Bryan: The Monroe was never a gay porn theatre. The adult films were all soft core and straight. I think the theatre was too close to City Hall to play the hard core stuff. I’m not surprised by the article you posted. In the 60s, I went there often.As a teenager, I loved the off beat and wild, daring (for the time)films.Not many theatres played “CONFESSIONS OF AN OPIUM EATER”, “ANGEL, ANGEL DOWN WE GO”, but the Monroe did. But didn’t like using the washroom. Down a VERY narrow staircase(across the aisle next to the concession stand)and making two right turns, you got to the mens room. Very similar to the washroom at the Logan, only smaller.Black and white tiles,three or four urinals,and a very low ceiling.Guys hanging around, leaning against the wall, many smoking. CLAUSTROPHOBIA! More than a few times I was surrounded- literally- and stared at. Guess this went on til the theatre closed. By the way, I was wrong in my first post… I did see “FLESH GORDON”, but not in 1973, but 1979. I mixed up the release year with the year I saw it at the Monroe. In 1979, Jane Byrne was elected mayor. In one of her early press conferences, she took a question from a woman who complained about the filthy conditions of some of the downtown movie theatres. Within a day or two, action was taken! The State-Lake, Oriental(a dead mouse was found on a staircase), and the Monroe(and perhaps a few others)were closed by the city.By a week or two, they all reopened; the Monroe featuring “FLESH GORDON”. But that big rat was there…as big as a cat. I never went back. One more memory of the Monroe(on a lighter note): the titles of the double features, when seen on the marquee, would sometimes cause one to do a double take,and smile. Jack Mabley, a columnist at the old Chicago Daily News(or was it Chicago Today?)wrote about passing the Monroe and seeing on the marquee: “SOMETHING’S HAPPENING” “INSIDE A GIRL’S DORMITORY”.Well, I guess any number of things would-could be happening inside! My own experience…outside the theatre, looking at the posters and the stills of “CANNIBAL GIRLS” plus “RAW MEAT”.
There was a theatre on Roosevelt Rd. called the RENA. It was open at least through March 1964. Perhaps that’s what you’re thinking of, G. Feret. From the Sun Times movie directory dated Sat. March 28, 1964: RENA 4015 W. Roosevelt- Open 1:00 “MAN WITH THE X-RAY EYES” Vincent Price “COMEDY OF TERRORS” & “SUMMER HOLIDAY” Cliff Richard.
Interesting. I knew “SOME LIKE IT HOT” played the UA; didn’t know Marilyn was ever there in person. And Chicago got the World Premiere?!?. Anyway, at the other extreme, in 1965… I think September or October, if memory serves…Johnny Crawford, the son in the TV series THE RIFLEMAN, made a personal appearance at the United Artists to promote the film “VILLAGE OF THE GIANTS”. A few other cast members joined him. The co-feature was “SEASIDE SWINGERS”. I think this double feature lasted all of two weeks. “SOME LIKE IT HOT” played considerably longer.
What I think that refers to, Grand, is this: in the 1950s the Woods had all night shows… just like the Clark theatre. I remember newspaper ads for the Woods (MIDNIGHT SHOWS EVERY NIGHT TO 6 A.M.) If memory serves, one of those ads was for “RODAN, THE FLYING MONSTER”. Being so close to the Greyhound bus station, the Woods and the Clark had a potential audience of hundreds. By the late 50s to the early 80s, the Woods still had a midnight show. When Cineplex Odeon took over, they discontinued the late show. The Clark’s policy of 4 A.M. double features stopped about 1960. After that, the last double feature would start at 3A.M. By 1968-69, the Clark had the last double feature starting at 12 midnight. Less and less people were going downtown, and the riots at the Democratic National Convention did not help matters. TV, fear, fewer people using Greyhound, more people moving to the suburbs… the times they were a changing.
