Paradise Theater
231 N. Pulaski Road,
Chicago,
IL
60624
231 N. Pulaski Road,
Chicago,
IL
60624
41 people
favorited this theater
Showing 201 - 225 of 344 comments
JG
In your posting of July 29 at 9:07 a.m. you describe the playroom at the Paradise in detail. I would like to quote you in next edition of my book. How would you like to be credited? By name or as Geo1?
Hello LOWELL
Come again? I don’t follow.
JG
Hello LOWELL
Come again? I don’t follow.
JG
Thanks, JG. I’d like to incorporate your earlier comments on the carousel into my revised version of my book, THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD: MEMORIES OF A CHICAGO CHILDHOOD. How would you like to be cited?
Hello LOWELL,
It did rotate. I have seen these carousels before and in fact someone is selling one someplace. I forgot where. While it does rotate, the horses do not go up and down or anything like that. On some old carousels like this there could have been a ‘rocking’ motion built into a spring mechanism, much like a ‘playground pet’ type riding animal. The handrails also suggests that the platform rotated as well.
JG
Re. the carousel at the late lamented Paradise Theatre. I am enjoying the photo of the playroom in the Annual devoted to the theatre in question. Can anyone tell me: did the carousel actually rotate or was it fixed in place—just a stationery platform with carved figure? —Lowell
Hello MARY-L
Oh yes, it is a beautiful state. I only could imagine what it looks like in the fall when the leaves change color. Anyway, the real estate agent that introduced me to the property also knows of someone that owns a theatre in town, but is not doing anything with it. So I might be able to lease that while I get a game plan going for the property. So that will be cool if that goes down.
JG
Geo 1,
Keep us informed if the property in Vermont works out. I’ve never been there but I heard it is a beautiful state.
Mary
Hello MARY-L
LOL! Yes, most kids would think of the ‘other’ style of carousel. I believe I mentioned that I too wanted to combine a theatre with a small entertainment complex that would include an antique carousel. However finding a building that could support that operation is like finding a needle in a haystack. BUT!! There is a glimmer of hope in that I did find a property for sale with some acreage in Vermont this weekend. The property has several buildings and two large barns. One could be made into a theatre and the other into a small entertainment center and I could put a small antique carousel in there.
Im off!
JG
Scott,
In my comment on August 5, I was only saying that it is a shame such beauty had to be destroyed. I know when these theaters were built, they were built to attract people to watch the shows that were playing, not to attract people to their archetecture. You should also know that one picture struck me deeply in the Annual for Levy & Klein, (page 36) showing men on scaffolding 100 feet above floor level, working on the ceiling plaster. Those are the workers I was talking about. I know that even in the 1920’s companies were only concerned with the bottom line, not the hard work these people did. Seems like some things never change.
Also, in reading earlier posts, I know that in this day and age, theaters like the Paradise, Granada & Marbro wouldn’t have lasted in the neighborhood they were built in. It’s just heartbreaking to me.
Geo 1,
You are right about the carousel. That link is what my kids were thinking of when I told them about the carousel in the kids' room at the Paradise, and when they saw the picture of the actual carousel, they were disappointed. I, however, loved the carousel.
When I received my Annuals, I also received letters describing what the THS is, a “Partial Description of Archive Holdings”, a flyer on the American Movie Palace Museum, and a letter of how to become a volunteer. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer, you can contact Richard Sklenar at the THS.
“JG”’s sentiments about saving old theatres are commendable, but his advice to talk to me is innacurate. One must approach the Theatre Historical Society directly if one would like to make a proposal to write an ANNUAL on a particular theatre, or sub-topic. While they do have a publication schedule, they will be very encouraging of any serious attempts, and have editors and rewriters that will be of help if desired. Of course, they would make available any relevant photos they have, of course. Do not contact me, but do contact their Ex. Dir., Rich Sklenar, at the address on the bottom of their front page at: www.historictheatres.org
It would be most helpful to click on their link there: BACK ISSUES to first learn what has been covered. For those listed as “Out of Print” note that the major obstacle to reprinting them is money, so if you can make a sizeable donation to that goal, it is possible that one of interest to you will again be available.
Hello MARY-L
I am glad that you are happy with the Annuals, as I figured you would be. They are very worth the cost and the THS has done an excellent job at presenting each and every theatre that they cover. Heh, heh. Yeah I know the carousel is not what one would normally think of. Generally when you think of a carousel this (click on link) pops in one’s head!
