Spring Film Discussion Series:
April 15 to June 10
NOTE: Films are on alternate WEDNESDAYS, 1:00 pm—4:00 pm. Please arrive on time and stay for discussion of the films. All these MOVIES are NEW to this group.
April 15:
Stand By Me (1986)
Coming-of- age film directed by Rob Reiner, this classic based on a Stephen King novella stars Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, and the promising young star River Phoenix, who died at 23. It is about four young boys who go in search of a body, and was nominated for many awards. I loved this film when it came out and upon seeing it again!
Stand By Me (1986)
Coming-of- age film directed by Rob Reiner, this classic based on a Stephen King novella stars Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, and the promising young star River Phoenix, who died at 23. It is about four young boys who go in search of a body, and was nominated for many awards. I loved this film when it came out and upon seeing it again!
April 29: Samson and Delilah (1949)
I was thrilled by this epic when it first came out, and still wonder at seeing Samson get his revenge on the evil Philistines. Watch Samson slay 1,000 enemies with the jawbone of an ass! Watch the most beautiful woman ever in film (Hedy Lamarr, also the most intelligent) betray Samson and later help him triumph! This is, I believe, Cecil B. DeMille’s greatest film!
May 13: The Trojan Women (1971)
Magnificent filming of Euripides’ Greek tragedy of the 5th century BC, it stars Katharine Hepburn as Queen Hecuba; Vanessa Redgrave as Adromache, Hector’s widow; Genevieve Bujold as Cassandra; and Irene Papas as Helen. The defeated Trojan wives are taken to Greece as slaves of the Greek captains. The saddest tragedy of all time—but one of the best!
May 27: Walk the Line (2005)
I became a great fan of Johnny Cash after watching Ken Burns’ series on Country Music; I bought his record “At Folsom Prison.” Although never imprisoned himself, Cash was a champion of the downtrodden. Reese Witherspoon won an Academy Award as June Carter Cash and Joaquin Phoenix is terrific as Johnny Cash in this superb biopic. See it, or see it again!
June 10: The Man Between (1953)
James Mason is at his romantic best and Claire Bloom and Hildegard Neff at their most beautiful in this film-noir thriller from Carol Reed. It concerns espionage and mystery in East and West Berlin, before the Wall was built. Claire Bloom visits her brother in West Berlin and tumbles into plots and counterplots which mean life and death. I love this film as much as when I first saw it as a teen!
Movies previously viewed and discussed:
March 2:
The Prince of Tides (1986) March 2: The Prince of Tides (1986) This movie by and starring Barbra Streisand, with Nick Nolte superb as its protagonist, cannot begin to do justice to Pat Conroy’s finest novel. Nonetheless, it was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is worth seeing for Nolte’s performance alone. Read the book for Conroy’s magnificent poetic prose! |
February 17:
The Great Santini (1979) Autobiographical novel about the abuse of Pat Conroy and his siblings and mother by his Marine fighter pilot father. I have been re-reading all the books of and about Conroy, as he is my favorite writer and personality. Come see the movie and become acquainted with the greatest writer of our time—and then read the book. |
February 3:
Jean Anouilh's Antigone (1974) This is a new version of the classic tragedy by Sophocles. Antigone is a young daughter of Oedipus the King, who is deceased. Her two brothers, Polynices and Eteocles have killed each other fighting for the throne of Thebes. Creon, the new king and uncle of Antigone, has Eteocles buried with honors but refuses to have Polynices buried. Antigone, betrothed to Haemon, Creon’s son, goes against the law of Creon. Will he have her killed for her disobedience? |
January 20:
All Is True (2018) Starring Kenneth Branagh as Shakespeare and Judi Dench as his wife, this movie tells the fictional tale of the great playwright’s retirement years back in Stratford. His wife Anne Hathaway thinks of him as a stranger because he has neglected his family for so long, with his career in London. Can he finally come to terms with the death of his only son and the talent of the daughter he barely knows? Also starring Ian McKellan as the Earl of Southhampton, Shakespeare’s patron, who thinks himself better than the common Will. Wonderful!!! |
January 6:
