River Oaks Theatre
130 River Oaks Center Drive,
Calumet City,
IL
60409
130 River Oaks Center Drive,
Calumet City,
IL
60409
13 people
favorited this theater
Showing 151 - 175 of 243 comments
Personally I think the demise for River Oaks came when Tinseltown moved in. They built their complex in South Holland on the site of the old 76 truck stop.
FYI- Original theatre #1 and the old #2 were both 70MM and the only ones equipped for it.
Theatre numbers as follows. 1-6 in the mall. 2-3 across the street. These actually closed around 1996. 7-8 near marshall fields. 9-10 the only good theatres, 11-12 on the back side River oaks east. 1-6, 7-8, 9-10 all closed pretty much the same time after Loews and AMC merged. My grandfather was a projectionist at River Oaks for 35 years.
It was sad to see this theatre in the state it was when I returned home. I practically grew up in that theatre. watching my grandfather run those projectors (back then two people ran them in one shift). All the way to the Christie system, to the introduction of DLP. Yes it had a DLP projector (1st generation) used once. My grandfather retired from River Oaks in 2000. Back then it was bad. Just before 1-4 or 9-10 closed for good, he went back to visit. He said the place was a disaster.
Everything about that theatre was destroyed in some fashion.
Cinemarkfan I wish you good luck and hope you can rebuild it. I warn ya though, you might want to bring Kleenex witgh you when you see the inside. Its bad.
Thinking back to when I was a kid and when #10 showed “event” movies with the widescreen and the big sound I would have put Quantum of Solace in there for sure. Of the Christmas films that only one that really stands out as a #1 (10) screen movie is THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL. But, again, my mind is back in the 1970’s.
It this is the original D-150-equipped house, then you can be assured of at least one customer flying in regularly from New Jersey! Good Luck.
But seriously, I hope to reopen the River Oaks screens. I’m currently writing up my business plan, and gathering up funds as a show of faith to investors. Hopefully, this place can rise again soon.
If (when) I reopen RO, #9 (you’ve heard it here first) will feature a new curved screen that can also handle 70MM 6 track as well as DTS, and SDS 70MM. Other changes will include new red velvet rocking chairs with memory foam cushions, a red/gold decor around the curtains, and a dramatic gold lighting scheme when the curtains are closed. This will be a true showmanship cinema.
I would’ve booked “Bangkok” in the mall theater. I also had “Tropic Thunder” in mind for #10. In fact, It would’ve been 7,8, and 10. And here’s more movies that I would’ve booked on this screen from 9/26 to now
9/26/08 – EAGLE EYE
10/17/08 – W
10/24/08 – HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR
11/7/08 – CHANGELING
11/14/08 – QUANTUM OF SOLACE
11/26/08 – TWILIGHT (moveover from #10)
Upcoming movies on this screen include “FROST/NIXON” and “THE SPIRIT”.
I dream, don’t I?
Here’s a few other movies that would open in this theatre(my suggestions):
5/30/2008 – SEX AND THE CITY
8/6/2008 – SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2
8/13/2008 – TROPIC THUNDER (on screen #10)
9/5/2008 – BANGKOK DANGEROUS
And here’s more
8/31/84 – TIGHTROPE
3/1/85 – WITNESS
7/10/85 – SILVERADO – 70MM
9/27/85 – INVASION U.S.A.
10/4/85 – JAGGED EDGE
10/17/86 – THE COLOR OF MONEY
9/16/88 – MESSENGER OF DEATH
11/17/89 – HARLEM NIGHTS
11/22/89 – BACK TO THE FUTURE PART 2
11/17/95 – GOLDENEYE
CinemarkFan, I for one will keep my fingers crossed that you achieve that dream of getting that beautiful theater back on its feet showing movies the way they were meant to be seen. You can bet if you get it open I will be your best customer.
