“Never resist an impulse, Sabrina, especially if it’s terrible.” 

An Austrian journalist and screenwriter who had nearly a dozen films under his belt before he was forced to flee the Nazis in 1933, Billy Wilder arrived in the U.S. speaking a mere 300 words in English (he claims), and went on to become one of the most accomplished writer-directors in Hollywood. Known for his skill in working with actors (often casting them successfully against type), and his biting satires of American life, Wilder’s prolific career spanned nearly five decades. Last winter our nine film series was met with such love and enthusiasm by Chicago audiences that beginning in September, we’re giving in to our (hopefully not terrible) impulse to bring you more films by Billy Wilder--either directed or co-written or both.