*** SPOILERS *** SPOILERS *** SPOILERS ***

Liz Crokin | EyeContact
Chicago Tribune
June 18 2007

To the Bat party!

The stars of the next Batman movie came out over the weekend to film scenes for "The Dark Knight" near the Loop. The creatures of the night included Heath Ledger, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Caine and, apparently, Christian Bale. (I was told Bale was there, but he's the only one my spies and I did not spot. Maybe he was in the Bat Cave all night.)

Stars of "The Dark Knight" filmed a scene in an office building at Wacker Drive just east of Michigan Avenue. The Batman crew turned the lobby of the building into Bruce Wayne's (Bale's) posh penthouse apartment.

SPOILER ALERT: In the scene, Wayne throws a fabulous soiree Saturday night with Gotham's most distinguished guests. The champagne is flowing, and everyone seemed to be having a great time—that is, until the Joker busts in. That fool! The Joker whisks away Gyllenhaal as she is kissing Wayne, according to a set source. Meanwhile, Michael Caine, who plays Wayne's butler, Alfred, struts around the bash in a gray suit and with the most appropriate prop: a cane.

In another scene, Batman and the Joker simulate a fall from the top of a high-rise against a green screen, a set source said.


Celeb Sightings

>> Michael Caine strolled down Rush Street on Wednesday afternoon, 13 June 2007.
>> Fellow movie great Harrison Ford attended a dinner at the Four Seasons hotel Thursday night, 14 June 2007.
>> Heath Ledger dined and then played pool with friends at Rockit Bar and Grill on Friday night (15 June 2007) before heading to Underground (Official Site Under Construction).
>> On Friday night, former Cub and current San Diego Padres pitcher Greg Maddux and his coaching staff played pool next to Ledger.