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Dead to Rights

By chicago_chris in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 4, 2004 8:09PM

2004_6_gov_ryan.jpgIf all the Harry Potter screenings tonight are already sold-out, how about a nice socially relevant documentary instead? Chicagoist knows what you’re thinking: a hard-hitting expose about the death penalty in Illinois probably won’t be as much fun as watching attractive tweens perform magic. But Deadline, screening this week at the Gene Siskel Film Center, tells an important story, one oft-repeated by the Trib: how the research of some diligent Northwestern students stopped our state from (whoops!) executing innocent people. As an exciting added bonus, “filmmakers and participants” are promised “in person everyday,” so expect there to be someone to answer your questions when the lights come up. Also, former governor George Ryan – a Nobel Peace Prize nominee for his work on this issue, not for truckers’ licenses – will be in attendance tonight, while legal author Scott Turow – fresh off of being ranked third in New City’s list of local literary giants – will make an appearance June 7.