View link
I have seen the Kennywood carousel in person. Trust me it is to die for.
The reason I picked this carousel in particular because it was built around the same time the Paradise was built…1927. This coursel was built by the John Eberson of carousels, William Dentzel. So it is very much possible that Denzel could have carved the horses on that mini carousel for the Paradise.
If you have become attached to old theatres like I have and want to support saving them, do talk with Jim at the THS some more. What I found out from him is that the THS has MANY nice pictures of old theatres that do not have annuals written yet…and really just about anyone with a knack for history and finding information on a theatre could write an annual for the THS. I think if more stories started circulating on standing, but not operating classic theatres, it could inspire more people, like me, that want to buy and bring back a theatre to it’s former glory. That is all anyone can do as it is very heart wrenching to see what has become of classic gems such as the Paradise, Marbro, Granada, Roxy and other beautiful theatres. There is alot going on with the Chicago Uptown and I am keeping my fingers crossed for that theatre. Given today’s economy and business structure, it is very hard to keep a large theatre in business. The grim reality is that very few theatre’s the size of Radio City Music Hall are still in business. They are just way too big. Years ago, when they were built there were no TV’s and in some cases no radio. So theatres were a primary source of entertainment. That box that sits in your den with the satellite dish attached to it was the primary distructive that has destroyed both the large theatre industry AND the large amusement park industry of the Roaring 20’s. So if you love these theatres (and the amusement parks too) help them out visit them if they are still open or band together to help them reopen.
Oh, lastly, if you are in the Pittsburgh area of PA, DO make sure you visit Kennywood Amusement Park. This is an example of what a ‘REAL’ traditional amsuement park is all about. They are by far a better alternative to the Six Flags parks. In fact just about all the PA parks have their traditional roots intact, such as Dorney and Hershey. While there, take a good look at the carousels and the artistry involved. VERY similar to these old classic theatres. As they say, they just don’t build them like they used to anymore.
SCOTT—You pretty much hit the nail on the head with what I was explaining to Mary with correlating old theatres to old carousels of the same era. What you said is very true of the Carousel makers as well. There were Five huge carousel companies in existance in the 20’s and all vied for their piece of the pie by making each carousel larger, fancier, with more lights, more animals. In the end, each carousel was a moving palace in itself. The authenticity and realizm of the carousel animals in addition to it’s flashy colors and lighting were designed to touch the imagination of all people and would entice them ride. Notice I said “ALL PEOPLE” rather than just children. Back in the day, the carousel was considered a major park attraction and ride for everyone. They didn’t have massive thrill rides prior to the early 20’s when most of the beautiful carousels were built. It was only in the late 20’s when a roller coaster inventor, John Miller invented something called an ‘upstop’ that made roller coasters as you come to know them today. So slowly with developement of this invention, the roller coaster replaced the carousel as the park’s main attraction.
Unlike the many old theatres which are are still left, there are less than 200 of the once 3000 antique carousels left. So like old theatres carousels do share the same plight and in some cases worse. But the grandest of carousels are, luckily, in the hands of good parks that will be around for quite a while and that really care for these wonderful machines.
So if you love old theatres…do your part in trying to help those that are in need. I know, easier said than done, but the more people that become aware and interested, the better the chances that these old picture palaces will be saved.
JG
Geo 1,
WOW is right! I received my Annuals and went through them. I can’t believe they demolished theaters that were so gorgeous!
To think of all the work that went into these theaters, the statues, the carvings, not to mention the planning…it makes me sick to think these theaters were destroyed.
Of course, when I read in the Paradise Annual, (on page 28) that the painting in the Ladies' Lounge disappeared the first week and was never replaced, I thought “that was an omen, it was just the beginning”.
The picture of the kids playroom, Wow. The carousel isn’t as grand as we see today, but I think in many ways it’s just as beautiful. I wish I could have seen it.
I really wish I could have seen the Paradise, as well as the Marbro and I wish I would have gone to see the Granada. Oh, well, the only thing I can do now is to support the beautiful theaters that still exist.
Hello MARY L
The carousel is ‘unique’ in many ways, but I just wanted you not to think of a carousel like you or I would think of at a park from that era. The early 20’s not only had it’s place with creating beautiful theatres, but also beautiful carousels. The Golden Age for theatres is also the Golden Age for carousels. The carousel in the Paradise was much like the small carousels that you may see at a party mounted to a trailer that someone brings along for guests at a birthday party. It does look mostly made of wood and the animals are nice carvings. But there are no lights or anything really fancy on it.
