Grew up in Waterford, and went on my first drive-in date at the Waterford Drive-In. Saw many films with the family there, too! When it was abandoned and started to fall apart, I took a camera there and got some pictures of the sign, the screen and the grounds. I was planning on blowing one pic up and titling it “The Decline of Western Civilization”! I hate to see the great drive-ins go.
I was very impressed with the design of Rolling Meadows, and I saw some outstanding “little known” (at the time!) films there, such as “Sling Blade” and the Ian MacKellen version of “Richard III.” I remember that I first got directions to the theatre because it was the only place showing “Sling Blade.” By the time I found it and got into the show, it had started. I was so awestruck by the opening interview/monologue by Billy Bob Thornton’s character Carl, I went back a few days later to watch the entire film again, just to see the first 4 or 5 minutes and the beginning of the speech!
It’s a shame that these nicer “little” theatres get swallowed up by the megaplexes (which generally have no personality), but the memories are fond.
I lived just around the corner (curve) from the Orpheum, on the corner of 60th Street and 8th Avenue from November 1998 – May 1999, and I used to frequent the Orpheum. It was a great little theatre! I loved the “upstairs” screens, and those tight, narrow staircases. Made me feel like I had found a theatre no one else knew about! (In fact, I was the only patron for many screenings!) I have many fond memories of my times at the Orpheum (except for the godawful “Affliction,” which I walked out on!), and hope that it stays up forever! At least, I hope that it reopens and stays open for a few years … I’d love to visit again with my family if I get back up to Kenosha from Atlanta!
Grew up in Waterford, and went on my first drive-in date at the Waterford Drive-In. Saw many films with the family there, too! When it was abandoned and started to fall apart, I took a camera there and got some pictures of the sign, the screen and the grounds. I was planning on blowing one pic up and titling it “The Decline of Western Civilization”! I hate to see the great drive-ins go.
I was very impressed with the design of Rolling Meadows, and I saw some outstanding “little known” (at the time!) films there, such as “Sling Blade” and the Ian MacKellen version of “Richard III.” I remember that I first got directions to the theatre because it was the only place showing “Sling Blade.” By the time I found it and got into the show, it had started. I was so awestruck by the opening interview/monologue by Billy Bob Thornton’s character Carl, I went back a few days later to watch the entire film again, just to see the first 4 or 5 minutes and the beginning of the speech!
It’s a shame that these nicer “little” theatres get swallowed up by the megaplexes (which generally have no personality), but the memories are fond.
I lived just around the corner (curve) from the Orpheum, on the corner of 60th Street and 8th Avenue from November 1998 – May 1999, and I used to frequent the Orpheum. It was a great little theatre! I loved the “upstairs” screens, and those tight, narrow staircases. Made me feel like I had found a theatre no one else knew about! (In fact, I was the only patron for many screenings!) I have many fond memories of my times at the Orpheum (except for the godawful “Affliction,” which I walked out on!), and hope that it stays up forever! At least, I hope that it reopens and stays open for a few years … I’d love to visit again with my family if I get back up to Kenosha from Atlanta!
God save the Orpheum!