Description
The story of downtown Chicago--its early development, later struggles, and current restoration--is mirrored in the history of the theatres that occupied its streets. This vivid chronicle tells the tale of the Windy City's theatres, from mid-nineteenth century vaudeville houses to the urban decline and renewal of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Discussed are the rebuilding efforts after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the first nickel theaters showing "moving pictures," the ornate silent movie palaces, the move to "talkies," the challenges of the Great Depression and the introduction of television, and urban decline. Today, Chicago has preserved some of its most historic movie palaces, landmarks of cultural vibrancy in its reawakened downtown. With nearly 200 photographs from the Theatre Historical Society of America, this work brings to life all of the theatres that have enlivened Chicago's entertainment district, reflecting the transformation of downtown Chicago itself.
About the Author
The late Konrad Schiecke was a retired director of Large Signal Engineering, Magnetic Components and Projection Optics Engineering from Zenith Electronics Corporation. A long-time member and former director of the Theatre Historical Society of America, he collected and restored 35mm theatre equipment. He lived in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Reviews
"An excellent historical overview of Chicago's theatrical history.... Recommended"-Reference Reviews; "Schiecke, relates the history of movie theaters in downtown Chicago that opened after the Great Fire of 1871"-Reference & Research Book News.
Book Information
ISBN 9780786465903
Author Konrad Schiecke
Format Paperback
Page Count 201
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 367g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 178mm * 10mm
