The rarely shown gem Nightmare in Chicago was a 1964 made-for-TV film directed by Robert Altman, who was then just recovering from a couple of mixed experiences behind the camera. He showed his first prowess as a major director with this thriller-melodrama, which was atypical for almost everyone involved; a serial killer, thought to be disappeared from the scene, may have resurfaced in Chicago. But the hunt for this murderer is complicated by the movement of Army munitions through the streets of the city. Altman assembled a cast that included Ted Knight (later known for The Mary Tyler Moore Show), Robert Ridgely (a gifted comedian who worked with Jonathan Demme and Bob Newhart, later known as the Colonel in Boogie Nights) and John Alonzo, who went to become the cinematographer who worked on Chinatown among other films. And most interestingly, Nightmare premiered under the title Once Upon a Savage Night on an anthology series called Kraft Suspense Theater. It was sponsored by the people who brought you Velveeta. (Nightmare in Chicago was the European theatrical title.) This heady mix of elements alone would demand viewing. That it’s an impressive genre piece is the important aspect.

1964, 81 min, color, 16mm | Teleplay by David Moessinger, based on a novel by William P. McGivern; directed by Robert Altman, with Charles McGraw, Robert Ridgely, Ted Knight, Barbara Turner; score by John Williams.

Print courtesy of Gary Huggins.

Ticketing Information

$5 for Film Independent, LACMA Film Club, and the New York Times Film Club members. Members of these three groups can purchase tickets starting at 12 pm on Thursday, May 19. Limit two tickets per membership. Proof of member status is required to reserve tickets during advance reservation period.

$7 for LACMA members, students with valid ID and seniors (65+); $10 for the general public. Members of these four groups can purchase tickets starting at 12 pm on Thursday, May 26. Two ticket limit.

PLEASE NOTE: Pre-purchased tickets for this event can be picked up at LACMA’s Ticket Office, located in the Hammer Building, on the day of the event—as early as 11 am. Tickets are for general, unreserved Bing Theater seating. Ticketed guests must be in their Bing Theater seat 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Reservations do not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand. Entry is first come, first served, so please arrive early. Program and guest participation subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Tickets are nontransferable and can only be picked up by the individual who purchased or reserved them.