From the Chicago Sun Times movie directory dated May 2,1958: HORROR SHOW on our STAGE Complete show 2-4:30-7-9:30 Dr. Sims “HOUSE of the LIVING DEAD” “DRACULA” In Person BOWERY BOYS “SPOOK CHASERS” PLUS “ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET THE MUMMY” . Open 1:30 Pantheon 4642 Sheridan FREE PERFUME TO ALL LADIES PLUS 2 for 1 FREE PASS -TO ALL FOR A FUTURE SHOW. I wish I was there that day.
Even though I went to the Pantheon a number of times in my grade school days, I have no memory of the inside with ONE exception-the area just inside the front doors to the ticket takers station. It was VERY wide and rather deep, with a considerable number of posters and lobby cards on the walls. Anyone who remembers just inside the Royal theatre on Milwaukee Ave. will know what the Pantheon was like- very similar. My first memory of the Pantheon: A triple feature -a Western (“Run of the Arrow”?) plus “WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE” plus “WAR OF THE WORLDS”. It was a Saturday afternoon; the auditorium was packed. Since the Pantheon was once a Balaban & Katz theatre, I’m guessing the seats were plush and red- just like the Uptown and Riviera theatres- but can’t be sure. Another memory: sometime in the late 50s, the theatre closed for a short time. When it reopened, there was a sign just outside the front doors in one of the poster cases facing north. It read: You are CORDIALLY invited to the NEW PANTHEON Theatre. The sign was large;it had red and/or black letters against a white background. Just inside the front doors at the south end of the theatre was a huge arrangement of flowers, presumably to welcome the new owners/operators. Outside, the Pantheon had a flush mounted marquee(like the Lakeside) but much larger. Each of the letters of the name had dozens of light bulbs; it was a unique sight when lit and moving. The name PANTHEON and the 4 line(and perhaps 5 line) marquee faced East. The box office (quite small) was connected to the front doors. On either side was a number of entrance doors-6, 7, 8? Before the ticket seller opened the box office, she was behind a bright red curtain. My last memory of the theatre is rather sad: riding my bike past the closed theatre in the early 60s,the front doors so dirty you couldn’t see inside, and pigeons nesting above the marquee in between the letters ,and the sidewalk below a mess. Even though the theatre remained closed for months, two posters remained on display outside:on the north end of the theatre, facing Sheridan Rd.,John Wayne in “BLOOD ALLEY”; on the south end…facing north(toward Leland Ave.)“ATTACK OF THE 50 FT. WOMAN”.
On the second floor of Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts, Fred Degerberg has his office in what was once the projection booth of the Bertha. It faces north; across the workout area and the boxing ring is the speed bag room. This is where the screen was. On the first floor of the school, there is a weight and cardio room; beyond that is another padded area for martial arts classes. This area was the auditorium. Looking at the ornate ceiling and parts of the locker room and speed bag room, you can tell this was once a theatre.
For at least a short period of time (mid to late 1966),this theatre was advertised as the GRAND INTERNATIONAL. From the Chicago Sun Times movie directory dated Saturday, May 21,1966:GRAND INTERNATIONAL-HU 9-3343 OPEN 12:30 Exclusive Polish Double Feature “DOORSTEP TO HELL” plus “ANTEK POLICMAJSTER”. On Friday, October 28, 1966, “EMPEROR and GOLEN” plus CZECH BALLET was playing; from the newspaper ad:Hilarious Czech Comedy with Jan VeRech In Color -Czech Dialogue- English Sub-Titles. By mid 1968, this theatre was called the GRAND PLAYHOUSE. Once again from the Sun Times- Friday, August 30, 1968: “TURN ME ON” “HOT NIGHTS ON CAMPUS”. Quite a history for this little neighborhood theatre.
The Logan has played regular Hollywood fare for decades. However, at least twice in the past, they tried different policies. On Saturday, May 21, 1966, the Logan was showing the Midwest Premiere of “HOW TO BE LOVED”, a Polish program with English titles. Not surprising, since the neighborhood had a large Polish population for many years. Exactly 4 years later, the Logan was showing adult fare. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings, May 22, 1970: LOGAN (X) “MONIQUE” “BABY LOVE” .I don’t think this adult policy lasted very long; thankfully the Logan went back to mainstream features(I suspect complaints from neighbors/ church authorities). At this time, you could park free in the Emmett St. City Lot. One thing that NEVER changed- the Logan had-and has- Matinees Daily.
Growing up on the north side of Chicago, I very much remember phone numbers starting with LO-1. Both the DeLuxe and Riviera theatres had that exchange. LO-1-5865 for the DeLuxe. These theatres, and many neighborhoods on the north side of the city, were very close to Lake Michigan, and a few very popular beaches…Foster and Montrose, to name two. Also, a very popular hotel- The Edgewater Beach – stood at Sheridan Rd. and Berwyn/ Balmoral for many years. Longbeach sounds pretty logical.
