Roger Ebert Tribute: 30 Years At The Movies With Roger Ebert
Jan 24, 2005
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1975
Roger Ebert wins the Pulitzer Prize for film criticism, the
first Pulitzer awarded in that category.
Producer Thea Flaum of PBS affiliate WTTW-TV in Chicago develops an idea for the original series, “Opening Soon at a Theater Near You.” The show, starring Mr. Ebert and Gene Siskel, is broadcast once a month to a local Chicago audience.
1978
The show is renamed “Sneak Previews” and moves to PBS, where it airs biweekly.
1979
“Sneak Previews” wins a local Emmy. It airs in more than 180 markets and is the highest-rated entertainment show in the history of public broadcasting.
1981
Mr. Ebert and Mr. Siskel quit the PBS show and launch “At the Movies,” a similar series syndicated by Tribune Entertainment.
1984
“At the Movies” is nominated for an Emmy in the category of outstanding informational series. It’s the first of six Emmy nominations for the critics’ work.
Mr. Siskel and Mr. Ebert are among the first broadcasters initiated into the National Association of Television Program Executives Hall of Fame.
1986
The two stars depart “At the Movies” to start a new series for Buena Vista Television, “Siskel & Ebert & the Movies.” The title is eventually shortened to “Siskel & Ebert.” At Mr. Ebert’s suggestion, the show institutes the thumbs up/thumbs down rating system, which soon becomes a trademark.
1989
As a tribute to black-and-white cinematography, an installment of the show tapes in black-and-white, the first new syndicated program to do so in 25 years.
1992
The show’s thumbs up review of “One False Move” is credited with turning the film into a box office success.
1993
Sparks fly when an angry Mr. Ebert takes exception to Mr. Siskel’s revelation of a significant plot twist in the film “The Crying Game.”
The Hollywood Radio & Television Society names the two stars Men of the Year.
1995
Part of Chicago’s downtown Erie Street is renamed Siskel & Ebert Way.
1998
Mr. Siskel undergoes surgery for brain cancer.
1999
Mr. Siskel dies at age 53.
Roger Ebert hosts the show with various guest critics.
2000
Chicago Sun-Times columnist Richard Roeper becomes permanent co-host of “Ebert & Roeper and the Movies.”
2001
Show title is shortened to “Ebert & Roeper.”
Mr. Ebert wins a DVD Exclusive award for his audio commentary on the Warner Bros. DVD release of “Citizen Kane.”
2003
The American Society of Cinematographers honors Mr. Ebert with an award for special achievement, its first such award for a film critic.