In the 80s, going out to the movies was kind of a risky business.

Sometimes, all you knew about the latest release was who was in it and what the trailer looked

like, without any idea if it was actually good.

If you were lucky, like I was, you lived near a city with really good local film critics

to help guide your decisions.

Yet somehow, even with their help, I still wound up seeing dozens of crummy movies.

I once blown entire week's allowance on Crocodile Dundee 2.

In those days, moviegoers often had to rely on word of mouth, whether it came from friends

or from critics.

Gene, Cisco, and Roger Ebert counted as both, and millions of people cared about what

they had to say.

Even really powerful people, like ex-Beatle Powerful.

In 1984, Paul McCartney starred in what was supposed to be his big Hollywood breakthrough.

A fantasy musical titled Give My Regards to Broad Street.

Gene, being Gene, hustled to get an interview with McCartney for the Chicago Tribune.

And Gene, again being Gene, started their conversation by telling McCartney he didn't

like his film.

I don't know.

I don't think you know what to do.

It's just disappointing you don't like it.

You happen to be a heavy critic.

You know, you're handy if you like it.

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