Lexington Theatre

At the Theatre Historical Society in Elmhurst,IL. ,you can see: a weekly flyer (circa 1941) of the Lex- COOLED by refrigeration-1162 East 63rd Street -DORCHESTER 1085. A number of films are advertised inside the flyer; here and there are phrases like PUSH BACK SEATS,FREE CHECKING SERVICE, PERFECT SOUND. Also, a nice shot of the outside -circa 1936. 2 BLOOD CURDLING HORROR PICTURES! KARLOFF THE WALKING DEAD plus REVOLT of the DEMONS(the name was changed;it’s actually REVOLT OF THE ZOMBIES).A number of people are standing outside, by and near the boxoffice. All look like they’re having a good time. Oh, and a skeleton is hanging near the boxoffice, and a guy in a skeleton mask and outfit is on a hospital bed?!?! Most of the people are looking into the camera.

The Lex theatre, like many other theatres in Chicago in the late 60s-early 70s, switched to an “ADULTS ONLY” policy in an attempt to survive. In the late 50s through the 60s, the Lex played mostly triple features with a 4 change a week policy- very similar to the Mode theatre. Lots of westerns, horror/sci-fi, comedies, and dramas.In 1969 or 1970, there was a minor name change: LEX PLAYHOUSE. From the Chicago Sun Times movie directory,Sunday May 31, 1970: LEX PLAYHOUSE 1162 E. 63rd St. OPEN 11:30 A. M. FOR ADULTS- 18 YEARS & OLDER ONLY “BUSHWACKERS” & “HOUSE NEAR the PRADA”. I think within two years the Lex closed.