When Jeff Santo’s 86-minute documentary about his father Ron Santo ended during a sneak preview at a Cubs convention at the Hilton in January, the SRO crowd of more than 1,000 gave it a standing ovation.
“This Old Cub” premieres March 24 as a benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at the Chicago Historical Society. The film opens March 26 at select theatres in Chicago and Arizona, distributed by Emerging Pictures. Ron Santo will be guest of honor at the screening.
The documentary covering Santo’s recovery, rehabilitation and return to the WGN broadcasting booth was directed by Jeff Santo, an L.A. screenwriter and filmmaker, and co-written with Tim Comstock. Die-hard Cubs fan Joe Mantegna co-produced and narrated it.
It was shot over nine months as Santo recovered from the amputation of his second leg due to complications from diabetes, his lifelong nemesis. His hospital time and rehab is intercut with clips from Santo’s 13 years (1960-1973) with the Cubs, along with interviews with players, actors and broadcasters, how influential he was to them, and how he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
Only 300 tickets at $250 are available exclusively through JDRF. For reservations call 312/670-0313, ext. 103; see www.thisoldcub.com.