So the Hub theatre continued to operate into the mid 70s, possibly to 1980 or beyond? And the Alvin, Armitage, Royal, and others? Once these theatres disappeared from the movie listings in the early 70s, I assumed they were closed for good. Glad to know they flourished- at least for a while-as Spanish language theatres. Thanks for the information, Bryan.
The Crown was one of the few neighborhood theatres that opened its doors early-very early(at least on Sundays). From the Chicago Sun Times movie directory dated Sunday, August 25, 1957: CROWN COOL! OPEN 10 A.M. Science-Fiction Thrillers! “Giant Claw” & “Night the World Exploded”. The Alvin was another theatre that opened at 10 A.M. -every day- for a number of years. Also- for at least a short period of time- the Crown, Irving, Biograph, and Mode were probably owned by the same company. Each of the four theatres had a black dot to the left of the name.(October 1957).
To David and charles 1954: If memory serves, the club on the corner of Irving and Sheridan was BERLITZ. It did have a vertical sign with a black background and green neon letters.On the Sheridan Rd. side, it had a horizontal sign- facing west, of course.
The seating capacity for Village Crossing 18 is as follows: Auditorium #1- 512 seats, #2-170, #3-NA, but I suspect 170, #4-224, #5-224, #6-271, #7-NA, but may be 271, #8- 271, #9-271, #10-147, #11-147, #12-147, #13-147, #14-217, #15-217, #16-170, #17-NA, but I’m guessing 170, and #18- 512. Approximately 4,258 seats. I’m impressed by the Crown(still use that name): plenty of parking, more clean than not(including the washrooms),and really friendly employees. Picture and sound quality is fine. Would recommend this place to everyone- Monday through Thursday, anyway. But beware Friday and Saturday nights. I’ve been told it gets really crowded- and noisy- and the clean washrooms can get filthy.
From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings dated Wednesday Oct. 9, 1957: OGDEN 1619 W. 63rd TOMORROW ON STAGE DR. JEKYL’S WEIRD SHOW MONSTERS RUN LOOSE IN THE AUDIENCE…GHOSTS SIT BY YOU…SEE JAMES DEAN MATERALIZED BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES…WE DARE YOU TO SEE IT. FREE PERFUME TO THE GIRLS. FREE 2 FOR 1 PASS FOR a FUTURE MOVIE. I was a kid clear across town at the time- but would have loved to be in Englewood that day. And James Dean??? Turns out “THE JAMES DEAN STORY” was playing that week at the nearby Southtown and many other neighborhood theatres,along with “SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS”.
My first trip to the Loop Theatre was in 1958. “THE CRAWLING EYE” plus “COSMIC MONSTERS”, a double feature I couldn’t resist.About a decade later, a very different movie: “VIXEN”. Although the Loop played some great movies- both serious and exploitation- I didn’t care much for the theatre. Way too small for a downtown theatre; when it played a hit(more often than not) the crowds did not help my claustrophobia. A bit of trivia: The manager of the Loop in the early 70s was a short, jolly man with glasses -Mr. Milstein(sp?).In the early to late 60s, he was the manager of the United Artists. To David- I remember the Treasure Chest. I’m sure it was on Randolph, a little West of State St. on the South side of the street. Not far away was a bookstore with a wild (for the time) adult section. Close by was a restaurant- the 17, if memory serves.
I agree with hank and David…the United Artists was in very good shape until at least the mid 80s. My last trip was in 1985 to see “RE-ANIMATOR” .It was part of a triple feature.To my eyes, everything looked pretty much the same as it did in the 60s and 70s. Perhaps a few worn seats, perhaps a little dusty here and there, but still a pleasant and comfortable experience. The one exception:rodents! Although I never saw any, there was a problem, according to reports. As John Sanchez noted in his post on 2-12-04, the main auditorium was closed; patrons had to sit in the balcony. In the early 80s this same thing happened to me, sitting in the balcony with about 40 other people, watching a triple horror show. Why the balcony on a weekday afternoon? My only conclusion:mouse traps with cheese scattered around the main floor .Nevertheless, I have very fond memories of the UA. Great movies, no problems.
