I found this picture of Roger Ebert standing on Dearborn Street in front of the marquee of the old Playboy Theatre. After the demise of the Playboy, the theatre was taken over and renamed the Sandburg Theatre, and then closed yet again a few years later. In May of 1979, Albert Berger and I reopened the theatre, still named the Sandburg, with a repertory policy of showing classic American films and recent foreign films.
Roger was a frequent patron of the Sandburg and a strong supporter of our programming. The Wild Bunch. Peeping Tom. Aguirre, The Wrath of God. Gun Crazy. Roger. A tub of popcorn. 35mm Technicolor prints. A lobby full of film geeks debating the auteur theory. This was the era where I spent the most time interacting with him, and how I will best remember him. Smart, funny, passionate, and crazy about movies.
Rest In Peace.
william
Bill, I'm so grateful to read your post about Roger Ebert. And to see the photo of him in front of the Sandburg Theater.
Posted by: Chicago Reporter | April 05, 2013 at 12:00 PM
I started watching his movie reviews way back when I was in college. He appreciated many different types of films and could explain what was good (or bad) about them. I trusted his opinions and he certainly shaped my movie going experiences. I will miss him.
Posted by: Janet M | April 06, 2013 at 08:22 AM
A classic never dies and an icon never fades, with people remembering of their doings, we can live on forever.
Posted by: Philip | May 26, 2013 at 10:19 AM
great man :D
Posted by: bedroom furniture | July 28, 2013 at 09:55 AM