my love for local theaters
- Ashley Cotton
- 9 hours ago
- 5 min read
I love movies if that wasn't noticeable, but in addition to that I also strongly love movie theaters. I don't go as much anymore mainly because most movie theaters are incredibly expensive or also when I'm free there's nothing exactly good out or anything I'm willing to spend so much money on to go see if on the off chance I don't like it. But what I do love even more than movie theaters is local theaters. I'm also a strong believer in supporting local businesses, and honestly local theaters have much better prices at least I think so. They also feel less stiff for a lack of better words, they feel more nostalgic and give a transformative experience, they feel so much more authentic and care about their customers too.
Now I'm gonna do a small little shout out to Kansas City and what is one my favorite local theaters which I miss so much, Screenland Armour. This theater truthfully started my love for local theaters and it's honestly what got me going more to the movie theater.
Screenland Armour is full of history, it opened in 1928, so it's been nearly 100 years since it's opening. It's in what is considered Northtown, and it's a little bit north of the Iron District. This theater originally started as a silent film theater . At this point in time silent films were starting to be played while also having live music to accompany the film, Screenland Armour was one of the theaters to participate in this. Before being named Screenland Armour it had a few different names, the original name was The Armour Theater, and at times that name still reappears, later on it was also named The Centre Theater after selling to a corporation. Shortly after it was sold again to a set of brothers, it was then named Paradise, these brothers currently operate the Fine Arts Theatres!
Post 2000s, the theater was sold to Butch Rigby, who is the founder of what is now known as Screenland Armour. When he bought it, it was a vacant building and not in use, he got it back into condition to show films, and when it first opened it used 35 mm projection which I absolutely love, it really adds to the authenticity and history the theater holds. Now sadly they don't use it anymore, someone else took over operations and they now use digital projection. Not long after this they expanded the theater with the building next to it and were able to add two more theaters and a larger lobby. Now one of my favorite parts about this theaters history, despite it actually being kind of recent is what they did during the pandemic. A lot of local businesses weren't able to continue running after the pandemic and unfortunately had to shut down, Screenland Armour found a way around that. They still had movies available to watch for those who were cooped up at home and because of that they were able to stay in business. Now they didn't use the indoor theaters out of safety precautions. Instead in the back parking lot they set up a singular projector and a screen and people would bring their own lawn chairs and would watch while being outdoors, safe, and distanced from others.
Anyways, I guess it wasn't entirely a small shoutout, it was more of a history rundown, but one of my favorite parts about Screenland Armour other than the ambience and comfort it gives just like many local theaters, is it plays a lot of movies that have already been released for sometime. They also annually play The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is truly iconic. But I also love how affordable they are, and on Tuesday's they have $6 tickets, which truthfully used to be cheaper. My favorite most memorable movie I got to see there was my senior year in High School when I got to watch the rerun of Fantastic Mr. Fox,
Now the reason I was inspired to write about local theaters, especially my favorite theater is because this last Wednesday I got to go to Logan Theatre with friends and watch the a rerun of one of my all time favorite movies, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. This theatre is obviously as seen by the name located in Logan Square, also right off of the blue line stop. I had never been here before, but after this experience I will definitely be back. On Wednesday's they have $5 tickets, which is an amazing deal especially in Chicago, and in addition to that their typically ticket prices are $10-$12 depending on the hour. This screening was at 11 PM and it was honestly so great, despite having class the next day. Seeing my favorite movie on a big screen was honestly transcending and an amazing opportunity that I'm glad I got to experience. The Logan Theater is over 100 years old but still pride themselves on allowing for an affordable experience for Chicago residents.
Logan Theatre is one of many great theaters in the Chicago area, there's also Siskel Film Center and The Music Box Theatre. I haven't had the opportunity to go to either one yet but I hope I can go soon. Music Box is independently owned same as the others mentioned and typically features foreign, cult, and classic films, and also independent films. Siskel Film Center is located within the loop and is run by SAIC, also named after Gene Siskel, a famous film critic, who was a journalist for the Chicago Tribune. It is now a nonprofit program for SAIC, and they typically play independent, foreign, and documentary films, so don't go to Siskel Film Center expecting to watch any new Hollywood releases! There are other local theaters in the Chicago area which show a variety of films, however, these are the three I hear about the most. Now, all three of these theaters, do also show reruns, that show up on their websites when looking at their film calendars. I also recommend to go follow @nowscreeningchicago on instagram who post weekly updates on reruns at some local theaters in Chicago.
Below I'll have linked the theaters mentioned to go check out and Screenland Armour will also be linked as I got some of the history from their website!
So, get back into going to the movies, bask in the nostalgia, and support local businesses!
-AC
Local Theaters
The Music Box: 3733 N Southport Ave
Siskel Film Center: 164 N State St
Logan Theatre: 2646 N Milwaukee Ave
Screenland Armour: In Kansas City, 408 Armour Rd
Comments