Roger Ebert

Forty dramatic Fictions, each told in the persona of a famous Chicagoan, from Mrs. O'Leary to Barack Obama. *

From the earliest film studios, when one out of every five movies was made in Chicago, to today's thriving independent film scene, the Windy City has been at the forefront of American moviemaking. <p><em>Blues Brothers. Within Our Gates. Hoop Dreams. The Gore-Gore Girls. My Best Friend's Wedding. Call Northside 777. His New Job. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer.</em> They are all pieces in Chicago's rich film history.</p> <p>Join writer/film historian Arnie Bernstein as he honors Chicago and Chicagoans for their active role in a century of filmmaking. Exclusive interviews with current directors, actors, writers, and other film professionals; visits to movie locations and historical sites; and fascinating tales from the silent era are all a part of this spirited and definitive look at our &quot;Hollywood on Lake Michigan.&quot;</p> <p>From alleyways to the lakefront, from the El tracks to suburban streets, Chicago is a sprawling backlot of cinematic creativity and stories. See the Windy City like you've never seen it before&mdash;both on screen and on the set&mdash;in the first book ever to chronicle the engaging history of Chicago and the movies.</p>