The Byrd was open at least through September 1964. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings on Sat. Sept. 12, 1964: BYRD 4730 West Madison Open 1:30 MA 6-8188 THE BEATLES “A HARD DAY’S NIGHT” Tab Hunter “GOLDEN ARROW”. The same double feature was also playing at the Imperial,Marshall Square, Tiffin,Montclare, Ramova, Maryland, Met, Granada, Century, and Riviera theatres.
In the book “IMAGES of AMERICA- ROGERS PARK” by Jacque Day Archer, there are some nice pics of the Norshore, in its early years,on pages 66 and 67. Also in the book: the Granada theatre on page 68 and 78, and the Adelphi on page 69.
To Cam:The theatre was the FESTIVAL. It showed hard core X rated films.It was called the PUERTO RICO from about 1969 to 1970; before that it was my favorite movie theatre: the MODE. The theatre was located at 3912 N. Sheridan Rd.
To Doug Deuchler: I was in Barnes & Noble today; saw your book “IMAGES of AMERICA: CICERO REVISTED”. On page 100, you have a nice shot of the Olympic marquee in 1958.“CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF” is double billed with “ONCE UPON A HORSE”. On page 67, there is a great shot of the auditorium of the Palace theatre, 5240 25th St. Anyone who grew up in – or remembers- Cicero, should check it out.
The Strand theatre was open at least through February 1959. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings, Friday Feb. 13, 1959: STRAND 2111 Division Op. 6:00- “BOMBERS B-52” “FIEND WITHOUT A FACE” “GORILLA AT LARGE” 3 Hits. The star () in front of STRAND also appears in front of the Lane Ct. theatre (aka Park West) at Armitage and Clark streets. I guess the same person- or company- owned the theatres at least for a time.
My memories of the Woods are few, but all good. In August of 1964, the Woods had the Chicago premiere of “A HARD DAY’S NIGHT”. My friend and I went opening day to the first showing. The place was packed; we had to sit in the balcony near the projection booth. About a week later, I was downtown again and saw a minor demonstration under the marquee of the Woods. Three (maybe four) teenage guys were “protesting” the Beatles, and, I guess the film. They carried signs while walking in a small circle, near the boxoffice. One of the signs read BAN THE BEATLES! another proclaimed RINGO IS A COMMIE! They were smiling and laughing; it all seemed very tongue in cheek. They were NOT preventing people from buying tickets. However, I guess the manager found it not very amusing… a police wagon arrived and took the guys away. Other movies I remember seeing at the Woods: “BLOW UP” “MIDNIGHT COWBOY” and “LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT”. All very controversial at the time,and they all drew HUGE crowds. A nice, clean theatre with a midnight show every night.
You’re right, CineMaven, the United Artists did show “FRIDAY the 13th PART 3” IN VIVID 3-D (as the marquee proclaimed). I think I was downtown on opening day. The line to get in was long…from the boxoffice ,almost to State street…a sight not seen since the 60s(“A SHOT IN THE DARK”, “HOW TO MURDER YOUR WIFE”, “WHO’s AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?”) among others. Not only was the line long, but very SLOW. I left and drove to the Norridge theatre to see it. By the way, the UA showed a number of 3-D films… some good “ANDY WARHOL’S FRANKENSTEIN”; some really bad “COMING AT YA”.
I’ve heard of theatres giving away dishes on certain weeknights in the 30s, 40s, even the 1950s. This caught my eye and surprised me: From the Chicago Tribune movie listings on Saturday, April 1, 1939: CRAWFORD 19 S. Craw. “STAR REPORTER” “NEXT TIME I MARRY” 3 CREAM SOUPS FREE At One Time to Ladies Paying Evening Price.
To EMueller: you’re right, the Sonotone theatre did screen at least a few Soviet films in the late 30s. From the Chicago Tribune movie directory on Sunday, July 3,1938: SONOTONE “It’s Always Cool and Comfortable” 66 E. VAN BUREN .35 to 2 p.m.—–.40 to 5:30 The Furiously Exciting Soviet Naval Drama “MEN OF THE SEA” Made with the Cooperation of the Soviet Navy and the Men of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet. And… from the Chicago Tribune movie listings on Saturday April 1, 1939: SONOTONE Late Feature at 11:15 P.M. Starts Today SERGEI EISENSTEIN’S Supreme Film Achievement “ALEXANDER NEVSKY”. Also, at the Princess (another downtown theatre) one could have seen “FRONTIER” another Soviet film, on Friday June 12, 1936.
