Some tidbits from the Tribune archives….
Ann-Margret apparently had her professional singing debut here, in a Radio broadcast.
The article marking the theater’s next-day closure printed September 9, 1965 notes that in addition to Hudson and Ann-Margret, former Senator Charles H. Percy served as an usher. English music hall star Gracie Fields also performed there in war bond drives. The article also claims that Meyers built some 22 theaters in Chicagoland, though his name is scarcely mentioned elsewhere. This must be in reference to the fact that he was director of Allied Theaters of Illinois, a syndicate of independent theaters.
A 1962 article claims, “Meyers had traveled to Paris in 1926 to meet with Claude Neon, an inventor. Neon explained the principles of neon lighting. Meyers arranged for the inventor to create the first neon theater sign for the proposed moving picture theater which would be built fronting Lake Michigan between Wilmette and Kenilworth.” It also identifies Spanish Court as one of the first shopping centers in America (along with Market Square in Lake Forest). It further states that in 1925 Meyers hired the young Vincente Minelli to design and decorate the theater, and that Meyers also intoduced a ‘first’ of special concert programs in the 1940s featuring the likes of Marlo Lanza, Rise Stevens, and Madame Shuman-Heink to the stage. Meyers was still further credited with starting the first Cub Scout pack in America, the Del Lago Cubs, in 1927.
The Glencoe was done in a colonial style, seating near 1000, and opened October 16, 1940 by Sam Meyers of the Teatro Del Lago and Wilmette theaters. Opening feature was “The Return of Frank James.”
It was renamed the Rio after a 1934 remodeling, and the Mars in 1949. Interestingly the mars name was the original one announced in 1934, but apparently not adopted for 15 years.
It was under demolition (not undermining) on October 10, 1968 when the cutting of a steel support in the theatre caused a three-story brick wall to collapse, raining debris on cars and el tracks.
The United Artists was at the SE corner of Randolph and Dearborn, The Woods was at the NW Corner, with the Cinestage and Michael Todd on Dearborn next to it. Next to the Woods on Randolph was the Garrick, which was long gone by the 80s, as was the Apollo a little north of it. Another block down was the Palace, which also did live shows as the Bismarck. Also next to the Chicago in the Walgreens building was the small Loop theater, and across from Field’s was the Roosevelt. These were the major theaters of the “Randolph Street Rialto”.
I went here on Saturday. Great place, classy atmosphere. However, a few seconds of Casino Royale were spliced in upside down. The free refills are a nice touch. I think this place gives, say, Century Evanston a run for its money. Definitely the best in the immediate area. At least until Muvico Rosemont Walk rolls in.
Plitt ran the Todd, but i’m not sure if they did the Cinestage.
Some tidbits from the Tribune archives….
Ann-Margret apparently had her professional singing debut here, in a Radio broadcast.
The article marking the theater’s next-day closure printed September 9, 1965 notes that in addition to Hudson and Ann-Margret, former Senator Charles H. Percy served as an usher. English music hall star Gracie Fields also performed there in war bond drives. The article also claims that Meyers built some 22 theaters in Chicagoland, though his name is scarcely mentioned elsewhere. This must be in reference to the fact that he was director of Allied Theaters of Illinois, a syndicate of independent theaters.
A 1962 article claims, “Meyers had traveled to Paris in 1926 to meet with Claude Neon, an inventor. Neon explained the principles of neon lighting. Meyers arranged for the inventor to create the first neon theater sign for the proposed moving picture theater which would be built fronting Lake Michigan between Wilmette and Kenilworth.” It also identifies Spanish Court as one of the first shopping centers in America (along with Market Square in Lake Forest). It further states that in 1925 Meyers hired the young Vincente Minelli to design and decorate the theater, and that Meyers also intoduced a ‘first’ of special concert programs in the 1940s featuring the likes of Marlo Lanza, Rise Stevens, and Madame Shuman-Heink to the stage. Meyers was still further credited with starting the first Cub Scout pack in America, the Del Lago Cubs, in 1927.
The Glencoe was done in a colonial style, seating near 1000, and opened October 16, 1940 by Sam Meyers of the Teatro Del Lago and Wilmette theaters. Opening feature was “The Return of Frank James.”
There’s the Orbit in Palatine
It was renamed the Rio after a 1934 remodeling, and the Mars in 1949. Interestingly the mars name was the original one announced in 1934, but apparently not adopted for 15 years.
It was under demolition (not undermining) on October 10, 1968 when the cutting of a steel support in the theatre caused a three-story brick wall to collapse, raining debris on cars and el tracks.
The Jeff was a different one, a few doors down the street at 4750. I submitted a writeup on it a little while ago.
At least for the front two. The rear two are a bit bigger.
Here are pictures of this theater
Here are pictures of this theater
Here are pictures of this theater
Here are pictures of this theater
Here are pictures of this theater
The office building was called outdated, and B&K saw a parking garage as more profitable.
The United Artists was at the SE corner of Randolph and Dearborn, The Woods was at the NW Corner, with the Cinestage and Michael Todd on Dearborn next to it. Next to the Woods on Randolph was the Garrick, which was long gone by the 80s, as was the Apollo a little north of it. Another block down was the Palace, which also did live shows as the Bismarck. Also next to the Chicago in the Walgreens building was the small Loop theater, and across from Field’s was the Roosevelt. These were the major theaters of the “Randolph Street Rialto”.
Thanks for all your recollections!
That would be the State-Lake.
Part of the Logan Square is visible in this photo of the Logan Square El Terminal.
Here is an ad showing a lounge
Might this be it?
I went here on Saturday. Great place, classy atmosphere. However, a few seconds of Casino Royale were spliced in upside down. The free refills are a nice touch. I think this place gives, say, Century Evanston a run for its money. Definitely the best in the immediate area. At least until Muvico Rosemont Walk rolls in.
Here are photos of this theater.
Here are photos of this theater.
Here are photos of this theater.
Here are photos of this theater.
Here are photos of this theater.