CHICAGO – There is no better time to take in a stage play that is based in U.S. history, depicting the battle between fact and religion. The old theater chestnut – first mounted in 1955 – is “Inherit the Wind,” now at the Goodman Theatre, completing it’s short run through October 20th. For tickets and more information, click INHERIT.
2007 Holiday Film Review Guide: One Modern, Four Vintage Films You Shouldn’t Miss
New HollywoodChicago.com critic Patrick McDonald has just published his 2007 holiday film review guide derived from actual Chicago conversation. Four films make the 2007 guide from deep in the past with one modern film rounding out the top five.
“Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” (1964)
This came out of the schlock era of Hollywood that began in the drive-in era of the 1950s to about the mid-to-late 1960s. It’s a “B” movie that has developed a cult following because it is so bizarre.
“The Lemon Drop Kid” (1951)
I was totally absorbed. I thought this was the undiscovered Christmas classic that people can put into their library to counter the usual sentimental goo.
“Holiday Inn” (1942)
I had never seen this film until I watched it two weeks ago. I put it on the list because our mutual friend kept chiding me for my love of the film “White Christmas”. “The better film is ‘Holiday Inn,’” he would always say. “You have to see ‘Holiday Inn’.” Indeed.
“Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol” (1962)
Every year, we do a version of Charles Dickens’ immortal “Christmas Carol”. This year, I chose “Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol,” which was made in 1962.
“Love Actually” (2003)
I always like to pick a modern film just to see where the industry is going with the Christmas Zeitgeist. This is one of my favorites.