In the Corner Bakery Cafe, on Randolph west of Dearborn st., you will find a pretty nice pic of the Apollo theatre(1934). It is located on the west wall of the restaurant. It is showing “JUDGE PRIEST” starring Will Rogers. Many other photos of downtown movie theatres are displayed throughout the place.
In the book “CHICAGO IN THE SIXTIES- REMEMBERING A TIME OF CHANGE” by Neal Samors, there is a small but nice pic of the Highland theatre- circa 1969- on page 67. On the marquee: Kirk Douglas in “THE BROTHERHOOD”. On the same page is a pic of the Jeffery theatre; it’s showing “CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG”. To San Clemente Moose: I first saw “CIRCUS OF HORRORS” at the downtown United Artists theatre, on a double bill with “THE ANGRY RED PLANET”. It was indeed gory and sexy for the time. I will never forget some of the scenes( the guy throwing knives at the bikini clad girl on the spinning wheel).Wild scenes, along with that beautiful song LOOK FOR A STAR, made this a memorable experience , to say the least.
The Alvin theatre was open at least through 1969- possibly even 1970, early ‘71. I was never inside, but passed by on the Chicago Ave. bus a few times, on my way to the Hub theatre. Both theatres closed about the same time. The Alvin was not a B&K theatre(at least from 1959-on). Like the Hub, it played double or triple features, with about 3 program changes a week.
Just a wild guess, Bryan: Kimbark Ave. was (is) located 1300 east.The Kimbark theatre, near 63rd and Kimbark, was open at least through mid 1960. The Kim theatre was at 62nd- Halsted. Bark would seem to be a silly name for a theatre. Perhaps new owners decided on the name Ark, which was about 4 blocks from Kimbark Ave.
To markdereng: If you live in the Chicago area, or ever vacation here, check out the Corner Bakery Cafe on Randolph just west of Dearborn street. On the east wall of the restaurant, you will find a rather small black and white photo of the RKO Grand. Looks like it was closed at the time; there is nothing on the marquee. There are many other photos of downtown movie theatres in the place, from the 1920s through the 1960s. The Grand played many westerns.On Saturday, Feb. 16, 1957, Robert Wagner was in the lobby to promote his film “THE TRUE STORY OF JESSE JAMES”. The co-feature was “THE DESPERADOS ARE IN TOWN”. This information comes from the Chicago Sun Times movie directory, Friday Feb. 15, 1957.
The Oriental theatre marquee is #14. The beloved Clark theatre is picture #19. Riverview park is #16… At first I thought this was the Tunnel of Love boat ride, but I suspect it is SHOOT the CHUTES. (Anyone born and raised in Chicago prior to about 1960 will know what I’m talking about). All this…and the Chicago Cubs! Thanks, Brian.
A correction: “DEEP THROAT” had its Chicago premiere at the Admiral theatre on Friday, May 19, 1972. Months later, it played the Town theatre.
KenC
commented about
Park Weston
Nov 22, 2006 at 7:49 pm
You’re right, Brian. “DEEP THROAT” began its Chicago run on Friday, May 19, 1972, at the Admiral theatre, according to the Sun Times movie directory. It is advertised just as THROAT. When I saw the movie at the Town theatre, it was early 1973. From the Sun Times Thursday March 1, 1973 TOWN LINDA LOVELACE in the most discussed motion picture of the decade. THROAT X- RATED SPECIAL MIDNITE SHOW EVERY NIGHT! NOW IN ITS 37TH WEEK IN NEW YORK CITY!!! Admission $4.00 Matinees- $5.00 Evenings. By the way, if you go to roger ebert.com, and type in deep throat, you can read his review. It’s pretty entertaining (he gave it ZERO stars).
