Chicago Sun-Times Takes a Look at Cadillac Records

Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert gives three stars to Cadillac Records, the dramatization of the Chess Records story. Here's how he begins:

An argument could be made that modern rock 'n' roll was launched not at Sun Records in Memphis, but at Chess Records, 2120 S. Michigan, and its earlier South Side locations since the early 1950s. The Rolling Stones even recorded a song named after the address. The great Chess roster included Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry and Little Walter. They first made Chicago the home of the blues, and then rhythm and blues, which, as Muddy said, had a baby, and they named it rock 'n' roll.

He seems most impressed with the portrayal of Howlin' Wolf by actor Eamonn Walker.

The Chicago Sun-Times also reports that a second movie about Chess Records is coming out next year:

Chess' son, Marshall, says a second Chess film, called "Who Do You Love," will be released early next year. It is directed by Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks ("Guys and Dolls").
"That has all the jazz in it," Chess said from New York. "The Macomba is very deep. They took a different tact. That movie starts with my father and uncle as immigrants. It's good. I'm in it up to 10 years old."

But that movie also has issues. Chuck Berry is missing in action because filmmakers couldn't negotiate a deal for rights to his music. ("Cadillac Records" bought Berry tunes -- including "Nadine" -- that are owned by Marshall Chess).

Leonard's brother, Phil Chess, has been left out of Cadillac Records, by the way. It's one of the many dramatic licenses the film takes, according to Sun-Times reporter Dave Hoekstra who does a fact check on the film.

Also, if you're going out to see the movie this weekend, keep an eye out for Hubert Sumlin. He played on the soundtrack for the movie, and I understand he's seen briefly in one of the band shots.