Savoy Theatre

Joe Vogel on January 1, 2018 at 5:53 am

A permit had been applied for to build a one-story brick theater, 140x50 feet, at 4346 W.Madison Street, according to the October 12, 1912, issue of Construction News. Owner of the project was Leopold Semon, the architect was C. W. Christiansen (or perhaps Christianson— I’ve seen both spellings, but can’t confirm either as correct.)

Mike (saps) on November 5, 2009 at 2:47 am

I believe this theater was shown in a 1953 theater owners' documentary about the financial devastation wrought by the 20% federal tax, plus other encroachments on the box office, such as television.

The doc is called “The Case Against the 20% Federal Admission Tax on Motion Picture Theaters” and is a treasure trove of theaters operating but in imminent trouble, including long looks at their still-open theaters, marquees, etc., and interviews with the owners.

There are also plenty of shots of already-closed theaters; the writing was really on the wall already.

TCM ran this movie on 11/1/09 at about 6am and I stumbled upon it by accident; I don’t know when it will screen again but it is well worth seeking out.