Great Films of 1939: "Stagecoach" April 16 at the Daystar Center

Great Films of 1939 series: Stagecoach
Where: The Venue 1550 at the Daystar Center, 1550 S. State Street, Chicago, IL
When: April 16, 2016
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Hosted by Stephen Reginald

Stagecoach (1939) changed the western film genre forever. Prior to this film, westerns weren’t taken too seriously and were relegated to low-budget second features or serials. John Ford’s classic also began the fruitful association and partnership with star John Wayne. Before Stagecoach, Wayne was starring in low-budget western second features at poverty row studios. The film boasts a wonderful performance from the female lead, Claire Trevor, who should have, like Wayne, emerged as a major movie star. The supporting cast features many who would become part of the John Ford stock company, including Thomas Mitchell (Academy Award Winner), Andy Devine, Tim Holt, and John Carradine.

Part of the “Great movies of 1939” series. Discover some of the greatest movies from Hollywood’s most famous year.

Backstory: Thomas Mitchell had a great 1939. Besides Stagecoach, Mitchell had major supporting roles in Only Angels Have Wings, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Gone with the Wind!

Have some Joe and Enjoy the Show!
Before the movie, grab a cup of coffee from Overflow Coffee Bar, located within the Daystar Center. You can bring food and beverages into the auditorium; we even have small tables set up next to some of the seats. General Admission: $5 Students and Senior Citizens: $3.

Join the Chicago Film club; join the discussion
Twice a month we screen classic films and have a brief discussion afterward. For more information, including how to join (it’s free), click here. The Venue 1550 is easily accessible by the CTA. Please visit Transit Chicago for more information on transportation options.

Stephen Reginald is a freelance writer and editor. He has worked at various positions within the publishing industry for over 25 years. Most recently he was executive editor for McGraw-Hill’s The Learning Group Division. A long-time amateur student of film, Reginald hosts “Chicago Film Club,” a monthly movie event held in the South Loop, for the past two years. Reginald has also taught several adult education film classes at Facets Film School, Chicago.


Daystar Center located at 1550 S. State St. works through a grassroots network of collaborations and partnerships with individuals and other nonprofit organizations. Through this web, they’re able to provide educational, cultural, and civic activities that enrich and empower their clients, guests, and community members. To learn more about classes and events offered at the Daystar Center, please visit their Web site.