South Loop Movies In The Park: Bigger and Better Than Ever

The Greater South Loop Association (GSLA) and the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) are underwriting two movies each in the park this summer. The movies will be shown at Daniel Webster Park and Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens. All four movie presentations are part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks with the support of Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Arts programming in neighborhoods across the city advances the goals of the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Cultural Plan.

July 21 Paddington (2015) – Starring Huge Bonnevile, Julie Walters, and Nicole Kidman. From the beloved novels by Michael Bond, comes the story of a Peruvian bear as he travels to London in search of a home.When he finds himself lost at Paddington Station, he is taken in by the kindly Brown family. Movie critic Bilge Ebiri, vulture.com, called Paddington “absolutely, positively delightful. This big-screen adaptation of Michael Bond’s classic, adorable children’s-book character — an exceedingly polite, klutzy, talking bear from ‘darkest Peru’ — takes what could have been an easy cash-grab and turns it into a generous, fun, ingenious little comedy. It’s the kind of movie that turns critics like me into advertising copywriters: Go see it! Your kids will love it! Fun for adults and children alike! Et cetera! This big-screen adaptation of Michael Bond’s classic, adorable children’s-book character — an exceedingly polite, klutzy, talking bear from “darkest Peru” — takes what could have been an easy cash-grab and turns it into a generous, fun, ingenious little comedy. It’s the kind of movie that turns critics like me into advertising copywriters: Go see it! Your kids will love it! Fun for adults and children alike! Et cetera!”

Paddington received a 98% rating from the movie site Rotten Tomatoes.

Underwitten by the GSLA, Paddington will be shown at Daniel Webster Park, 1401 S. Indiana Ave. 8:45 – 10:45 p.m.

July 28 BIG HERO 6 (2014) – Featuring the voice talent of Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Damon Wayans Jr., James Cromwell, and Maya Rudolph. From Walt Disney Animation Studios, BIG HERO 6 is an action-packed comedy adventure that introduces Baymax, a lovable, personal companion robot, who forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to Baymax and his diverse group of friends — adrenaline junky Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred — who transform into a band of unlikely heroes.

BIG HERO6 received a 89% from the movie site Rotten Tomatoes.

Underwritten by the PDNA, BIG HERO 6 will be shown at Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, 1801 S. Indiana Ave. 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.

August 11 The Princess Bride (1987) – Starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Robin Wright, Peter Falk, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, and Fred Savage. This modern-day classic, directed by Rob Reiner, is a fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. He must find her after a long separation and save her. They must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin to be reunited with each other. Based on the William Goldman novel. This movie’s reputation grows with each passing year. So popular is The Princess Bride that it has its own Web site!

The Princess Bride received a 97% rating from the Web site RottenTomatoes.

Underwritten by the GSLA, The Princess Bride will be shown at Daniel Webster Park, 1401 S. Indiana Ave. 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

August 27 The Incredibles (2004) Featuring the voice talent of Craig T. Nelson, Jason Lee, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, and Samuel L. Jackson. In this lauded Pixar animated film, married superheroes Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) and Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) are forced to assume mundane lives as Bob and Helen Parr after all super-powered activities have been banned by the government. While Mr. Incredible loves his wife and kids, he longs to return to a life of adventure, and he gets a chance when summoned to an island to battle an out-of-control robot. Soon, Mr. Incredible is in trouble, and it’s up to his family to save him.

The Incredibles received a 97% score at the movie Web site RottenTomatoes.

Underwritten by the PDNA, The Incredibles will be shown at Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, 1801 S. Indiana Ave. 8:00 – 9:55 p.m.

Long-time Host Bids Adieu to "Meet Me at the Movies"

Almost two years ago, Jackie Walker, Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance Vice President, asked me if I would volunteer and host a monthly movie event, in the South Loop that became known as “Meet Me at the Movies.” The concept: I would pick films to screen, introduce them, giving background and “color commentary” on each movie presented. Afterward we would go to a local restaurant to share a meal.

