Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Library Video of the Week, March 18, 2013

Chicago, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rene Zellweger and Richard Gere. Directed by Rob Marshall.  Library Call Number: PN1995.9.M86C55 2003.

            Velma Kelly, a one-time club singer, found her boyfriend and sister in bed together and shot them both.  Roxie Hart’s boyfriend said he’d make her a star, but all he wanted was her body.  When she found out she wasn’t going anywhere with the bum, she shot him, too.  Now Velma and Roxie are on Death Row together with an ace up their sleeve: high-rolling lawyer Billy Flynn.  He’s never let a pretty woman burn in the chair for murder and he won’t start now.
            Originally a monster Broadway play by Maurine Watkins (see the Browsing Book of the Week), Chicago was made into a musical after her death.  Though based on 1920’s event, the newspaper sensationalism and overwhelming sexism linger in the 21st century.  Winner of six 2002 Oscars—including Best Picture—as well as top awards in 2003 from the American Film Institute, the American Choreography Award, the highest awards in Japan, Norway Great Britain and over 35 other honors, Chicago is a satirical gem.

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