The Portage Theater Theater

Opened in 1920, the Portage Theater is one of Chicago’s oldest movie houses, but as it lacks historic status, it seems annually threatened by developers. Supporters of the Portage Theater continually fight to keep the landmark intact. A massive renovation in 2006 has restored the theater to its glory days, garnering support for keeping it in operation. The venue has the usual retro glamour of the Jazz Age, with a giant marquee and a streamlined Art Deco auditorium that holds 1,300.

This old movie palace, located in the blue collar Portage Park neighborhood, stays true to its scrappy vintage identity by focusing on indie and cult movies. The Silent Film Society of Chicago throws a silent-movie festival every summer. Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and many rare and little-known movies receive live accompaniment by the theater’s organ. Horror and sci-fi movie festivals and comic-book events also find loyal audiences here, and the occasional concert is booked. Portage Park is a largely Polish neighborhood, so it’s only natural that the Chicago Polish Film Festival has its home here as well.