The first movie screened 17 months ago

My focus was on classic Hollywood films. The reasoning? Films made before the end of the production code—the mid-1960s—were for the most part, appropriate for all audiences and tended to fit within a two-hour time frame. In addition, it gave me great pleasure introducing these classic films to people who were unfamiliar with them.

Hollywood’s golden age was a period of great creativity and artistry. So much of our popular culture comes from the movies. “Here’s looking at you, kid,” uttered Humphrey Bogart to Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca. “How does a girl like you get to be a girl like you?” Cary Grant questioned Eva Marie Saint in North by Northwest, the very first MMATM event. But my all-time favorite line is, “For a charming, intelligent girl, you’ve certainly surrounded yourself with a remarkable collection of dopes,” spoken by Dana Andrews to Gene Tierney toward the end of Laura.

"Casablanca" really packed the house.

It was tough deciding on which classic films to screen, but I enjoyed the challenged. We screened some of the best movies Hollywood produced and showcased some of the silver screen’s most popular stars at the height of their careers, including Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Dana Andrews, Jeanne Crain, Joseph Cotton, Teresa Wright, James Stewart, and Sophia Loren to name a few. And who could forget Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon in Some Like it Hot?

Marilyn Monroe and her "bosom" companions in "Some Like it Hot"

One of the best things about MMATM was meeting and getting to know my neighbors in the South Loop. Over the months, we developed into a community of classic movie fans, who just happened to live in the same Chicago town. What was even more gratifying were the regular attendees who came from the north and south sides of the city. I was honored that they made the trip and worked hard not to disappoint them for making the journey.

James Steward and Grace Kelly solved a murder in the Hitchcock classic, "Rear Window."

Picking movies and preparing monthly presentations may not seem like much, but it was a big time investment. For this and other reasons I decided not to move forward with MMATM. I submitted my resignation to Tina Feldstein, PDNA president, and Walker before the screening of the season’s last film, The Bishop’s Wife. According to their Web site, they’re planning to continue with MMATM starting in January. Not sure what the “new” MMATM will look like, but you might want to give it a try.

Howard Keel and Betty Hutton in "Annie Get Your Gun," the first musical screened by MMATM

Thank you to all the people who came out month after month, the ones I knew by name, and the new folk that seemed to come almost every month. It was a wonderful 17 months. I will always remember my MMATM experience with great fondness. For a look back from a regular MMATM attendee, check out Bonnie McGrath's blog at the Chicago Journal by clicking here.

Sincerely,
Stephen Reginald
South Loop Connection
Classic Movie Man

P.S. Have a great MMATM moment/story? Please share it here.

Docent Council Established at Glessner House Museum

Jackie Walker Dunscomb was elected chair of the Docent Council for the Glessner House Museum at a meeting held this Saturday morning November 13, 2010. Walker Dunscomb will be responsible for organizing programs and events for the docents, as well as addressing broader topics such as what items to stock in the museum store and the upcoming 125th anniversary of the Glessner House.

Glessner House Museum executive director, Bill Tyre, addresses docents

If you are a regular reader of the SLC, Walker Dunscomb is no stranger to you. She's an author, (I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet) speaker, and Vice President of the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA).

 

"Laura" November's "Meet Me at the Movies" event

The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) invites you to "Meet Me at the Movies," Friday November 19, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at Sherwood Community Music School, Columbia College recital hall, 1312 S. Michigan Ave.

The setting for Laura is set amongst New York City’s upper crust, with Detective McPherson (Dana Andrews) investigating the murder of beautiful advertising executive Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney). The suspects are some of her closest friends and associates including fiancé (Vincent Price), aunt (Judith Anderson), and mentor (Clifton Webb).

