Series features Hitchcock, Capra, Ford, Siodmak
The “Every Thursday in February” Film Series at the Waupaca Area Public Library will feature four classic movies based on famous short stories.
All films will be screened at 1:30 p.m. in the library’s lower level.
The library will have copies of the original short story for each film available at the desk. Every movie will be introduced by Dr. Jack Rhodes, who will provide a few insights into the process of converting the printed story to the big screen.
Feb. 4: “Rear Window” is Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 suspense film based on Cornell Woolrich’s, “It Had to Be Murder.” The movie stars James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Thelma Ritter, and Raymond Burr and tells the tale of a recuperating photojournalist who believes he has witnessed a murder across his New York City courtyard.
Feb. 11: “It Happened One Night” is one of the most honored films in Hollywood history. Directed by by Frank Capra, this 1934 comedy collected Oscars for best picture, director, actor, actress and screenwriter. The film is derived from the story “Night Bus” by Samuel Hopkins Adams. Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly and Ward Bond star.
Feb. 18: “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” is considered by critics to be the last truly great Western directed by the legendary John Ford. The 1962 movie, based on the story of the same name by Dorothy M. Johnson, concerns a young lawyer who goes west to seek fame and fortune and lands in the midst of a struggle for the statehood of the Colorado Territory. James Stewart and John Wayne have the lead roles, with strong support from Vera Miles, Andy Devine, and Lee Marvin as the dastardly gunslinger Liberty Valance. Edmond O’Brien plays the editor of the small town newspaper.
Feb. 25: “The Killers” is director Robert Siodmak’s 1946 film noir adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s story of the same title. Actor Edmond O’Brien plays the insurance investigator who tries to unravel the mystery behind the death of a policyholder and falls into a web of deceit and double-crosses. Notable for being the movie debut of Burt Lancaster, the cast includes Ava Gardner, William Conrad and Charles McGraw.
No reservations are necessary. Complimentary popcorn, sodas and theater treats will be provided. For more information, call the library at 715-258-4414