MISTER KELLY'S: WASN'T IT A TIME

Mister Kelly’s called a “supernova in the local and national night life firmament,” illuminated Chicago’s iconic Rush Street, and all of America, by launching talent like Barbra Streisand, Woody Allen, Bette Midler, Dick Gregory, Steve Martin, and Richard Pryor. Its visionary owners George and Oscar Marienthal smashed color and gender barriers to put fresh, irreverent voices on stage and transform entertainment in the 50s, 60s, and ’70s.

Now, with the club long gone, and its star talent reaching its golden years, George’s son David, and acclaimed director/screenwriter, Ted Bogosian, are on a quest to collect the memories of the clubs before they are lost. Celebrity interviews now include Bob Newhart, the Smothers Brothers, Dick Gregory, Lainie Kazan, Dick Cavett, Shecky Greene and Ramsey Lewis with plans to interview many others. Local musicians, staff, family, and patrons tell fascinating stories, rich with detail and humor.

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 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 portrays the rise and fall of one of American entertainment's great proving grounds.

For more information go to misterkellyschicago.com or email info@happymediumventures.com