Social Progress, ca.1914
I came across this bit of historic trivia in the January 31, 1914, issue of the movie theater operator's trade journal "The Moving Picture World" thanks, Google Books.) I don't think the proposed theater ever got built. Perhaps that's why boys have never gotten out of the habit of watching "...moving picture shows which are injurious to their morals...."
By the way, has anybody seen Jackass 3D yet? I really want to see that! It would be so sick if there was a theater that would let me see it for a penny.
By the way, has anybody seen Jackass 3D yet? I really want to see that! It would be so sick if there was a theater that would let me see it for a penny.
Big Theater for Children Proposed in Chicago.
A plan to build a moving picture paradise for boys in the "Loop" was announced the other day by John Coleman, financial secretary of the "Big Brothers'" philanthropic organization, this city. According to Mr. Coleman work will be begun the coming spring. The theater will have a seating capacity of 4,100, and six reels of pictures will be shown for one cent.
"We are going to take the boys away from the moving picture shows which are injurious to their morals," said Mr. Coleman. "All crime pictures will be barred. So will questionable love films.
"The site of the theater has not been chosen, but it will be in the loop."
Jack Robbins, head of the "Big Brothers" and a well-known sociologist, has submitted the final plans. They call for help from the city council. Mr. Robbins recently gathered twelve of the toughest boys in the country and sent them to a farm near Reno, Nev., where they will be given a chance to become good citizens.
If this project goes through, Chicago will have the first strictly children's moving picture theater in this country.