Flickering Empire: How Chicago Invented the U.S. Film Industry Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m.

Flickering Empire: How Chicago Invented the U.S. Film Industry tells the fascinating but too little known story of how Chicago served as the unlikely capital of film production in America in the years prior to the rise of Hollywood (1907--1913). Colorful, larger-than-life historical figures like Thomas Edison, Charlie Chaplin, Oscar Micheaux and Orson Welles are major players in Flickering Empire -- in addition to important but forgotten industry giants like 'Colonel' William Selig, George Spoor and Gilbert 'Broncho Billy' Anderson. Come hear the two authors of this wonderful book, Adam Selzer and Michael Glover Smith, in a most entertaining program on Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m. at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St. Tickets cost $10 ($8 GEHS members) and include wine, cheese and cookies. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Stacy’s Corners Store at the History Center, 800 N. Main St. Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call 630-469-1867 or visit the website at www.glenellynhistory.org.