Chicago honors 50 years of legendary film critics Siskel & Ebert with month-long series

This November, Chicago pays tribute to Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, the city’s legendary film critics, with “Siskel & Ebert at 50,” a month-long series of screenings and special events, according to a press release from The Chicago Film Office. Organized by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) in partnership with the Chicago Film Office, the celebration marks a half-century since the debut of their influential television program. As reported in the announcement, Siskel and Ebert’s spirited debates and deep love for movies helped put Chicago on the map as a city for film lovers everywhere.

Natasha Parker Olguin, deputy commissioner of the Chicago Film Office, stated in the press release, “This program not only highlights the films ‘Siskel & Ebert’ championed, but the spirit of discovery they encouraged in every viewer. By spotlighting film classics through the lens of Siskel & Ebert’s expertise, we hope to inspire new generations to explore the power of film with the same curiosity and openness that these legends embodied.”

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Screenings, conversations, and a live show

Each Wednesday in November, audiences at the historic Claudia Cassidy Theater in the Chicago Cultural Center will watch films hand-picked by those who knew Siskel and Ebert best. The series includes post-screening discussions with special guests. On Saturday, Nov. 22, a one-night-only live performance, “Siskel & Ebert at 50,” recreates the critics’ famous balcony debates, complete with film clips, live music, and guest appearances.

The lineup features Eve’s Bayou, a Southern Gothic drama that Roger Ebert named the best film of 1997; Breaking Away, a beloved coming-of-age story that both critics adored; Drugstore Cowboy, a gritty drama praised by Ebert; and Lone Star, a complex mystery that made both critics’ top 10 lists in 1996.

In the press release, Chicago historian Paul Durica said, “Siskel and Ebert’s influence continues to inspire how we engage with film, and this series is a fitting tribute to their legacy. We’re proud to partner with the Chicago Film Office to produce this experiential programming and invite audiences into the post-screening conversations celebrating the joy of cinema in the city they helped cement as a major contender in the film industry.”

The Claudia Cassidy Theater, inside the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington Street, provides a grand setting for these events. With its rich history, the venue mirrors the cultural impact of Siskel and Ebert themselves—turning Chicago into a destination for movie lovers.

For more information or to register for “Siskel & Ebert at 50” events, visit the official Chicago Film Office website.