In the book “IMAGES of AMERICA: PORTAGE PARK” by Daniel Pogorzelski, there is a nice shot of Milwaukee Ave. -looking south- on page 48. The Portage theater is on the right, with its original marquee, ornate tera-cota decor, and great vertical sign. I’m guessing the photo is from the 1930s. On page 51 is a small pic of the Patio, after it closed in 2001. On page 87- one more pic of the Portage(the marquee) plus an old advertisement for upcoming shows. According to the text, the PORTAGE PARK opened in 1920; the name was shortened to PORTAGE in 1932. I saw “POSTAL” on Sunday, May 25. A grand total of 4 people in the auditorium for the 5p.m. showing. In late January of this year, I went to a double feature at the Portage: “BRIDE OF THE MONSTER” plus “PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE”. In spite of a snowstorm that evening, it was well attended. The Portage was- and is- a great theater.
From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings dated Sat. Oct. 16, 1965: ARMITAGE 3553 Armitage -Open 1:00 1st RUN CHICAGO “ROBOT vs. AZTEC MUMMY” – “VAMPIRE’S COFFIN” -BEATLES “GO-GO MANIA” Plus FRANKENSTEIN- DRACULA & Others IN Person TONIGHT AT 7:45. The two horror films were also playing at the Imperial theatre on Madison St.(DRACULA AND THE MONSTERS ONE SHOW ONLY AT 4:30 P.M.) and at the Irving theatre(Irving and Pulaski) SEE DRACULA -FRANKENSTEIN-THE FACELESS CHILLER- ALL IN PERSON AT 7:00 P.M. ONLY! I guess the monsters…er, actors- went from one theatre to another putting on a stage show. Never experienced it, but I bet it was fun…a more innocent time. A less innocent time- on Friday, Sept. 4, 1970- the Armitage had turned to adult films. From the movie listings: ARMITAGE ADULT THEATRE Open 6 P.M. NEW POLICY- Exciting Films at Chicago’s LOWEST ADULT THEATRE PRICES “MOONSHINE LOVE” “Beast That Killed Women”. Not sure how long this policy lasted, but I suspect the Armitage closed by the early 70s.
In my post from 9-15-04, I was off by about a year re: the closing of the Lakeside. From the Chicago Sun Times movie directory dated Monday Oct. 24, 1966: LAKESIDE 4730 N. Sheridan Road “VISIT to a SMALL PLANET” “AROUND THE WORLD UNDER THE SEA”. I’m pretty sure the Lakeside closed by late ‘66 or early “67.
In my first post, I was off by about 5 years re: the closing of this theatre. From the Sun Times movie listings dated Monday Sept. 22, 1980: IMAGE 750 N. CLARK 787-5667 OPEN 12 NOON FIRST RUN “HEAD WAITER” PLUS 2ND FEATURE ALL MALE CAST. Perhaps they dropped the “LE” when they switched from straight to gay porno around 1974- 75. For a few years in the mid 70s, this theatre was in competition with the Newberry, which was little more than a block north, on the same side of Clark St. Pretty sure the Image closed for good by early 1981.
Here is the Clark ’s movie calendar for June 1965 (from the Chicago Sun Times movie directory dated June 1, 1965: June 1- UNDERWORLD, USA plus MURDER, INC. June 2- NO TIME FOR SGTS. plus MR. ROBERTS June 3- SAT. NITE AND SUN. MORNING plus THE HUSTLER June 4- SINGIN' IN THE RAIN plus BAND WAGON June 5- M plus FORBIDDEN GAMES June 6-CHILDREN OF PARADISE plus NITE AND FOG June 7- GINA plus YOUNG AND THE DAMNED June 8- AMERICA, AMERICA plus THE OUTSIDER June 9- EASY LIFE plus DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES June 10- OLD MAN AND THE SEA plus YOUNG LIONS June 11- ALEXANDER NEVSKY plus POTEMKIN June 12- WOMAN IN THE DUNES plus RIKISHA MAN June 13- WAR OF THE BUTTONS plus SAND CASTLE June 14- ORDERS TO KILL plus BRIDGE ON RIVER KWAI June 15- STAKEOUT ON DOPE ST. plus BIG DEAL ON MADONNA ST. June 16- THE BAD SLEEP WELL plus EXECUTIVE SUITE June 17- VICTIM plus THE MARK June 18- THE LAW plus L SHAPED ROOM June 19 – MAJOR BARBARA plus RULES OF THE GAME June 20 – DIMKA plus MY NAME IS IVAN June 21- EAST OF EDEN plus REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE June 22- A DAY AT THE RACES plus A NIGHT AT THE OPERA June 23- 7 BRIDES FOR 7 BROTHERS plus AMERICAN IN PARIS June 24- CAPE FEAR plus EXPERIMENT IN TERROR June 25- PICNIC plus BUS STOP June 26- RATTLE OF A SIMPLE MAN plus LUCK OF GINGER COFFEY June 27- GIRL WITH GREEN EYES plus LA NOTTE June 28- 7 DAYS IN MAY plus MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE June 29- A NITE TO REMEMBER plus PURSUIT OF GRAF SPEE June 30- EVA plus GYPSY AND THE GENTLEMAN. A pretty typical month at the Clark- dramas, comedies, musicals, and foreign films…something for everyone. To Bob Jensen- I saw a few double features in the middle of the night.If there were homeless people in the audience, they did not make their presence known. If some patrons were sleeping, they did not snore… I can’t think of any time I was disturbed or annoyed by my fellow movie goers at the Clark. The projection booth was -I’m guessing- on the third floor (one floor above the mezzanine and the “little gallery for gals only”). That would be really high up- near the mens washroom. Yep, that would be a great workout for the ushers carrying the films up and down. And the projectionist was undoubtedly never bored- different movies every day with union wages. What a deal!