When production on Laura started, no one believed that the end product would we worth seeing. From the beginning the project was problematic. Arguments between studio boss Darryl Zanuck and the original director, Rouben Mamoulian ended in Mamoulian being fired. Zanuck then assigned Otto Preminger, already the film’s producer, to be its director too. The only problem: Preminger had never directed a motion picture before.

Under Preminger’s supervision, what began as a fairly ordinary murder mystery, turned out to be a critical and box office success. Gene Tierney in the title role became a superstar and was forever identified with the beautiful, enigmatic Laura Hunt. Dana Andrews, as Detective Mark McPherson, established himself as a major star and popular leading man. Clifton Webb, who hadn’t made a movie since the early days of talking pictures, earned an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actor for his role as Waldo Lydecker. Thomas M. Pryor, in his October 12, 1944 New York Times review called Laura “a top-drawer mystery.”

With some of the sharpest and wittiest dialogue ever recorded on film, Laura set the standard for 1940s film noir. Andrews’s portrayal of McPherson became a prototype for what would become known as the hard-boiled detective, influencing a generation of movie actors. Pryor from the Times put it this way: “Mr. Andrews is fast proving himself to be a solidly persuasive performer, a sort of younger-edition Spencer Tracy.”

The musical score by David Raksin is one of the most hauntingly beautiful movie themes ever recorded.

Admission to the movie is $5.

Looking for a Unique Place to Have a Wedding or Special Event? Consider the Historic Glessner House Museum

The Glessner House was built in 1886.

A Gem in the South Loop

Of all the architectural gems in Chicago, the Glessner House in the South Loop more than holds its own. Built in 1886 by famed American architect, Henry Hobson Richardson, the 17,000-square foot mansion at 1800 S. Prairie Ave. is situated on the same street as the homes of Marshall Field, Philip Armour, and George Pullman. Those three homes are no more, but the Glessner House, now a museum, is a window on this glamorous period in Chicago’s history.

An outdoor reception set up in the courtyard

Museum Available for Rentals
Even though the Glessner House is a museum, it can be rented for weddings, meetings, and corporate functions. The coach house can accommodate up to 150 guests.  During the warmer months, the courtyard can also accommodate 150 guests as well.  For weddings, the former conservatory serves as a suite for the bride and bridal party. And because the house is a museum, special tours of the home can be part of any rental package.

The Glessner dining room

Perfect for Small, Intimate Gatherings
For smaller intimate events, consider the dining room. You can entertain up to 50 people for a sit-down dinner in this elegant setting. The Glessner’s storied dining room hosted some of the nineteenth century’s biggest celebrities, including famed Italian tenor Enrico Caruso.

The courtyard in the evening

Seminar and Meeting Space
If you’re looking for a space for a meeting or seminar, the east parlor on the second floor is an ideal space. Within walking distance of McCormick Place, it’s the perfect location for an offsite meeting or reception.

The home's architecture lends itself to some unique photographs.

Neighborhood Favorite
Neighborhood organizations like the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance and the Greater South Loop Association have found the Glessner House to be the perfect venue for their major events and fundraisers. The GSLA is having their Fall Classic event here on October 15, 2010 . The PDNA held their Toast of the South Loop event in the Glessner coach house and courtyard this past June.

The PDNA hosted the Toast of the South Loop this past June.

Lynne Mickle Smaczny, Assistant to the Director of the Glessner House Museum, manages museum rentals. She has plans and packages that can be customized to fit the needs of your family, group, or nonprofit organization.

For information on renting the Glessner House Museum for your reception or business meeting, call Ms. Smaczny at 312-326-1480 or e-mail her at rentglessnerhouse@sbcglobal.net.

Win a "Meet Me at the Movies" Coffee Mug and Some Coffee Too!

You have a chance to win a cool mug and some amazing fair trade coffee to put in it!

