the architectural firm of rapp and rapp, consisting of brothers cornelius ward rapp and george leslie rapp (founded in 1907), was widely considered to be one of the leading designers of the great movie palaces constructed during the early 20th century.

the firm designed over 400 theaters, including the uptown, chicago and oriental theaters, which are covered extensively in this profusely illustrated book of some of their greatest commissions.

in addition, the book is heavily populated with several period advertisements (1928) identifying the plethora of building materials and ornament executed by participating manufacturers. the wealth of information, coupled with the interior and exterior photographs makes this book an exceptional resource as it pertains to the history of movie palaces and/or atmospheric theaters built during the first half of the 20th century.

contemporary exterior chicago theater terra cotta panel fabricated by boston valley terra cotta company during the theater's facade restoration

original victor pearlman pendant light fixture removed from the uptown theater during the 1980's

original ornamental cast iron oriental theater seat end aisle light cover with intact polychromatic finish