bland, no frills theatre with a very small concession stand; above it a sign in black letters:NEWBERRY SWEETS. The theatre was unusual in that NO posters were in the lobby- just bare walls.There were a few posters outside,under glass, near and across from the box office, which was connected to the front doors. There was no balcony. The plain auditorium reminded me of the Bryn Mawr theatre.However, the marquee,though small, was pretty cool. My two favorite memories of the Newberry: about 1962, my first visit, saw “LIANE, JUNGLE GODDESS” as part of a triple feature on a Saturday. I’ve long forgotten the other two films, but LIANE was wild for a kid: a topless female Tarzan running and swinging through the jungle. How the management got away with this I don’t know; there were mostly kids and teens in the audience. Other theatres that played LIANE, like the Deluxe on Wilson ave. showed it ADULTS ONLY. Pretty wild and crazy- for the time. My second memory is one of horror…about 1970, I first saw George Romero’s “NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD”, again as part of a triple feature. Another kind of wild and crazy- seeing this on the big screen was very powerful and shocking. The audience, which could get noisy, was quite subdued. Some left for the lobby. Starting about 1971, the Newberry went to X-rated fare.(straight).That didnt last long; switched to gay porno for a number of years. When the theatre closed (1976- 77?) it remained standing for about a year, with this notice on the marquee: WATCH FOR THE GRAND REOPENING". It never happened.
The Lakeside was a fairly small, but very comfortable theatre just a few blocks directly east of the Riviera theatre, on Sheridan Rd. In the late ‘50s, would sometimes show second run double features for a full week, after they played downtown. I remember seeing “THE AMAZING COLOSSAL MAN” plus “CAT GIRL” also “THE MAN WHO TURNED TO STONE” plus “ZOMBIES OF MORA TAU”. But, for the most part,the Lakeside had a 3 change a week policy:Fri. and Sat. ,Sun. and Mon., and Tues. Wed. Thurs. Triple features on the weekend, and a double feature midweek. In the early '60s, really enjoyed going to the Lakeside Tuesday or Wednesday for the more adult fare:third run showings (after they played downtown and the Uptown or Riviera) of “LOLITA”, “LADY IN A CAGE” ,“WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE?” and a real find for a teenage guy: Lola Albright in “A COLD WIND IN AUGUST”. A nice variety of movies- for 50 cents admission,as I recall.One of the last movies to play the Lakeside was “MISTER MOSES”. Theatre closed in late '65 or early '66.
Ah, yes…the monthly programs- if memory serves, the heading was “HARK, HARK…the voice of the CLARK”. The two ditties I remember are for Hitchcock’s “THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY”– (By Harry they’re harried… he just won’t stay buried!) and for Bergman’s “THE DEVIL’S EYE”– (Womans virture’s a sty…in Beelzebub’s eye). Remember the suggestion box in the lobby? You could fill out a card with your name, address and film request…and the Clark would notify you a few weeks ahead of the playdate. Remember the square clock with the green background positioned to the left of the screen? What a great theatre…what a great way to get a film education!
On Sunday,May 10, 1959, the Jackson Park theatre was showing “TEENAGE THUNDER” plus “CARNIVAL ROCK” according to the Chicago Sun Times. On Sunday, Jan.17, 1960, the Jackson Park had a triple feature: “BEATNIK”, “WASP WOMAN”,“BEAST FROM HAUNTED CAVE”.(from the Chicago Tribune).
The Ark theatre (aka Drexel) was in operation at least through May 1959. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings, Friday April 19,1957: ARK -LOW PRICES ADULTS .25 CHILDREN .10.(No films are listed.) From the Sun Times Sunday, May 10, 1959: ARK –“THE VIKINGS” “BOUNTY HUNTER” “FLAMING FRONTIER”.
