In the late 60s- early 70s, the McVickers played quite a few films from American-International. On Friday, August 15, 1969, SONNY and CHER were on stage at 8 and 10 P.M. with guest M.C. JIMMY P. STAGG, D.J. at WCFL, to promote the film “CHASTITY”.
Some history of Old Town in 1969: from a Roger Ebert column in the Sun Times dated Friday, Oct. 10, 1969— “IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS, underground film buffs used to get together every Monday night at the old Second City and show their new works. The tradition is being revived at the new Los Angeles Coliseum Theater, 1653 N. Wells, with screenings at 7,9, and 11 p.m. Mondays. Included this week: John Hofsess' ambitious epic "Redpath 25”. The program is being organized by Jeff Begun, who also oversees the Aardvark. Jeff is celebrating this week because, on Wednesday, a judge ruled that Jack Smith’s film “Flaming Creatures” is not obscene. The Aardvark was busted for showing it, and the young girl who was selling tickets was thrown into jail overnight. Small consolation."
Re: the newspaper ads for “VIXEN”– on Fridays, for many weeks during the run, the advice columnist Ann Landers (sister of Dear Abby) was spoofed. One example (not the funniest, but the only one I have): from the Sun Times dated Friday, July 11, 1969- OPEN LETTER TO JANE ANDERS Dear Jane: I run a gas station. I’ve been going steady with the same gal for 20 years, but can’t get up the nerve to propose. Last week she suggested my taking her to see “RUSS MEYER’S VIXEN,” but I turned her down. What do you think? (signed) BASHFUL. Dear Bashful: There is no Fuel like an Old Fuel. —JANE. About a month or two before VIXEN started its run, I remember reading that quite a few guys would buy a ticket and time it so they would enter the theatre JUST to see the trailer for VIXEN- and then leave. If memory serves- admission price of $3.00 for perhaps a two and a half minute trailer? No wonder it was a smash hit.
In “THE JAMES DEAN STORY”, there are some great shots of Times Square. At 27 minutes and 24 seconds into the film, there is a quick shot of the Selwyn ;on the marquee: “ADVENTURES of ROBIN HOOD” plus “COLORADO TERRITORY”. At the 54 minute mark, there is a great shot of the Fox theatre in Hollywood. Really nice and unique marquee; theatre is showing “CURUCU, BEAST OF THE AMAZON” plus “THE MOLE PEOPLE”. Can be seen- for free- at Hulu.
In “IMAGES of AMERICA- CHICAGO’S JEWISH WEST SIDE” by Irving Cutler, there is a shot of the Senate Theatre on page 89. It is closed, with the marquee damaged. According to the text, it was ruined after the riots of 1968. Closed March 1973.
In the book “IMAGES of AMERICA- CHICAGO’S JEWISH WEST SIDE” by Irving Cutler, there are two nice pics of the Central Park on page 87. A great shot of the outside; on the marquee: FOOTBALLS JIM BROWN “RIO CONCHOS” plus BORIS KARLOFF “BLACK SABBATH”. A smaller picture of the interior is also featured.
Paul- Goldblatt’s was gone before the theatre was built. I got an e-mail today from Kerasotes. In late May or early June, AMC will take over. AMC may or may not continue the 5 Buck Club. I was invited to fill out a short survey; when I clicked on, AMC said the survey was closed.
And- THE POM-POM GIRLS, MANIAC, MOTHER’S DAY,a number of FRIDAY THE 13TH flicks and- as mark h noted, a few John Carradine titles (FRANKENSTEIN ISLAND), one of the most ridiculous movies ever. By the way, does anyone recall one of the managers of the Luna? If memory serves, he looked much like director John Waters…tall, lean, thinning hair, and a little moustache. This would have been around 1981.
As noted above, you can see the Maryland Theatre in the movie “MONKEY HUSTLE”. 39 minutes and 38 seconds into the film, the box office, the glass entrance doors,a number of poster cases(J.D.’S REVENGE is on display), and many light bulbs under the marquee can be seen in a great night scene. See it for free at the Internet Movie Database or Hulu.
Bryan- thanks for sharing that great photo. That double feature played from January 4 to the 17th, 1980. Notice the 3 sets of steel doors facing the street. On Friday and Saturday nights, when there was a full- or almost full- house, the ushers would open those side doors. That way, the audience from the main floor- and the balcony,too- could easily exit onto Dearborn, thus avoiding the crowd lined up on Randolph, tickets in hand, waiting for the next showing. To Mike- in May of 1968, was Morrie still taking tickets? Was Eddie still working as a porter? And was Mr. Milstein still a manager? By the early 70s he was one of the managers of the Loop theatre. In late 1964, ushers started at 80 cents an hour. After 6 months, you got 90 cents. “Candy girls” got $1.00 hour; ticket sellers $1.25- if memory serves.
