Uptown: Portrait of a Palace 
| Directed by: | John Pappas, Michael Bisberg |
|---|---|
| Country: | U S A |
| Created: | 2006 |
| Runtime: | 26 min. |
| Member: | John_Pappas |
|
Film Description:
A revealing look into one of the greatest mysteries of Chicago's North Side and the fight to preserve its memory.
Synopsis
What happens when a building slips through a crack in time? Leftover from an extinct era and useless in modern society, the Uptown Theatre has done just that. Closed in 1981, the 80-year old movie palace has sat in decay on Chicago's North Side, increasingly threatened by the savage enemies of real estate speculation and time itself. This film explores the history of the Uptown and why the biggest and arguably most elaborate movie theatre in the country has been left vacant for over twenty years. It uses interviews with 8 subjects close to the theatre combined with breathtaking footage of the palace itself to beg the viewer to question his or her values in modernity and what is really important in a society fueled by money and private interest. Is the Uptown a stoic remnant of the long-forgotten past, or is it, as Rapp & Rapp remarked when they built it, a theatre 'not for today, but for all time'?
Forms: Documentary
Genres: Independent, Urban
Cast & Crew
Production
John Pappas (Producer, Director (1st Project)), Michael Bisberg (Producer, Director (1st Project))
CameraJackie Doherty (Cinematographer/DP)
Post ProductionJohn Pappas (Picture Editor, Sound Editor), Michael Bisberg (Picture Editor, Sound Editor)
MusicPatrick Lidell (Original Music/Composer)
AcademicDebra Tolchinsky (School Administrator), Debra Tolchinsky (Academic Advisor)
Save the Date: Preserving Palaces
Aug 24, 2007 04:07PM
It is now confirmed. "Uptown: Portrait of a Palace" will be screened along with four other documentaries in the Preserving Palaces Film Festival at the Portage Theater in Chicago Sept. 14-15. For more info, check out: http://www.portagetheater.org/preservingpalaces.pdf
uptown now available for free on nomadsland.com
Jul 21, 2007 11:23AM
If you've always been curious about the Uptown Theatre but haven't been able to get a copy of the movie on DVD, you can now watch it for FREE on the website nomadsland.com. Just visit the site and click on the "Documentaries" tab to see the film in its entirety. If you like it, then visit compassrose.org to pick up a copy on DVD, so you can watch it in full DVD quality. Your purchase of the DVD also supports Friends of the Uptown in their effort to save the historic theatre.
new screening to be announced soon
Jul 18, 2007 09:55PM
This just in: "Uptown: Portrait of a Palace" will be featured in a theater preservation film festival being held at the Portage Theater in Chicago on September 14th & 15th! More details to come...
R.I.P. Joe DuciBella
Jul 06, 2007 03:56PM
Joe DuciBella, the theater historian who gave a wonderful interview for "Uptown: Portrait of a Palace" died last Friday, June 29. Joe was an amazingly smart man who contributed a tremendous amount to preservation efforts in Chicago. He will be missed dearly and remembered for many years to come.
Here's what Andy Pierce, another subject from the film, had to say about Joe:
Joseph R. DuciBella, ASID, of Chicago, arguably the most influential and prolific theatre historian in the United States, died Friday, June 29. He was 62.
Known internationally for being a founding member (1969) and longtime Chicago-area director of Theatre Historical Society of America, DuciBella was an accomplished designer of theatre, office, residential and commercial interiors. A Chicago Academy of Fine Arts graduate, he operated an independent interior design firm for 24 years. During that time, he was the designer of choice for Classic Cinemas, of Downers Grove, Ill., an independent, family-owned company of more than 80 screens in the region. DuciBella led the renovations of two of Classic Cinemas' most historic theatres, the Tivoli Theatre, in Downers Grove, Ill., and the Lake Theatre, Oak Park, Ill.
A passionate researcher and storyteller of Chicago history, he had the unique ability to weave with words the complex religious, ethnic, labor, political and architectural histories of Chicago into near-epic tales – neighborhood by neighborhood, block by block, and theatre to theatre. He was most recently featured in the documentary film "Uptown: Portrait of a Palace," which gave a glimpse of his knowledge about the challenges of historic theatre renovation and reuse.
DuciBella was a frequent speaker and informed tour guide for events and symposia related to architecture and historic preservation – particularly theatre buildings. He rallied enthusiasm and anticipation for decades for his comprehensive book, "The Theatres of Chicago," that has not yet been published. However, he published articles and lectured on theatre design history extensively for more than 30 years.
