Pickwick Theatre

Many years ago, Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel filmed part of the opening of their show in front of this historic theatre. This place is like taking a step back in time. The man auditorium is huge with a painted ceiling. This was the classic place to go when I was growing up because you could get into see movies for a buck. The chairs were a little cramped, but it was worth it because of the price. We would spend the time before the movie started staring at the mural high on the ceiling trying to figure out what pictures you could find. Unfortunately, for a time, the Theatre was falling into disrepair. The new sound of the movies did not match the sound system. The management has changed and improvements have been made. The Pickwick used to be a second-run movie house, but now gets first-run movies. There are now smaller, less-impressive, theaters behind the main auditorium. The prices are a bit higher now, but still generally cheaper than most of the larger chains. It's worth it all to see the giant marquee and walk up to the ticket booth and pay outside just like the old days. The Pickwick's stage is big enough for plays and concerts as well. They also have special showings of classic movies and even a live organist at times. more

Come here if you need to take a lot of people out but don't have a lot of dough. A family of four can come here for a reasonable cost, and I'm so glad. As others said, the seats are a little worn and the carpet isn't new, but I'd rather have that than pay an extra $2 per person at the door. Thanks for keeping this theater open! more

Big screen in historic theatre shows movies at discounted price. They're supposedly "second run" but they seem to get there increasingly faster - or maybe it's just that some movies stay at first-run theaters so long now. Building also has some live entertainment - musicals, plays, etc. The theatre itself is art-deco style, and has the ornate carvings, etc. that you'd expect. more

The Pickwick Theater was built in the 1920's or 1930's, and has an Art Deco look to it. It is one of the few remaining traditional big screen theaters left in the Chicago area. The owners have actually expanded the theater, by adding four other screens (ie the more traditional, smaller types of theaters), which are in additions that are in the back of the building (conveniently located near the Starbucks.....) And they show the current movies that are being shown in the area, too. The theater does need some renovation, but it is kind of cool to sit and watch a movie that way we used to when we were all kids. There is no parking lot, but the library parking is across the street on Prospect, and there is street parking. more

I have been to these theaters several times. They are nice theaters that are well kept. But they are definitely pretty old and so they do not have all the modern technology that you might find at the newer theaters. But this place is well kept and so there really are not problems watching a movie here. The movies are all very reasonably priced, so that is definitely a bonus for this theater. So, if you're looking just for an enjoybale and relaxing time at the theater and do not really expect any major high-tech stuff, this is a nice, reasonably priced place to go. It is also a good place to take the entire famiily for a family movie night. more