‘”King of Kings,” the fabulous Jones Brothers (Photo Credit: Freestyle Digital Media).
Award-wining documentary about the boss of Policy, the precursor of the lottery, to enjoy a weeklong run at Harper Court Theater
“King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones,” an award-winning documentary chronicling the life of the legendary Chicago Policy King, begins its official theatrical release today at Harper Court Theater in Hyde Park. The film, directed by European filmmaker Harriet Marin Jones, delves into the rise and fall of Edward Jones, whose Policy business—considered the precursor to the modern lottery—once made him one of the richest men in the United States.
The documentary will screen three times daily at Harper Court Theater, located at 5238 S. Harper Ave., for a week-long run, qualifying it for Oscar consideration in 2025. In addition to the Chicago premiere, the film will have a limited release in Los Angeles starting today.
Edward Jones, often overshadowed by more notorious figures in Chicago’s history, built a $25 million empire during the 1930s and 40s. His influence extended beyond business, as he clashed with Al Capone’s Outfit and supported the African American community during a time of segregation. The film reveals Jones’ complicated legacy, exploring his life from his financial and political prominence to his conflicts with both the mob and federal authorities, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Harriet Marin Jones, who is Edward Jones’ granddaughter, aims to restore her grandfather’s place in history through this documentary.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Since I have been living most of my life in Europe, making this documentary was not only an amazing personal and professional experience, but it also allowed me to plunge into the history of the United States,” said Marin Jones. “As Quincy Jones says in the film, ‘It is so important to know and understand your history, because if you know where you come from, it helps you get where you’re going.’ ”[/perfectpullquote]
Quincy Jones, whose father once worked for Edward Jones, and Debbie Allen serve as executive producers for the film. The theatrical release is being supported by the Obsidian Collection Archives, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing Black history, founded by Chicagoan Angela Ford.
“King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones” has received critical acclaim, winning 25 awards at 30 film festivals around the world. It premiered at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival, earning the prestigious Chicago Award.
The film uses animated sequences and features interviews with Quincy Jones, the late Chicago historian Dr. Timuel Black and others familiar with Jones’ story. Freestyle Digital Media, the digital distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, has acquired the documentary for its release.
With its exploration of love, success, violence, and betrayal against the backdrop of segregation and mob rule, “King of Kings” is not just a history lesson—it’s a gripping story of resilience and legacy.
For More Information
What, When and Where: “King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones,” the untold story of the other Chicago boss who built his $25 million empire from the business known as Policy, will be released on Friday, Sept. 20 at Harper Court Theater (5238 S. Harper Ave.)
What Else: “King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones”will screen at least three times daily for seven consecutive days, which will qualify the film as an Oscar contender in 2025.
For information on showtimes, visit www.fandango.com/king-of-kings-chasing-edward-jones-2024-237456/movie-overview.
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