Brian- thanks for the photos. On page 3, photo 12, the box office was directly under the second blue square from the left. The entrance was perhaps 15 feet west of the (very) small boxoffice. Above the red and blue squares was the flush mounted marquee with 4 lines.(Of course, that red and blue decoration was NOT there with the theatre). The yellow square tiles facing south, east, and north were there for as long as I can remember.(1957- on).It helped hold in place the vertical sign (m o d e)in neon against a black- or very dark brown- background. When the Mode switched to Spanish films -circa 1970-it became the Puerto Rico- minus the neon. The sign was painted on; same thing happened when the theatre switched to art films (1973-74?)and hard core porno (1975 to 1980);it became the Festival with a hand painted sign. In photo 14, the lobby started where the car is parked, extending west to the southwest section of the building, where the pretty small men’s room stood. Just to the north of the men’s room was the ladie’s washroom, right near the entrance to aisle 3.(4?) The auditorium was on the other side of the wall with the “AUTHENTIC CUBS STADIUM SEATS” sign. In photo 15,the entrance to the former grocery store and Cub ticket store did not exist when it was a theatre. On the other side of the brick wall was the Mode’s screen.
The Hub was a small neighborhood theatre that played mostly triple features. It had a three change a week policy. The Hub had a boxy marquee; no lines for the film titles. Instead, facing east and west, in big letters: H U B in orange neon against a green background. To the left of the “H”, in black painted letters pointed up on a 45 degree angle, were the words MATINEE DAILY. The lobby was quite small- similar to the Parkway theatre (long, but not very deep). The candy counter was to the right as you entered the door. The auditorium had off white walls with a light green tinge, as I recall. It was very soothing. My first trip to the Hub was in 1966 or ‘67. Even though I lived far away and didn’t have a car, couldn’t resist “BILLY THE KID VS. DRACULA” plus “JESSE JAMES MEETS FRANKENSTEIN’S DAUGHTER”. The Hub seemed to be one of the few theatres to show this double feature.If memory serves, the Hub (and the Alvin theatre, located less than two blocks east) closed around 1969- maybe 1970. However, after many years, the Hub actually reopened (around late 1988?), showing double features changed weekly(similar to the Logan theatre at the time). In April 1989 I saw “THE NAKED GUN” ; in June of 1990 saw “THE FIRST POWER”. The theatre had not changed all that much. But, business was not too good; I think by late 1990 (early '91) the Hub closed for good.
In “NEIGHBORHOODS WITHIN NEIGHBORHOODS-20th CENTURY LIFE ON CHICAGO’S FAR NORTH SIDE” by Neal Samors, there is a nice marquee shot of the Ridge theatre- circa 1940- on page 40. The Ridge specialized in westerns and war movies. Also in the book: at least 3 pictures of the Granada (from 1930, 1950, and 1964),the Norshore(3 great pics of the marquee, lobby, and auditorium),the Cine, and the Howard theatre.
In “NEIGHBORHOODS WITHIN NEIGHBORHOODS-20th CENTURY LIFE ON CHICAGO’S FAR NORTH SIDE” by Neal Samors, there is a great shot of the marquee and vertical sign of the Cine theatre- circa 1935- on page 197. Many other theatre photos are featured in the book, including the Granada, Howard, Norshore, and Ridge.
In “IMAGES of AMERICA: CHRISTMAS ON STATE STREET 1940s and BEYOND” by Robert P. Ledermann, there is a great shot of the Roosevelt theatre on page 79. On the marquee: “FIST OF FURY PART TWO” plus “YOUNG DRAGON”.
In “IMAGES of AMERICA: CHRISTMAS ON STATE STREET 1940s and BEYOND” by Robert P. Ledermann, there are a number of pictures of downtown movie theatres. On page 78, the Chicago and Loop theatre; the Chicago is playing “TONY ROME” with Frank Sinatra. Page 80 has the Chicago and State Lake; on the marquee: “REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE”. Page 81 has another shot of the State Lake, showing “ALL ABOUT EVE”. Finally, there is a picture of a 1955 movie directory listing from- maybe- the Sun Times. The Oriental theatre is showing “THE TENDER TRAP”. The ad says 98 cents to 5 P.M.
In “IMAGES of AMERICA- PUERTO RICAN CHICAGO” by Wilfredo Cruz, there is a pic of the San Juan theatre- circa 1970- on page 36.
In “IMAGES:CHICAGO’S SOUTH SHORE” by Charles Celander, the Jeffery theatre is on the cover. On the marquee: Martin and Lewis “LIVING IT UP” plus Robert Stack “THE IRON GLOVE”. Just under the marquee, there is a white sign – or banner- stating DELIGHTFULLY COOL.