I agree with Charlie. The place is clean and friendly. A VAST improvement to the washroom; everything is brighter! Was greeted at the boxoffice, then again at the concession stand (above average popcorn, better than AMC).The guy selling tickets wished me a good evening as I was leaving. The New 400 now has a total of 538 seats. Auditorium 1 has 159 seats, #2 has 115, #3- 123, and # 4 -141. The ONE thing I miss from the Village North days: the “FORBIDDEN PLANET” poster is gone; replaced by more current titles.
On Friday, April 24, 1959, The Englewood (along with many other theatres) was showing “HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL”. From the entertaining ad in the Tribune movie directory: TODAY- The Whole Town’s HAUNTED! 1st RUN! CHICAGOLAND Premieerie! ACCLAIMED THE SUPER-SHOCKER OF THE CENTURY! FIRST FILM WITH THE AMAZING NEW WONDER EMERGO…..THE THRILLS FLY RIGHT INTO THE AUDIENCE! Nominated for 13 SHOCK AWARDS! On Thursday, the movie ad advised ‘See it with someone with warm hands!’ I saw it across town at the Uptown;it seemed like every seat on the main floor was taken. “HOUSE” was also playing at the Granada, Century, Congress, Gateway, Imperial, Marbro, Avalon, Capitol, Jeffery, Peoples, Ramova, and many more…
If the Louis closed as a movie house in 1965, it definitely reopened-for a short period -perhaps under new ownership. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings dated Wednesday, May 18, 1966: LOUIS ACADEMY AWARD SHOW Lee Marvin “CAT BALLOU” 108 E. 35th Julie CHRISTIE “DARLING”. By Monday, July 25, 1966, the Louis was not in the movie directory.
Harry Belafonte was on the Woods stage at 8:15p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1959, for the World Premiere of “ODDS AGAINST TOMORROW”. (From the Chicago Tribune movie listings).
From the Chicago Tribune movie directory on Monday, Oct.12, 1959: Premiere of the Year- TODAY-9 a.m. (Columbus Day) Last Feature 11:30 p.m. Come On, Everybody! They’re Here IN PERSON! ROCK HUDSON TONY RANDALL THELMA RITTER Appearing Opening Day Only on Stage Four Shows 11:15a.m. 1:45p.m. 6:15p.m. 8:40p.m. (The movie is “PILLOW TALK”).
The seating capacity for the Century 12 auditoriums : #1 has 417 seats, #2-397, #3-120, #4-283, #5-283, #6-152, #7-103, #8-not posted, #9-103, #10-110, #11-not posted, and #12 has 178 seats. 2146+ seats. Add the 877 seats in the CineArts section,3,023+ seats.
From the Chicago Tribune movie listings on Friday, December 26,1958: NEWBERRY “Prisoners of Casbah” “Battle at Rogue River” Open 1 Elvis Presley “JAILHOUSE ROCK”. Joe- I first discovered the Newberry around 1959-60. Went there off and on throughout the 1960s. Because there was a lack of poster cases outside the theatre, I remember a wooden stand-near the curb,directly across from the front doors. On both sides of this stand three movies could be advertised. On top, 2 “lobby cards”, those 14 by 11 cards; underneath a one sheet. Same set up on the other side. If memory serves, this stand was a deep red.It lasted til around 1965. Another memory: when the theatre switched to X rated fare, a turnstile was installed just inside the front door by the box office. It was about waist high; similar to an old fashioned CTA subway turnstile. This, of course, eliminated the need for a ticket taker.
Thanks, David. My first thought was some kind of candy bar or edible treat…guess not. I wonder how many youngsters showed up that day.Hope that beautiful palace was at least half full.
From the Chicago Sun Times movie directory dated Saturday, May 9, 1959: Redecorated-Refurbished for Your Enjoyment! TIVOLI “THE 3 STOOGES” ON OUR STAGE- IN PERSON! Open 10:30 A.M.– Show Starts 11:30 A.M. FREE “CROONOLAS” to First 500 Kiddies! (Huh?)
On Tuesday, Jan.20, 1959, the Monroe had the Chicago premiere of “PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE.” The co- feature was “TIME LOCK.” From the fairly large ad display in the Sun Times: 2 SCIENCE-FICTION THRILLERS Flying saucers endanger us all with their…PLAN 9 from OUTER SPACE BELA LUGOSI VAMPIRA ALL NEW Plus- A CITY PITTED AGAINST 6 HOURS OF OXYGEN! TIME LOCK.
In the late 60s- early 70s, the McVickers played quite a few films from American-International. On Friday, August 15, 1969, SONNY and CHER were on stage at 8 and 10 P.M. with guest M.C. JIMMY P. STAGG, D.J. at WCFL, to promote the film “CHASTITY”.
