Blues Brothers Finale Sets Season Record!

We had 715 patrons attend our screenings of The Blues Brothers (1980) at the Pickwick Theatre on June 15, 2022. The reaction to experiencing it in the Mega-Theatre was about as joyous as attending a sermon by the Reverend Cleophus James. There were cheers when the audience saw shots of Park Ridge and the Nelson Funeral Home. (This might be the only time you’ll ever see a funeral home getting an applause.)

The reactions, especially during the evening screening, were remarkable. It gave one chills hearing the applause when Belushi and Aykroyd’s names first appeared on screen. You could tell this was an audience that loved The Blues Brothers. They also appreciated the Betty Boop cartoon, “Minnie the Moocher,” which led into the film.

We had at least two gentleman who had been part of the film’s production crew, albeit in a limited capacity: one during the scenes shot downtown and another during the Dixie Square Mall scene. (As a bit of trivia, John Belushi’s “double” on this film resides in Park Ridge and was invited to the screening.) There are so many people in the Chicago area alone who have wonderful memories of either watching the film as it was being shot or simply experiencing it in a movie theatre back in 1980. Belushi and Aykroyd’s time in Chicago is the stuff of legend. All this history would certainly make for a great, retrospective book for some enterprising writer– perhaps for the film’s 50th anniversary in 2030?

As the long lines made their way into the theatre lobby– some coming in waves right up until showtime– many were wearing sunglasses, of course. One lady came dressed as a nun! Others had their famous quotes from the film ready! One of our patrons generously brought two figures of Jake and Elwood that were about three feet tall, which we proudly displayed. And we had the “Briefcase Full of Blues” cd blasting in the lobby.

We would like to thank organists Jay Warren (who performed on the Mighty Wurlitzer at 7 PM) and student organist Jake McDonagh (who performed at the matinee). Thank you to Brian, owner of “The Chicago Bluesmobile. ” (His vehicle was initially parked in front of the theatre and then later, several spots down the block.) His attention to detail in recreating every aspect of the real Bluesmobile is extraordinary. For those who might be wondering, there were thirteen 1974 Dodge Monacos used in the film, but none have survived with the exception of two fiberglass models used for some of the crazier stunt scenes. (Jim Belushi is believed to own one of these.) The Chicago Bluesmobile is not the original car, but it is the official car as both Dan Aykroyd and Judy Belushi approved it.

We regret we could not have kept the Bluesmobile directly in front of the theatre for a longer period. When The Blues Brothers was made in 1979, Mayor Jayne Byrne allowed the Bluesmobile to crash through the Daley Center; but in Park Ridge, we couldn’t get City Hall to hold a parking spot for it.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our assistant Diana as well as returning hostess Allison (the younger). And though she could not join us in person, we appreciate hostess Beka’s technical assistance behind-the-scenes. To Stephanie, who designed all our artwork right up until the end with our Classic Film Series magnets we passed out to the first 250 patrons. To Laura M., catcher of the “Cheez Whiz.” As always, we are indebted to the theatre’s management and staff, especially Kathryn, our projectionist. And finally, to our official classic film photographers: Maria Melnyk and her assistant, Stanley. All the photos displayed here and on our Pickwick Theatre Classic Film Series Facebook page were taken by them. (You can access even more photos by visiting our Photo Archive on this site.)

To have gotten over 700 patrons on a 90+ degree day to see an R-rated movie is no small task (even with a film as loved as The Blues Brothers). We thank everyone who assisted and got the word out about this show. We have the best movie fans anywhere!

We’ll see you in September when the Pickwick Theatre Classic Film Series returns for its ninth season!

~MCH

The Chicago Bluesmobile