Winter/spring schedule begins Jan. 5

The First Thursday Film Series will continue monthly during 2017 in the lower level of the Waupaca Area Public Library, with a wide variety of classic film genres.

All movies are free and open to the public without advance registration.  All films begin at 1:30 P.M. with a brief commentary by Dr. Jack Rhodes.

Complimentary popcorn, sodas, and theater treats will be provided.

First Thursday schedule

Jan. 5: “Fury” is a 1936 film directed by the German Expressionist Fritz Lang during his American period.

Starring Sylvia Sidney and Spencer Tracy, “Fury” is a dark but absorbing tale of a couple whose lives become consumed by mob violence and the revenge that follows it. Also featured in the large cast are Walter Brennan and Bruce Cabot. The commentary for this film will be presented by guest critic Robert Cloud.

Feb. 2: “Bus Stop” features Marilyn Monroe in her breakthrough role as a serious actress.

The 1956 film, directed by Joshua Logan, derives from the stage play by William Inge about a nightclub singer and a brash rodeo star, played by Don Murray, in an Oscar-nominated performance. They come together in an unlikely romance. Also in the cast are Arthur O’Connell and Hope Lange.

This movie will also serve as the kick-off feature in the library’s popular February Film Series, in which Rhodes presents a movie every Thursday built around a central theme. The title for this year’s February Film Series is “Going Places (for Romance and Adventure).”

March 2: “Driving Miss Daisy’ is the Academy Award winner for Best Picture of 1989.

Directed by Bruce Beresford, the film features an Oscar-winning performance by Jessica Tandy, as well as strong support from Morgan Freeman, Dan Aykroyd and Patti LuPone. It tells the tale, over several decades, of the relationship between a wealthy Georgia woman and her understanding chauffeur.

April 6: “Comanche Station” is a lean, spare, and intriguing Western starring Randolph Scott as a lone rider who traverses the West for years in search of his lost wife, a reported captive of the Comanches.

In this episode of his enduring quest, Scott’s character is joined by Nancy Gates, Claude Akins, Richard Rust and Skip Homeier in a 1960 film directed by master craftsman Budd Boetticher.

May 4: “Casablanca” is a film always on the list as one of the best movies ever made in Hollywood.

Directed by Michael Curtiz, this Best Picture Winner for 1943 includes star performances by Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid and Claude Rains, with able support from Sydney Greenstreet, Conrad Veidt, Peter Lorre, Dooley Wilson and S.Z. Sakall. The movie is a true classic of World War II and will be shown in honor of veterans of all United States Armed Forces.

For more information about this series, the February Film Series, or any other library program, call the library at 715-258-4114.