Your list is interesting but I tend to think back to the days of the 70’s when a movie opened and stayed in that theater through its run. For instance I would imagine if this were then that THE DARK KNIGHT would have opened in #1 and still been playing there right now as it remains in release. Much like films like STAR WARS and CLOSE ENCOUNTERS did. Hell even a movie like CHINATOWN played 10 weeks or so in that theater. All in all I like your list and oike the way you think. Well done.
JRS40, here’s a little fun game I’d like to share. I would like to reopen RO, but if I reopened it, then here’s the complete listing of movies that would have played in this auditorium from it’s 3/24/06 reopening to now. 1-6 and 7-8 would have reopened that day too. The ad would have proclaimed, “the best is back!”
3/24/06 – INSIDE MAN
4/14/06 – SCARY MOVIE 4
5/5/06 – MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 3
5/19/06 – THE DA VINCI CODE
6/9/06 – CARS
6/28/06 – SUPERMAN RETURNS
7/14/06 – PIRATES 2: DEAD MAN’S CHEST (moveover from 1-6)
8/18/06 – SNAKES ON A PLANE
8/25/06 – IDLEWILD
9/1/06 – THE ILLUSIONIST
10/6/06 – THE DEPARTED
11/10/06 – BORAT (moveover from #10)
11/17/06 – CASINO ROYALE
12/20/06 – ROCKY BALBOA
1/12/06 – STOMP THE YARD (actually a good movie)
1/26/07 – SMOKIN' ACES
2/9/07 – PAN’S LABYRINTH
2/16/07 – BREACH
3/2/07 – ZODIAC
3/9/07 – 300
4/6/07 – GRINDHOUSE
4/20/07 – DISTURBIA
5/4/07 – SPIDER MAN 3
5/25/07 – PIRATES 3: AT WORLD’S END
6/8/07 – OCEAN’S 13
6/27/07 – LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD
7/11/07 – HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX
8/3/07 – THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM
8/17/07 – SUPERBAD
9/7/07 – 3:10 TO YUMA
9/28/07 – THE KINGDOM
10/12/07 – MICHAEL CLAYTON
11/2/07 – AMERICAN GANGSTER
11/30/07 – NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
12/14/07 – I AM LEGEND
1/11/08 – THERE WILL BE BLOOD
1/18/08 – CLOVERFIELD
2/1/08 – JUNO
2/22/08 – VANTAGE POINT
3/21-23/08 – 70MM FILM FESTIVAL
3/28/08 – 21
4/18/08 – THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM
5/2/08 – IRON MAN
5/22/08 – INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
7/2/08 – HANCOCK
7/18/08 – THE DARK KNIGHT
9/12/08 – RIGHTEOUS KILL
9/26/08 – EAGLE EYE
Here’s hoping I will reopen this place. Someone tried to turn it into a comedy club last fall, but that fell through. Now mall management doesn’t know what to do with it. Should I ever reopen it, I will add 11-12 alongside #10 to become RO 9-12. In the ads for 9-12, the first movie listed will be the one playing in the giant curved screen.
Cinemark – Awesome! You are really bringing back some memories. I remember seeing CONAN, NEVER CRY WOLF, UNTOUCHABLES and BLACK RAIN there.
JRS40, more from RO #1
3/19/82 – PORKY'S
5/14/82 – CONAN THE BARBARIAN
1/20/84 – NEVER CRY WOLF
3/2/84 – AGAINST ALL ODDS
4/6/84 – POLICE ACADEMY
4/13/84 – ROMANCING THE STONE
8/16/85 – YEAR OF THE DRAGON
6/3/87 – THE UNTOUCHABLES
11/6/87 – CRY FREEDOM
8/26/88 – THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST
9/22/89 – BLACK RAIN
9/28/90 – PACIFIC HEIGHTS
11/2/90 – GRAFFITI BRIDGE
9/17/93 – STRIKING DISTANCE
I also have a list of films shown at 7-8. Will post soon.
Yes, it was; see the entry for the Cadillac Palace which is its current name; many of us also recall it as the Bismarck. RKO Palace is listed as one of its previous names.