The State theatre continued to operate into the early 1970s, although not as an abc theatre. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings, Sunday April 2,1972: STATE 5814 W. Madison—379-6088 Op.12:30—“DUTCHMAN” World Premiere Al Freeman’s “GOIN' DOWN SLOW”. Almost a year later, on Friday, March 9, 1973, I found this in the Sun Times: LILLARD STATE 5814 W. Madison Op. 5:30 “HICKEY & BOGGS” “ACROSS 110TH STREET” Anthony Quinn.
To marilynw: In the book “IMAGES of AMERICA – The Chicago Movie Palaces of Balaban & Katz” by David Balaban, you will find pics of the Tower theatre(and many other B&K theatres- neighborhood and downtown). On page 86, there is a drawing of the outside. It’s nice, but even better- on page 87- there are two great photos. One is of the auditorium- 3,015 seats, according to the text. The other photo is of the marquee, the street, and the elevated tracks. Looks like the tracks are just a few feet away from the theatre. On the marquee: SEE AND HEAR HAROLD LLOYD IN WELCOME DANGER. Then a sign : BALABAN & KATZ. On the other side of the sign, more marquee letters: THE WHOLE SHOW ON THE LIVING SCREEN.
Here is the seating capacity for each of the 14 auditoriums at the City North: Auditorium #1-466, #2-260, #3-260, #4-260, #5-260, #6-260, #7-101, #8-213, #9-213, #10-213, #11-213, #12-466, #13-466, #14-466. A grand total of 4,117 seats. Kerasotes is just as good as AMC:the theatre is well run, is mostly clean, and management is friendly and helpful. Last but not least: they kept the $5.00 admission policy on Tuesdays. A nice place to see a movie.
The 3 Penny Cinema did not have the Chicago premiere of “DEEP THROAT”. That distinction goes to the Town theatre (aka Park West). The 3 Penny did show- I think first run- “THE DEVIL IN MISS JONES” , another notorious -and wildly popular- X rated film.
Bryan: The Monroe was never a gay porn theatre. The adult films were all soft core and straight. I think the theatre was too close to City Hall to play the hard core stuff. I’m not surprised by the article you posted. In the 60s, I went there often.As a teenager, I loved the off beat and wild, daring (for the time)films.Not many theatres played “CONFESSIONS OF AN OPIUM EATER”, “ANGEL, ANGEL DOWN WE GO”, but the Monroe did. But didn’t like using the washroom. Down a VERY narrow staircase(across the aisle next to the concession stand)and making two right turns, you got to the mens room. Very similar to the washroom at the Logan, only smaller.Black and white tiles,three or four urinals,and a very low ceiling.Guys hanging around, leaning against the wall, many smoking. CLAUSTROPHOBIA! More than a few times I was surrounded- literally- and stared at. Guess this went on til the theatre closed. By the way, I was wrong in my first post… I did see “FLESH GORDON”, but not in 1973, but 1979. I mixed up the release year with the year I saw it at the Monroe. In 1979, Jane Byrne was elected mayor. In one of her early press conferences, she took a question from a woman who complained about the filthy conditions of some of the downtown movie theatres. Within a day or two, action was taken! The State-Lake, Oriental(a dead mouse was found on a staircase), and the Monroe(and perhaps a few others)were closed by the city.By a week or two, they all reopened; the Monroe featuring “FLESH GORDON”. But that big rat was there…as big as a cat. I never went back. One more memory of the Monroe(on a lighter note): the titles of the double features, when seen on the marquee, would sometimes cause one to do a double take,and smile. Jack Mabley, a columnist at the old Chicago Daily News(or was it Chicago Today?)wrote about passing the Monroe and seeing on the marquee: “SOMETHING’S HAPPENING” “INSIDE A GIRL’S DORMITORY”.Well, I guess any number of things would-could be happening inside! My own experience…outside the theatre, looking at the posters and the stills of “CANNIBAL GIRLS” plus “RAW MEAT”.
