Have a news tip for us?
Just email . Ideas for stories, links to interesting articles, and press releases are welcome.
Jobs
-
February 26, 2007
Village Entertainment vs. Classic Cinemas
Hello Fellow CT Fans:
I’m relatively new to this site. I don’t have the vast knowledge that many of you have. But I have become more and more interested in cinemas and live theatres.
One thing that I’ve always wondered about is the two local mini-chains here in Chicagoland, Village Theatres and Classic Cinemas. Specifically, I’ve always wondered why Classic Cinemas seems to be so successful and Village Theatres is not. Both chains have had a few things in common. They are locally owned. They have taken over cinemas that were cast off by other chains.
17 comments -
February 22, 2007
Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890
Did the Sherman Antitrust act of 1890 apply to the motion picture industry or was it at a later date? I am trying to find out when the film companies were forced to sell off their theaters.
Thank you.
-
February 21, 2007
Theater operational questions
I have some concerns about the operations of a theater and was wondering if anyone had some input.
Has anyone had any experience in adding ‘dancing lights’ to the exterior of their theater or to their marquee? If so, what equipment is required? I’m assuming there’s a main ‘brain’ to control the lights, or are they just a special type of bulb?
What is the biggest holdup in a concession line when trying to get the line through? Is it the bagging of popcorn or pouring of fountain drinks? Lack of decision makers in the line up? Would it be a good idea to turn the soda fountain machine around to allow customers to pour their own drinks once they ‘buy’ their cup from you?
-
February 14, 2007
Mystery Theaters
Dear Cinema Treasures,
I own and operate the classic film blog, Central Theater, and I’ve got a couple of mystery theaters I’m wondering if your readers can identify for me, as I added them in last week’s article.
The images come from a 1949 trade magazine ad for the Wagner Sign Company of Chicago, IL. All of the photos were taken in 1948 (see: http://www.thephotoplayer.com/blog/neon_ad.jpg)
I’ve positively identified all of the theaters save for two: a picture of the Olympic, which I suspect is what is now the Washington Center for the Performing arts.
The other is an un-named theater where the vertical has been clipped from the photo.
Do any Cinema Treasures readers have any idea what these theaters are positively?
Best,
Jack Theakston
Central Theater Blog -
February 13, 2007
Looking for a venue for theatre company
Premier Performing Arts, Inc. is a nonprofit theatre company who is currently looking for a home. We are interested in producing musical theatre. The ideal venue will have an orchestra pit, sufficent stage space, fly loft and wing space. Purchase or lease. We are open to any options. Please contact us .
-
Paramount Theatre, Lynn, MA - 1950 event info
In 1950, the U.S. Marine Corp hosted a Bond Drive at the Paramount Theatre in Lynn, MA. I am looking for any and all information on that particular event.
Richard Blodgett, USMCR
-
February 12, 2007
Information on an Art Deco Piece
I am trying to find out how to identify a piece my wife was given about ten years ago. It is a large round metal sign of some kind. It is three pieces but it bolts together. Assembled it is approx. seven and a half foot in diameter and around three inches deep. It is painted with an art deco style woman sitting with a knee up and a ball or sphere in her up-stretched hand. It looks like it is baked on enamel similar to an automobile paint job and has four colors.
I suspect it is from the 30’s judging from the other pieces of furniture she was given at that time. The furniture pieces I am having better luck identifying. As you can see, it has a commercial art appearance. I have had several opinions that it could have been installed in a theater of the era.
I was wondering if you have seen anything like it before?
Thank you for any help you could give me.
All the best,
Sean Howard -
February 7, 2007
Fox Theatre chain reserach info needed
Does anyone know where I can find the history of the Fox Theatre chain? With all the theatres out there named ‘Fox’…I can only assume that it is/was a chain or company of sorts.
-
February 5, 2007
Antique Globe-Miami, Arizona memoribilia
This year, Globe and Miami, two small sister mining towns in central-eastern Arizona, will be celebrating their Centennial (1907-2007). In honor of this the city of Globe Main Street Program will be putting together a museum.
In honor of this, I would be interested in donating/loaning items from Globe and Miami. The following antique/vintage items I am looking for include: photos, postcards, business directories, signage, publications, programs (including local football game, theater, and play), newspapers.
Please contact me at 602-723-5035 or at
Thanks.
-
January 30, 2007
Forum Theater Los Angeles
I am researching Ted Henkel, who was as I understand it, the Musical Director of the Forum Theater somewhere between 1925-1930ish. I have found a few articles about his work and scores in the LA Times archives, but was wondering if there is any historical resource specifically for the Forum that is available. Perhaps some of you historical experts might be able to give me some ideas or resource paths to follow. I’d sure appreciate any help.
Thanks so much.
