Coming Attractions at the Roosevelt – Chicago, IL
The C. Howard Crane designed Roosevelt enjoyed nearly 60 years as a stately movie palace in downtown Chicago. It opened in 1921 and was demolished in 1980 in a time when a lot of the city’s downtown theatres were facing an uncertain future.
Unfortunately this one did not survive but among the material that we have in our collections are a number photographs showing how this theatre advertised current and future movies.
The theatre’s beautiful flashing marquee caught the attention of patrons who then would notice a sign above it that looked to be one to two building stories tall.
This sign as you can see below advertised movies or contests that were held to lure people into buying a ticket.
Finally advertisements for pictures flanked the doors giving off the names of the stars and taglines to entice patrons. It was a magnetic call that surely attracted hundreds a day.
For nearly fifty years Theatre Historical Society of America has been celebrating, documenting, and promoting the architectural, cultural, and social relevance of America’s historic theaters. However, we can’t do it alone. Support from cinema lovers, architects, historians and people like you are paramount to our success. Become a member today, and help us preserve the rich history of America’s greatest theatres.