SPearce- In a few of your sentences, I think you mean Broadway rather than Clark St. The DeLuxe was west of Broadway, and just a few steps west of the CTA L tracks. The theatre was east of Racine Ave.(1200 West) and a few blocks east of Clark St. (about 1500 West at that point). In the late 50s through the mid 60s, I, too, went to the DeLuxe a number of times. You’re right, the lobby was VERY nice… I remember the marble and gold leaf; very bright and clean. My memories of the auditorium are quite different: rather shabby looking with just OK to so-so seats. Some of the patrons had seen better days. I remember Groucho Marx , on his TV show “YOU BET YOUR LIFE”, talking with a contestant from Chicago. Wilson Ave. was mentioned, and Groucho ended the dialogue by saying…I’m paraphrasing…“You meet a lot of strange people on Wilson Ave.” I saw more than a few heated arguments , and even one ground and pound (MMA style) fight near the boxoffice. Yes, the neighborhood could be wild. Back inside the lobby: If memory serves, above the exit doors-facing north- was a square clock with a pink background.Also, in that same general location, was a sign with a yellow background stating DOORS OPEN 1:30 DAILY in black letters. The DeLuxe had a 4 change a week policy: Sun. and Mon.,Tuesday (ADULTS ONLY),Wed. and Thurs., and Fri. and Sat. Mostly triple features(just like the Mode theatre). The DeLuxe did not show trailers-I don’t even recall intermissions- a feature ended, the next one started immediately. And the burlesque theatre you mentioned- THE BACKSTAGE. It was east of Sheridan Rd.and, indeed, on the south side of the street.
A clock inside a theatre auditorium was, indeed, a rare sight. Another movie theatre with a clock in the auditorium was less than two blocks from the Clark. The Monroe had a clock; it, too, was just to the left of the screen. If memory serves, the clock was round with a white or light yellow background. Can’t think of any more…
Bob- maybe the Clark played DELICADO after you went into the Navy; it’s the ONLY song I remember playing at intermission. It could have been as early as 1963-64…maybe late as ‘65-'66. It was so catchy I went to Rose records on Wabash to buy the album. Oh well, maybe someone else will read this and remember the song you heard. As I recall, the Clark did NOT show previews between features…but there were exceptions. Never saw “TOPKAPI”, but I remember the trailer: Melina Mercouri, looking at the audience, saying “I’m a thief- honest”. I’m 99% sure I saw it at the Clark. But, generally speaking, no previews, no cartoons… a feature, then a 5 to 7 minute intermission, then the second feature. Other memories of the Clark: a mini cardio workout going to the mens room…from the auditorium to a flight of stairs at the north end of the theatre near aisle 4; to the second floor ,walking south(past the “LITTLE GALLERY FOR GALS ONLY”) to another flight of stairs… long and steep…to the next level, finally arriving at the washroom at the far southwest corner of the buiding. The color green- lots of green in the theatre. The carpet, lights on the wall, the neon clock to the left of the screen (aisle 4), and parts of the marquee. At the concession stand, there was an older woman…white hair, glasses (she looked like a grandmother;she was perhaps 60- 65 years old).Never smiled…looked kinda mean…but was very friendly once she got to know you. She worked evening hours; sold me more than a few boxes of popcorn over the years(mid 1960s). One last comment: the Clark got all kinds of patrons: men in suits, teenagers in blue jeans (like me),downtown shoppers, young and elderly, black and white, rich and some people who had seen better days. Skid row on west Madison St. was not that far away. That said, it seemed like everyone in the audience was there to enjoy the films. No talking, no rude behavior, and laughter when appropriate. Going to the Clark was a great experience!
Bob -this will be easier than searching for an album: Go to you tube, type in DELICADO. You will find Percy Faith and his version of the tune. It is catchy!!
From the Chicago Sun Times movie directory dated May 2,1958: HORROR SHOW on our STAGE Complete show 2-4:30-7-9:30 Dr. Sims “HOUSE of the LIVING DEAD” “DRACULA” In Person BOWERY BOYS “SPOOK CHASERS” PLUS “ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET THE MUMMY” . Open 1:30 Pantheon 4642 Sheridan FREE PERFUME TO ALL LADIES PLUS 2 for 1 FREE PASS -TO ALL FOR A FUTURE SHOW. I wish I was there that day.
