Just added 2 images of a 1926 Hamlin Theatre program, courtesy of Bruce Kelleher.
Though 1925 is written along the top,
all the films were released in 1926.
Coincidentally there is an article about the recent sale of this theater that came out today.http://www.uptownupdate.com/
www.uptownupdate.com if the link doesn’t work.
Ironically I just received this update, but didn’t recognize the theater name in my e-mail.
That’s because since my last update this morning, the Grauman names has been removed from the header on this Cinema Treasures page.
I think it should have been left in place, as it is the most recognizable name associated with this theater.
Was TCL behind this change, on a forum that deals more in the history of theaters?
I’m just curious, because the CT search feature is not very thorough to begin with. And removing the historic Grauman name will just cause confusion.
(It’s the Marshall Fields/Macy’s mess all over again to us in Chicago)
I spent an hour or so searching for a theater on Division Street in Chicago.
Only to have another forum find it as The Vision Theater, and sure enough on Division St.
The CT search field never brought it up, even though I used every combination of Division Street, St., West, W., Chicago etc.
FYI. Just uploaded a 1929 theatre program for John Ford’s “the Black Watch” to the Photos section.
It includes a small floor plan diagram.
Photo courtesy of Decaying Hollywood Mansions FB page.
I would only be against them taking over the Portage, if they insist on removing the seats. The neighborhood is still a movie going clientele. One of the main reasons there was such opposition to the church. If they remove the seats to make it a concert venue only, it will be the same as if the church had taken it over anyway. There will be no way to run classic films or staged events without seats.
There is a brief shot of the State Theater in the background, in a scene in “American Graffiti”.
I believe it is when Milner pulls up to save Toad during a beating by the car thieves who stole the `58 Impala.
Also when Milner returns to his own car.
Broan, your above link is not accessable. When CT changed their website format, they changed the manner in which links need to be embedded into comments.
Unfortunately I do not know what that requires.
Therefore I only attach photos in the Photo Section.
NBC Today show ran a piece this morning about “SMASH”, shot in the St. George. Interiors, backstage, on stage production shots & short interviews with 3 lead cast members.
It might be up on the Today Show or NBC’s website.
(I predict now, that after that show’s TV run, a stage version is actually developed.)
St. George’s website lists their address as 35 Hyatt Street, not 25 BTW.
FYI. I’ve added a few pages of interior photos of the Rhode Opera House in the Photos section.
Thank You to the Rhode Staff for access to your beautiful theatre.
I’m sorry to see it close. Al Curtis & his crew did a great job trying to keep it versatile.
I don’t know why the bank/owners would think it will look more viable to potential buyers, if it’s completely inactive. Defies logic really. Sell the sizzle, not the steak.
Since they knew they were keeping theater style seating, I think the renovation should have kept the old or newer projectors in place. So it could moonlight an an art house and run films on off nights. Like the old Varsity & Parkway used to.
Once they knew that they weren’t keeping them, the seating design should have been changed to one with tables or standing room by the stage like at Martyrs on Lincoln in the city. And removed the inclined floor.
Strictly theater seating limited themselves and the venue to attracting younger acts and their followings. Or older tribute acts with crowds that could move about inside.
Martyrs or the Vic is the best examples I can think of.
With a capacity of only 148 people, even at $25 a ticket for sell-outs, there’s not enough left to pay for bigger name talent. Add in virtually zero foot traffic, and you have an even bigger struggle.
Happened to drive by the Logan tonight. Marquee was dark, and still read Closed For Renovations. Small pile of leaves or something in the doorway area.
Had to do a double take tonight, while driving by Piper’s Alley Theatre. The marquee was fully on, with most of it’s moving lights in tact. Yet as we know, no movie names, just blank spaces. It appears Piper’s Alley is just using the marquee as a way to attract attention to the other businesses within the complex.
Recent news has Cheap Trick planning an upcoming museum restaurant/venue on Record Row/South Michigan Ave. in Chicago.
Whatever became of the hotel complex plans Rick Nielsen had in Rockford? It was in the paper before the economic turn down. But then never heard of again. Was the Midway ever considered for that?
The Midway could be a perfect sister venue to whatever they are planning in Chicago.
Rick owns a piece of Piece, a pizza/bar in Chicago on North Ave. But surely a hometown investment would seem fitting too.
Just added 2 images of a 1926 Hamlin Theatre program, courtesy of Bruce Kelleher. Though 1925 is written along the top, all the films were released in 1926.
Coincidentally there is an article about the recent sale of this theater that came out today.http://www.uptownupdate.com/ www.uptownupdate.com if the link doesn’t work.
Ironically I just received this update, but didn’t recognize the theater name in my e-mail. That’s because since my last update this morning, the Grauman names has been removed from the header on this Cinema Treasures page.