You could win a prize at tonight's "Meet Me at the Movies" event, but you have to be there!. Tonight's screening is the classic My Man Godfrey, starring William Powell and Carole Lombard. One of the most acclaimed comedies of all time, Godfrey, first released in 1936 continues to wow contemporary audiences with its wit and insight into the human condition. The movie will be shown at Sherwood Community Music School, Columbia College recital hall, 1312 S. Michigan Ave.Showtime is at 6:30 p.m. Cost for the movie is $5 per person.

After the film, please join us for a wrap party at Weather Mark Tavern 1530 S. Michigan Ave. Weather Mark has a great menu and a special "Meet Me at the Movies" End of Summer drink!

To RSVP to the movie or dinner or both, please click here.

Second Ward Community Meeting Recap

The South Loop Community meeting  was held last night, Wednesday September 22, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting took place at the 1st District Police station Community Room, 1718 S. State St.

It was standing room only at last night's meeting.

It got off to a late start with Alderman, Robert Fioretti opening the meeting at approximately 6:45 p.m.

There were three main items on the agenda: Traffic Control at 18th and Calumet; Park Plaza proposal at 16th and Indiana; and the naming of the South Loop Field House. The order of the agenda was changed at the time of the meeting. Below was the order for last night's community meeting.

• Traffic control at 18th and Calumet 
• Naming of the South Loop field house (Park 550) at 18th St. and Indiana Ave.
• Park Plaza proposal at 16th and Indiana Ave.

The meeting was well attended (we estimate between 50-70 attendees) with quite a few members standing (see photo). While nothing was voted on, there was plenty of community input on all of the above issues.

In regard to the traffic control at 18th and Calumet, the most likely solution, for the moment, may be the installation of speed humps. Some people offered other solutions, including the addition of stop signs.

It appeared that the majority of those in attendance did not like the names proposed for the Park 550 Field House by the Park 550 Board. Some people didn't think the name choices represented the entire South Loop community. The Park 550 Board will reevaluate the name choices and get further community input.

The last item on the agenda was for the Park Plaza proposal at 16th and Indiana. The Park Plaza proposal as presented by Jeff Key, president of Prairie Pointe condominium association,  was met with some resistance by Tina Feldstein and Jeffrey Ayersman president and treasurer, respectively of the PDNA board of directors. However, the plan as presented did have support from many in attendance. The Alderman seemed to favor the plan in his closing remarks.

If you attended last night's community meeting, what were your impressions? The South Loop Connection (SLC)  would like to hear your reaction to the items discussed and your feelings, thoughts, and ideas.

"My Man Godfrey" will be September's "Meet Me at the Movies" event

The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) invites you to "Meet Me at the Movies," Friday September 24, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at Sherwood Community Music School, Columbia College recital hall, 1312 S. Michigan Ave.

One of the most popular and lauded screwball comedies of all time, My Man Godfrey helped define the genre itself. With its good-natured pokes at high-class society and its conventions, My Man Godfrey delighted depression-era movie audiences.

When a depressed aristocrat named Godfrey, (William Powell) who has been living in a New York City dump, is hired by a madcap heiress, Irene Bullock (Carole Lombard) to be the family butler, life becomes a bit more complicated and a lot more fun.

Godfrey throws himself into his butler role with gusto, winning the affection and respect of most of the Bullock family. As fate would have it, Bullock daughters, Irene and Cornelia (Gail Patrick) are attracted to their debonair house servant. Irene, the younger sister has spent her life losing everything to her elder sibling and she fears Irene will win Godfrey’s affections as well.

Classic performances and situations have made My Man Godfrey one of the best film comedies ever made. My Man Godfrey was the first film to receive Academy Award nominations in all four major categories, including Best Actor and Best Actress for Powell and Lombard respectively. Film critic Roger Ebert in a review of the movie simply said, “God, but this film is beautiful” and it truly is. My Man Godfrey is ranked 44 in the American Film Institute’s (AFI) “America’s 100 Funniest Movies” compiled in 2002. Not bad for a movie first released in 1936.