Even though I went to the Pantheon a number of times in my grade school days, I have no memory of the inside with ONE exception-the area just inside the front doors to the ticket takers station. It was VERY wide and rather deep, with a considerable number of posters and lobby cards on the walls. Anyone who remembers just inside the Royal theatre on Milwaukee Ave. will know what the Pantheon was like- very similar. My first memory of the Pantheon: A triple feature -a Western (“Run of the Arrow”?) plus “WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE” plus “WAR OF THE WORLDS”. It was a Saturday afternoon; the auditorium was packed. Since the Pantheon was once a Balaban & Katz theatre, I’m guessing the seats were plush and red- just like the Uptown and Riviera theatres- but can’t be sure. Another memory: sometime in the late 50s, the theatre closed for a short time. When it reopened, there was a sign just outside the front doors in one of the poster cases facing north. It read: You are CORDIALLY invited to the NEW PANTHEON Theatre. The sign was large;it had red and/or black letters against a white background. Just inside the front doors at the south end of the theatre was a huge arrangement of flowers, presumably to welcome the new owners/operators. Outside, the Pantheon had a flush mounted marquee(like the Lakeside) but much larger. Each of the letters of the name had dozens of light bulbs; it was a unique sight when lit and moving. The name PANTHEON and the 4 line(and perhaps 5 line) marquee faced East. The box office (quite small) was connected to the front doors. On either side was a number of entrance doors-6, 7, 8? Before the ticket seller opened the box office, she was behind a bright red curtain. My last memory of the theatre is rather sad: riding my bike past the closed theatre in the early 60s,the front doors so dirty you couldn’t see inside, and pigeons nesting above the marquee in between the letters ,and the sidewalk below a mess. Even though the theatre remained closed for months, two posters remained on display outside:on the north end of the theatre, facing Sheridan Rd.,John Wayne in “BLOOD ALLEY”; on the south end…facing north(toward Leland Ave.)“ATTACK OF THE 50 FT. WOMAN”.
On the second floor of Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts, Fred Degerberg has his office in what was once the projection booth of the Bertha. It faces north; across the workout area and the boxing ring is the speed bag room. This is where the screen was. On the first floor of the school, there is a weight and cardio room; beyond that is another padded area for martial arts classes. This area was the auditorium. Looking at the ornate ceiling and parts of the locker room and speed bag room, you can tell this was once a theatre.
For at least a short period of time (mid to late 1966),this theatre was advertised as the GRAND INTERNATIONAL. From the Chicago Sun Times movie directory dated Saturday, May 21,1966:GRAND INTERNATIONAL-HU 9-3343 OPEN 12:30 Exclusive Polish Double Feature “DOORSTEP TO HELL” plus “ANTEK POLICMAJSTER”. On Friday, October 28, 1966, “EMPEROR and GOLEN” plus CZECH BALLET was playing; from the newspaper ad:Hilarious Czech Comedy with Jan VeRech In Color -Czech Dialogue- English Sub-Titles. By mid 1968, this theatre was called the GRAND PLAYHOUSE. Once again from the Sun Times- Friday, August 30, 1968: “TURN ME ON” “HOT NIGHTS ON CAMPUS”. Quite a history for this little neighborhood theatre.
The Logan has played regular Hollywood fare for decades. However, at least twice in the past, they tried different policies. On Saturday, May 21, 1966, the Logan was showing the Midwest Premiere of “HOW TO BE LOVED”, a Polish program with English titles. Not surprising, since the neighborhood had a large Polish population for many years. Exactly 4 years later, the Logan was showing adult fare. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings, May 22, 1970: LOGAN (X) “MONIQUE” “BABY LOVE” .I don’t think this adult policy lasted very long; thankfully the Logan went back to mainstream features(I suspect complaints from neighbors/ church authorities). At this time, you could park free in the Emmett St. City Lot. One thing that NEVER changed- the Logan had-and has- Matinees Daily.
Growing up on the north side of Chicago, I very much remember phone numbers starting with LO-1. Both the DeLuxe and Riviera theatres had that exchange. LO-1-5865 for the DeLuxe. These theatres, and many neighborhoods on the north side of the city, were very close to Lake Michigan, and a few very popular beaches…Foster and Montrose, to name two. Also, a very popular hotel- The Edgewater Beach – stood at Sheridan Rd. and Berwyn/ Balmoral for many years. Longbeach sounds pretty logical.
