Great Baseball Film at SP Library on June 20

On Thursday, June 20 at 7:00 p.m. the unique, extraordinary love affair between Chicago and its baseball Cubs will be explored with a screening of “We Believe” at the South Pasadena Public Library. It’s a powerful, passionate, and uplifting feature-length film about America, family, faith, loyalty, and tradition. Without mentioning any other names, it’s also a great film for fans of other disappointing teams. First and foremost, “We Believe” is an entertaining movie, jam-packed with humor, heart, emotion, and unique insight. It contains super-rare and never-before-seen vintage footage --including the earliest known film of a Cubs game from 1909. It also showcases footage of Chicago shot by Thomas Edison in 1897, the first color films shot at Wrigley Field in 1938, and dozens of rare and previously unseen photos from the earliest days of the Cubs.

“We Believe” presents Cubs legends Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Ryne Sandberg, Billy Williams, Kerry Wood, and many others, along with interviews with longtime fans and experts, Bob Costas, Joe Mantegna, George Will, Billy Corgan, Dennis Franz, Scott Turow, and Bud Selig. Also appearing is Dutchie Caray, the wife of legendary announcer Harry Caray. The captivating feature film is topped off by newly-shot images of Chicago and Wrigley Field, and an incredible soundtrack with songs by Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, and Earth, Wind, and Fire.

The free event will also feature an introduction and Q & A by John Scheinfeld, who presented his award-winning documentaries, “Who Is Harry Nilsson” and “The U.S. vs. John Lennon” to enthusiastic full house audiences in the Library Community Room in 2010 and 2012. Former Chicago Cub utility player and pinch hitter Carmen Fanzone (1970-74) will also participate in the Q & A and be available to sign autographs.

Writer/director Scheinfeld is one of the premier creators of popular culture documentaries.” The GRAMMY® and EMMY® nominee has tackled many legends in his illustrious career, including the likes of Frank Sinatra, John Lennon, Nat King Cole, and now the Chicago Cubs, who have proven that bad luck streaks can indeed last more than a century.  The program is for all ages and co-sponsored by the South Pasadena Public Library, the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library, and the Baseball Reliquary. The Community Room is located at 1115 El Centro Street in South Pasadena. No tickets or reservations are necessary. Refreshments will be served. DVDs of “We Believe” will be available for purchase. Special thanks to Ben & Jan Sakoguchi.