Carole Lombard was so identified with the screwball comedy genre that Life magazine dubbed her “the screwball girl” in a 1938 cover story. When paired with William Powell, no stranger to comedy himself, My Man Godfrey becomes a master class of screwball comedy technique.

Admission to the movie is $5. Dinner afterward (not required) is $15 per person.

"Annie Get Your Gun" set for August "Meet Me at the Movies" event

The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) invites you to "Meet Me at the Movies," Friday August 27, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at Sherwood Community Music School, Columbia College recital hall, 1312 S. Michigan Ave.

Annie Get Your Gun, the story about sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler became one of the most popular musicals of all time. It ran on Broadway for 1,147 performances, with Ethel Merman in the title role.

After its Broadway run, the film rights were purchased by MGM for their top musical talent Judy Garland. During filming, it was obvious to many that Garland wasn’t well. She eventually had to drop out of the movie, leaving production in limbo. Many of the big musical numbers were filmed with Garland and she recorded the entire score for the movie soundtrack. Without Garland to finish the picture, all of her footage would have to be scrapped.

  Betty Hutton was a top star at rival Paramount. She had hoped her home studio would have purchased the movie rights to Annie Get Your Gun for her. When MGM acquired the rights, Hutton was terribly disappointed. But she never imagined that MGM would offer her the role when Garland couldn’t complete the picture.

The role of a lifetime just fell into Hutton’s lap and she ran with it. When the movie was released, Variety called the movie “socko musical entertainment.” Bosley Crowther, movie critic at the New York Times said, “Miss Hutton … imparts to the role of the fabulous lady marksman a great deal of humor and bounce.” The reaction from the public was unanimous: it was a hit! In fact it was one of the biggest box office successes in MGM’s history and Hutton was on top of the world.

For the role of Frank Butler, MGM signed newcomer Howard Keel, better known to modern audiences as Clayton Farlow on TV’s Dallas. His strong baritone voice perfectly complimented Hutton’s rich alto.

A classic movie musical, Annie Get Your Gun proves once and for all “There’s No Business Like Show Business!”

Admission to the movie is $5. Dinner afterward (not required) at Kroll's South Loop, 1736 S. Michigan Ave., is $15 per person.

Author, Karen Abbott, "visits" the South Loop

Sin in the Second City author, Karen Abbott, spoke with members of BookSpeak, a book club in the South Loop, via telephone last night. BookSpeak's April selection was the nonfiction bestseller about the infamous Everleigh Club located in Chicago's notorious Levee District.

Call me!
At 7 p.m., BookSpeak leader, Jackie Walker, started the discussion and explained that each member present would be able to ask Abbott a question related to her book. After a few discussions and glasses of wine, Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) president and BookSpeak member, Tina Feldstein, called the author.

For around 40 minutes, members asked Abbott: "Were Minna and Ada really sisters? Did they have any boyfriends--did they even like men? If they were living today, what business do you think they'd be in?"

Philly and Chicago have something in common
Much to everyone's delight, Abbott was an engaging and personable author. She did her best to answer members' questions and speculations. A Philadelphia native, Abbott told the group that "she loves Chicago" and it's welcoming spirit. She noted that the cities of brotherly love and big shoulders have a lot in common, not the least of which is political corruption. Abbott observed that Chicago residents are more interested in their city's history than those living in Philadelphia and New York. Abbott also talked about her current project, a biography of burlesque legend Gypsy Rose Lee, which will be released in January 2011.

Invitation extended
The meeting ended around 8:15, but could have gone on much longer. One got the feeling Abbott would have been happy to continue the conversation.   Before the group signed off with Abbott, she was invited to Chicago and promised a tour of the Prairie District and the other locations she wrote about in her book. Here's hoping she takes up BookSpeak's offer.

May's selection
May's BookSpeak selection is Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. De Rosnay's novel takes place in France during the Nazi occupation in 1942.

New book club in the South Loop

BookSpeak is a new free book discussion group that recently formed in the South Loop. Sponsored by the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA), the discussion group has day and evening meetings.

