I thought the Portage was THE place to see a classic film. No more. The Patio is THE place to see a classic film and the people that run the programs are the best. Always great pre-show attractions and very interesting stories behind the scenes. These three people know what they are doing…BRAVO !!
Danger is as danger persists…We never thought about dodging bullets on a daily basis just to get to a movie theater like the Crawford, Shootings everyday on the west side..If that isn’t danger, what is?
Another blow to Irving Park theaters, the Portage Theater was closed indefinetly by the City of Chicago today over liquor license problems with the new owners. This is bad news for the Portage. Theater was doing very well with the classic film series every week. So many factors are in play to keep these beautiful theaters open and running. It is a real uphill battle. The city really doesn’t give a damn or they would find ways to keep the area from becoming so blight. They are too busy trying to increase the parking meter fees so nobody wants to pay the insane high fees to attend a local movie house. No wonder so many empty storefronts surrounding these movie theaters. What a pity!!
HI SCOTT. Kids have it made today if they wish to see a “condemned” movie. With so many screens under one roof, they can just buy a ticket into a “safe” film and just walk into the film of choice. I have never seen anyone checking. So much of it is on TV & the web, its really a farce. Morals in this counrty have been on the slide down for years. The Alex was never my first choice. Only remember it as the last resort. I had more fun at the Byrd.
Always amazed me how the church said it was ok to see a monster attacking & eating & killing people, but a no no for Monroe to suggest something a little more tame. Especially what we know today..
Can anyone go to church services at the Paradise? I would love to go there on a Sunday morning. I have been to 175th Loews and felt welcomed during a service. I would “close my eyes” and imagine I was there when it was a movie palace.
Couldn’t agree more…The Uptown in Chicago is also one of these masterpieces and should be saved and restored by the city of chicago and for the nation.
So did “Around the World” play the Michael Todd theater or his Cinestage? I thought it played the Michael Todd with the waterfall curtain. Was it the same size of todays IMAX screens?
So very true…..The nuns & priests always told us to stay away from the dangers of the Alex theater. They thought it would endanger our young minds for the worse. Just like our parents when they were told Mae West was the devil and all of her films should be avoided, they flocked to them and thought she was fabulous….
If you did and the Alex was still there, I highly recommend a bullet proof suit just to get into the Alex, once in, the best of luck to you getting out. Hard to believe this area of Chicago was once a thriving shopping area and a family friendly section. Crawford & Madison was the place to go for fun & food & shopping.
Anita, What wonderful stories you tell! I hated to finish. I can feel your passion because I was there too. Your stories are excellent and I can hardly wait for more. Many many thanks…….
I wonder why the Paradise did not make it as a music venure. They had such grand plans(like the King’s have). Maybe there is just so much money to go around for entertainment. I wonder if this is the same church that wanted to buy the Portage Theater in Chicago and was turned down. They also have the old Loew’s in Brookyln. I believe it was the Metropolitan.
I thought the Portage was THE place to see a classic film. No more. The Patio is THE place to see a classic film and the people that run the programs are the best. Always great pre-show attractions and very interesting stories behind the scenes. These three people know what they are doing…BRAVO !!
I would imagine the money is not there for this project to start. Months & years later, this tarnished gem hangs on..
Danger is as danger persists…We never thought about dodging bullets on a daily basis just to get to a movie theater like the Crawford, Shootings everyday on the west side..If that isn’t danger, what is?
I am thrilled the Ziegfeld is still open & running in these days of muli-screens…Wish Radio City would show movies once in awhile..
I am thrilled the Ziegfeld is still open & running in these days of muli-screens…Wish Radio City would show movies once in awhile..
Is there a Loews company anymore? Or are they just using the name. Now that AMC has been sold, I wonder if the Loews name will be dropped altogether..
Ofcourse you are right, I was speaking in general and the way the nation looked compared to the problems of the cities today.
You are all correct. 1968 was terrible. I was mistakenly thinking of 1958, which of course was a better year.
Thanks Bill…..Wonderful ads..What a kinder & gentle world it was when “2001” opened…and you saw it at the Capitol !!
Thanks Broan, Good News.. There was a very good audience for Monday night and the theater looked beautiful.
I know the city doesn’t set rates, but didn’t the city just announce meters will be in use to 10pm nitely? What a killer for businesses……
Another blow to Irving Park theaters, the Portage Theater was closed indefinetly by the City of Chicago today over liquor license problems with the new owners. This is bad news for the Portage. Theater was doing very well with the classic film series every week. So many factors are in play to keep these beautiful theaters open and running. It is a real uphill battle. The city really doesn’t give a damn or they would find ways to keep the area from becoming so blight. They are too busy trying to increase the parking meter fees so nobody wants to pay the insane high fees to attend a local movie house. No wonder so many empty storefronts surrounding these movie theaters. What a pity!!
HI SCOTT. Kids have it made today if they wish to see a “condemned” movie. With so many screens under one roof, they can just buy a ticket into a “safe” film and just walk into the film of choice. I have never seen anyone checking. So much of it is on TV & the web, its really a farce. Morals in this counrty have been on the slide down for years. The Alex was never my first choice. Only remember it as the last resort. I had more fun at the Byrd.
The more condemned they were, the more interesting the movie was…..and the ALEX was THE place to see them.
Always amazed me how the church said it was ok to see a monster attacking & eating & killing people, but a no no for Monroe to suggest something a little more tame. Especially what we know today..
A theater without its house organ is like an organ without pipes…….
Can anyone go to church services at the Paradise? I would love to go there on a Sunday morning. I have been to 175th Loews and felt welcomed during a service. I would “close my eyes” and imagine I was there when it was a movie palace.
Mass transit is alive & well both in New York and Chicago. But we need the movie palaces to be open & running for us to get to don’t we?
Couldn’t agree more…The Uptown in Chicago is also one of these masterpieces and should be saved and restored by the city of chicago and for the nation.
So did “Around the World” play the Michael Todd theater or his Cinestage? I thought it played the Michael Todd with the waterfall curtain. Was it the same size of todays IMAX screens?
So very true…..The nuns & priests always told us to stay away from the dangers of the Alex theater. They thought it would endanger our young minds for the worse. Just like our parents when they were told Mae West was the devil and all of her films should be avoided, they flocked to them and thought she was fabulous….
Tinseltoes, your Boxoffice magazine is such a joy to read. Thanks.
If you did and the Alex was still there, I highly recommend a bullet proof suit just to get into the Alex, once in, the best of luck to you getting out. Hard to believe this area of Chicago was once a thriving shopping area and a family friendly section. Crawford & Madison was the place to go for fun & food & shopping.
Anita, What wonderful stories you tell! I hated to finish. I can feel your passion because I was there too. Your stories are excellent and I can hardly wait for more. Many many thanks…….
I wonder why the Paradise did not make it as a music venure. They had such grand plans(like the King’s have). Maybe there is just so much money to go around for entertainment. I wonder if this is the same church that wanted to buy the Portage Theater in Chicago and was turned down. They also have the old Loew’s in Brookyln. I believe it was the Metropolitan.