Catlow Theater

Infobox_nrhp | name =Catlow Theatre
nrhp_type =


caption =
location= Barrington, Illinois
lat_degrees = 42 | lat_minutes = 9 | lat_seconds = 15.82 | lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 88 | long_minutes = 8 | long_seconds = 11.51 | long_direction = W
area =
architect= Betts & Holcomb; Iannelli,Alfonso
architecture= Tudor Revival
added = August 21, 1989
governing_body = Private
refnum=89001112 cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/|title=National Register Information System|date=2007-01-23|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service] The Catlow Theater is a historic single-screen movie theater located in the heart of downtown Barrington, Illinois. Wright Catlow opened the theater in May 1927. Betts & Holcomb served as the architects and the interiors were designed by Prairie School sculptor and designer Alfonso Iannelli. The theater was primarily designed in the Tudor Revival style ornamented to portray a medieval English hall. In large part due to Iannelli's involvement, the Catlow is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Iannelli's Catlow design includes the stenciling on the Catlow's ceiling, walls and beams along with the sculpted gargoyle-like heads that border each ceiling truss and the "Fountain Idyll" sculpture in the inner lobby. Other highlights include three coat-of-arms wall murals, iron wall sconces, the detailed woodwork on both of the organ lofts and the original hand painted stage curtain.

References

Wright Catlow could often be seen sitting on a heated, Velvet Covered Radiator just inside the main lobby. He was a very friendly owner who treated his attendees with great respect. He was truly a gentlemen and showed great character and fortitude. He lived until 1982 and died in Sarastota, Fla.

--Contributed by his Grandson, David G. Johnson, Shingletown, CA

External links

* [http://www.thecatlow.com Official Catlow Theater website]