Glad to hear you are also getting the annuals for the Granada/Marbro theatres. These theatres are just as beautiful as the Paradise. The annuals will definately ‘WOW’ you.
Sorry to hear that hubby isn’t into going to old theatres like yourself. My wife is the same way. She isn’t too ‘gung-ho’ about my theatre project either. True as well, many things she considers fun, I find bore me to death! Touche' I guess. Well, you know the saying, opposites attract :). We do like to see Broadway shows together though when we get a shot to go into the city.
JG
Mary L,
My pleasure helping to figure out this mystery! I read through many long interviews with Styx from that point in time, and I guess it finally payed off! That’s what we are all here for, helping each other enjoy our favorite movie palaces, and try and answer those difficult questions about them that time has almost erased. Cheers!
Geo 1, Thanks for your warning on the picture of the Pardise Carousel. Although I didn’t expect it to be big, I thought there might be a few lights on it, (although I didn’t expect anything like a Six Flags Carousel).
I still can’t wait to see the picture of it though. I ordered the 1977 Paradise Annual and the 1999 which has the Marboro and Granada in it. Since I don’t work in the summer, I figured I’d start with these and when I get back to work, I can order more. I’d like to get a Marquee book and look at some of the beautiful Marquees, as well as some of the other theaters.
TNTIM, thank you for information on the house lights. I would like to see a theater that changes the color of lights during the movie or production. I’ve never seen that done before. Unfortunatly, my husband isn’t into older buildings as much as I am, and talking him into going to an older theater isn’t easy unless there’s a movie he wants to see. I’m hoping the annuals will inspire him. He seems interested in these posts so there is hope.
I grew up going to an older theater to watch movies, (The Des Plaines Theater, in Des Plaines, Il. which is still operating and has a page on this website), so I know how beautiful these buildings can be.
We’ve also recently taken our daughter to see Dora the Explorer at the Rialto Theater in Joliet, Il, and he commented on the archetecture of that theater. So maybe I can get him to more old theaters in the future???? Then maybe I can see a theater where the lights fade.
Mary
Geo 1, Thanks for your warning on the picture of the Pardise Carousel. Although I didn’t expect it to be big, I thought there might be a few lights on it, (although I didn’t expect anything like a Six Flags Carousel).
I still can’t wait to see the picture of it though. I ordered the 1977 Paradise Annual and the 1999 which has the Marboro and Granada in it. Since I don’t work in the summer, I figured I’d start with these and when I get back to work, I can order more. I’d like to get a Marquee book and look at some of the beautiful Marquees, as well as some of the other theaters.
TNTIM, thank you for information on the house lights. I would like to see a theater that changes the color of lights during the movie or production. I’ve never seen that done before. Unfortunatly, my husband isn’t into older buildings as much as I am, and talking him into going to an older theater isn’t easy unless there’s a movie he wants to see. I’m hoping the annuals will inspire him. He seems interested in these posts so there is hope.
I grew up going to an older theater to watch movies, (The Des Plaines Theater, in Des Plaines, Il. which is still operating and has a page on this website), so I know how beautiful these buildings can be.
We’ve also recently taken our daughter to see Dora the Explorer at the Rialto Theater in Joliet, Il, and he commented on the archetecture of that theater. So maybe I can get him to more old theaters in the future???? Then maybe I can see a theater where the lights fade.
Mary
Hello JIM RANKIN,
Oh, I probably mixed them up them, perhaps I ment Marquee. I know there was something you had on the Valencia and Roxy. I know I didn’t see anything on Radio City. WOW, that would be an incredible task to right up an annual for the THS. I would more than love to do it, given that I do have a knack for finding things out. The only thing right now is that I already have too many eggs boiling in the pot. As you may know I AM in the midst of looking for a theatre to buy myself and with all the business planning, it does take up most of my days. So if I were to do something, it would have to wait.
