MEMORIES
My father, Howard Lubliner, his brother Robert and Bruce Trinz
were operating several theaters in 1940 when I was born. My earliest memories
include the Clark Theater, Palace & 4 Star. I remember going to the Palace
Theater and watching vaudeville acts including a man whistling and another
spinning plates. I remember seeing my first television in the lobby of the
Palace and the talk that television would destroy the movie business. I remember watching Superman & The Molemen
at the 4 Star and I remember driving downtown with my father early in the
morning to open the Clark after its being closed for it’s obligatory two hour
closing for cleaning.
I remember Jimmy the head usher and the office on the second
floor up the stairs at the rear. I remember sitting in the “Little Gallery for
Gals Only” and watching classic movies that I didn’t realize until years later
were classic. I remember newsreels and cartoons. I remember hanging out in the
projection booth and watching the projectionist change carbon rods in the
projector.
I never did know exactly what my father’s responsibilities
were or what Robert and Bruce actually did. I do remember the huge wooden desks
that took up most of the cramped office. I remember lunch with other Chicago
theater owners at Fritzels Restaurant. I remember the Blue Note jazz club, a
barber shop and a Wimpys restaurant on the corner.
I remember the Edens Theater being built and that I was very
popular in highschool because I had a pass. I remember the Edens being torn
down and realizing that there would be no place for me in the theater business.
