Expired April 3, 2023 3:45 AM
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Available Mar 13 to Mar 31

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The iconic Mister Kelly’s, once called a “supernova in the local and national night life firmament,” illuminated legendary Chicago’s Rush Street, and the entire country, by launching talent like Barbra Streisand, Richard Pryor, Bob Newhart, Bette Midler and Steve Martin. Its visionary owners George and Oscar Marienthal smashed color and gender barriers to put unknown, controversial voices on stage and transform entertainment, as America knew it in the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ’70s.


Now, with the club long gone, and its star talent reaching its golden years, George’s son David and director/screenwriter, Theodore Bogosian, go on a quest to collect the memories of the clubs before they are lost. Celebrity interviews now include Bob Newhart, the Smothers Brothers, Dick Gregory, Lainie Kazan, Herbie Hancock, Dick Cavett, Tim Reid, Fred Willard and Ramsey Lewis. The film portrays through interviews, live footage, photos, music, and song, the most beloved and famous talent of our time at the decisive moments when they showed up, dug deep, and broke in. How do you change the world with a laugh and a song? Find out in a film that documents the rise and fall of one of American entertainment's great proving grounds.


Sponsored by Gail & Harvey Weiner and Alice Gross.

  • Year
    2021
  • Runtime
    83 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Premiere
    Palm Beach County
  • Director
    Theodore Bogosian
  • Producer
    Theodore Bogosian, Scott Dummler
  • Executive Producer
    David Marienthal
  • Cinematographer
    Scott Dummler
  • Editor
    Scott Dummler
  • Music
    Joe Alterman