Holiday Hit at the Pickwick Theatre – Park Ridge Classic Film

Over 600 patrons (669) joined us at the Pickwick Theatre on December 18, 2019, for our screening of 1942’s Holiday Inn. We are grateful that so many people came out in sub-freezing weather to see this magical Christmas film, which stars Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire and features the music of Irving Berlin.

Joining us as our special guests that night were Radio Hall of Famer Chuck Schaden and Steve Darnall, current host of “Those Were the Days” (WDCB 90.9 FM). Both gentlemen were in our lobby before the show and spoke prior to the screening. We are grateful that so many old-time radio fans came out to support Chuck and purchase a copy of his new book, Chuck Schaden’s Radio Days. “Those Were the Days” is now in its 50th year on the air! Steve met with fans and later talked about the show’s golden anniversary– as well as other upcoming events in Radioland. This was the first time we’ve had both Chuck and Steve together for an event.

“Christmas weather was never given a thought when I was growing up, until Bing Crosby made us yearn for a ‘White Christmas,'” remarked Chuck Schaden while on stage. Later, when Bing performed his fireside rendition of “White Christmas” during the Christmas Eve scene, there was silence in the auditorium– the silence of an enraptured audience. As soon as the song ended, moviegoers burst out into applause. You could also hear the clapping when Fred Astaire performed his explosive Fourth of July dance number. These were just two examples in which the audience showed their appreciation. They were respectful throughout, and even during the film’s one controversial scene they understood the historical context, which had been laid out earlier by the program host. (See our previous blog post for more information about the making of Holiday Inn.)

Thank you to our three charming hostesses: Allison, Allison, and Beka. (We missed you, Monica!) Thank you to Jerry up in the booth, the Pickwick Theatre management and staff, and to Maria Melnyk for taking all the gorgeous photos you see here. (Her artistry and sense of framing is exceptional.) And finally, thank you to our organist, Jay Warren. For seven seasons now he has been helping us make these screenings major events in the community. We are happy he was able to honor our musical request to play the “Those Were the Days” theme on the Mighty Wurlitzer. (We know Chuck appreciated that!)

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