TNTIM, I know what you mean about certain house accents designed to be on for the show. I have been in a few theatres that have cove lighting and usually during a show, they go to a dim dark blue and stay that way. The theatres look beautiful. Yet another theatre, one I am considering for purchase, has murals and they stay lit during the show, albeit dimmer. So ‘art’ lighting is not quite dead yet! But I am glad to see that it is making a comeback. As for atmospherics, it was this theatre, the Paradise that started it for me. I have completely fallen in love with the atmospheric style. There was one beautiful one that I wanted to get a hold of, the Beaver Falls Granada. However, it is a theatre that was butchered terribly and also has a roof problem…a serious roof problem. There is some water damage. But unfortunately I do not have the funds to restore AND then start a business at that location. Moreover, I seriously doubt the town would support a 1600 seat auditorium with only parking in the town for half of them. So I abandoned that project. Bottom line is that whatever building I get, I would most definately look into house lighting accents. Restoring beauty to an old theatre is what will set it appart from the the new stale stadium seating boxes. People do take to this very well, especially if the theatre is competatively prices. But even so, if the pricing were the same and the same movie was playing at a local multi-plex AND at an older theatre or even a Drive-In, people would pick these types of theatres over the multiplex. So that is proof that things are changing and I take it as a good sign. So I feel this is a good time to get into the theatre business and do what I always dreamed of.
JG
Life’s too short, the question that you posed on July 23 about the house lighting in movie palaces is right down my alley. As a student for the past thirty-one years, of how the designers of these great theatres designed the lighting, I can assure you that the stars, clouds, and accent lighting was left on during the show. In most all movie palaces all of the coves in the auditorium were wired with at least three circuits for three different colors of lights. Up to one third of the control board backstage was for house light control. All of this was so the lighting could be part of the show.
So what happened? Jim Rankin hit the nail on the head as to why they were not used in the later years. Although there were exceptions because of stagehands or maintenance people that cared enough to keep the stars lit. I was at the Fox in Atlanta in January of 1975 for what was to be the last movie ever as the theatre was to be destroyed six weeks later. This was the first time I had seen an atmospheric theatre, and all of the stars and clouds were working during the movie. This was the beginning of my love for movie palaces.
So what about the restored palaces of today? There are a couple of reasons why the decorative lighting is not used. For the theatres that went through major restoration in the eighties and nineties, the multiple circuits of cove lighting were reduced to one circuit of white light for budget reasons. In many cases the house light control is a four button station with the choice of full on, two-thirds, half, or off. Some theatres that have been restored in the past few years have used the new LED technology in the former lighting coves. This gives a lighting designer an unlimited choice of colors that make the auditoriums come alive in ways that the original designers could only dream about. But unless the stage electrician is instructed to use decorative lighting as “running lightsâ€, when the show starts most of the time they just turn them off.
Another reason why you do not see any stars or accent lighting during a live show is because the show artistic directors will not allow it. In today’s academic theatre, directors do not want anything to take attention away from the stage. This is the same thinking that has destroyed the auditoriums of some palaces in the misguided notion of making them more suitable for live theatre.
Fortunately things are starting to change. Theatres that have invested in the LEDs hire technicians who know how to creatively use them. The Tennessee Theatre where I am the Technical Director, installed the LED lighting during our past restoration and the house lighting IS part of the show. House lights do not just go out, they transition from amber, to red, to blue, to a low level of accent lighting just like they did in the “Golden Daysâ€. And for those directors who want all the lights out, I point out that if some dim lighting can draw attention away from their show, then they have bigger problems then the lights. Case Closed!
No, THSA does NOT have an ANNUAL about the Music Hall, though it was the subject of more than one major MARQUEE article, and you can find a listing of all ANNUALS and major articles in MARQUEE under the link Back Issues on their front page at: www.historictheatres.org The Music Hall’s web site does have a nice and colorful booklet about it for sale and there is at least one hardbound book about it at Amazon.
Also, there are no ANNUALS on the Roxy or the Valencia either, though both have had major articles in MARQUEE, some of which are still available. (They can’t cover every theatre, and it is quite expensive to produce them, so if you really want one on a theatre, volunteer to do the reseach and write up a treatment of it, and likely they already have enough photos.)
