Music Box Theatre

… a big old movie theatre on Southport that was such a huge part of my life when I lived here. For a year, I lived a block away from it, and went almost every week to see whatever was playing – foreign films, silent films, classics – they have such a great program year-round. Not to mention the atmosphere of the joint. Old-school. Like that Edward Hopper painting.

A true movie PALACE.

One of my favorite memories (for multiple reasons) is when Ted and John and I went to a double feature of Harold and Maude and Play It Again, Sam. I date that night as the start of my long beautiful friendship with Ted. We had known each other for a couple of months by that point – but no way can you laugh so hysterically with another human being and not go to another level in your friendship. Not to mention the fact that we BOTH showed up almost an hour early at the bar – so we could get in reading time. I was like: Okay. Kindred spirit. (Wrote about that night here).

So every time I come back to Chicago, I have to go see SOMEthing at the Music Box. This time it was Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times.

Here are some photos of this spectacular movie palace. One of my favorite places on earth.

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7 Responses to Music Box Theatre

  1. Ted says:

    Sounds like you’re having a great visit. Midday cocktails at Sidetracks. A movie star makeover. That night w/ you at the movies truly ranks one of my favorites!! Oh that makes me miss the Musicbox and Chicago and you. But at least you’re coming back! Right? Hi Mitchell.

  2. red says:

    Ted – it’s tempting to stay! But yes, I will come home eventually and you and I can reconvene.

  3. Reminds me a bit of the Celina Theater back in my hometown of Celina, Ohio before they made a multiplex of it. Here in Evansville all the movie theaters look lifeless. There’s no thrill of seeing a movie involved when you vistit one of the. It’s like going to an operating room.

  4. mitchell says:

    hi Ted!!! my goodness its been a very long time!

  5. I’ve read and heard about The Music Box for years, mainly from Ebert and Rosenbaum. I’d love to see it in person sometime.

  6. nina says:

    I used to live on Southport a bit south of the Music Box back in the 80’s, so I also have many fine memories of going there. Thanks for brining some of that back to me.

  7. mark says:

    Does anyone know the name of the march they play during the announcements before the feature? A friend loves it and I’d like to get if for him. Thanks.

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