The original Criminal Courts building at the corner of Dearborn and Hubbard was the scene of the March 26, 1980, a Prohibition-type party kicking off the Headline Club’s Front Page Film Festival. Liquor was served in coffee cups, live music and more than a hundred Chicago journalists celebrated Ben Hecht and Charlie MacArthur’s portrayal of journalism in the 1920 as practiced in this same building.
Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel, honorary chairmen, selected 20 news media films that were shown March 27—April 5 at the Art Institute, among them: Citizen Kane, All the President’s Men, Gaily Gaily, His Girl Friday, Call Northside 777, La Dolce Vita, Sweet Smell of Success, Keeper of the Flame, Deadline U.S.A., Ace in the Hole, Network, and The China Syndrome.
A printed program contained articles by many prominent Chicago journalists. Among those who wrote essays: Richard Christiansen, Bill Gleason, Ben Hecht, Jon Anderson, Eliot Wald and Curtis MacDougall.
Click here to read an archival copy of the program.
Proceeds from the party went to freedom of the press causes.
— Howard Dubin
Read other Chicago Headline Club History stories:
Headline Club History: Holiday Book Bash
Headline Club History: A visit from South Vietnam’s Madame Nhu
History of the Chicago Headline Club