In “IMAGES of AMERICA- CHICAGO’S ENGLEWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD” by Maria Lettiere Roberts, there is a pic of the Linden theatre- in the 1930s- on page 58. A sign on the sidewalk, near the curb, says ADULTS 15 cents. On the very next page is a shot of the lobby of the Southtown theatre. It is AMAZING!
In “IMAGES of AMERICA-HYDE PARK-ILLINOIS” by Max Grinnel, there is a nice shot of the Woodlawn theatre-early 1950s- on page 56. On the marquee: TRIPLE FEATURE——-MATINEE DAILY——-COOL. Ah, triple features!
Check out “Images of America-World War II Chicago” by Paul M. Green. On page 119, there is a nice shot of 55th-Halsted in the early 1950s. The Halfield theatre is there, showing “FRANCIS GOES TO WEST POINT” plus “SCARLET ANGEL”.
The City North 14 opened in December 1999. Just six months earlier, it was an empty lot with weeds. Two of the opening attractions were “ANY GIVEN SUNDAY” and “DEUCE BIGALOW, MALE GIGOLO”. It’s very comfortable and clean, with a very wide lobby. Auditoriums 1, 12, 13, and 14 are the largest.(400-500 seats). Auditorium 7 is really small (101 seats?). Every Tuesday is “Bargain Day”– all seats are $5.00 all day/ evening and you get a free small popcorn.
Hi Charles- I don’t have a flyer from the Mode,although as a kid I saw and kept dozens of them. However, I do have flyers for the Parkway theatre(Clark and Diversey) circa 1971, and the Deluxe theatre on Wilson Ave. from- I’m guessing- 1966 or 67. Both these theatres had similar policies to the Mode. All showed a variety of films, second, third ,even fourth run. Double or triple features with a 3 or 4 change a week policy. If anyone has a flyer- or a photo of the Mode, please let me know. Here is a worthless piece of info, but proves that the Mode was one of my favorite theatres:the telephone number was BU 1-9506.(Buckingham). Anyone with a flyer can verify the number. Charles I don’t remember the bicycle raffles- were they held on Saturday afternoons? Seems that by 1963-on, business was down. But, Sundays were more crowded than Saturdays, as I recall. RE: Hot Dog Haven- I remember a hot dog place on the north west corner of Sheridan and Dakin.This was in the late 70s- early 80s. Perhaps they moved across the street? Around this time, the Mode had been renamed the FESTIVAL, showing hard core X rated fare.
Charles, the Riviera and Uptown were second run theatres showing double features.After a film premiered downtown, it would go to the neighborhood theatres.In the late 50’s, the Riviera played many horror films(many from AIP):“VOODOO WOMAN” plus “THE UNDEAD”,“I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN” plus “BLOOD OF DRACULA”, “THE BEGINNING OF THE END"plus "THE UNEARTHLY”,“THE BLOB” plus “I MARRIED A MONSTER FROM OUTER SPACE” ,and dozens more. Many of these double features initially played the Roosevelt theatre for a two week period.The Uptown played more adult oriented fare-lots of dramas(“GOD’S LITTLE ACRE”).There were exceptions- the Uptown played-first run- “HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL"with EMERGO(a skeleton floating over the heads of the audience,starting from behind the right side of the screen to the edge of the balcony,and back again). In the early to mid 60’s the Uptown played most of director Roger Cormans films…"HOUSE OF USHER”, “TALES OF TERROR”, “PREMATURE BURIAL”, “THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM”.All of these films played with a second feature.The Uptown also showed most of the beach movies…“BEACH PARTY”, “MUSCLE BEACH PARTY”, “BIKINI BEACH”.At this time, the Riviera was playing all sorts of double features-comedies, dramas, some horror/sci-fi. “THE LOVED ONE” was a hoot. Saw it downtown at the United Artists theatre. I remember it so well for two reasons: a great black comedy, and the ticket taker at the UA- an elderly gentleman named Morrie- had to dress as a mortician(complete with top hat).He was not happy about it! I don’t remember the magazine you mentioned; I do remember the Foster and Montrose beaches in the summer, and playing softball behind the Edgewater Beach Hotel.