So the Hub theatre continued to operate into the mid 70s, possibly to 1980 or beyond? And the Alvin, Armitage, Royal, and others? Once these theatres disappeared from the movie listings in the early 70s, I assumed they were closed for good. Glad to know they flourished- at least for a while-as Spanish language theatres. Thanks for the information, Bryan.
The only theatre named the 4 Star in 1960 was located in the 2400 block of West Madison St. I can only guess the Yellow pages made a mistake.
Ken- there was a theatre on Madison St. named the 4 Star. The phone number for the Clark was fr2- 2843 (franklin).
The Crown was one of the few neighborhood theatres that opened its doors early-very early(at least on Sundays). From the Chicago Sun Times movie directory dated Sunday, August 25, 1957: CROWN COOL! OPEN 10 A.M. Science-Fiction Thrillers! “Giant Claw” & “Night the World Exploded”. The Alvin was another theatre that opened at 10 A.M. -every day- for a number of years. Also- for at least a short period of time- the Crown, Irving, Biograph, and Mode were probably owned by the same company. Each of the four theatres had a black dot to the left of the name.(October 1957).
David- check out the Standard Theatre (aka Image). The Newberry was a different theatre, although both showed gay porn in the mid 70s.
To David and charles 1954: If memory serves, the club on the corner of Irving and Sheridan was BERLITZ. It did have a vertical sign with a black background and green neon letters.On the Sheridan Rd. side, it had a horizontal sign- facing west, of course.
The seating capacity for Village Crossing 18 is as follows: Auditorium #1- 512 seats, #2-170, #3-NA, but I suspect 170, #4-224, #5-224, #6-271, #7-NA, but may be 271, #8- 271, #9-271, #10-147, #11-147, #12-147, #13-147, #14-217, #15-217, #16-170, #17-NA, but I’m guessing 170, and #18- 512. Approximately 4,258 seats. I’m impressed by the Crown(still use that name): plenty of parking, more clean than not(including the washrooms),and really friendly employees. Picture and sound quality is fine. Would recommend this place to everyone- Monday through Thursday, anyway. But beware Friday and Saturday nights. I’ve been told it gets really crowded- and noisy- and the clean washrooms can get filthy.
From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings dated Wednesday Oct. 9, 1957: OGDEN 1619 W. 63rd TOMORROW ON STAGE DR. JEKYL’S WEIRD SHOW MONSTERS RUN LOOSE IN THE AUDIENCE…GHOSTS SIT BY YOU…SEE JAMES DEAN MATERALIZED BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES…WE DARE YOU TO SEE IT. FREE PERFUME TO THE GIRLS. FREE 2 FOR 1 PASS FOR a FUTURE MOVIE. I was a kid clear across town at the time- but would have loved to be in Englewood that day. And James Dean??? Turns out “THE JAMES DEAN STORY” was playing that week at the nearby Southtown and many other neighborhood theatres,along with “SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS”.
My first trip to the Loop Theatre was in 1958. “THE CRAWLING EYE” plus “COSMIC MONSTERS”, a double feature I couldn’t resist.About a decade later, a very different movie: “VIXEN”. Although the Loop played some great movies- both serious and exploitation- I didn’t care much for the theatre. Way too small for a downtown theatre; when it played a hit(more often than not) the crowds did not help my claustrophobia. A bit of trivia: The manager of the Loop in the early 70s was a short, jolly man with glasses -Mr. Milstein(sp?).In the early to late 60s, he was the manager of the United Artists. To David- I remember the Treasure Chest. I’m sure it was on Randolph, a little West of State St. on the South side of the street. Not far away was a bookstore with a wild (for the time) adult section. Close by was a restaurant- the 17, if memory serves.
I agree with hank and David…the United Artists was in very good shape until at least the mid 80s. My last trip was in 1985 to see “RE-ANIMATOR” .It was part of a triple feature.To my eyes, everything looked pretty much the same as it did in the 60s and 70s. Perhaps a few worn seats, perhaps a little dusty here and there, but still a pleasant and comfortable experience. The one exception:rodents! Although I never saw any, there was a problem, according to reports. As John Sanchez noted in his post on 2-12-04, the main auditorium was closed; patrons had to sit in the balcony. In the early 80s this same thing happened to me, sitting in the balcony with about 40 other people, watching a triple horror show. Why the balcony on a weekday afternoon? My only conclusion:mouse traps with cheese scattered around the main floor .Nevertheless, I have very fond memories of the UA. Great movies, no problems.