There was a theatre on Roosevelt Rd. called the RENA. It was open at least through March 1964. Perhaps that’s what you’re thinking of, G. Feret. From the Sun Times movie directory dated Sat. March 28, 1964: RENA 4015 W. Roosevelt- Open 1:00 “MAN WITH THE X-RAY EYES” Vincent Price “COMEDY OF TERRORS” & “SUMMER HOLIDAY” Cliff Richard.
Interesting. I knew “SOME LIKE IT HOT” played the UA; didn’t know Marilyn was ever there in person. And Chicago got the World Premiere?!?. Anyway, at the other extreme, in 1965… I think September or October, if memory serves…Johnny Crawford, the son in the TV series THE RIFLEMAN, made a personal appearance at the United Artists to promote the film “VILLAGE OF THE GIANTS”. A few other cast members joined him. The co-feature was “SEASIDE SWINGERS”. I think this double feature lasted all of two weeks. “SOME LIKE IT HOT” played considerably longer.
What I think that refers to, Grand, is this: in the 1950s the Woods had all night shows… just like the Clark theatre. I remember newspaper ads for the Woods (MIDNIGHT SHOWS EVERY NIGHT TO 6 A.M.) If memory serves, one of those ads was for “RODAN, THE FLYING MONSTER”. Being so close to the Greyhound bus station, the Woods and the Clark had a potential audience of hundreds. By the late 50s to the early 80s, the Woods still had a midnight show. When Cineplex Odeon took over, they discontinued the late show. The Clark’s policy of 4 A.M. double features stopped about 1960. After that, the last double feature would start at 3A.M. By 1968-69, the Clark had the last double feature starting at 12 midnight. Less and less people were going downtown, and the riots at the Democratic National Convention did not help matters. TV, fear, fewer people using Greyhound, more people moving to the suburbs… the times they were a changing.
The Byrd was open at least through September 1964. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings on Sat. Sept. 12, 1964: BYRD 4730 West Madison Open 1:30 MA 6-8188 THE BEATLES “A HARD DAY’S NIGHT” Tab Hunter “GOLDEN ARROW”. The same double feature was also playing at the Imperial,Marshall Square, Tiffin,Montclare, Ramova, Maryland, Met, Granada, Century, and Riviera theatres.
In the book “IMAGES of AMERICA- ROGERS PARK” by Jacque Day Archer, there are some nice pics of the Norshore, in its early years,on pages 66 and 67. Also in the book: the Granada theatre on page 68 and 78, and the Adelphi on page 69.
To Cam:The theatre was the FESTIVAL. It showed hard core X rated films.It was called the PUERTO RICO from about 1969 to 1970; before that it was my favorite movie theatre: the MODE. The theatre was located at 3912 N. Sheridan Rd.
To Doug Deuchler: I was in Barnes & Noble today; saw your book “IMAGES of AMERICA: CICERO REVISTED”. On page 100, you have a nice shot of the Olympic marquee in 1958.“CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF” is double billed with “ONCE UPON A HORSE”. On page 67, there is a great shot of the auditorium of the Palace theatre, 5240 25th St. Anyone who grew up in – or remembers- Cicero, should check it out.
The Strand theatre was open at least through February 1959. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings, Friday Feb. 13, 1959: STRAND 2111 Division Op. 6:00- “BOMBERS B-52” “FIEND WITHOUT A FACE” “GORILLA AT LARGE” 3 Hits. The star () in front of STRAND also appears in front of the Lane Ct. theatre (aka Park West) at Armitage and Clark streets. I guess the same person- or company- owned the theatres at least for a time.
