Featuring an introduction from special guest Jon Carr!

“Effervescent, life-affirming cinema... an antidote to any ailment, illness, or woes about the state of Hollywood.” - Ben Flanagan, Little White Lies

“Unstoppable joy.” - Peter Bradshaw, Guardian

“Arguably the greatest movie musical of all time.” - Marjorie Baumgarten

Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor star in one of the greatest musicals ever filmed. Musician Don Lockwood (Kelly) rises to stardom during Hollywood's silent-movie era--paired with the beautiful, jealous and dumb Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen). When Lockwood becomes attracted to young studio singer Kathy Selden (Reynolds), Lamont has her fired. But with the introduction of talking pictures, audiences laugh when they hear Lockwood speak for the first time--and the studio uses Selden to dub her voice. Set during the advent of "talkies," this film's classic song-and-dance numbers celebrate the beginning of movie musicals. (Warner Bros.) 


Festivals, Awards & Nominations
Nominee - Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Jean Hagen), Best Music, Academy Awards (1953)
Winner - Best Written American Musical, Writers Guild of America (1953)


JON CARR / THE SECOND CITY
“It is truly an honor to be a part of Chicago Favorites. Film was my first experience with art and it caused me to redefine my preconceived notions of an artist. By partnering with an amazing group of people this program allows film to redefine how we look at their art, work, and talent. That's what makes Chicago Favorites so special.”

Jon Carr headshot

Jon Carr is the Executive Producer of The Second City, one of the world’s most influential and prolific comedy theatres, improv training centers and provider of wellness and education programs, and TV, film and digital productions. Carr has been a writer-performer for almost 20 years and most recently was the Artistic Director of Dad's Garage Theatre Company in Atlanta, as well as the Audience Development Manager for Alliance Theatre. Jon founded United Atlanta Improv and has helped improv theatres around the city come together through collaborative works. His improv group, Dark Side of the Room, has been featured at The Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum and performed around North America. He has written and performed in a number of shows including "Black Nerd" (Winner of the 2018 Suzi Bass Award for Best Original play). A native of Los Angeles, Calif., he holds a degree in Marketing and Business Administration from Georgia State University. The Second City has theaters and Training Centers in Chicago, Toronto and Hollywood. 


Updated COVID-19 Protocols

Dear Friends,

We care deeply about the well-being and safety of our audiences and staff. With the recent rise of COVID-19 cases, we are updating our health and safety procedures to require proof of full vaccination* or a negative result on a COVID PCR test for all screenings and events at the Film Center. 

We know it can be hard to enjoy a movie without knowing the status of the folks sitting close to you.  Our hope is that these new procedures will allow you to relax and view our films in the way they’re meant to be seen--with your undivided attention to the screen.

Beginning on Friday, September 10, you will need a valid photo ID and one of the following items to gain entry to the Film Center:

  • Physical vaccination card
  • A legible photo, copy, or scan of your card; an image on your phone will be acceptable provided that it is legible 
  • Proof of a negative result on a COVID PCR test conducted within 72 hours of the film or event start time

*Full vaccination means any vaccine for COVID-19 which has received full or emergency use approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or World Health Organization (WHO). Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series or a single dose from a one-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use by the FDA or WHO.

You will need to show proof of vaccination status or a negative PCR test result as you enter the theater. 

Children under 12 will not be permitted in the theater, since they are not yet eligible to receive a vaccine. 

In addition, the Film Center will continue to implement the following safety protocols:

  • In accordance with the Governor's recent Executive Order, all patrons and staff will be required to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth at all times while in the theater
  • Staggered showtimes and ample time between shows to mitigate crowds
  • Ticket pre-orders for films encouraged to reduce lines and guarantee seats
  • Hand sanitizer and disposable face masks available for patrons
  • Only 80% of our tickets will be available for sale
  • No eating or drinking will be permitted in the theater; no concessions will be sold

The Film Center reserves the right to require patrons who do not follow these procedures to leave the theater immediately.

As always, if you are feeling unwell for any reason, please stay home and stream films instead of joining us at the theater. We are happy to refund or exchange your ticket for another time.  In addition, please understand that while these updated procedures are intended to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19, there is nonetheless inherent risk to exposure in any indoor space where others are present.  Those entering the theater do so at their own risk to such exposure.  

If you have already purchased a ticket for a screening on Friday, September 10 (or beyond) but are unable to comply with these new procedures, please contact us at filmcenter@saic.edu for a refund. 

We appreciate your cooperation and support as we continue to navigate the ever-changing COVID landscape.

See you at the movies!

--Your Friends at the Film Center