Watch And This Is Free: The Life and Times of Chicago's Legendary Maxwell St.

And This Is Free: The Life and Times of Chicago's Legendary Maxwell St. is a documentary film that takes viewers back to the vibrant and bustling environment of Chicago's Maxwell Street in the mid-20th century. Directed by Jerry Blumenthal, Dan Andries, and Peter Kuttner, the film explores the cultural and social significance of this iconic street market that existed from the early 1900s until its demolition in the 1990s.

The film features interviews with former residents, vendors, musicians, and historians who share their memories and personal experiences of the street. Through their stories, we learn about the diverse communities that made up Maxwell Street, including Jewish, African American, Mexican, Polish, and Italian immigrants. We also see how music played a central role in the street's identity, including the development of Chicago blues and the rise of street musicians like "Little Walter" Jacobs.

And This Is Free paints a vivid picture of the lively atmosphere of Maxwell Street, where merchants sold everything from fresh produce and clothes to secondhand goods and stolen items. The film captures the hustle and bustle of the market, as vendors try to lure in customers with their unique selling techniques, such as hollering, bargaining, and entertaining.

As the film progresses, we see how the changing social and economic landscape of Chicago in the 1950s and 60s had a profound impact on Maxwell Street, leading to increased police repression and the decline of the market. The film also explores the grassroots efforts to preserve the street's cultural heritage, including protests and the establishment of the Maxwell Street Historic Preservation Coalition.

Overall, And This Is Free offers a fascinating look at a key moment in Chicago's history, where diverse communities came together to create a unique and vibrant street culture. Through its rich archival footage, lively music, and interviews with those who lived and worked on Maxwell Street, the film preserves the legacy of this iconic street for future generations.

And This Is Free: The Life and Times of Chicago's Legendary Maxwell St. is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes.