Four classic movies to be screened
The First Thursday Film Series, featuring commentary by Dr. Jack Rhodes, will return with the classic western Winchester ‘73 at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, in the lower level of the Waupaca Area Public Library.
Patrons of the series should note that this movie will actually be screened on the second Thursday of September, so that the series will commence after the Labor Day holiday rather than before. The remaining three films will be shown on the traditional First Thursday of each month.
Complimentary popcorn, soft drinks and theater treats will be provided at all movies in the series. All programs begin at 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 8: Winchester ‘73 (Universal, 1950) is the film most often credited with revitalizing audience interest in the western genre in the postwar years. The script focuses on the drama behind a prime example of the finest Winchester rifle, as it changes hands across the landscape of the Old West. Directed by Anthony Mann, in the first of his collaborations with star James Stewart, the movie also features memorable performances by Shelley Winters, Dan Duryea and, in an offbeat interpretation of the real-life marshal of Dodge City, Will Geer as Wyatt Earp.
Oct. 6: North by Northwest (MGM, 1959) is one of the most popular and fast-moving entertainments ever directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Cary Grant stars in this exciting tale of of mistaken identity, murder, and Cold War espionage. Also in the strong supporting cast are Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Leo G. Carroll and Martin Landau. The movie will be shown during this particular month in homage to its scenes involving Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, since the famous national monument will celebrate 75 years since its dedication on Oct. 31, 1941.
Nov. 3: Wake Island (Paramount, 1942) recounts the fate of the island’s beleaguered American defenders in the immediate aftermath of Pearl Harbor. Directed by John Farrow, the virtually all-male cast includes Robert Preston, Brian Donlevy, Macdonald Carey, and William Bendix, who received an Oscar nomination for his role. This movie, produced under wartime conditions and released just a few months after the events it depicts, will be shown in honor of all veterans of U.S. military service and has been selected in commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor 75 years ago on Dec. 7, 1941.
Dec. 1: Miracle on 34th Street (20th Century Fox, 1947) is a perennial Christmas favorite which asks audience members to examine their belief in Santa Claus. The fine cast directed by George Seaton includes Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood and an Oscar-winning performance by Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. According to Rhodes, the film, though no doubt frequently seen in the past by most library patrons, deserves repeated viewings and cleverly captures the spirit of the holidays.
For more information, call the library at 715-258-4414 for additional information. No reservations are needed.