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Metro Art and the Film Noir Foundation are joining forces to present three classic film screenings at Union Station. The hook is that at least a portion of each film was shot inside the building.
October 7, 8 p.m.: Union Station (1950): This crime thriller takes place in Chicago, but was actually filmed at our own station. The film follows a detective who works to find the daughter of a wealthy man who has been kidnapped. Her kidnappers choose the station as the ransom drop point. Starring William Holden and Nancy Olson, the film was directed by Rudolph Maté, who also made D.O.A., one of the classics of noir.
Writer, historian, film programmer and film noir expert Alan K. Rode will be present to introduce the film.
November 4, 8 p.m.: Criss Cross (1949): A man decides he's going to go to Los Angeles and seek out his old flame. Problems arise when she marries a mobster. The film stars Burt Lancaster, Richard Long and Lily Munster herself, Yvonne De Carlo. It was directed by Robert Siodmak, who had a prolific career as a noir/thriller specialist.
December 2, 8 p.m.: Too Late For Tears (1949): The usual mayhem and double-crossing ensues when a young couple stumbles across a suitcase full of money. It stars the alluring Lizabeth Scott and Dan Duryea. According to Time Out, Too Late For Tears had nearly disappeared, as many of the original 35mm prints have been lost. The Foundation did find one, however, and was been able to repair it, ensuring a Blu-ray release.
While the film is considered a nearly-lost classic of film noir, director Byron Haskin is best known for another film that takes place in Los Angeles. He was behind the 1953 version of The War of the Worlds, in which flying saucers vaporize City Hall.
Because of Union Station's beautiful and classic Art Deco design, it has served as the backdrop for many more films since.
The Film Noir at Union Stations screenings take place in the ticketing hall and are free, with seating first-come, first-served.