A quiet but methodical activist, DuciBella worked steadily in many historic preservation efforts in Chicago, including support of the Wicker Park (neighborhood) historic district, the Chicago Theatre, the Oriental Theatre, the Uptown Theatre, the Congress Theatre and St. James Cathedral. He was a proud owner of a National Register home in Wicker Park, in which had been a tenant. He out-stayed the other boarders, bought the building and restored it over time to its original Victorian beauty.
Born on April 17, 1945, DuciBella grew up in a tough, working-class Italian neighborhood on Chicago's West Side. That’s where he was first enchanted by the interiors of the Marbro and Paradise theatres of the Balaban & Katz chain. While a student, Joe worked for B&K in many of its theatres, including the Marbro and Uptown theatres. Of his favorite "movie palaces" in Chicago, only the Chicago and the Uptown theatres remain. The Chicago Theatre was saved with his help and remodeled for live shows in 1986. The Uptown Theatre has been closed and "endangered" since 1981. DuciBella was active as a volunteer in the continuing "Friends of the Uptown" effort since 1979 – even before the theatre closed to the public.
An enthusiastic fan of both popular and liturgical music, DuciBella was a lifelong supporter of the arts, several churches and many theatre and church organ restoration efforts. A private player of piano and organ, he was always thrilled by the sound of a well-played, installed and maintained theatre, church or concert organ.
DuciBella was a longtime cancer survivor who again suffered from the disease in recent years. He endured extensive treatments, therapies and surgery before succumbing in hospice care at his home in the company of his closest friends and family members.
Chicago Tribune Interview
May 09, 2007 03:59PM
It's been a while since the Uptown has received much attention, but just today the Chicago Tribune posted an online video about the theatre. It basically gives a 3 minute summary of the state of the Uptown, and it uses footage from "Uptown: Portrait of a Palace" as well as an interview with me! Check it out at: http://video.chicagotribune.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?clipid1=1425234&at1=Entertainment&vt1=v&h1=A+visit+to+Chicago%27s+Uptown+Theatre+%28May+9%2C+2007%29&d1=154600&redirUrl=http://www.chicagotribune.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage
"Uptown" to kick-off Image Union's new season!
Sep 07, 2006 08:10AM
I'm pleased to announce that "Uptown: Portrait of a Palace" will air as the season premiere of Image Union on Chicago's WTTW Channel 11. The air-date is October 6 at 10:30pm, but you can catch a sneak peak at the entire season, including "Uptown," at the season kick-off party at the Vic Theatre on September 28. More info at:
http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=1,6
Also, DVD pre-sales are going well, and we are over half-way toward our goal! Order one now to guarantee your copy when the DVDs ship later this month.
DVD Now Available!
Aug 23, 2006 07:47AM
The "Uptown: Portrait of a Palace" DVD is now available on the Compass Rose Publishing Website at:
http://www.compassrose.org/DVDS/uptown-portrait.html
All proceeds are used to promote the Uptown Theatre and advocate its restoration.
Thank you again for you enthusiasm at the premiere in June, and be
sure to tell your friends!
Premiere was a major success!
Jun 26, 2006 11:54AM
Now that the dust has settled, I can confidently say that the world premiere of Uptown: Portrait of a Palace at the Portage Theatre was a huge success. With an attendance of roughly 500, people were lined up around the block to get in! That meant that Friends of the Uptown utterly destroyed their fundraising goal of $750 and can now buy a much-needed power washer for the maintenance staff at the Uptown. The Portage benefited equally well, sharing the proceeds with Friends of the Uptown.
The only bad news was that because there was such a high turnout, we ran out of DVDs to sell! Don't worry though; the DVDs will be on sale through Compass Rose Publishers on their website at www.compassrose.org later this summer. More info on that to come.
Also, keep an eye out for Uptown: Portrait of a Palace on Chicago's PBS station WTTW later this fall and at various film festivals around the nation. I will post updates as they become available.
Thanks everyone for all your support, and thanks for bringing some much-needed attention to the Uptown Theatre.
The only bad news was that because there was such a high turnout, we ran out of DVDs to sell! Don't worry though; the DVDs will be on sale through Compass Rose Publishers on their website at www.compassrose.org later this summer. More info on that to come.
Also, keep an eye out for Uptown: Portrait of a Palace on Chicago's PBS station WTTW later this fall and at various film festivals around the nation. I will post updates as they become available.
Thanks everyone for all your support, and thanks for bringing some much-needed attention to the Uptown Theatre.
More Press for the Premiere
May 29, 2006 10:34PM
Check out TimeOut Chicago's June 1 issue for an article on the upcoming premiere of Uptown: Portrait of a Palace. Or read the electronic version at:
http://www.timeout.com/chicago/Details.do?page=1&xyurl=xyl://TOCWebArticles2/66/out_there/venerable_venue.xml
Also tune into 720 WGN for an interview with the filmmakers on Sunday, June 4 at 11pm.
