May 21, 2006
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Old Movie Theatre
When I was growing up, I spent 6 years of my life in one of the oldest towns in Illinois! There are lots of things I remember about that little town. One of them was the movie theatre - The Wildey!
They closed the Wildey many years ago, but apparently the city decided to save, remodel and repurpose the old historic building. Long before my day, it was a traditional theatre - with a stage and an orchestra pit. In silent movie days, they added an organ for sound. Throughout the years, it was used for many purposes including hosting the High School commencements. Above is a recent picture. It has probably been 30 years since I've been in that town. I will have to go back some day.
Here is a picture of the Wildey dated 1927! I wonder what all the kids are gathered for?
Here is a picture of the balcony from the stage. I remember the movies in the early 1960's were 50 cents! Although I saw lots of movies in the theatre, I only remember three:
A Hard Days Night on Wikipedia
Above is what the ticket looked like. It was only $1.00 at the Wildey, but that was TWICE the normal ticket price. We sat in the balcony - and could hardly hear anything - too many screaming girls! It was like they were seeing the Beatles in person!
I don't remember special tickets for Help! By then you could hear much more of the movie because there were not as many screaming girls! You could actually hear some of the music!
I don't know why I remember Cat Ballou!
Not a clue! I have no idea!
It must have been the drunk horse! Yeah! That's it!
Another picture from 1927.
After the most recent remodel. Somebody saved one of my memories! How cool!
Whoa! Have a breath mint Zebra!
Dead Turkey Jokes of the Day
Question: How many Germans does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Answer: Ve are asking ze qvestions here!
Question: How many emergency room technicians does it take to change a lightbulb?
Answer: One, but the bulb will have to spend 45 minutes in the waiting room.
Where or when did you first see a movie in a theatre? How old were you?
Comments (18)
YEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
i was first. now i can go back to bed. I'll actually read the post later!! lol
Who it the wacko in the tigger suit and what is she doing up at that hour of the morning? I also will have to think about the question. I have to get ready for church.
Bambi and I was very little
I remember girls screaming during "Help!" They were nuts.
I think the first movie I recall seeing was The Shakiest Gun In The West w/ Don Knotts....I always loved his movies...Still do!!....Gonna miss that ol' guy.....
i dont remember for sure, but i remember seeing old yeller at the drive in with my family... and i remember the first time i went to the movies with out my family, we saw Mommy Dearest.... "NO MORE WIRE HANGERS!" that movie reminded me of my grandmother...
oh yes.....
I"M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *elbows donkey in the side with a gentle grin*
I don't remember the first movie I saw but it could have been the Wizard of Oz. We lived near downtown and were able to walk to the movie theatres. They were fabulous and beautiful with crystal chandeliers and plush seat. I loved going to the movies then, now it isn't such a treat. We mostly saw the musicals because my step mother took us and that is what she liked. I enjoyed them too and still love a musical movie or play. I do remember seeing Bambi and I cried for a week after.
I guess I am too late for the Christmas lights.....but it was a good idea
I don't remember the first -- but the first I remember is the Exorcist because I was way too young and my brother snuck me in
Charlottes Web, and I think I was about 5. Dang !!! That seems forever ago !!!
wanted to say hi.. my friend was here all day! HUGS
The first movie I saw that I remember was "Ben Hur". I was a little person growing in my Mom's tummy I think!!!It was pretty dark in there so I could not see much at all. Do you believe me? I have some land in Florida.....
Thanks for visiting my site today about your ear and the comment I put on Tude's site thinking it was your site. I think I was tired at that time.
Anyway, the current picture of me on my site is the one with my wife and me. Then it is the one with me holding the cake with candles.
Blessings to you very much. Shhhhhhhh, (talking low now so no one else can hear) if I win your ear I will give it back to you with no charge and eat Spazmom40's chocolate and will send to her the empty chocolate wrappers, but don't tell her!!!
Becker
It is interesting to see the difference in people who remember their first movie experience and those who don't. I'm 30 and cannot remember mine but those a bit older than I can remember it very well.
Why is this?
It is because the whole movie experience has turned into a $$$$ making scheme. Who can even afford to go to the movies today? The whol experience is ruined by the price, the obnoxious people, cell phones ringing and well I HATE the movie theatre.
Can't even remember the last movie I went to see as I hate to go. I would rather stay home and watch a DVD. Oh and now we have Net Flixx! Anyway great post to get us thinking!
I think I seen bambi but can't quite remember
wow that is a beautiful building
i think i was 6 when i first see a movie... though i cant remember the first movie ever seen .. but me and my father likes to watch movie of the late Fernando Poe Jr... (he was one of the president candidate on 2004 election here in phil)
The first movie I ever remember seeing in a theater was E.T. with my sister and my father. My mother and other 2 sisters when to see Poltergiest (sp?) right next door. We came out all red and puffy from crying and they were white and skttish. LOL We didn't go to the movies much so that's the only one I remember. We did go to the drive in once and saw The Karate Kid. Even as an adult I don't go to the movies much. Too damn expensive.
RYC....Thanks for the link.
Hugs..................
Joni