Walking down Main Street in Barrington, it’s impossible to miss the marquee. It’s got that specific, vintage glow that makes you feel like you’ve accidentally stepped into a 1920s postcard. But if you’ve tried to catch a movie at the Catlow Theater in Barrington lately, you already know the doors have been stubbornly locked for a while.
There is a lot of noise about what’s actually happening behind those brick walls. People say it’s gone for good. They say it's being turned into condos. Honestly? Most of that is just small-town gossip. The real story is way more interesting and, frankly, a bit of a nail-biter for anyone who cares about local history.
The Wright Connection and the Alfonso Iannelli Mystery
Most people in town know the Catlow is old. But they don't realize it’s basically an art museum disguised as a cinema. Back in 1927, Wright Raymond Catlow—the man who gave the place his name—didn't just want a box to show films in. He wanted a masterpiece.
He brought in Alfonso Iannelli to do the interior. If that name sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’ve heard of Frank Lloyd Wright. Iannelli was the guy who worked with Wright on the famous Midway Gardens "Sprite" sculptures. He was a powerhouse of the Prairie School movement.
When you walk into the Catlow, you aren't just seeing old paint. You are seeing:
- Hand-painted stenciling that Iannelli himself oversaw.
- A "Fountain Girl" statue that survived a century of popcorn grease and sticky floors.
- Ornate plasterwork that was actually hidden behind a massive, permanent movie screen for over 70 years.
There’s this weird misconception that the theater was just a movie house. In reality, it started as a vaudeville stop. Legends like Gene Autry played there. Even Sally Rand, the world-famous fan dancer from the Chicago World’s Fair, graced that stage in 1933. It’s got bones for live performance that haven't been seen by the public in decades.
Why It Actually Closed (And Why It’s Still Closed)
It wasn't just the pandemic. While March 2020 was the final blow for many businesses, the Catlow was already struggling with the weight of its own history.
The previous owner, Tim O’Connor, ran the place for over 40 years. He was the one who pioneered the "dinner-and-a-movie" concept with Boloney’s sandwich shop next door. It was a genius move for the 80s and 90s. But by the 2020s, the building was tired. We're talking ancient cloth wiring, a leaky roof, and a heating system that was basically held together by hopes and prayers.
The Village of Barrington eventually stepped in. They didn't do it to be mean; they did it because the building didn't meet fire codes. It was a safety hazard. When the Long family—Brian and Julianne Long, who own the jewelry store down the street—bought it in 2022, they literally saved it from a tax sale by a matter of hours.
The $6 Million Resurrection
You can’t just slap a coat of paint on a building like this. The Catlow 1927 Foundation, the nonprofit group lead by the Longs, is currently staring down a massive restoration bill.
They’ve raised a few million, but the total goal is around $6 million. Why so much? Because they aren't just fixing a theater. They are basically performing surgery on a landmark.
What’s actually being done right now:
- The Screen: The old permanent screen is gone. In its place, they are installing a retractable one. This is huge. It means they can finally use the original stage for live music and plays again, just like in the 20s.
- The Seats: The old third-generation seats were, to put it bluntly, moldy and gross. They’ve been ripped out. The new ones are going to be modern-day comfortable but designed to look exactly like the 1927 originals.
- The Layout: They are expanding. The plan involves turning the old Boloney’s space and an adjacent former dentist's office into a bar and lounge.
It’s a massive project. Brian Long has mentioned that the goal is to have the Catlow back in action by its 100th anniversary in May 2027. Some smaller parts might open sooner, but that’s the big target.
It’s Not Just a Movie Theater Anymore
Basically, if the Catlow reopened tomorrow as just a movie theater, it would probably fail again. The economics of single-screen cinemas are brutal. You can’t compete with a 20-screen megaplex on just popcorn and Marvel movies.
The future of the Catlow Theater in Barrington is as a multi-use hub. We’re talking:
- Live concerts and touring comedians.
- Wedding receptions (imagine getting married under that Iannelli proscenium arch).
- Corporate events and community meetings.
- Classic film nights on that new retractable screen.
It’s about making the building pay for itself so it never falls into disrepair again.
How You Can Actually Help
If you're tired of seeing the "Coming Soon" on the marquee and want to see the lights back on, there are real ways to push it forward.
- Visit Catlow East: This is the retail shop at 107 E. Main St. They sell shirts, hats, and merchandise where the proceeds go straight to the restoration. It’s also where you can see some of the cool artifacts they’ve salvaged, like old movie posters and photos signed by Mickey Rooney.
- The Foundation: You can donate directly to the Catlow 1927 Foundation. Since it’s a 501(c)(3), it's tax-deductible.
- Follow the High Schoolers: Interestingly, a group of students from Barrington High School has been running a TikTok channel and making videos to keep the momentum going with younger generations.
The Catlow isn't just a building. It's the "architectural gem" of the village. It’s where half the town had their first date or their first job. Saving it is a marathon, not a sprint, but based on the progress happening inside right now, the ending looks like it might actually be a happy one.
To stay updated, keep an eye on the official Catlow 1927 Foundation website or stop by the Catlow East shop to see the restoration progress photos in person. Support local events held at "Catlow East" to help fund the remaining $4 million needed to cross the finish line by 2027.