Tootsie (1982) Considered by the American Film Institute our second greatest comedy, this women’s empowerment movie stars Dustin Hoffman as a female impersonator determined to get an acting job when he could not succeed as a man. Jessica Lange won an Oscar as the woman he loves who thinks that he is also a woman. It was nominated for ten Academy Awards, and is an absolute joy! |
December 16:
The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017) Guess who! Before this man, Christmas was no big deal and hardly celebrated at all. After his astonishing book, A Christmas Carol, it became the year-round extravaganza known to us. Meet Charles Dickens (Dan Stevens) and Ebenezer Scrooge (Christopher Plummer) in the most famous Christmas tale of modern times. A sheer delight, as the agony and ecstasy of writing comes to life before our eyes! Although Dickens was baptized and reared in the Church of England and was a nominal Anglican for most of his life, he turned to Unitarianism in the 1840s as a Broad Church alternative. He associated with Unitarians until the end of his life. |
December 2:
On the Basis of Sex (2018) Felicity Jones stars as the young Ruth Bader Ginsburg arguing her first law case, defending a man who wants the same tax rights as a “widow or divorcee whose spouse is incapacitated or institutionalized.” Since the man was a bachelor hiring a nurse to take care of his mother, he did not qualify. Ruth got the ACLU to help her, and she won her case. Inspiring and thrilling! |
November 18:
At Eternity's Gate (2018) A different, spiritual take on the life and death of great artist, Vincent van Gogh. Willem Dafoe won many awards and nominations in the starring role, with Oscar Isaac as Paul Gauguin. According to the latest theory, Van Gogh did not commit suicide, but was accidentally killed. |
November 4:
The Wife (2017) Glenn Close was expected to win her long-awaited Academy Award as the wife of a Nobel-prize winning writer—but she didn’t. Her reward as a brilliant-but-forgotten wife of a mediocre man was equally not forthcoming. This is a great story which will reward YOU with its tale of loyalty that was perhaps misplaced. See it if you are truly a feminist! |
October 7:
Green Book (2018) This is the first Academy Award winner in many years that I actually agreed with! Starring Oscar winner Mahershala Ali and nominee Viggo Mortensen, it is about a trip through the segregated South by a black classical musician and his semi-literate white driver. Blacks were only permitted to sleep at seedy motels listed in the “Green Book,” but nonetheless both incompatible men became fast friends. This is one of the best films of recent years! |
September 30:
BlacKkKlansman (2018) This superb true story is about a black cop who actually infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan back in the ‘70’s. He contacted them by phone, using his “white voice,” and then meeting with Klan leader David Duke using a proxy white buddy. The film was nominated for 6 Academy Awards and won for Best Adapted Screenplay by Spike Lee. Starring John David Washington, son of Denzell, this is a thriller not to be missed! |
September 18:
Once Upon a Mattress (2005) Starring Carol Burnett, with Tracey Ullman in Burnett’s original role. Based on “The Princess and the Pea,” this is a comic delight! Music by Mary Rodgers. |
September 11:
De-Lovely (2004) Starring Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd, this is the “true” story of great American composer, Cole Porter. Like Irving Berlin, he wrote both words and music for his classic songs. Cole, “You’re the Top!” |
September 4:
Everyone Says I Love You (1996) This adorable Woody Allen film has stars singing in their own voices: Julia Roberts, Goldie Hawn, Robert Alda, Drew Barrymore, Ed Norton, Tim Roth, Natasha Lyonne, and Natalie Portman. I love it! |
August 28:
The Phantom of the Opera (2004) Beautifully filmed version of one of Broadway’s longest-running musicals, it stars Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum, with gorgeous music by Andrew Lloyd-Webber. |
August 21:
Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980) Sissy Spacek won an Academy Award playing Loretta Lynn in this highly acclaimed biopic. With Tommy Lee Jones as her husband “Doo” and Beverly D’Angelo as her friend Patsy Cline. |
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August 7:
Roberta (1935) Enjoy Jerome Kern’s wonderful musical starring Irene Dunne, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Randolph Scott. Don’t let “smoke get in your eyes” but rush to our theatre for this timeless treat! |
