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Waupaca library to host film series

Weekly movies on Thursdays in February

The Waupaca Area Public Library will host its annual February Film Series beginning with “The Buddy Holly Story” at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6.

Dr. Jack Rhodes will introduce each of the films that run weekly throughout the month.

The theme for this year’s February Series is “Based On Actual Events.”

Each movie, according to Rhodes, is a fictionalized version of American lives that were impacted by factual occurrences in American history. In each case, the screenwriters have taken some liberties with the sequence or significance of the events but have remained true to the spirit of both the characters and the milieu in which the events transpired.

Feb. 6

“The Buddy Holly Story” follows the brief and meteoric career of rock musician Buddy Holly from the early playdates in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas, through his final concert and the tragic plane accident of Feb. 3, 1959.

Gary Busey secured an Oscar nomination for his performance as Holly, and Joe Renzetti won the Oscar for Best Adapted Musical Score for this picture. Don Stroud, Charles Martin Smith and Maria Richwine also star in this 1978 film.

Feb 13

“Abe Lincoln in Illinois” – Raymond Massey repeated his stage role as the future president from Robert Sherwood’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play about the events leading Lincoln from his days in New Salem to his term in the Illinois Legislature and his victory in the 1860 election.

The 1940 film, directed by John Cromwell, tells Lincoln’s story with respect, charm, humor and a degree of foreboding sadness. Ruth Gordon co-stars as Mary Todd Lincoln, while Gene Lockhart plays Abe’s debate adversary, Stephen A. Douglas.

Feb. 20

“The Harvey Girls” – Restaurateur Fred Harvey sealed a compact with officials of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1876 and set about building a chain of Harvey House Restaurants alongside the tracks of westward expansion and continuing well into the 20th century.

The 1946 film, directed by George Sidney, follows the adventures of a small sample of the hundreds of young waitresses who fanned out along the system to staff Harvey’s railside cafes.

Judy Garland, John Hodiak, Ray Bolger, Angela Lansbury and Marjorie Main star in this light Technicolor musical that includes the Oscar-winning song, “On the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe.”

Feb. 27

“San Francisco” – The devastating San Francisco earthquake of 1906 forms the backdrop for this 1936 film of adventure and romance starring Clark Gable, Jeanette MacDonald and Spencer Tracy.

Award-winning sound and special effects heighten the proceedings, all under the direction of W. S. Van Dyke II.

The script by Anita Loos follows an unlikely triangle through events leading up to the catastrophe. Jessie Ralph, Jack Holt and Ted Healy shine in supporting roles.

All films are free and open to the public.

Complimentary popcorn, sodas and theater treats will be served.

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

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