Israel Movie Night
"Cheat you Fair: The Story of Maxwell Street" (2006)
Monday, November 18, 7:00 PM
1 hour & 30 minutes

Join us for a free showing of the film "Cheat You Fair: The Story of Maxwell Street" (2006) at ASBI for our monthly Israel Movie Night! We hope you'll join us.

Created by veteran documentary filmmaker, Phil Ranstrom, “Cheat You Fair: The Story of Maxwell Street” is a feature-length documentary about the rise and fall of Chicago’s Maxwell Street. Narrated by actor Joe Mantegna, this Emmy Award-winning saga details the history of this unique ethnic melting pot “where the only color that mattered was green” and cooperation was essential for the survival of the diverse immigrants who landed there. 

The film explores the origins of Maxwell Street, which began after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Some of the earliest inhabitants were Jewish settlers who came to America during the turn of the 20th century to escape Antisemitism in eastern Europe and Russia. Those who landed at Maxwell Street began selling products from pushcarts and Maxwell Street began to emerge as a place to shop and find a bargain. Maxwell Street came to be known as “the New Orleans of the north” as it was also the birthplace of the electric, urban blues, which became rock & roll.

“Cheat You Fair” features interviews with famous Chicagoans and blues artists such as Stud Terkel, Bo Diddley, Florence Scala, Nate Duncan, Uncle Johnny Williams, Jimmy Lee Robinson, Eddie Burks, and more. Chicago Tribune writer, WGN Radio host and author of 12 books, Rick Kogan, said, "This is one of the most remarkable pieces of work I've ever seen. Anyone with any affection for Chicago or the blues must see this film".

Sponsored by the Israel Committee.
Pizza, pop, popcorn, and chips will be served.