August 14:
Sweet Dreams (1985) Jessica Lange stars as my favorite country singer, Patsy Cline, with Patsy’s actual voice. A beautiful but ultimately tragic story. Ed Harris plays her husband, Charlie Dick. (You’d be Crazy to miss it!) |
July 24:
Billy Elliot, the Musical Live (2014) With music by Elton John, the beloved movie is brought to life on the stage. It stars Elliott Hanna as Billy, a boy who wants to be a dancer but whose father insists he become a boxer. |
July 31:
Camelot (2007) Lerner and Lowe’s gorgeous musical on stage, starring Richard Harris as King Arthur. Experience the “one brief shining moment” that was known as Camelot! (147 minutes long) |
July 17:
Till the Clouds Roll By (1946) The musical life of one of my favorite composers, Jerome Kern. Its many stars include Robert Walker, Kathryn Grayson, June Allyson, Tony Martin, Judy Garland, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne… |
July 10:
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1999) Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice present this biblical story, starring Donny Osmond. Go, go, go Joseph! We love you and your comical musical. |
June 19:
Something New (2006) Kenya McQueen is a beautiful, single black woman who has sacrificed romance for her career as a CPA. On a blind date, she is blindsided to discover that her date is a white man of considerable charm; she leaves immediately. Later, she gets to know (and love) this man as he does some landscaping for her. But should she marry him or a preferable black man? Guess! |
July 3:
Love Me Tonight (1932) Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald star in Rodgers and Hart’s first film, called by Leonard Maltin “One of the best musicals ever made.” Isn’t it romantic? It surely is! |
June 5:
Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018) Relive your childhood, or that of your children, with this visit from Fred Rogers in this “highest-grossing biographical documentary of all time.” Mr. Rogers taught all the lessons of morality and kindness that we wish everyone lived by. Universal critical acclaim and audience appeal. |
May 22:
Paper Clips (2004) Documentary about a middle school class in rural Tennessee that attempts to collect six million paper clips, to represent the 6,000,000 Jews killed in the Holocaust. They manage to collect over 25 million paper clips, from around the world. In addition, Holocaust survivors come to speak to them, and a freight car actually used by Germany is sent to the school. Another inspiring story about history and empathy. |
April 24:
The Big Sick (2017) The true story of an inter-ethnic marriage between Kumail Nanjiani (who stars) and Emily V. Gordon. It is a comedy about a Pakistani young man who falls in love with a white American woman, against the wishes of his parents; when the woman falls sick he forms a relationship with her parents, Holly Hunter and Ray Romano. Critically acclaimed, it is a joy to watch! |
May 8:
Breathe (2017) This true story is about a really big sick; Robin Cavendish, brilliantly portrayed by Andrew Garfield, falls victim to polio when he is 28. It leaves him a permanent quadriplegic who cannot breathe without a respirator or move below the neck. How he, with his loving wife (Claire Foy), manages to make a success of his life makes us count our blessings. A great, inspiring film! |
April 10:
Love, Simon (2018) This highly-acclaimed teen romance, or coming-of-age story about a gay young boy, is the first movie of its kind. “Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of A+.” Simon finally discovers who his secret lover is in this “highly charming crowd pleaser” that is “funny, warm-hearted, and life-affirming.” It stars Nick Robinson as high school boy Simon. |
March 27:
Religulous (2008) WARNING: This “Hellishly hilarious! (Peter Travers) Bill Maher mockumentary has been called, “One of the funniest and most offensive documentaries ever made” (New York Post). It skewers religion as only Bill Maher can, and no religion escapes its satire. Be wary of attending if you don’t have an open mind about religion! |
March 18:
Shirley Valentine (1989) Let us revisit this bored British housewife who talks to walls because she lacks more interesting companions. She takes a trip to Greece where she discovers a new life, romance, and a reason for living on a beautiful, sunshine-filled island. Will she ever return to drab Liverpool? Will she return to her ordinary-guy husband? Starring the magnificent Pauline Collins, with Tom Conti as her new Greek lover. Come with me to discover The Greek Mystique! |
