Unforgettable Chicago "In Old Chicago" is a film that’s hard to forget. Henry King crafted a picture with real personality: at times rough around the edges, at times touching, but always solid. Released in 1938, it earned six Academy Award nominations and won two — for Best Supporting Actress and for Assistant Director (yes, that category really did exist back then). The acting is strong throughout. Alice Brady, who played Molly O’Leary, delivered a performance full of emotional depth, and her Oscar was truly well-deserved. Tyrone Power and Don Ameche are also excellent. Their dynamic as brothers feels authentic, keeping the audience invested all the way through. Their rivalry turns out to be genuinely intriguing and unpredictable. Watching the characters live out their stories is a pleasure in itself. I’d also highlight Alice Faye. Her character — a singer named Belle Fawcett — is a woman of strong will and sharp mind. Faye portrayed her with real dignity and nuance; following her storyline was a treat. Another thing I appreciated is how carefully the film recreates old Chicago. The city is shown with realism and detail, capturing the atmosphere of the late 19th century. Viewers get a sense of what life was like — the city’s challenges, its struggles, its pulse. The scenes set against the backdrop of the devastating fire are especially striking. I’d recommend this film just for the way it captures the spirit of the era. It never pretends to be deeper than it is, and that’s exactly what makes it so charming. A simple, well-crafted story about people who keep moving forward despite everything. 7 out of 10