Aardvark Cinematheque

The Aardvark was a very small theatre located at 1608 N. Wells, very close to where the Pipers Alley theatre now stands. My memories of the place are vague: a bare bones auditorium with wooden floors and not many seats (150-200?) It reminded me of a small barn, yet comfortable enough. Before the feature started, an announcement was made over the PA: “The smoking of ANYTHING in this theatre is illegal”. This always got laughs, since the neighborhood (Old Town) was a magnet for young people- hippies, longhairs, and various radicals. The Aardvark played first run single features; off beat films most other theatres wouldn’t touch. In 1968 saw Andy Warhol’s “FLESH”, later that same year “LONESOME COWBOYS”. In the early 70’s, “PINK FLAMINGOS” had a rather lengthy run. The features would play from late morning through the evening, admission was $1.75.