March 4:
Cry, the Beloved Country (1995) This is the second film of the classic book about race relations in South Africa. It was released when apartheid was overthrown and Nelson Mandela was freed after 27 years in prison and became President of his country. Starring James Earl Jones and Richard Harris, this moving story shows how a bigoted white father learns from his murdered activist son’s writings that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Alan Paton wrote this great tribute to the equality of all people in 1946. I named it as the most significant book of the 20th century. (This is a NEW DVD, which replaces the flawed one we tried to show last summer.) |
February 18:
The Eddy Duchin Story (1956) This biopic of the band leader and pianist Eddy Duchin contains the glorious piano music (played by Carmen Cavallaro) and the sad life story of Eddy Duchin. Starring Tyrone Power and Kim Novack, we visit an earlier era of World War II and glamour. If you miss the music of our own lives, don’t miss this touching movie. |
January 21:
The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming! (1966) A small island off the coast of Massachusetts is in panic mode as a Soviet submarine runs aground on a sandbar nearby. See Carl Reiner, Eva Marie Saint, Brian Keith, and Jonathan Winters try to cope with Russian captains Alan Arkin and Theodore Bikel as they come ashore. Hilarious, and very timely! |
January 7:
The Defiant Ones (1958) Nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Actor for both Sidney Poitier and Tony Curtis, this is the gripping story of two escaped prisoners, one black, one white, shackled together and filled with hate for each other. See how they manage to outrun bloodhounds and angry guards in the bigoted American South, forced unwillingly to cooperate. A great classic! |
December 17:
Miss Potter (2006) The story of beloved children’s author (Peter Rabbit) Beatrix Potter, stars Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor. See her difficulties in getting published and getting married. The farm she bought eventually became a National Park in Northwest England. Enjoy this Christmas treat! |
December 3:
A Man Called Ove (2015) Based on a best seller, Ove (Rolf Lassgard) is a man who think his time on earth is about to expire because his wife has died. However, by helping his neighbors he finds new meaning, and he is loved by all who really know him. Not to be missed! |
November 19:
Hidden Figures (2016) This biographical drama tells the true story of three black women who worked for NASA during the early space race and helped launch John Glenn into orbit around the earth. Stars are Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, and Kevin Costner. An important milestone! |
November 5:
Murder on the Orient Express (1974) I chose the earlier, better version of this Agatha Christie mystery, which seemed more convincing to me than the remake. All-star cast includes Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Martin Balsam, Sean Connery, Vanessa Redgrave, John Gielgud, Jacqueline Bisset, Anthony Perkins, and Oscar winner Ingrid Bergman. I truly enjoyed this film and think you will, too! |
October 22:
Marshall (2017) This true courtroom drama depicts an early trial presided over by Thurgood Marshall, the first black lawyer who became a Supreme Court Justice. It involves a charge against a black man who supposedly raped a white woman. Marshall had to face racial prejudice himself in trying to defend his client. Superb drama, starring Chadwick Boseman, Kate Hudson, & James Cromwell. |
October 8:
High Noon More than just a western (it ranks #2 on AFI’s Best Westerns list), it is also an allegory about HUAC, the House Un-American Activities Committee. I have just read the excellent book about the making of this film and the hardships involved for its writer, Carl Foreman, and producer Stanley Kramer. Stars include Academy Award winner Gary Cooper as the paragon of courage in a cowardly town, and Grace Kelly, Katy Jurado, Thomas Mitchell, and Lloyd Bridges. |
September 24:
Witness for the Prosecution Why would a loving wife become a witness for the prosecution in her husband’s murder trial? One of the best courtroom dramas of all time, this Agatha Christie thriller stars Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, and an adorable Charles Laughton and his wife Elsa Lanchester. (This was Power’s last role before his death at age 44.) 100% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. |
