A documentary about the real person who claims he inspired one of the most recognizable characters in movie history is coming to Park Ridge's Pickwick Theatre.
"Saving Ferris Butler" screens for one week beginning Friday, Sept. 18 and running through Thursday, Sept. 24, according to an event listing on Stroll Park Ridge. The 46-minute film follows Ferris Butler, a comedian, writer and television pioneer who says he was the inspiration behind the name and character of Ferris Bueller from the 1986 John Hughes film.
The documentary, directed by Julius Austin Olivas and produced by D.B. Frick, traces Butler's career across decades of comedy. It examines his 1970s-era cable-access series "Waste Meat News" and his time as a writer and performer during Saturday Night Live's 1980-81 season. The film also digs into the dispute over whether Butler truly inspired the character.
Butler is joined on screen by Denny Dillon, Jeff Richards, Patrick Weathers and Hugh Fink, all associated with Saturday Night Live, according to the film's FilmFreeway listing.
The Pickwick, an Art Deco movie palace that opened in 1928, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tickets and showtime details are available at pickwicktheatre.com.
