It was the summer of 1989 and a single phone conversation was about to change the lives of many local cinephiles. I called my brother Tony, who was living in Los Angeles at the time, to complain (OK, he’s my brother, he’s used to it) about the lack of quality film in Chicago’s western suburbs. Convinced I was not the only DuPage County resident driving downtown weekly to the Fine Arts, Biograph, or Music Box Theatre, I was sure there was a regional market for foreign, art, and independent films. But what could I do about it? Tony offered a solution: “Start a film society.” My response: “What’s a film society?”
I soon found out. Tony suggested that I reach out to his former instructor and good friend, Allan Carter, for support. Ten minutes later, Allan Carter and I became partners in a new venture. He told me from the start he didn’t want to be involved with the nuts and bolts; instead he was the idea guy. And boy, did he have ideas. And knowledge. And contacts. Great contacts that lead to a long term relationship with Shirley and Willis Johnson, owners of the Classic Cinema chain and, at the time, the Hinsdale Theatre, which would become the original home of the After Hours Film Society.
Allan provided one more connection – that of his close friend, Joe Barillari. With all the pieces in place, the After Hours Film Society was born. Allan and Joe worked together as discussion leaders as the society grew, moved, and increased its offerings. Sadly, Joe passed away in July 2014, but Allan continued to bring his insight and wit to audience members at the bi-monthly screenings.
Jump cut to October 2017. Allan let me know that he and his family were moving back to his hometown in Rhode Island. While we wish him well in his new endeavors, we’ll certainly miss him. Before Allan leaves, we want to thank him for leading us through almost 500 films over the last 28 years. And for bringing hundreds of film students to the screenings and introducing them to movies that replace special effects with subtitles. And for his involvement in one of DuPage County’s longest running film societies, a thriving organization that brings specialty films to a receptive audience.
To show our appreciation, we will host a special After Hours Film Society screening of one of Allan’s favorite films, the 1959 classic “Some Like It Hot” on Monday, December 4. Please join us as we honor Allan Carter, a legend in his own right.
After Hours Film Society meets at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove, on the first and third Mondays of the Month. For more info, go to www.afterhoursfilmsociety.com.
