Chicago Politics: A Theater of Power Part I
Identifier
F.2005-08-0229
Date Of Production
1983
Abstract
The film depicts the competitive series of events leading up to the Chicago Mayoral Election of 1983 as well the public's response to the historical election.The footage presents the passionate fervor of politicians on the campaign trail such as Bernard Epton, Edward Vrydolyak and Harold Washington. Mayor Jane Byrne is also featured contesting for re-election.
Description
The footage begins showing Richard M. Daley speaking at City Council with a large portrait of his father Richard J. Daley above him. The shot switches to Studs Terkel’s office where he is telling a story about Daley reaction to an alderman who objected Daley's use of nepotism. Terkel is also captured later in the footage speaking on feminism at a political event.
The scene switches to portray a Daley supporter campaigning via megaphone; he exclaims
“The people of Chicago united for Daley!… Daley loves Chicago!”. The subsequent shots feature the State Street Christmas parade, where Mayor Jane Byrne is depicted singing Christmas Carols. The scene switches to a performance at a political event at the Conrad Hilton.
At Cabrini Green, Jane Byrne can be heard in a voiceover clarifying why its important that she remain “consistent” in visiting the housing development. The footage portrays several Cabrini Green residents explaining why they don’t want Byrne for mayor and that their vote is going to Harold Washington. The footage specifically focuses on Marion Stamps describing black pride and alleging that Edward Vyrdolyak is a “gangster.”
The scene transitions to Downtown where Harold Washington can be seen at a press conference, where he denounces the racist statements made by Edward Vyrdolyak throughout the campaign. The following shot depicts Vrydolyak onstage receiving a thunderous applause at a political event. The footage switch to briefly show Jane Byrne and her husband Jay McMullen.
Outside City Hall, Harold Washington is seen posed for a portrait. Next, at a political event, Bernard Epton speaks about his disregard for the media; his wife, Audrey Epton, can be seen nearby. The scene switches to briefly show images from a protest; a large banner bearing a swastika and the words “White Power, Marquette Stays White” quickly appears on screen.
The footage goes on to feature columnist Irv Kupcinet commenting on a mayoral debate between Washington and Epton, calling it more “theatrical” than political. “Good theater is good anywhere; it’s particularly good in politics if you can bring it off.”
The film concludes with Harold Washington accepting his position as Chicago’s Mayor.
The footage captures the crowd; the uproarious cheers can be heard. The shot changes to present Washington and his campaign associates triumphantly celebrating on stage.
The scene switches to portray a Daley supporter campaigning via megaphone; he exclaims
“The people of Chicago united for Daley!… Daley loves Chicago!”. The subsequent shots feature the State Street Christmas parade, where Mayor Jane Byrne is depicted singing Christmas Carols. The scene switches to a performance at a political event at the Conrad Hilton.
At Cabrini Green, Jane Byrne can be heard in a voiceover clarifying why its important that she remain “consistent” in visiting the housing development. The footage portrays several Cabrini Green residents explaining why they don’t want Byrne for mayor and that their vote is going to Harold Washington. The footage specifically focuses on Marion Stamps describing black pride and alleging that Edward Vyrdolyak is a “gangster.”
The scene transitions to Downtown where Harold Washington can be seen at a press conference, where he denounces the racist statements made by Edward Vyrdolyak throughout the campaign. The following shot depicts Vrydolyak onstage receiving a thunderous applause at a political event. The footage switch to briefly show Jane Byrne and her husband Jay McMullen.
Outside City Hall, Harold Washington is seen posed for a portrait. Next, at a political event, Bernard Epton speaks about his disregard for the media; his wife, Audrey Epton, can be seen nearby. The scene switches to briefly show images from a protest; a large banner bearing a swastika and the words “White Power, Marquette Stays White” quickly appears on screen.
The footage goes on to feature columnist Irv Kupcinet commenting on a mayoral debate between Washington and Epton, calling it more “theatrical” than political. “Good theater is good anywhere; it’s particularly good in politics if you can bring it off.”
The film concludes with Harold Washington accepting his position as Chicago’s Mayor.
The footage captures the crowd; the uproarious cheers can be heard. The shot changes to present Washington and his campaign associates triumphantly celebrating on stage.
Run Time
18 min 14 sec
Format
Super-8mm
Extent
300 feet
Color
Color
Sound
Mag Stripe
Reel/Tape Number
1/3
Has Been Digitized?
Yes
Language Of Materials
English
Element
Reversal Positives
Genre
Form
Subject
African Americans
Chicago (Ill.)
Events
Neo-Nazism
Parades and processions
Political campaigns
Political elections
Politicians
Politics and government
Racism
Political Activists
Cityscapes
Michigan Avenue (Chicago, Ill.)
City and town life
Chicago (Ill.)
Events
Neo-Nazism
Parades and processions
Political campaigns
Political elections
Politicians
Politics and government
Racism
Political Activists
Cityscapes
Michigan Avenue (Chicago, Ill.)
City and town life
Related Collections
Related Places
Distributor
Sponsor/client
Main Credits
Stamets, Bill (is filmmaker)
Additional Credits
Victor Turner (is contributor)
New Art Examiner (is contributor)
Chicago Filmmakers (is contributor)
Loop Camera (is contributor)
International Center For 8mm Film & Video (is contributor)
Chicago Historical Society (is contributor)
Palazzolo, Tom (is contributor)
Participants And Performers
Washington, Harold (is participant)
Studs Terkel (is interviewee)
Jay McMullen (is participant)
Stamps, Marion (is participant)
Vrdolyak, Edward (is participant)
Epton, Bernard (is participant)
Irv Kupcinet (is interviewee)
Daley, Richard M. (is participant)
Byrne, Jane (is participant)
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