Skyline: Chicago 4--City in a Garden: Parks and Plans

No longer "slaughterhouse to the world," Chicago is attempting to upgrade its image with this architecturally-themed series (see Michigan Avenue: From Museums to the Miracle Mile [VL-1/95]), emphasizing the style and cosmopolitan design of the city. City in a Garden looks at the unusual layout of the parks system, which is spread around the borders of the city. This well-researched documentary examines the history of the parks using snippets of old footage of the city, along with interviews with leading local architects, planners and historians who lend an academic air to the colorful and complicated history of the system. Quality filmmaking and an excellent script make the presentation both entertaining and enlightening. Yet, while it may inspire an armchair traveler or two, ultimately, this is best suited for those already in the Windy City. Aud: C, P. (E. Druda)