Hi, this is totally off-topic as far as the River Oaks is concerned, but has to deal with Chicago in general and don’t know where to post the question. Here goes: is the RKO Palace which ran “Citizen Kane” in 1941 (once on roadshow, once on grind) the same theatre which was known as Eitel’s Palace where “This Is Cinerama” opened in 1953. The one Chicago “Palace” theatre here on cinematreasures is obviously not the one I’m questioning. Thanks in advance.
Thanks. I’m going to Chicago this week and was hoping to plan a visit there. Oh, well….
The last time I was by there, which has been a few months now, is still standing but it is boarded up and there is graffiti all over and it looks really bad. Such a shame for what I think was the best place to see a movie.
Hi, sorry for the really dumb question, but following all of the River Oaks Theatre threads here and elsewhere is getting a bit confusing. So, here’s the question: is the original auditorium, under whatever numbering system whatsoever, that was equipped for 70mm projection with D-150 lenses on its very large screen still standing? Thanks.
3/19/82 – PORKY'S
6/27/86 – RUNNING SCARED
12/12/86 – THE GOLDEN CHILD
7/4/90 – DIE HARD 2
More will follow.
I’m back with more from River Oaks’s grand auditorium #1 (aka #9)
11/16/84 – SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT
11/1/85 – TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A.
5/13/88 – FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 7
3/3/89 – LEAN ON ME
More when I go back to the library.
More from RO 1
1/22/82- ON GOLDEN POND
12/16/83- SUDDEN IMPACT
8/17/84- PURPLE RAIN
3/6/87- LETHAL WEAPON
11/11/88- SPLIT DECISIONS
11/18/88- THE LAND BEFORE TIME
12/2/88- COCOON: THE RETURN-70MM
More coming soon.
JRS40, I saw those. Thanks for posting. I added a page for River Oaks 7-8. Be sure to check it out. Also, I’ll be gathering up a list of movies that played on those screens from 1983-1990. Look for it soon.
CineMark – The bookings for theaters 2,3,4 from their openings through 1981 have now been posted in their appropriate section.
I have a vague memory of a contest that took place to celebrate the opening of two and three. I was working across the street at one at the time. I think the contest was to guess how many bricks were used in building the two theaters. Does anyone else remember this? I can’t recall what the prize was, but I’m guessing it involved free movie tickets.
I think it’s a great idea and would be first in line to see it. You have obviously thought this out well and anything I can add to help you is great. The brick style was dark brown outside on all sides of the building. I remember the lobby had the bricks on the wall surrounding the auditoriums in the lobby and behind the concession stand. I would guess the wall separating the two auditoriums was the same but I just can’t remember and am only guessing. The box office was also an outer box in the middle with entrance doors on either side of it. When it was really busy there would be a cashier for both sides and I remember how strict they were about being on the correct side for the correct theater. If you wanted a ticket to #2 you had to be to the left of the box office. If you went to the right you only got tickets for #3. Incidentally I never heard of that theater in New York but am now HIGHLY intrigued by it.
The problem with putting your business at River Oaks is that it isn’t quite the area that it used to be which is why the big theaters lost so much business.
I will look those bookings up and print them in their appropriate spot on the site. I will make seperate lists for #2 and #3 so it may be easier for me to do and you to read.
Did the side-walls at 2-3 have that brick style like #4? And do you remember the color of the lobby? The reason why I ask is this: I’m trying to get my movie chain off the ground, and if I can, I would like to build a multiplex somewhere at River Oaks. But I want all screens to be replicated off the older screens that have come and gone. I would have screens based off RO 1-4, 2-3, one based off of #5, and another based off of #7(including that little side curve that screen had). It would be kinda like the Lincoln Square in New York, where all screens were modeled off past Loews movie palaces from the 30s. And the screens would be sepreated by a very large concession stand with lots of food to choose from. Of course, the seating capacity in the screen modeled after #1 would have to be a little smaller. Instead of 1600 seats, I would have it at around 750-800. What do you think of my idea?
Oh, I would love to see the bookings for 2,3,4. Thanks.