Finally, check out this informative article on the Chicagoist website that mentions the movie:
http://www.chicagoist.com/archives/2006/05/26/ask_chicagoist_has_the_uptown_been_saved_yet.php
Also tune into 720 WGN for an interview with the filmmakers on Sunday, June 4 at 11pm.
Finally, check out this informative article on the Chicagoist website that mentions the movie:
http://www.chicagoist.com/archives/2006/05/26/ask_chicagoist_has_the_uptown_been_saved_yet.php
Best Doc Short at NU Film Fest
May 26, 2006 08:44AM
Uptown: Portrait of a Palace won Best Documentary Short at the first annual Northwestern Student Film Festival held last night, Thursday, May 25.
They received about 70 submissions, for more than 450 minutes of movies. The
selection process was fiercely competitive; only 15% of submissions will be
screened. Sitting on the jury were Philip Barjorat, Chicago International
Film Festival programmer; Molly Hansen, Managing Director of the
IFP/Chicago; and John Mossman, an independent film producer based in
Chicago.
They received about 70 submissions, for more than 450 minutes of movies. The
selection process was fiercely competitive; only 15% of submissions will be
screened. Sitting on the jury were Philip Barjorat, Chicago International
Film Festival programmer; Molly Hansen, Managing Director of the
IFP/Chicago; and John Mossman, an independent film producer based in
Chicago.
New Press for the Premiere
May 20, 2006 06:41PM
Here's a write-up about the re-opening of the Portage Theatre, where the screening on June 8 will be held:
http://www.suntimes.com/output/movies/wkp-news-portage19.html
Also, the Daily Northwestern wrote this article following the film's Best Documentary win at the Flicker Film Festival:
http://www.dailynorthwestern.com/media/storage/paper853/news/2006/05/19/Campus/StudentProduced.Documentary.Wins.Award.At.Film.Festival-2012340.shtml
http://www.suntimes.com/output/movies/wkp-news-portage19.html
Also, the Daily Northwestern wrote this article following the film's Best Documentary win at the Flicker Film Festival:
http://www.dailynorthwestern.com/media/storage/paper853/news/2006/05/19/Campus/StudentProduced.Documentary.Wins.Award.At.Film.Festival-2012340.shtml
World Premiere Announced
May 17, 2006 02:28PM
I am excited to announce that we have finalized details for the official world premiere of Uptown: Portrait of a Palace. They are as follows:
The debut screening of the short documentary film "Uptown: Portrait of a Palace," will be hosted by Friends of the Uptown and the Portage Film Forum at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2006, at the Portage Theatre, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Two additional shorts and theatre organ music complete the bill. Admission is $8 in advance; $10 at the door. Parking is available nearby at meters and a City lot. Proceeds will benefit the Portage Film Forum and Friends of the Uptown. Call (773) 205-7372 or go to www.silentfilmchicago.com for more information on tickets.
Tickets should be available starting next week. Check out the trailer at http://www.compassrose.org/uptowntheatre/news.html
The debut screening of the short documentary film "Uptown: Portrait of a Palace," will be hosted by Friends of the Uptown and the Portage Film Forum at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2006, at the Portage Theatre, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Two additional shorts and theatre organ music complete the bill. Admission is $8 in advance; $10 at the door. Parking is available nearby at meters and a City lot. Proceeds will benefit the Portage Film Forum and Friends of the Uptown. Call (773) 205-7372 or go to www.silentfilmchicago.com for more information on tickets.
Tickets should be available starting next week. Check out the trailer at http://www.compassrose.org/uptowntheatre/news.html
grips
grandlobbyceiling
grandlobbyceiling
Uptown: Portrait of a Palace Teaser
This one minute teaser tantalizes the viewer with a brief glimpse of this unforgettable palace.
2 Comments about Uptown: Portrait of a Palace
Apr 10, 2007 03:07PM
Look into submitting to HollyShorts...
www.hollyshorts.com
www.withoutabox.com/4655
If you have any questions contact us directly,
Daniel
staff@hollyshorts.com
Feb 26, 2007 06:45PM
I see that the great Savio has visited your site. Please email me at george.gamard@gmail.com if you would like to learn more about this character (SOB). Meanwhile, I am really fascinated about your film and would like to know more. Our premier was held at the historic Roxy Theatre in Northampton, PA and I really have a love for historic theaters. It was a real honor!
Best of luck to you and your film!
Burnley (my hated middle name. If you're a Seinfeld fan then you will recall when Kramer's real name, Cosmo was revealed. I feel sorta like that. Get itout there!).
George
www.donttalksodumb.com
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