Quaker family responds to Civil War

The 1956 film classic, “Friendly Persuasion,” starring Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire as a Quaker couple in Civil War Indiana, will be the final entry in the 2017-18 First Thursday Film Series.

The movie will be shown at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at the Waupaca Area Public Library.

Dr. Jack Rhodes will introduce the picture. Complimentary popcorn, sodas and theater treats will be served.

According to Rhodes, “Friendly Persuasion” tells the story of Jess and Eliza Birdwell, their three children, their neighbors and their congregation of the Society of Friends, as they all face the realities of the Civil War in 1862.

The movie, says Rhodes, strikes a delicate balance between its humorous and disarming episodes and its rather faithful depiction of the realities of Civil War combat.

Each member of the Birdwell family must ultimately decide how to respond to the armed violence that threatens the family’s faith and lifestyle.

Rhodes said the movie was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Song, and Best Supporting Actor for Anthony Perkins, in his first film role, as the family’s conscience-torn elder son.

The film was directed by William Wyler and based on the 1945 book of the same name by Jessamyn West, who worked as a technical adviser on the production.

As is customary with this film series, the May movie will be shown in honor and in memory of veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

For more information, call the library at 715-258-4414.