Last night was a great night for remembering classic Hollywood from the days known as "the golden age of silver screen."

I joined theater owner and all-around-good-guy Ted Bulthaup, who first successfully executed the concept of an integrated "dinner and a movie" theater in 1991 in Indianapolis, at the grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newest wing of his expanded theater space at my favorite Chicagoland movie palace, Hollywood Boulevard Cinema Bar and Restaurant, 1001 W. 75th St., in Woodridge, Ill.

The six existing screens in Woodridge are joined by three new auditoriums, each with its own theme, paying homage to some of the greatest films ever made.

And last night, it was the "Casablanca House Theater," which recreates a Moroccan village under a domed ceiling with a sparkling starry sky just as depicted in the famed 1942 Warner Bros. film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

The other two new auditoriums honor L. Frank Baum's classic "The Wizard of Oz" watched over by the Wicked Witch of the West, and Tinseltown itself, with murals of classic Hollywood movie palaces.

Stephen Humphrey Bogart, 59, son of movie legend Bogart and his fourth wife actress Lauren Bacall, was also part of the ceremony and unveiling of the new space, and I interviewed him onstage in front of the packed auditorium before two screenings last night of "Casablanca."

There's still time to meet and shake hands with Bogart's son, and get an autograph while also watching this great classic film since there are more screenings and meet-and-greets at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. today and 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, atriptothemovies.com or (630)427-1880.

Considering the weekend weather, it's a great time for enjoying a good movie. But if you can't make it out to see Bulthaup's new digs or meet Bogart, I had him autograph a special DVD of one of my all-time favorite Bogart films, the 1951 adventure "The African Queen," also starring Katharine Hepburn, so check out my Monday offBeat column to call in and win.

Hollywood Boulevard Cinema, a pioneer in the film exhibition community, is also a growing its presence in Illinois, considering the acclaimed theater has not only expanded its current location in Woodridge, but also will open a new location in Naperville, Ill., to be unveiled in spring 2009.

This place is well worth the drive for a great time; it's affordably priced and you're surrounded by opulence along with VIP treatment for all guests.

Bogart told me while he's been on the road meeting the public at appearances promoting his father's name and legacy, he hears about many wonderful stories and memories.

Bogart, who lives in New Jersey with wife of 23 years, Barbara, and has three children Jamie, 37, Richard, 22, and Brooke, 19, also works in the entertainment industry, heading a production company for television projects.

He also is the author of his father's biography "Bogart: In Search of My Father" (1996 Penguin Press $12.95).

But much of Bogart's time is filled with just managing his father's business and enterprises associated with the family name.

He works closely with Curtis Management, based in Darian, Ind., which is the largest firm that assists in managing the estates and likenesses of famous icons like Bogart, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe.

"You don't really see my father's name and likeness associated with just anything, and that's what becomes a full-time job," Bogart said.

Bogart said even though he was a boy when his father died in 1957 after a cancerous tumor was removed from his esophagus, he vividly recalls his father's strong will and convictions and the caring devotion of his mother.

"Much has been said and written about Father, and that's why I've always been willing to share my own family experiences in projects like my book or the A&E Biography," Bogart said.

"I would rather have people know the details of my father's life from his own family instead of someone else."

And even though the elder Bogart's volatile temper sometimes was fodder for the press, his name and reputation as a great actor always attracted the most attention.

"My mother is a tough person when it comes to opinions and the public's perception of others," Bogart said.

"But even she's pleased with the way I worked to make sure my father's name lives on for new generations just discovering his movies and other accomplishments."

Humphrey Bogart and Bacall, who's now 84, also had a daughter, Leslie, 52, who teaches yoga in Los Angeles. Bacall lives in Manhattan and continues to do occasional film appearances and voice-over work.

Tune in

I'll be featured on today's 7 a.m. WMAQ-NBC Channel 5 news broadcast whipping up a batch of "Rosie's Holiday Fudge," one of the recipes from my second cookbook "More From the Farm" and chatting about next Saturday's (Nov. 22) new festival in Downtown Hammond dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the classic 1983 film "A Christmas Story," based on the writings of the late Jean Shepherd, a Hammond native.

The connection?

I'll be the featured judge that Saturday for a holiday fudge recipe contest showcased at the festival. Of course, everyone remembers that favorite scene from the film with Ralphie substituting the word "fudge" for worst of the worst of all four-letter words.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

celebBirthdays

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