March 6, 2004
Seven films, highlighting truly American themes and movie heroes, such as Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks, will be presented by the University of Hartford in conjunction with its hosting of “American Originals: Treasures from the National Archives,” an incredible collection of the documents that helped shape America.
The American Originals Film Festival, sponsored by Advest, Inc, will feature:
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, on March 7, Frank Capra’s ode to innocence arriving on Capitol Hill, starring Jimmy Stewart;
Adam’s Rib, on March 14, the classic battle of the sexes featuring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy;
Do the Right Thing, on March 21, Spike Lee’s masterpiece on race relations in America;
Glory, on March 28, about a regiment of black soldiers during the Civil War, with an Oscar-winning performance by Denzel Washington;
Seven Days in May, on April 18, a classic film about democracy hanging in the balance, scripted by Rod Serling and starring Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner;
Schindler’s List, on April 25, Stephen Spielberg’s powerful testament to war and humanity during World War II and the Holocaust; and
Apollo 13, on May 2, an intense view of the risks and rewards of space exploration, starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard.
Movies in the American Originals Film Festival will be shown at 2 p.m. in the University’s Wilde Auditorium, Harry Jack Gray Center, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford.
Following each screening, there will be time for audience discussion of the themes and topics raised in the movies. Leading the discussions will be film maven Kathleen McGrory, past president of Hartford College for Women and current chair of the University’s department of rhetoric, language and culture. A number of special guests will join McGrory for the discussions.
Tickets for individual showings in the American Originals Film Festival are $7 for adults and $5 for students and children. Tickets can be purchased through the University box office by calling 860-768-4228 or 1-800-247-8587.
“American Originals: Treasures from the National Archives,” which showcases rarely seen documents that reveal powerful moments in American history, including the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address notes, Germany’s surrender in World War II, and many more, will be on display in the University’s Museum of American Political Life from February 6 through May 16. “American Originals” in Hartford is made possible by United Technologies Corp.
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