Jackie Walker, PDNA vice president and local author, is leading the discussion at the historic Keith House, 1900 S. Prairie Ave. The first book they will be discussing is The Help, by Kathryn Stockett.

For more information, visit the PDNA's Web site or e-mail JAX6014@aol.com.

Festival on Prairie Ave.

The Festival on Prairie Ave. took place on Saturday September 12, 2009, from noon to 6 p.m. There was plenty to see and do for children and adults, including a petting zoo, Daniel Burnham exhibit, and tours of the Glessner and Clark houses.

Sponsored by the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA), the annual block party was held at Prairie Ave. at 18th St. Other activities were held at Chicago Women's Park, adjacent to Prairie Ave., including a tug-of-war contest, potato sack races, and obstacle course sponsored by the Illinois National Guard.

Festival on Prairie Ave. this Saturday

The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) invites you to the Festival on Prairie Ave. (Prairie at 18th St.) Saturday September 12, 2009. The festival hours are noon to 6 p.m.

Billed as "a day of fun for the whole family," the event will include activities for children, musical performances, emcee and humorist Stuart Jackson, and tours of the Glessner and Clarke houses. Food will be provided by Cafe Society during the festival. A $5 food ticket will get you a choice of hamburger, hot dogs, brat, veggie burger, with chips and a drink. Cafe Society will also have other items available from their regular menu.
Festival tickets are $7 (entrance donation). Children 12 months and under free will be admitted free of charge. For more information, including information on volunteering, visit the PDNA Web site.

Festival on Prairie Ave.

The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) invites you to the Festival on Prairie Ave. (Prairie at 18th St.) Saturday September 12, 2009. The festival hours are noon to 6 p.m.

Billed as "a day of fun for the whole family," the event will include activities for children, musical performances, emcee and humorist Stuart Jackson, and tours of the Glessner and Clarke houses. Food will be provided by Cafe Society during the festival. A $5 food ticket will get you a choice of hamburger, hot dogs, brat, veggie burger, with chips and a drink. Cafe Society will also have other items available from their regular menu.

Festival tickets are $7 (entrance donation). Children 12 months and under free will be admitted free of charge. For more information, including information on volunteering, visit the PDNA Web site.

Battle of Fort Dearborn Park Naming and Dedication

The dedication and naming of the park at 18th St. and Calumet took place on Saturday and attracted a fairly large crowd. It was officiated by Native Americans, politicians, and members of local community groups.



A diverse group of participants

Leslie Recht, assistant to Second Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti moderated the event.The ceremony started with a blessing of the site by Roger Williams, Potawatami elder and tribal representative. A history of the site was given by Russell Lewis from the Chicago History Museum. A "presentation of city council resolution" was delivered by Alderman Fioretti, with William Tyre, executive director and curator of the Glessner House Museum standing by his side. Tina Feldstein, president of the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) welcomed those in attendance. There was also a Park District dedication by Commissioner Scott Hanlon.

The event, which started at 10 a.m., ran about an hour. It included the participation of War of 1812 Reenactors, the Illinois National Guard, American Indian Center, Chicago, U.S. Daughters of the War of 1812, and the Chicago Park District among others.

After the ceremony, a new plaque commemorating the spot and the park was unveiled.

Battle of Fort Dearborn Park naming and dedication

Park to be dedicated this Saturday

The small park at 18th and S. Calumet Ave. will be named in a ceremony this Saturday at 10 a.m.

Two-hundred years in the making

According to the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) announcement, this event "...is almost 200 years in the making." In attendance will be representatives from the Native American community and battle descendants. Park District representatives and 2nd Ward Alderman Robert W. Fioretti will dedicate and name the park: Battle of Fort Dearborn Park. A historic marker commemorating the site will be installed in the park.

This event is free and open to the community. The ceremony will last approximately one hour. For more information, visit the PDNA web site.