THE APEX OF SHOW BUSINESS IN CHICAGO
David Marienthal chases the intriguing legacy of his father's entertainment mecca, the Chicago nightclub Mister Kelly's, which smashed color and gender barriers to launch the careers of the greatest stand-up comedy, music and jazz talent of the 20th Century, including those of Barbara Streisand, Woody Allen, Herbie Hancock, Richard Pryor, Bob Newhart, and many more.
“I adored working there. It was THE club.”
Lainie Kazan, Actor
WATCH THE TRAILER
The film will portray through interviews, live footage, photos, music, and song, the most beloved and famous talent of our time at the decisive moments when they first showed up, dug deep, and broke in. How do you change the world with a laugh and a song? Find out in a film that documents the rise and fall of one of American entertainment's great proving grounds.
THE SYNOPSIS
The legendary nightclub, Mister Kelly’s, bedazzled the country by launching superstars like Barbra Streisand, Richard Pryor, Bette Midler, and Steve Martin. It smashed color and gender barriers to put controversial voices on stage and transformed entertainment in America in the '50s, '60s, and ’70s. Owned and operated by two Jewish brothers, George and Oscar Marienthal, Mister Kelly's changed show business and became one of American entertainment’s greatest proving grounds.
UPCOMING SCREENINGS
Moscow Jewish Film Festival
Festival Date: September 3-10, 2023
Albuquerque Film & Music Experience
Screening Date: Thu, Sep. 28, 2023 @ 7pm
Chicago Film Festival
Screening Date: Thu, Sep. 28, 2023 @ 7pm
Palm Beach International Film Festival
Screening Date: Thu, Sep. 28, 2023 @ 7pm
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