A Saturday night movie marathon at independent theaters can mean watching second runs and classics while eating popcorn and candy, and throwing back a beer or two. Here’s how we did it on a recent weekend:
8 p.m.: What happened to the movies where a handsome stranger in a fedora rescues the small town maiden from her humdrum existence?
Many from as early as the 1930s are not available on DVD or home video, but can be seen on their original 16 mm or 35 mm reels at the LaSalle Bank Classic Film Series (LaSalle Bank Theatre, 4901 W. Irving Park Rd., 312-904-9442) on Saturdays.
Movie tickets, popcorn and soda for two: $15.
10 p.m.: The Brew & View (3145 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-929-6713) is the only movie house in Chicago that gets shut down by Todd Rundgren or Patty Griffin. When the Vic Theatre is not hosting live music, it turns into the screening facility for pop culture films. In its grungy environment, Brew offers the standard popcorn and candy along with pizza and beer. Warning: Smoking is allowed.
Two movie tickets and two Miller Genuine Drafts: $14.
11:59 p.m.: Opened in 1929, the Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave., 773-871-6604) continues to be a vibrant part of its ever-changing Lakeview community. Screenings of award-winning films and local film festivals have kept the Music Box thriving in the midst of hip new sushi joints, markets and live theater venues.
Movie tickets and coffee for two: $20.50.
GRAND TOTAL: $49.50