Was in Barnes and Noble today; came across the book “LOST CHICAGO” by David Garrard Lowe. Pages 204-209 will be a treat for all theatre lovers.Pictures of the Tivoli, Marbro, Paradise, and Diversey are shown…all great. However, pics of the lobby and auditorium of the Norshore (page 207)are…well… two words: Beautiful! Fantastic!
You’re right, Brian, the inside was rather plain. As I recall, the lobby walls were neutral colors-off white, beige,some gray toward the rear of the lobby-but all dull. The auditorium walls, I’m almost positive, were ALL gray- with dark (black?) seats-very much the opposite of the plush red seats of the Balaban & Katz theatres(Uptown and Riviera).Still, it was comfortable. And, with all those great American-International and Allied Artists posters on the walls…(She Gods of Shark Reef,How to Make a Monster,Viking Women and the Sea Serpent, The Bride and the Beast, Attack of the Crab Monsters) you did not much notice the drab walls. Those posters, along with the bright red hot dogs Richard G. mentioned, were the most colorful things inside the Mode!
Brian, the Mode’s screen was on the other side of the brick wall facing Dakin St. The box office, small and isolated from the front doors,faced Sheridan Rd.The entrance, at 3912 Sheridan, was just north of the restaurant now in business.On the walls to the left and right of the box office, under glass, were a series of 6 (maybe 8) “lobby cards” advertising the movies showing that day.After buying your ticket(Adults .55, children .25 , as I recall)and before reaching the glass front doors,to the left and right you could see 28X22 size posters of the films coming in a few days (Fri.& Sat., Sun. & Mon.) They, too, were under glass. Once past the front doors, you walked through a somewhat narrow lobby (heading west) to the ticket taker.The walls inside had literally dozens of posters of various sizes, advertising upcoming movies for the next two weeks. Lots of eye candy! Just past the ticket taker, to the right, was the concession stand.To the left was a narrow staircase leading to the projection booth. On either side of the booth was a small balcony, seating perhaps 50. It was rarely open, but I got up there once on a Sunday- they had a full house for “CALTIKI, THE IMMORTAL MONSTER” plus “TORMENTED”.Past the candy counter, and to the right, was the auditorium (facing north) with 3…maybe 4 aisles. So, the auditorium was parallel to Sheridan Rd. Across from the aisle doors, on the wall, were even more posters…(Coming, Coming Soon, Wed. & Thurs., Tuesday Only…ADULTS ONLY!)Walking past these posters (heading west again)there was a water fountain and the washrooms. I don’t remember a stage.Outside, the Mode had a flush mounted marquee,just like the Lakeside and Pantheon (at least from 1957-on).The marquee,facing Sheridan and easily visible from the “L” train, had this on the bottom line…“ALWAYS THE BEST FOR LESS”.The first two lines had the titles; the third line was usually empty.The vertical sign…in small letters…m o d e had an accent on the e.(Mow-day).When lit, the letters were a bright orange. As a kid and teenager, the Mode was one of my favorite theatres…a B movie lovers paradise!
To Mary Anne: I’m guessing that bowling started about 1960, because in the mid to late ‘50s, the Calo was showing movies.I grew up in the Edgewater area- just east of you. My first visit to the Calo-about 1956-was the first time I saw “THE WIZARD OF OZ”. Not long after, a bunch of us kids went to the Calo for= I think- 12 Saturdays in a row. Why? We were hooked…A Superman serial (with Kirk Alyn?)about 15 minutes long each week, with a cliffhanger ending to keep us coming back. This, along with cartoons and a single feature, kept us entertained. But, I suspect the adults much preferred the theatres east of Clark st.-the Uptown, Riviera, Devon, and Granada. These theatres were bigger,more attractive and inviting than the Calo, which was rather ordinary,as I recall.So, I think the Calo closed for movies 1959-1960, coverted to a bowling alley early '60s through mid to late '70s. You’re right, Mary Anne, so much has changed. But one business is still there- Augie’s Restaurant on Clark near Balmoral- since 1954, according to Augie. To Bryan: Thanks for the photo of the Calo. Please keep them coming; they are much appreciated!