My memories of the Woods are few, but all good. In August of 1964, the Woods had the Chicago premiere of “A HARD DAY’S NIGHT”. My friend and I went opening day to the first showing. The place was packed; we had to sit in the balcony near the projection booth. About a week later, I was downtown again and saw a minor demonstration under the marquee of the Woods. Three (maybe four) teenage guys were “protesting” the Beatles, and, I guess the film. They carried signs while walking in a small circle, near the boxoffice. One of the signs read BAN THE BEATLES! another proclaimed RINGO IS A COMMIE! They were smiling and laughing; it all seemed very tongue in cheek. They were NOT preventing people from buying tickets. However, I guess the manager found it not very amusing… a police wagon arrived and took the guys away. Other movies I remember seeing at the Woods: “BLOW UP” “MIDNIGHT COWBOY” and “LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT”. All very controversial at the time,and they all drew HUGE crowds. A nice, clean theatre with a midnight show every night.
You’re right, CineMaven, the United Artists did show “FRIDAY the 13th PART 3” IN VIVID 3-D (as the marquee proclaimed). I think I was downtown on opening day. The line to get in was long…from the boxoffice ,almost to State street…a sight not seen since the 60s(“A SHOT IN THE DARK”, “HOW TO MURDER YOUR WIFE”, “WHO’s AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?”) among others. Not only was the line long, but very SLOW. I left and drove to the Norridge theatre to see it. By the way, the UA showed a number of 3-D films… some good “ANDY WARHOL’S FRANKENSTEIN”; some really bad “COMING AT YA”.
I’ve heard of theatres giving away dishes on certain weeknights in the 30s, 40s, even the 1950s. This caught my eye and surprised me: From the Chicago Tribune movie listings on Saturday, April 1, 1939: CRAWFORD 19 S. Craw. “STAR REPORTER” “NEXT TIME I MARRY” 3 CREAM SOUPS FREE At One Time to Ladies Paying Evening Price.
To EMueller: you’re right, the Sonotone theatre did screen at least a few Soviet films in the late 30s. From the Chicago Tribune movie directory on Sunday, July 3,1938: SONOTONE “It’s Always Cool and Comfortable” 66 E. VAN BUREN .35 to 2 p.m.—–.40 to 5:30 The Furiously Exciting Soviet Naval Drama “MEN OF THE SEA” Made with the Cooperation of the Soviet Navy and the Men of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet. And… from the Chicago Tribune movie listings on Saturday April 1, 1939: SONOTONE Late Feature at 11:15 P.M. Starts Today SERGEI EISENSTEIN’S Supreme Film Achievement “ALEXANDER NEVSKY”. Also, at the Princess (another downtown theatre) one could have seen “FRONTIER” another Soviet film, on Friday June 12, 1936.
In the Corner Bakery Cafe, on Randolph west of Dearborn st., you will find a pretty nice pic of the Apollo theatre(1934). It is located on the west wall of the restaurant. It is showing “JUDGE PRIEST” starring Will Rogers. Many other photos of downtown movie theatres are displayed throughout the place.
In the book “CHICAGO IN THE SIXTIES- REMEMBERING A TIME OF CHANGE” by Neal Samors, there is a small but nice pic of the Highland theatre- circa 1969- on page 67. On the marquee: Kirk Douglas in “THE BROTHERHOOD”. On the same page is a pic of the Jeffery theatre; it’s showing “CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG”. To San Clemente Moose: I first saw “CIRCUS OF HORRORS” at the downtown United Artists theatre, on a double bill with “THE ANGRY RED PLANET”. It was indeed gory and sexy for the time. I will never forget some of the scenes( the guy throwing knives at the bikini clad girl on the spinning wheel).Wild scenes, along with that beautiful song LOOK FOR A STAR, made this a memorable experience , to say the least.
The Alvin theatre was open at least through 1969- possibly even 1970, early ‘71. I was never inside, but passed by on the Chicago Ave. bus a few times, on my way to the Hub theatre. Both theatres closed about the same time. The Alvin was not a B&K theatre(at least from 1959-on). Like the Hub, it played double or triple features, with about 3 program changes a week.
Just a wild guess, Bryan: Kimbark Ave. was (is) located 1300 east.The Kimbark theatre, near 63rd and Kimbark, was open at least through mid 1960. The Kim theatre was at 62nd- Halsted. Bark would seem to be a silly name for a theatre. Perhaps new owners decided on the name Ark, which was about 4 blocks from Kimbark Ave.
