AMC Ford City 14
7601 S. Cicero Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60652
7601 S. Cicero Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60652
7 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
AMC Theatres (Official)
Additional Info
Operated by: AMC Theatres
Previously operated by: General Cinema Corp.
Functions: Movies (First Run)
Previous Names: Ford City Theatre, Ford City East, Ford City 14 Theaters
Nearby Theaters
News About This Theater
- Jun 18, 2010 — "Jaws"... Happy 35th!
- May 21, 2010 — Happy 30th, "Empire"
- May 14, 2010 — Please Post Today, May 14 --- "Jaws," Happy 35th
- Aug 21, 2009 — "Alien" 30th Anniversary
The Ford City was originally operated by General Cinema. It was originally two different theaters, the six-screen Ford City and a triplex (Ford City East) located in the Ford City Mall in the southwest side of Chicago. It was equipped with 70mm projection.
On August 10, 1990, the theater became known as Ford City 14 Theaters. It was one of the largest megaplex theaters of its day. In 2002, AMC took over the Ford City 14.
Contributed by
James Piscitelli
Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.
Recent comments (view all 33 comments)
Does anyone know what sits on the site of the old Ford City Cinemas?
Yes, as of last summer, the space once occupied by the old theaters contained some stores which are part of the Ford City Mall: Marshall’s, Famous Footwear and Old Navy. This is at approximately 74th St., just east of Cicero Ave.
Thanks for the info Bob. And say, what sits on the site of Ford City East?
Sorry I took so long to respond! The Ford City East shopping center (still called that, I think), which included the theaters, now has a Gertie’s Ice Cream/Lindy’s Chili restaurant and some other small businesses. It’s partially empty and looks kind of desolate (except for Gertie’s). It’s not in a very good location for businesses.
Here’s a realtor’s link with info on the property:
View link
May 27th, 1966 grand opening ad has been posted here.
Hey CinemarkFan, bit late reading your post but I was in Old Ford City 3 after I lucked out with Harlem Corners and River Oaks 7-8. The main area of the space is still looking good no one has been inside since 91-93 for lease. The concession area is still up, the second floor projector rooms looked alright. The problem is the bathrooms were completely gutted and not repaired, all 3 screens are torn to shreds, and alot of seats were broken or totally removed.
Here is the link to the current Ford City Mall directory map. http://shopfordcitymall.s3.amazonaws.com/shopfordcitymall/files/Ford_City_Directory_9.91.png
The original theater was located across from Carson’s on 76th St. The theater was moved to were a car dealer was once located on 77th St. in a new building. More like the theaters today. They still use their old address for some strange reason. Maybe cause its still in the mall area? I live near there in Burbank so I know the area pretty well and still go to this mall a lot. I remember the old theater quite well. Nice theater as I remember. I’m not a fan of the newer one though.
August 10th, 1990 Grand opening ad for the Ford City 14 in the photo section.
On May 27, 1966 Ford City Cinema I & II opened at 7601 S. Cicero Ave. Boasting Chicago’s first TWIN theatre. The movies shown that day were “A Thousand Clowns” and “The Great Race”. Ford City East Cinema opened in 1981 and was located at 76th & Pulaski. This theater had three screens. The first movies shown there were “On The Right Track” starring Gary Coleman, Blake Edwards “S.O.B.”, and “Arthur” starring Dudley Moore. Ford City East Cinema was actually a separate theater not connected with the Ford City Cinema I & II that was connected to the main mall at the time. In 1990 Ford City Cinema I & II was moved to the south side of the mall in a new building (not attached to the main mall, kept the original address) and became Ford City 14. A short time after Ford City East closed. AMC Ford City 14 still in business today. (2017)
On September 9, 1975, a few months after “Jaws” arrived in theatres, 45-year old Elmer C. Sommerfield attended a screening at Ford City Cinema with his wife Marilyn. Forty-five minutes into the film, Sommerfield collapsed of a heart attack. Sommerfield’s wife alerted the theater manager, Vince Tripodi, of the situation and he called for an ambulance. In the meantime, two doctors in the audience administered CPR for ten minutes until paramedics could arrive. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough—Sommerfield died on the way to the hospital, and Tripodi told The Chicago Tribune that he had never experienced such an incident in his 27 years working in theatres.