The Movie Club

We will be breaking all the rules this semester because WE CAN!!
We will screen our first movie released in the 2000’s and our first foreign film.

September 15th – Lost Horizon (1937)
The legendary story of Shangri-La was directed and produced by Frank Capra, and stars Ronald Colman and Jane Wyatt. This dvd is a copy of the newly restored and remastered version, and adds cut scenes and features an alternate ending. At times, stills are substituted for missing footage.

September 22nd – La La Land (2016)
How many times have we said, “they don’t make movies like that anymore.”? Well every once in a while, they do. Described as, “sheer cinematic bliss,” La La Land is a homage to movies of the past, and utilizes joyful music, Oscar-winning cinematography and exquisite color. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone (who won Best Actress) star in this gem.

September 29th – Islands in the Stream (1977)
George C. Scott stars as a character based on Hemingway in this overlooked drama that takes place in the Bahamas in the 1940’s. Though the acting by Scott, Claire Bloom, and David Hemmings is stellar, the nod for Best Cinematography was its only nomination and it disappeared quickly after opening.

October 6th – Starting Over (1979)
Wonderful Jill Clayburgh and Candice Bergen were both nominated for Oscars for this comedy about – what else – divorce. Burt Reynolds is a recently divorced writer who can’t seem to let go of his past while being set up on blind dates.

October 13th – I Found Stella Parish (1935)
Kay Francis was THE Queen of Warner Brothers in the 1930’s but is forgotten now. She was never nominated for an Oscar, yet she was incredibly popular with movie audiences – not only for her onscreen poise – but also for her amazing wardrobe. At a time when women characters were center stage, strong and independent, Francis was the epitome of the modern woman. 

October 20th – Favorite Movies Week
For this week, Susan is taking the reins. I ask that each of you make a list of your 5 favorite movies – absolutely any decade, any year – and tell us why you love them.

October 27th – Beauty and the Beast  – La belle et la bete (1946)
Directed by French poet, painter, playwright, novelist and actor, Jean Cocteau, Beauty and The Beast is a cinematic step into a fairytale. The special effects – long before computers – along with the set design and makeup are mesmerizing. The story endures of course even as a (ugh) Disney animation feature.

November 3rd –  Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993)
Director Woody Allen and Diane Keaton team up again for a mystery about a healthy older neighbor who according to her husband, suddenly has died of a heart attack….or did she? Keaton is convinced it’s murder and along with Alan Alda, and a very funny Anjelica Huston, she vows to investigate.