OLD HOLLYWOOD COMES ALIVE AT THE GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER

 
Learn the inside story of what goes on behind-the-scenes in Hollywood at tonight’s lecture and screening at the Gene Siskel Film Center.  Film professor and author Virginia Wright Wexman explores “the star system” in the 6p.m. screening of the 1937 making of A STAR IS BORN with Janet Gaynor, Fredric March and Adolphe Menjou.  This version, the first of three that were made (1937, 1954 and 1976) features more comedy than the other two, as it recounts the ill-fated romance between the young ambitious Gaynor and the much older fading star March. 6p.m.  164 N. State Street.  (312) 846 2600. Parking at InterPark Self-Park, 20 E. Randolph, $14 for nine hours.

 NEARBY DINNING SUGGESTIONS

Trattortia No. 10.

On a budget or just looking for something light…try the Bar Buffet at the Tuscan-themed Trattoria No. 10 restaurant just a little over a block away from the Film Center. They offer an excellent “all you can eat” buffet that features shrimp cocktail, antipasti, pasta, salads and more for $12 with a $6 minimum drink purchase. The restaurant also serves a full menu of contemporary Italian fare with handmade ravioli a house specialty.  The buffet special is available 5p.m. to 7:30p.m., Tuesday through Friday. 10 N. Dearborn, (312) 984 1718.

Petterino’s

Even closer to the Film Center is Petterino’s, a Chicago original, named after the legendary and beloved Arturo Petterino, who was maitre d’ at the famed Pump Room for 35 years.  The steakhouse brings back the elegance and sophistication of that time with its dark wood décor, red leather booths and framed celebrity photos lining the walls.  The menu is straightforward offering a selection of steaks, fresh fish, pastas and a crowd favorite veal chop.  Many dishes are named after celebrities including the excellent Irv Kupcinet Chicken Chopped Salad with corn, avocado, bacon, egg, olive and blue cheese that can be ordered full-size as an entrée or as a small salad before the entrée.  150 N. Dearborn, (312) 984 1718.