Web Behrens

"There's an audience for it wherever there's a projection machine and a screen," Variety once said of "The Wizard of Oz." And that point was proven July 22, as enthusiastic moviegoers--no fewer than 12,000, according to a city guesstimate--eschewed their TVs and packed Grant Park for a Chicago first.

The Mayor's Office of Special Events, perhaps making up for never before organizing a cinema-under-the-stars outing, has stacked the deck this inaugural evening. Prior to the free screening of one of the country's most treasured films comes a tribute to Gene Siskel, featuring speeches and a short, sweet video montage spoiled by an excruciating soundtrack. (Yes, we know the late critic adored "Saturday Night Fever." That's no excuse to subject everyone to "How Deep Is Your Love.")

But soon, Judy sings "Over the Rainbow," and all memory of the Bee Gees is, thankfully, erased. The "Oz" spell--ever potent, even after all those television viewings--is joyously amplified on such a huge screen and with an audience of thousands. People applaud Lollipop Guild's dance and cheer when the Wicked Witch shows herself to be water soluble. Then, as the credits roll, one fan, riffing on the film's final line, shouts out the evening's theme: "There's no place like Chicago!"

The Chicago Outdoor Film Festival continues Tuesdays through August, featuring "The Philadelphia Story" (Aug 8), "Singing in the Rain" (Aug 15) and "North by Northwest" (Aug 22). For more information, call (312)744-3315. (2000-08-03)

Also by Web Behrens

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With nine days to go before the Academy Awards, all attention wasn't on Los Angeles or even on pre-Oscar buzz, but on the unassuming facade of the Northwest Chicago firm where Oscar is manufactured and sent out into the world.
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OSCAR LAND
With nine days to go before the Academy Awards, all attention wasn't on Los Angeles or even on pre-Oscar buzz, but on the unassuming facade of the Northwest Chicago firm where Oscar is manufactured and sent out into the world.
(2000-03-23)

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