Some history of Old Town in 1969: from a Roger Ebert column in the Sun Times dated Friday, Oct. 10, 1969— “IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS, underground film buffs used to get together every Monday night at the old Second City and show their new works. The tradition is being revived at the new Los Angeles Coliseum Theater, 1653 N. Wells, with screenings at 7,9, and 11 p.m. Mondays. Included this week: John Hofsess' ambitious epic "Redpath 25”. The program is being organized by Jeff Begun, who also oversees the Aardvark. Jeff is celebrating this week because, on Wednesday, a judge ruled that Jack Smith’s film “Flaming Creatures” is not obscene. The Aardvark was busted for showing it, and the young girl who was selling tickets was thrown into jail overnight. Small consolation."
Re: the newspaper ads for “VIXEN”– on Fridays, for many weeks during the run, the advice columnist Ann Landers (sister of Dear Abby) was spoofed. One example (not the funniest, but the only one I have): from the Sun Times dated Friday, July 11, 1969- OPEN LETTER TO JANE ANDERS Dear Jane: I run a gas station. I’ve been going steady with the same gal for 20 years, but can’t get up the nerve to propose. Last week she suggested my taking her to see “RUSS MEYER’S VIXEN,” but I turned her down. What do you think? (signed) BASHFUL. Dear Bashful: There is no Fuel like an Old Fuel. —JANE. About a month or two before VIXEN started its run, I remember reading that quite a few guys would buy a ticket and time it so they would enter the theatre JUST to see the trailer for VIXEN- and then leave. If memory serves- admission price of $3.00 for perhaps a two and a half minute trailer? No wonder it was a smash hit.
In “THE JAMES DEAN STORY”, there are some great shots of Times Square. At 27 minutes and 24 seconds into the film, there is a quick shot of the Selwyn ;on the marquee: “ADVENTURES of ROBIN HOOD” plus “COLORADO TERRITORY”. At the 54 minute mark, there is a great shot of the Fox theatre in Hollywood. Really nice and unique marquee; theatre is showing “CURUCU, BEAST OF THE AMAZON” plus “THE MOLE PEOPLE”. Can be seen- for free- at Hulu.
In “IMAGES of AMERICA- CHICAGO’S JEWISH WEST SIDE” by Irving Cutler, there is a great pic of the Rena- marquee and vertical sign- on page 88.
In “IMAGES of AMERICA- CHICAGO’S JEWISH WEST SIDE” by Irving Cutler, there is a great shot of the Lindy’s marquee on page 89.
In “IMAGES of AMERICA- CHICAGO’S JEWISH WEST SIDE” by Irving Cutler, there is a shot of the Senate Theatre on page 89. It is closed, with the marquee damaged. According to the text, it was ruined after the riots of 1968. Closed March 1973.
In the book “IMAGES of AMERICA- CHICAGO’S JEWISH WEST SIDE” by Irving Cutler, there are two nice pics of the Central Park on page 87. A great shot of the outside; on the marquee: FOOTBALLS JIM BROWN “RIO CONCHOS” plus BORIS KARLOFF “BLACK SABBATH”. A smaller picture of the interior is also featured.
Paul- Goldblatt’s was gone before the theatre was built. I got an e-mail today from Kerasotes. In late May or early June, AMC will take over. AMC may or may not continue the 5 Buck Club. I was invited to fill out a short survey; when I clicked on, AMC said the survey was closed.
And- THE POM-POM GIRLS, MANIAC, MOTHER’S DAY,a number of FRIDAY THE 13TH flicks and- as mark h noted, a few John Carradine titles (FRANKENSTEIN ISLAND), one of the most ridiculous movies ever. By the way, does anyone recall one of the managers of the Luna? If memory serves, he looked much like director John Waters…tall, lean, thinning hair, and a little moustache. This would have been around 1981.
As noted above, you can see the Maryland Theatre in the movie “MONKEY HUSTLE”. 39 minutes and 38 seconds into the film, the box office, the glass entrance doors,a number of poster cases(J.D.’S REVENGE is on display), and many light bulbs under the marquee can be seen in a great night scene. See it for free at the Internet Movie Database or Hulu.
Bryan- thanks for sharing that great photo. That double feature played from January 4 to the 17th, 1980. Notice the 3 sets of steel doors facing the street. On Friday and Saturday nights, when there was a full- or almost full- house, the ushers would open those side doors. That way, the audience from the main floor- and the balcony,too- could easily exit onto Dearborn, thus avoiding the crowd lined up on Randolph, tickets in hand, waiting for the next showing. To Mike- in May of 1968, was Morrie still taking tickets? Was Eddie still working as a porter? And was Mr. Milstein still a manager? By the early 70s he was one of the managers of the Loop theatre. In late 1964, ushers started at 80 cents an hour. After 6 months, you got 90 cents. “Candy girls” got $1.00 hour; ticket sellers $1.25- if memory serves.
