The death of actor Gene Wilder earlier this week has had plenty of us remembering his best-loved performances. Three Chicago movie theaters are getting in on the act as well, offering screenings of two favorite Wilder films.
The AMC River East 21 is one of 55 AMC locations across the country screening the 1971 family favorite Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy Blazing Saddles, both starring Wilder in wildly different roles. Wonka will screen at 5pm followed by Blazing Saddles at 7:30pm both Saturday and Sunday this weekend, with tickets just $5 each. Arclight Chicago will also screen both films on Saturday, with Wonka at 12:20pm and Saddles at 5:15pm; tickets are $12, with proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Not free this weekend? The Music Box will offer a double feature of the same two films on Tuesday, September 13, with Wonka at 7pm followed by Saddles at 9:15. You can attend one or both for $11 ($7 for Music Box members).