Historical March 1978 Loop review. Original prices, programs and business descriptions are preserved, not current business information.
A new and unique shop has opened in the “Loop” area in recent months. To say that it is unique is not just a literary phrase when used in reference to “Movie Collectables” at 6354 Delmar.
Anyone who has ever been a fan of the cinema will be drawn to the shop’s door by the huge sketches of The King (Clark Gable) and Bogie (Humphrey Bogart) smiling, or maybe sneering, down at you. By stepping through the door one will be engulfed in the mania of fad or nostalgia or whatever it is that makes everyday people long to possess some of the magic of stardom.
Co-owners Jerry Neeley and Steve Polwort have had this bug for a long time, in Steve’s case about 15 years. They finally ran out of room in their homes in which to contain the disease. It was then that they decided to combine their collections. With the excess and some selected additions, they have brought the mania to others, with the opening of their store.
Movie posters cover all the walls of the store and constitute the largest turnover. The average price range of the posters is from $3.50 to $5.00. Of course, the price can go much higher, according to the star or film and the condition of the poster. If the poster is an original (first printing, not a re-issue) or one of a kind, the price can go very high. A variety of buttons and photos of your favorite stars or movie or television series are also for sale.
“Movie Collectables” has a large selection of used 45 records and albums by rock’n’ roll artists of the 50’s and 60’s, and used albums of more recent recording artists can also be found. Steve informed us that Elvis is a popular item among his patrons. An Elvis record in the original jacket with his picture on it is a rare find and very valuable.
Books from which movies are made or books written from movies are other much sought after items. They are paperbacks and usually there is only one in stock. Science Fiction and Trade – books are kept on the shelves also. Trade books are magazines that tell of movie making from a professional view, unlike gossip magazines.
Some movies are on hand, but most films have to be ordered. The owners will be pleased to order items not in stock and, if a certain item is wanted, they will try to locate it.
“Movie Collectables” is a store designed for the film fan, and if the bug hasn’t bitten you yet, a visit to this unusual and interesting shop may give you the disease
Originally published in The Paper, March 1978.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1978_03.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
