There are always things that go on behind the scenes of the Classic Film Series that our patrons are never aware of– unless there’s some reason to bring it to light. The recent passing of actor Chuck Norris this past Thursday is that reason. Our original intent was to open our twelfth season in September 2025 with a 40th anniversary screening of Code of Silence (1985), starring Chuck Norris. This action thriller about a gang war and the “code of silence” within the CPD was shot in Chicago by Andrew Davis, whom I met years later in 1993. It’s one of Chuck’s best films.
Last summer I had reached out to Chuck’s agent about the possibility of making a personal appearance at the Pickwick Theatre to commemorate the film’s anniversary. A financial offer was made on our part, but unfortunately, the majority of entertainment agents are alike. Unless the agent can pocket a substantial fee/profit themselves in the deal, they never bother relaying the offer to their client. I’m relatively certain that Chuck was never aware of the proposal that was submitted. It’s unfortunate because I know our community would have come out in droves to see an action movie legend in a film set in our own backyard.
Another issue as to why this show never materialized in some form (even without a guest) is that Code of Silence is one of several Chuck Norris films that are not currently available in a theatrical format we can present at the Pickwick. Inquiries were made directly to the film company. (So what if we had gotten Chuck to visit? One option would’ve been to rent film equipment and run a 35mm print of Code of Silence. The last film print we projected was in 2011!) Lone Wolf McQuade (1983), another favorite of mine, is a title that was also considered for this current season. Until these movies are given a 4K DCP presentation, we’ll have to wait on Chuck Norris at the Pickwick Theatre. Hopefully, it won’t be a long wait.
~MCH
