In Old Chicago
US (1937): Historical/Disaster
Tyrone Power and Don Ameche star as the rival O'Leary brothers in this romantic historical epic about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Jack O'Leary (Ameche) is a man of integrity, working his way up in the law profession and the political life of old Chicago to run for mayor. His brother Dion (Power) is equally successful, but as an entertainment mogul and nightclub owner. Both fall for the same woman, showgirl Belle Fawcett (Alice Faye), but their romantic rivalry is put on hold when their mother (Alice Brady) and her infamous cow start the Great Fire, forcing the men to come together to save the city from ruin. The special effects required for the nearly 20-minute fire scene upped the price tag of the film to $1.8 million, one of the highest budgets to date. Multiple Oscar® nominations included a win for Alice Brady in her supporting role as the fateful Molly O'Leary. Henry King directs for 20th Century-Fox. (amctv.com)
6 nominations, 2 Awards
· Best Supporting Actress 1937: Alice Brady
· Best Assistant Director 1937: Robert D. Webb
· Best Picture 1937: Darryl F. Zanuck, producer (20th Century-Fox)
· Writing (Original Story) 1937: Niven Busch
· Music Scoring Awards (Best Score) 1937: Louis Silvers (20th Century-Fox Studio Music Department), Departmental Head (No composer credit.)
· Sound Recording 1937: E.H. Hansen