Live at Mr. Kelly’s | Film Review | Podcast

Beginning in the 1950s and ending in the 1970s Mr. Kelly’s on Rush Street was the premiere Chicago nightclub featuring some of the most popular entertainers of the period.

The Newberry Library at 60 West Walton Street, Chicago is launching a new exhibit on March 21, 2024 running through July 20, 2024 that includes scheduled showings of “Live at Mr. Kelly’s” as well as other related programming. For more information visit https://www.newberry.org/calendar/a-night-at-mister-kellys

The documentary film, “Live at Mr. Kelly’s” directed by Ted Bogosian is about 90 minutes long and jam packed with testimonials and stories from many entertainers including Barbra Streisand, Lily Tomlin, Bob Newhart, Herbie Hancock, Shecky Green, Ramsey Lewis, Bette Midler, The Smothers Brothers, Lainie Kazan, Tom Dreesen, Tim Reed, Mort Sahl and others who while in Chicago called Mr. Kelly’s their home or who attribute their appearance at the local club as a significant contribution to their success.

“Live at Mr. Kelly’s” showcases a bit of Chicago history that with each passing day fades further into obscurity. Thankfully this film has made an effort to stop the clock and capture a snapshot of the past from a few of those who were there to witness it in its heyday.

Listen to our podcast above and check out the film trailer below.