ROBBIE HOUSE—In support of the new film Birds of Prey, Hyde Park’s Robbie House is papering its walls and social media pages with promotional material. Margot Robbie, who produced the film and stars in it as Harley Quinn, a fictional character who is not real, has long been vocal about championing female voices both in front of and behind the camera, and her house, a U.S. National Historic Landmark, is no different.
“Margot was very clear that this picture is one she wanted us to promote as much as we possibly could,” said Manager for Guest Relations Karen Chiamesco, 54. Clad in roller skates and gold overalls zipped up over a neon pink bra, she noted that the house often advertises its owner’s films and projects. “The house wore this great pin-striped suit for Wolf Of Wall Street, and it even went red last year for Mary, Queen of Scots. We have a great staff of volunteers who help us source era-appropriate furniture and wigs and things for all the films.”
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The Robbie House, known as one of the foremost examples of the Prairie School architectural style and one of the top commenters on r/bombshellmovie, has a storied reputation to uphold. “Margot’s is a legacy we’re very protective of,” admitted Chicamesco, walking up a stairway littered with DC comics. “She doesn’t live here, of course, but this house is for and about her, which is why everything has to be exactly right.”
“I would like to thank my house, which I do not live in, for expressing support for my latest film, Birds of Prey,” said Margot Robbie in a statement, continuing on to say “(and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). I am a known actress and I am from Australia. I have never been to the horrible state of Illinois and I don’t like thick pizzas, but the support of my house about the film means a great deal. Thank you very much.”
“I don’t know if this pivot to Margot Robbie was the right move,” said Board of Directors member Kyle Smithe, 72. “Personally, I think the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Robie House was exciting just on its own merit.” Dusting a fleck of glitter off his commemorative Goodbye Christopher Robin sweater, he smiled resignedly. “But let the young people have it their way.”