Hello MARY-L
I think when it comes to Dennis DeYoung, contact with a ‘higher authority figure’ may be in order. But it could be also as you said and what I said before that perhaps we are not the only ones to ask this question. Well, it is posted here now and it is fully documented as to the reason why Styx chose art work based on the Granada rather than the Paradise Theatre. Mostly it was a mislabeled drawing and I wouldn’t be surprised that while Styx did some homework on the theatre, it could possibly be that they didn’t get a picture of the real building until production was well under way for the album cover. But of course that would be another story. You WILL enjoy the annuals. They are the best sources of information on old theatres. Which ones did you get besides the Paradise? I am going to put an order in again for another batch of annuals because I want to get one for the Uptown, The Loews Valencia, and The Roxy. Oh! As far as that children’s room carousel…don’t get your hopes up. It is not a big flashy light bulb encrusted carousel that you would normally expect from that era. The entire room was scarcely larger than a large living room in a present day home. The carousel probably had seating for more than 8 – 12 kids. It was just a simple wooden platform with a hand rail and really nicely carved wooden carousel animals. But no big fancy canopy, no fancy lighting. There is also a cool slide that is in the shape of an elephant as well. There are a few hobby horses, rocking horses and of course blocks balls, and tops (no bottoms, that toy hasn’t been invented yet). The room is fairly bland in comparison to the rest of the theatre. Clearly the room was designed more in terms of function rather than form. Don’t forget back in the day a theatre that even offered an ammenity like this stood out. After all that was what the whole concept behind the Paradise was. This theatre was designed to severely crush the competition, in many aspects it could have very well done that, if it wasn’t for the fact that a severe acoustic problem reared it’s ugly head as only a year later talking films were introduced. Well so there you have it the answer to a 25 year old question of mine.
JIM RANKIN Does the THS have an annual for the Radio City Music Hall?
Have a good day!
JG
Geo 1 and Beardbear,
Thanks for your help in solving this mystery. I’m glad I was aable to help out also.
Geo 1, I haven’t heard from Dennis DeYoung either, so apparently he doesn’t want to answer our question, (or maybe he’s just tired of hearing it).
I sent my check off for the Annuals yesterday, so hopefully I’ll receive them soon. I can’t wait to see the beautiful pictures everyone is talking about, especially the carousel.
Jim Rankin, thanks again for bringing the Annuals to my attention.
Mary L.
ANSWER TO WHY THE STYX PARADISE THEATRE ALBUM IS ACTUALLY AN ARTIST’S RENDERING OF THE CHICAGO GRANADA THEATRE.
PLEASE READ ABOVE POSTS BY MARY L, BEARDBEAR31, AND MYSELF GEO1 STARTING FROM JULY 21, 2006 ABOVE… ENJOY!!!
Hello All, MARY L
As you know I been making progress with the help of MARY L in regards to the origins of the artwork and conception of the Styx Paradise Theatre Album. Well today I can finally say that the saga finally comes to an end.
Derek Sutton, Styx’s past manager finally contacted me with the answer to my question. Here it is:
<<Dennis was reading a book about old theaters
there were a lot of pictures, showing the palaces
in their haydays.
Somehow he saw a line drawing of the Granada sadly
unrestored.
That lead to a series of discussions with album artists
Which lead to the cover.
hope this helps
Derek Sutton>>
Beardbear31 also made an interjection above that confirms this. In addition the seriograph (picture in question) was labeled Paradise Theatre…even though it was the Granada. So it was Robert Addison that misnamed the print. Perhaps accidently, perhaps on purpose. But the fact is that his drawing is named Paradise Theatre. So Styx saw the Robert Addison drawing, liked it and brought it to the attention of their manager and A & M records. A & M records commissioned Chris Hopkins to ‘refine’ the Addison drawing to work with Styx’s Album Concept, and the rest is history. BAM! Case Closed!
Finally after so long I have my answer. Ahhh.
The nice cherry on the cake would be to finally talk to Dennis DeYoung. I always wanted to me him. In my pre-teen years Styx was my favorite band for the longest time.
So there you have it.
Special thanks goes to MARY L for the key to solving this.
Thanks to Chris Hopkins and Derek Sutton for the facts.
Thanks to Beardbear31 for the confirmation.
Enjoy the theatre and enjoy the album…in fact I am going to pop it in now to celebrate I havn’t listened to it in a while.
JG
From an interview with Chuck Panozzo from Styx: “I saw a serigraph of the Paradise Theatre in an art gallery, and I bought it and showed it to the art department of A&M, and they came up with the album cover. Jeff Ayeroff was a fan of the band’s, and he’s gone on to bigger and greater things. He was head of the art department at A&M at the time. He loved when I showed him the Paradise Theater picture, he just loved it. We were the biggest thing on A&M Records at that time, so you get the nice packaging at that time.”