To markdereng: If you live in the Chicago area, or ever vacation here, check out the Corner Bakery Cafe on Randolph just west of Dearborn street. On the east wall of the restaurant, you will find a rather small black and white photo of the RKO Grand. Looks like it was closed at the time; there is nothing on the marquee. There are many other photos of downtown movie theatres in the place, from the 1920s through the 1960s. The Grand played many westerns.On Saturday, Feb. 16, 1957, Robert Wagner was in the lobby to promote his film “THE TRUE STORY OF JESSE JAMES”. The co-feature was “THE DESPERADOS ARE IN TOWN”. This information comes from the Chicago Sun Times movie directory, Friday Feb. 15, 1957.
The Oriental theatre marquee is #14. The beloved Clark theatre is picture #19. Riverview park is #16… At first I thought this was the Tunnel of Love boat ride, but I suspect it is SHOOT the CHUTES. (Anyone born and raised in Chicago prior to about 1960 will know what I’m talking about). All this…and the Chicago Cubs! Thanks, Brian.
A correction: “DEEP THROAT” had its Chicago premiere at the Admiral theatre on Friday, May 19, 1972. Months later, it played the Town theatre.
You’re right, Brian. “DEEP THROAT” began its Chicago run on Friday, May 19, 1972, at the Admiral theatre, according to the Sun Times movie directory. It is advertised just as THROAT. When I saw the movie at the Town theatre, it was early 1973. From the Sun Times Thursday March 1, 1973 TOWN LINDA LOVELACE in the most discussed motion picture of the decade. THROAT X- RATED SPECIAL MIDNITE SHOW EVERY NIGHT! NOW IN ITS 37TH WEEK IN NEW YORK CITY!!! Admission $4.00 Matinees- $5.00 Evenings. By the way, if you go to roger ebert.com, and type in deep throat, you can read his review. It’s pretty entertaining (he gave it ZERO stars).
The State theatre continued to operate into the early 1970s, although not as an abc theatre. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings, Sunday April 2,1972: STATE 5814 W. Madison—379-6088 Op.12:30—“DUTCHMAN” World Premiere Al Freeman’s “GOIN' DOWN SLOW”. Almost a year later, on Friday, March 9, 1973, I found this in the Sun Times: LILLARD STATE 5814 W. Madison Op. 5:30 “HICKEY & BOGGS” “ACROSS 110TH STREET” Anthony Quinn.
To marilynw: In the book “IMAGES of AMERICA – The Chicago Movie Palaces of Balaban & Katz” by David Balaban, you will find pics of the Tower theatre(and many other B&K theatres- neighborhood and downtown). On page 86, there is a drawing of the outside. It’s nice, but even better- on page 87- there are two great photos. One is of the auditorium- 3,015 seats, according to the text. The other photo is of the marquee, the street, and the elevated tracks. Looks like the tracks are just a few feet away from the theatre. On the marquee: SEE AND HEAR HAROLD LLOYD IN WELCOME DANGER. Then a sign : BALABAN & KATZ. On the other side of the sign, more marquee letters: THE WHOLE SHOW ON THE LIVING SCREEN.
Here is the seating capacity for each of the 14 auditoriums at the City North: Auditorium #1-466, #2-260, #3-260, #4-260, #5-260, #6-260, #7-101, #8-213, #9-213, #10-213, #11-213, #12-466, #13-466, #14-466. A grand total of 4,117 seats. Kerasotes is just as good as AMC:the theatre is well run, is mostly clean, and management is friendly and helpful. Last but not least: they kept the $5.00 admission policy on Tuesdays. A nice place to see a movie.
The 3 Penny Cinema did not have the Chicago premiere of “DEEP THROAT”. That distinction goes to the Town theatre (aka Park West). The 3 Penny did show- I think first run- “THE DEVIL IN MISS JONES” , another notorious -and wildly popular- X rated film.