I think it should have been left in place, as it is the most recognizable name associated with this theater. Was TCL behind this change, on a forum that deals more in the history of theaters? I’m just curious, because the CT search feature is not very thorough to begin with. And removing the historic Grauman name will just cause confusion. (It’s the Marshall Fields/Macy’s mess all over again to us in Chicago)
I spent an hour or so searching for a theater on Division Street in Chicago. Only to have another forum find it as The Vision Theater, and sure enough on Division St. The CT search field never brought it up, even though I used every combination of Division Street, St., West, W., Chicago etc.
FYI. Added to the Photos section one I found of Facebook of an Auburn promotion at the Roosevelt.
I posted in the Photos Section a 1930’s era photo. Photo source unknown.
Correction to the circa 1928 photo I just posted. Photo credit should got to Barney Neuberger via Scott Greig.
FYI. Just uploaded a 1929 theatre program for John Ford’s “the Black Watch” to the Photos section. It includes a small floor plan diagram. Photo courtesy of Decaying Hollywood Mansions FB page.
Hmmm. I’m still getting “Image cannot be displayed because it contains errors” in faint lettering at the top.
btkreft, there is no photo on that link. Just a grey background.
I would only be against them taking over the Portage, if they insist on removing the seats. The neighborhood is still a movie going clientele. One of the main reasons there was such opposition to the church. If they remove the seats to make it a concert venue only, it will be the same as if the church had taken it over anyway. There will be no way to run classic films or staged events without seats.
Here’s the link to the Geico commercial featuring the exterior of the Tivoli. I hope this works. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjrXRXFCIwo
Correction, the photo I posted is post 1959.
There is a brief shot of the State Theater in the background, in a scene in “American Graffiti”. I believe it is when Milner pulls up to save Toad during a beating by the car thieves who stole the `58 Impala. Also when Milner returns to his own car.
Broan, your above link is not accessable.
When CT changed their website format, they changed the manner in which links need to be embedded into comments.
Unfortunately I do not know what that requires. Therefore I only attach photos in the Photo Section.
Just drove by it. Still looks like the profile picture. “Pineapple Express” & “Tropic Thunder” are still on the marquee.
NBC Today show ran a piece this morning about “SMASH”, shot in the St. George. Interiors, backstage, on stage production shots & short interviews with 3 lead cast members. It might be up on the Today Show or NBC’s website.
(I predict now, that after that show’s TV run, a stage version is actually developed.)
St. George’s website lists their address as 35 Hyatt Street, not 25 BTW.
Cool. It appears to Roland Burris & Ald. Fred Roti (gray trench coat)standing to the left in the photo.
FYI. I’ve added a few pages of interior photos of the Rhode Opera House in the Photos section. Thank You to the Rhode Staff for access to your beautiful theatre.
FYI. I added 2 photos of a Montclare lobby flier from 1936.
Is the McHenry Outdoor still open during good weather months? Their website is currently down.
FYI. I added a couple photos of a 1936 Montclare Theatre lobby flier. It originally belonged to my grandmother who lived in nearby River Grove.
I’m sorry to see it close. Al Curtis & his crew did a great job trying to keep it versatile. I don’t know why the bank/owners would think it will look more viable to potential buyers, if it’s completely inactive. Defies logic really. Sell the sizzle, not the steak.
Since they knew they were keeping theater style seating, I think the renovation should have kept the old or newer projectors in place. So it could moonlight an an art house and run films on off nights. Like the old Varsity & Parkway used to.
Once they knew that they weren’t keeping them, the seating design should have been changed to one with tables or standing room by the stage like at Martyrs on Lincoln in the city. And removed the inclined floor. Strictly theater seating limited themselves and the venue to attracting younger acts and their followings. Or older tribute acts with crowds that could move about inside. Martyrs or the Vic is the best examples I can think of.
With a capacity of only 148 people, even at $25 a ticket for sell-outs, there’s not enough left to pay for bigger name talent. Add in virtually zero foot traffic, and you have an even bigger struggle.
I wish them all the best of luck.
Happened to drive by the Logan tonight. Marquee was dark, and still read Closed For Renovations. Small pile of leaves or something in the doorway area.
Had to do a double take tonight, while driving by Piper’s Alley Theatre. The marquee was fully on, with most of it’s moving lights in tact. Yet as we know, no movie names, just blank spaces. It appears Piper’s Alley is just using the marquee as a way to attract attention to the other businesses within the complex.
Recent news has Cheap Trick planning an upcoming museum restaurant/venue on Record Row/South Michigan Ave. in Chicago. Whatever became of the hotel complex plans Rick Nielsen had in Rockford? It was in the paper before the economic turn down. But then never heard of again. Was the Midway ever considered for that? The Midway could be a perfect sister venue to whatever they are planning in Chicago. Rick owns a piece of Piece, a pizza/bar in Chicago on North Ave. But surely a hometown investment would seem fitting too.