 |
Marina Cinemas
Marina Cinemas was a triplex movie theater at Marina City in the 1970s. It was owned by United Artists. It opened on September 25, 1970 with “The Hawaiians,” “Hello, Dolly!” and “M*A*S*H.” It closed in 1977 with “Rocky” and “Young Frankenstein.”
According to a 1970 newspaper ad, UA Marina Cinemas were Chicago’s first mini-cinemas. “A dramatic new concept in comfort and convenience in motion picture entertainment. Three separate, intimate theaters – each one offering the ultimate in sight and sound. Attendant parking (at reduced rates), cocktail lounges, restaurants, shopping, bowling alley, ice skating rink – all within the Marina City complex.”
|
A Chicago Tribune article described the three theaters as “Chicago’s first fully automated movie theaters,” seating 296, 198, and 168 people, respectively.
In September 1976, one of the theaters was closed because the projectionist union demanded one projectionist per screen. Marina Cinemas was not profitable and closed in May 1977, despite UA having a lease until 1980.
The theaters were located beneath television studios for WFLD, Channel 32. Near the lobby of the theater was Tower Gallery, a small art gallery.
(Above) Artist sketch of Marina Cinemas. Newspaper ad on page 20 of Chicago Tribune for Friday, September 25, 1970.
|