In the book “IMAGES of AMERICA: PORTAGE PARK” by Daniel Pogorzelski, there is a nice shot of Milwaukee Ave. -looking south- on page 48. The Portage theater is on the right, with its original marquee, ornate tera-cota decor, and great vertical sign. I’m guessing the photo is from the 1930s. On page 51 is a small pic of the Patio, after it closed in 2001. On page 87- one more pic of the Portage(the marquee) plus an old advertisement for upcoming shows. According to the text, the PORTAGE PARK opened in 1920; the name was shortened to PORTAGE in 1932. I saw “POSTAL” on Sunday, May 25. A grand total of 4 people in the auditorium for the 5p.m. showing. In late January of this year, I went to a double feature at the Portage: “BRIDE OF THE MONSTER” plus “PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE”. In spite of a snowstorm that evening, it was well attended. The Portage was- and is- a great theater.
From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings dated Sat. Oct. 16, 1965: ARMITAGE 3553 Armitage -Open 1:00 1st RUN CHICAGO “ROBOT vs. AZTEC MUMMY” – “VAMPIRE’S COFFIN” -BEATLES “GO-GO MANIA” Plus FRANKENSTEIN- DRACULA & Others IN Person TONIGHT AT 7:45. The two horror films were also playing at the Imperial theatre on Madison St.(DRACULA AND THE MONSTERS ONE SHOW ONLY AT 4:30 P.M.) and at the Irving theatre(Irving and Pulaski) SEE DRACULA -FRANKENSTEIN-THE FACELESS CHILLER- ALL IN PERSON AT 7:00 P.M. ONLY! I guess the monsters…er, actors- went from one theatre to another putting on a stage show. Never experienced it, but I bet it was fun…a more innocent time. A less innocent time- on Friday, Sept. 4, 1970- the Armitage had turned to adult films. From the movie listings: ARMITAGE ADULT THEATRE Open 6 P.M. NEW POLICY- Exciting Films at Chicago’s LOWEST ADULT THEATRE PRICES “MOONSHINE LOVE” “Beast That Killed Women”. Not sure how long this policy lasted, but I suspect the Armitage closed by the early 70s.
In my post from 9-15-04, I was off by about a year re: the closing of the Lakeside. From the Chicago Sun Times movie directory dated Monday Oct. 24, 1966: LAKESIDE 4730 N. Sheridan Road “VISIT to a SMALL PLANET” “AROUND THE WORLD UNDER THE SEA”. I’m pretty sure the Lakeside closed by late ‘66 or early “67.
In my first post, I was off by about 5 years re: the closing of this theatre. From the Sun Times movie listings dated Monday Sept. 22, 1980: IMAGE 750 N. CLARK 787-5667 OPEN 12 NOON FIRST RUN “HEAD WAITER” PLUS 2ND FEATURE ALL MALE CAST. Perhaps they dropped the “LE” when they switched from straight to gay porno around 1974- 75. For a few years in the mid 70s, this theatre was in competition with the Newberry, which was little more than a block north, on the same side of Clark St. Pretty sure the Image closed for good by early 1981.
The seating capacity for the 4 auditoriums is as follows: Theatre#1- 463 seats, #2- 300 seats, #3- 256, and #4- 290. A total of 1,309 seats.
Here is the Clark ’s movie calendar for June 1965 (from the Chicago Sun Times movie directory dated June 1, 1965: June 1- UNDERWORLD, USA plus MURDER, INC. June 2- NO TIME FOR SGTS. plus MR. ROBERTS June 3- SAT. NITE AND SUN. MORNING plus THE HUSTLER June 4- SINGIN' IN THE RAIN plus BAND WAGON June 5- M plus FORBIDDEN GAMES June 6-CHILDREN OF PARADISE plus NITE AND FOG June 7- GINA plus YOUNG AND THE DAMNED June 8- AMERICA, AMERICA plus THE OUTSIDER June 9- EASY LIFE plus DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES June 10- OLD MAN AND THE SEA plus YOUNG LIONS June 11- ALEXANDER NEVSKY plus POTEMKIN June 12- WOMAN IN THE DUNES plus RIKISHA MAN June 13- WAR OF THE BUTTONS plus SAND CASTLE June 14- ORDERS TO KILL plus BRIDGE ON RIVER KWAI June 15- STAKEOUT ON DOPE ST. plus BIG DEAL ON MADONNA ST. June 16- THE BAD SLEEP WELL plus EXECUTIVE SUITE June 17- VICTIM plus THE MARK June 18- THE LAW plus L SHAPED ROOM June 19 – MAJOR BARBARA plus RULES OF THE GAME June 20 – DIMKA plus MY NAME IS IVAN June 21- EAST OF EDEN plus REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE June 22- A DAY AT THE RACES plus A NIGHT AT THE OPERA June 23- 7 BRIDES FOR 7 BROTHERS plus AMERICAN IN PARIS June 24- CAPE FEAR plus EXPERIMENT IN TERROR June 25- PICNIC plus BUS STOP June 26- RATTLE OF A SIMPLE MAN plus LUCK OF GINGER COFFEY June 27- GIRL WITH GREEN EYES plus LA NOTTE June 28- 7 DAYS IN MAY plus MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE June 29- A NITE TO REMEMBER plus PURSUIT OF GRAF SPEE June 30- EVA plus GYPSY AND THE GENTLEMAN. A pretty typical month at the Clark- dramas, comedies, musicals, and foreign films…something for everyone. To Bob Jensen- I saw a few double features in the middle of the night.If there were homeless people in the audience, they did not make their presence known. If some patrons were sleeping, they did not snore… I can’t think of any time I was disturbed or annoyed by my fellow movie goers at the Clark. The projection booth was -I’m guessing- on the third floor (one floor above the mezzanine and the “little gallery for gals only”). That would be really high up- near the mens washroom. Yep, that would be a great workout for the ushers carrying the films up and down. And the projectionist was undoubtedly never bored- different movies every day with union wages. What a deal!
