I was THEEEE last usher to work there in 1981. The last movie was ATLANTIC CITY. The very last shot was a building being torn down. That’s exactly what happened a couple of days later.
David; I “blue”-highlight the link. Copy it. Go to my e-mail. Press “Compose”. Paste link to my e-mail in the area in which I type up a letter. Send pasted link to myself. Click on link.
I think there might be a little confusion here. I really don’t believe gays ventured up to the West Side to spend the night at this legendary schlock house. I once heard from an old veteran theatre owner that the Parkway Theatre, at Clark and Diversey, was a gathering spot for gays. The Parkway was a schlock house for many years up unil 1979 when Landmark Theatres took it over and began a revival program there. I believe that would be more credible since there’s a higher gay prescence around the Parkway Theatre area. I think JAYJay got these two schlock houses mixed up, but I could be wrong.
Okay; I went to the microfilm room at the Harold Washington Library in Chicago earlier today and it is confirmed: the M&R Webster Place Theatres opened on Wednesday, July 20, 1988. It opened with DIE HARD, MIDNIGHT RUN and BAMBI; each movie showing on 2 screens. On Friday, July 22, the theatre opened 3 other movies including CADDYSHACK II, BIG TOP PEE WEE and THE DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION: THE METAL YEARS. This Saturday, July 20, will be the 25th Anniversary of the opening of this theatre complex. 3 more screens were added in 1998.
Today (June 4) marks the 35th Anniversary of the fire that broke out in the lobby area of the balcony. So ironic that a fire would break out nearly 75 years after the Iroquois Theatre disaster happened at the same location.
warnergrad; I’ve been there a few times. An okay experience. Nothing really ornate. No balcony. Projection was half-way decent. Mono sound. It sort of looked like the Adelphi Theatre in Rogers Park. It’s now some type of warehouse.
This photo was not taken across the street on the State-Lake marquee. The State-Lake was directly across the street from the Chicago. This photo may have been taken from the L station platform.
BREAKING NEWS!!! Recently, the upper portion of the building had some work done and underneath some covering was a sign that read “GRAYLAND THEATRE”. You can now see it on top of the exterior.
storefrontcinema: Let me know where I can send my resume.
KNOCK ON ANY DOOR is abosolutely NOT Humphrey Bogart’s last movie. This photo was taken in 1949. Bogie’s last movie was THE HARDER THEY FALL (1956).
I was THEEEE last usher to work there in 1981. The last movie was ATLANTIC CITY. The very last shot was a building being torn down. That’s exactly what happened a couple of days later.
The Adelphi did not close in the 1980s. It closed around 2002 and got torn down in 2006.
Yes; the Art has digital.
David; I “blue”-highlight the link. Copy it. Go to my e-mail. Press “Compose”. Paste link to my e-mail in the area in which I type up a letter. Send pasted link to myself. Click on link.
I worked at the M&R Fine Arts Theatre 30 years ago. I wish somebody would re-open these 2 historic late 19th Century theatres.
Broan; I’m glad you got it right. The author of this page has so much info incorrect.
The M&R Willow Creek Theatres was indeed open much later than 1980. I saw TENDER MERCIES there in 1983.
I think there might be a little confusion here. I really don’t believe gays ventured up to the West Side to spend the night at this legendary schlock house. I once heard from an old veteran theatre owner that the Parkway Theatre, at Clark and Diversey, was a gathering spot for gays. The Parkway was a schlock house for many years up unil 1979 when Landmark Theatres took it over and began a revival program there. I believe that would be more credible since there’s a higher gay prescence around the Parkway Theatre area. I think JAYJay got these two schlock houses mixed up, but I could be wrong.
Nick; they usually indicate on their website wheter a film will be shown in 35mm or DCP digital.
Okay; I went to the microfilm room at the Harold Washington Library in Chicago earlier today and it is confirmed: the M&R Webster Place Theatres opened on Wednesday, July 20, 1988. It opened with DIE HARD, MIDNIGHT RUN and BAMBI; each movie showing on 2 screens. On Friday, July 22, the theatre opened 3 other movies including CADDYSHACK II, BIG TOP PEE WEE and THE DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION: THE METAL YEARS. This Saturday, July 20, will be the 25th Anniversary of the opening of this theatre complex. 3 more screens were added in 1998.
Today (June 4) marks the 35th Anniversary of the fire that broke out in the lobby area of the balcony. So ironic that a fire would break out nearly 75 years after the Iroquois Theatre disaster happened at the same location.
http://youtu.be/DzdnTOgi2-4
Today, April 2, is the 35th Anniversary of the Loop Theatre putting on its last picture show.
warnergrad; I’ve been there a few times. An okay experience. Nothing really ornate. No balcony. Projection was half-way decent. Mono sound. It sort of looked like the Adelphi Theatre in Rogers Park. It’s now some type of warehouse.
http://youtu.be/EKM-lYVTz2U
Trolleyguy; what is the 36 Broadway/Devon trolley car doing at 119th Street on the South Side?
I’m confused. The 36 Broadway streetcar near 119th Street on the South Side????
The photo was taken in January, 1957.
The first McVicker’s opened 155 years ago today.
This photo was not taken across the street on the State-Lake marquee. The State-Lake was directly across the street from the Chicago. This photo may have been taken from the L station platform.
BREAKING NEWS!!! Recently, the upper portion of the building had some work done and underneath some covering was a sign that read “GRAYLAND THEATRE”. You can now see it on top of the exterior.
STAR WARS (1977) never played in 70mm when it was showing there in 1977.
I saw THE MASTER on August 16 at the Music Box in 70mm. It was presented in 1.85; Datasat Sound. It filled up a good portion of the proscenium.