September 12:
Cry, the Beloved Country I named this as the best book of the 20th century. The movie, starring James Earl Jones and Richard Harris, is not perfect but still very moving and important as an anti-apartheid statement that shows the power of forgiveness. I wrote a “musical version” as I loved it so much! Not to be missed. |
September 5:
Much Ado About Nothing One of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies is the best rendition of a Shakespeare play ever brought to the screen! Starring Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson, you will be delighted and thrilled by this hilarious and brilliantly conceived story. |
August 29: No meeting
August 22:
Tiger Bay: My Number Two favorite, Hayley Mills stars as a young girl who runs off with a murderer, Horst Buchholz. Her dad, John Mills, tries to get her to betray her new friend. Captivating! |
August 15:
Avalon: This is the remarkable story of MY life and that of my family! The similarities are astonishing in this highly-acclaimed film by Barry Levinson, starring Armin Mueller-Stahl, Joan Plowright, Aidan Quinn, Elizabeth Perkins, and the adorable little boy, Elijah Wood. |
August 8:
Cinema Paradiso: (Italian, with subtitles) Another of my favorite films (tied for Number One) that depicts the life of a cinema director from childhood to middle age. Shows the magic of movies and the emotional trauma of lost love. What precious gift is the filmmaker given that moves us all to tears? The best ending in film! |
August 1:
A Passage to India: My Number One favorite film (along with two others)! An Indian man is charged with rape, but is he guilty? Find out in this psychological thriller starring Judy Davis, Victor Banerjee, and Academy Award winner Peggy Ashcroft. Gorgeous cinematography! |
July 25:
TransAmerica: Transgender Felicity Huffman takes a road trip with the boy who does not know she is his father. Great performance by Huffman and brilliant plotting of a powerful story. |
July 18:
The Mark of Zorro: My childhood favorite, I have seen it countless times and never tire of the swordplay and romance! Zorro is the original superhero! Starring Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell, and Basil Rathbone, at their best in 1940. |
July 11: Butterfly: One of the best foreign films ever made, tells the tender story of a shy boy and his teacher during the Spanish revolution. How important is friendship and loyalty? In Spanish, with English subtitles.
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July 4: “1776”: The Tony-winning musical about our nation’s founding, with William Daniels as John Adams, Howard Da Silva as Benjamin Franklin, and Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson. Inspiring and thrilling, with brilliant lyrics. Bears repeat viewings!
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June 27: Hans Christian Andersen:
A beloved film from the ‘50s starring Danny Kaye and ballerina Jeanmaire. The great storyteller falls in love with a ballerina, but can his love prevail? Songs “Inchworm,” “Anywhere I Wander,” and others. Nominated for 6 Oscars. |
June 13: Quartet (2012)
Time for an encore of this wonderful film about retired professional musicians who wish to stage a musical performance of Giuseppe Verde’s Rigoletto. With Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins, Tom Courtenay and Michael Gambon, this film is a pure delight! |
May 30:
Immortal Beloved (1994) I was overwhelmed by the beauty and power of this film about Beethoven and his obsession with music and love. The music alone will blow you away, but the acting by Gary Oldman as the suffering Beethoven deserves an Academy Award. The audience is left guessing, just who is this "immortal beloved" to whom Beethoven left his entire estate, music, and papers? |
May 16: Wilde (1997)
The witty and brilliant Oscar Wilde met a tragic end when his trial convicted him of "gross indecency" because of his affair with Lord Alfred ("Bosie") Douglas. With Jude Law as Bosie, Jennifer Ehle as his wife, Constance, Vanessa Redgrave as his mother, Lady Wilde, and starring the flawless Stephen Fry as Oscar Wilde, this film takes us back to the days of Wilde's glory and defeat. This is a heartbreaking, magnificent rendition of the cruel laws of the late 19th century. |