SPearce- In a few of your sentences, I think you mean Broadway rather than Clark St. The DeLuxe was west of Broadway, and just a few steps west of the CTA L tracks. The theatre was east of Racine Ave.(1200 West) and a few blocks east of Clark St. (about 1500 West at that point). In the late 50s through the mid 60s, I, too, went to the DeLuxe a number of times. You’re right, the lobby was VERY nice… I remember the marble and gold leaf; very bright and clean. My memories of the auditorium are quite different: rather shabby looking with just OK to so-so seats. Some of the patrons had seen better days. I remember Groucho Marx , on his TV show “YOU BET YOUR LIFE”, talking with a contestant from Chicago. Wilson Ave. was mentioned, and Groucho ended the dialogue by saying…I’m paraphrasing…“You meet a lot of strange people on Wilson Ave.” I saw more than a few heated arguments , and even one ground and pound (MMA style) fight near the boxoffice. Yes, the neighborhood could be wild. Back inside the lobby: If memory serves, above the exit doors-facing north- was a square clock with a pink background.Also, in that same general location, was a sign with a yellow background stating DOORS OPEN 1:30 DAILY in black letters. The DeLuxe had a 4 change a week policy: Sun. and Mon.,Tuesday (ADULTS ONLY),Wed. and Thurs., and Fri. and Sat. Mostly triple features(just like the Mode theatre). The DeLuxe did not show trailers-I don’t even recall intermissions- a feature ended, the next one started immediately. And the burlesque theatre you mentioned- THE BACKSTAGE. It was east of Sheridan Rd.and, indeed, on the south side of the street.
A clock inside a theatre auditorium was, indeed, a rare sight. Another movie theatre with a clock in the auditorium was less than two blocks from the Clark. The Monroe had a clock; it, too, was just to the left of the screen. If memory serves, the clock was round with a white or light yellow background. Can’t think of any more…
Bob- maybe the Clark played DELICADO after you went into the Navy; it’s the ONLY song I remember playing at intermission. It could have been as early as 1963-64…maybe late as ‘65-'66. It was so catchy I went to Rose records on Wabash to buy the album. Oh well, maybe someone else will read this and remember the song you heard. As I recall, the Clark did NOT show previews between features…but there were exceptions. Never saw “TOPKAPI”, but I remember the trailer: Melina Mercouri, looking at the audience, saying “I’m a thief- honest”. I’m 99% sure I saw it at the Clark. But, generally speaking, no previews, no cartoons… a feature, then a 5 to 7 minute intermission, then the second feature. Other memories of the Clark: a mini cardio workout going to the mens room…from the auditorium to a flight of stairs at the north end of the theatre near aisle 4; to the second floor ,walking south(past the “LITTLE GALLERY FOR GALS ONLY”) to another flight of stairs… long and steep…to the next level, finally arriving at the washroom at the far southwest corner of the buiding. The color green- lots of green in the theatre. The carpet, lights on the wall, the neon clock to the left of the screen (aisle 4), and parts of the marquee. At the concession stand, there was an older woman…white hair, glasses (she looked like a grandmother;she was perhaps 60- 65 years old).Never smiled…looked kinda mean…but was very friendly once she got to know you. She worked evening hours; sold me more than a few boxes of popcorn over the years(mid 1960s). One last comment: the Clark got all kinds of patrons: men in suits, teenagers in blue jeans (like me),downtown shoppers, young and elderly, black and white, rich and some people who had seen better days. Skid row on west Madison St. was not that far away. That said, it seemed like everyone in the audience was there to enjoy the films. No talking, no rude behavior, and laughter when appropriate. Going to the Clark was a great experience!
Bob -this will be easier than searching for an album: Go to you tube, type in DELICADO. You will find Percy Faith and his version of the tune. It is catchy!!