The Aardvark was a very small theatre located at 1608 N. Wells, very close to where the Pipers Alley theatre now stands. My memories of the place are vague: a bare bones auditorium with wooden floors and not many seats (150-200?) It reminded me of a small barn, yet comfortable enough. Before the feature started, an announcement was made over the PA: “The smoking of ANYTHING in this theatre is illegal”. This always got laughs, since the neighborhood (Old Town) was a magnet for young people- hippies, longhairs, and various radicals. The Aardvark played first run single features; off beat films most other theatres wouldn’t touch. In 1968 saw Andy Warhol’s “FLESH”, later that same year “LONESOME COWBOYS”. In the early 70’s, “PINK FLAMINGOS” had a rather lengthy run. The features would play from late morning through the evening, admission was $1.75.
The seating capacity for each auditorium is as follows: #1-121 seats, #2-121, #3-121, #4-234, #5-166, #6-109, #7-260, #8-71, #9-286, #10-446, #11-336, #12-427, #13-191, #14-71, #15-99, #16-191, #17-99, #18-71, #19-109, #20-183, #21-187. A grand total of 3,899 seats.
The Newberry was, at various times, a second,third, fourth run house showing regular Hollywood fare with lots of B movies. Generally triple features on weekends, and a double feature midweek. There was a 3 or 4 change a week policy. A rather bland, no frills theatre with a very small concession stand; above it a sign in black letters:NEWBERRY SWEETS. The theatre was unusual in that NO posters were in the lobby- just bare walls.There were a few posters outside,under glass, near and across from the box office, which was connected to the front doors. There was no balcony. The plain auditorium reminded me of the Bryn Mawr theatre.However, the marquee,though small, was pretty cool. My two favorite memories of the Newberry: about 1962, my first visit, saw “LIANE, JUNGLE GODDESS” as part of a triple feature on a Saturday. I’ve long forgotten the other two films, but LIANE was wild for a kid: a topless female Tarzan running and swinging through the jungle. How the management got away with this I don’t know; there were mostly kids and teens in the audience. Other theatres that played LIANE, like the Deluxe on Wilson ave. showed it ADULTS ONLY. Pretty wild and crazy- for the time. My second memory is one of horror…about 1970, I first saw George Romero’s “NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD”, again as part of a triple feature. Another kind of wild and crazy- seeing this on the big screen was very powerful and shocking. The audience, which could get noisy, was quite subdued. Some left for the lobby. Starting about 1971, the Newberry went to X-rated fare.(straight).That didnt last long; switched to gay porno for a number of years. When the theatre closed (1976- 77?) it remained standing for about a year, with this notice on the marquee: WATCH FOR THE GRAND REOPENING". It never happened.
The Lakeside was a fairly small, but very comfortable theatre just a few blocks directly east of the Riviera theatre, on Sheridan Rd. In the late ‘50s, would sometimes show second run double features for a full week, after they played downtown. I remember seeing “THE AMAZING COLOSSAL MAN” plus “CAT GIRL” also “THE MAN WHO TURNED TO STONE” plus “ZOMBIES OF MORA TAU”. But, for the most part,the Lakeside had a 3 change a week policy:Fri. and Sat. ,Sun. and Mon., and Tues. Wed. Thurs. Triple features on the weekend, and a double feature midweek. In the early '60s, really enjoyed going to the Lakeside Tuesday or Wednesday for the more adult fare:third run showings (after they played downtown and the Uptown or Riviera) of “LOLITA”, “LADY IN A CAGE” ,“WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE?” and a real find for a teenage guy: Lola Albright in “A COLD WIND IN AUGUST”. A nice variety of movies- for 50 cents admission,as I recall.One of the last movies to play the Lakeside was “MISTER MOSES”. Theatre closed in late '65 or early '66.
Ah, yes…the monthly programs- if memory serves, the heading was “HARK, HARK…the voice of the CLARK”. The two ditties I remember are for Hitchcock’s “THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY”– (By Harry they’re harried… he just won’t stay buried!) and for Bergman’s “THE DEVIL’S EYE”– (Womans virture’s a sty…in Beelzebub’s eye). Remember the suggestion box in the lobby? You could fill out a card with your name, address and film request…and the Clark would notify you a few weeks ahead of the playdate. Remember the square clock with the green background positioned to the left of the screen? What a great theatre…what a great way to get a film education!