Following his death this week, two of actor Gene Wilder’s most regarded films are headed back to theaters this weekend.
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The Arclight Theater in the DePaul area, 1500 N Clybourn Ave, are giving 100-percent of their proceeds to the Alzheimer’s association for their showing of “Blazing Saddles” and “Willy Wonka” this weekend.
The 1971 film based on Roald Dahl’s novel as well as the 1974 comedy western have stood the test of time and are both enshrined in the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress for their cultural significance.
You can see showtimes and purchase tickets for Valley Art online.
Mel Brooks remembered his friend Gene Wilder before putting on his one-man show “Back in the Saddle Again!” at Radio City Music Hall. Be sure to check your local listings for specifics.
These films can be viewed at AMC 24 in Philadelphia.
AMC notably led a large roll out of Prince’s “Purple Rain” following the singer’s death in April.
Wilder’s turn as Willy Wonka arguably stands as his most memorable role, while “Blazing Saddles”, one of his many collaborations with director Mel Brooks, was among his most sidesplitting films.
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In a statement to CNN, Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, said he never disclosed his illness because he “simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world”.