The Willow Creek opened on Wednesday, October 14, 1970. “BORSALINO” starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon, was the premiere attraction.
I agree with Charlie. The place is clean and friendly. A VAST improvement to the washroom; everything is brighter! Was greeted at the boxoffice, then again at the concession stand (above average popcorn, better than AMC).The guy selling tickets wished me a good evening as I was leaving. The New 400 now has a total of 538 seats. Auditorium 1 has 159 seats, #2 has 115, #3- 123, and # 4 -141. The ONE thing I miss from the Village North days: the “FORBIDDEN PLANET” poster is gone; replaced by more current titles.
On Friday, April 24, 1959, The Englewood (along with many other theatres) was showing “HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL”. From the entertaining ad in the Tribune movie directory: TODAY- The Whole Town’s HAUNTED! 1st RUN! CHICAGOLAND Premieerie! ACCLAIMED THE SUPER-SHOCKER OF THE CENTURY! FIRST FILM WITH THE AMAZING NEW WONDER EMERGO…..THE THRILLS FLY RIGHT INTO THE AUDIENCE! Nominated for 13 SHOCK AWARDS! On Thursday, the movie ad advised ‘See it with someone with warm hands!’ I saw it across town at the Uptown;it seemed like every seat on the main floor was taken. “HOUSE” was also playing at the Granada, Century, Congress, Gateway, Imperial, Marbro, Avalon, Capitol, Jeffery, Peoples, Ramova, and many more…
If the Louis closed as a movie house in 1965, it definitely reopened-for a short period -perhaps under new ownership. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings dated Wednesday, May 18, 1966: LOUIS ACADEMY AWARD SHOW Lee Marvin “CAT BALLOU” 108 E. 35th Julie CHRISTIE “DARLING”. By Monday, July 25, 1966, the Louis was not in the movie directory.
Harry Belafonte was on the Woods stage at 8:15p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1959, for the World Premiere of “ODDS AGAINST TOMORROW”. (From the Chicago Tribune movie listings).
From the Chicago Tribune movie directory on Monday, Oct.12, 1959: Premiere of the Year- TODAY-9 a.m. (Columbus Day) Last Feature 11:30 p.m. Come On, Everybody! They’re Here IN PERSON! ROCK HUDSON TONY RANDALL THELMA RITTER Appearing Opening Day Only on Stage Four Shows 11:15a.m. 1:45p.m. 6:15p.m. 8:40p.m. (The movie is “PILLOW TALK”).
The seating capacity for the Century 12 auditoriums : #1 has 417 seats, #2-397, #3-120, #4-283, #5-283, #6-152, #7-103, #8-not posted, #9-103, #10-110, #11-not posted, and #12 has 178 seats. 2146+ seats. Add the 877 seats in the CineArts section,3,023+ seats.
From the Chicago Tribune movie listings on Friday, December 26,1958: NEWBERRY “Prisoners of Casbah” “Battle at Rogue River” Open 1 Elvis Presley “JAILHOUSE ROCK”. Joe- I first discovered the Newberry around 1959-60. Went there off and on throughout the 1960s. Because there was a lack of poster cases outside the theatre, I remember a wooden stand-near the curb,directly across from the front doors. On both sides of this stand three movies could be advertised. On top, 2 “lobby cards”, those 14 by 11 cards; underneath a one sheet. Same set up on the other side. If memory serves, this stand was a deep red.It lasted til around 1965. Another memory: when the theatre switched to X rated fare, a turnstile was installed just inside the front door by the box office. It was about waist high; similar to an old fashioned CTA subway turnstile. This, of course, eliminated the need for a ticket taker.
Thanks for posting that great picture, David. It’s just how I remember the outside of the Clark!
The seating capacity for the CineArts 6 is 877. Auditorium 13 has 194 seats, #14 -144, #15 -91, #16 -102, #17-155, and #18-191.
Thanks, David. My first thought was some kind of candy bar or edible treat…guess not. I wonder how many youngsters showed up that day.Hope that beautiful palace was at least half full.
From the Chicago Sun Times movie directory dated Saturday, May 9, 1959: Redecorated-Refurbished for Your Enjoyment! TIVOLI “THE 3 STOOGES” ON OUR STAGE- IN PERSON! Open 10:30 A.M.– Show Starts 11:30 A.M. FREE “CROONOLAS” to First 500 Kiddies! (Huh?)
On Tuesday, Jan.20, 1959, the Monroe had the Chicago premiere of “PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE.” The co- feature was “TIME LOCK.” From the fairly large ad display in the Sun Times: 2 SCIENCE-FICTION THRILLERS Flying saucers endanger us all with their…PLAN 9 from OUTER SPACE BELA LUGOSI VAMPIRA ALL NEW Plus- A CITY PITTED AGAINST 6 HOURS OF OXYGEN! TIME LOCK.