Film+MusicFest: Frank Urson - Chicago

Experience a roaring 1920s crime caper re‑imagined at Film+MusicFest with Frank Urson’s 1927 film *Chicago*—a biting satire of the justice system and sensationalist press. The plot follows vaudeville dancer Roxie Hart, a vicious woman who murders her harmless husband, frames her own cousin for a burglar’s death, and then cunningly turns the murder trial into a platform for fame. The district attorney’s trap exposes the real culprit, but Roxie sees the courtroom showdown as her ticket to stardom and public adoration. Restored from Cecil B. DeMille’s personal copy at UCLA, the newly digitized version is slightly longer than its original release—thanks to the censors’ insistence on trimming the film’s “low morality” content. Now, audiences can enjoy the full dialogue, the uncensored “excessive depiction of girls’ legs,” and the vivid, unapologetic subtitles that expose the film’s boldness. Complementing this fast‑paced jazz comedy are Axel Goldbeck and his Cinematographic Ensemble, whose swing, tempo, and improvisational mastery bring the 1920s soundtrack to life. Don’t miss this electric blend of classic cinema and live musical performance—details and tickets available now.