MOVIES ON THE BIG SCREEN

Sunday Cinema Matinees

3 P.M. in Connie Brown Hall • Also on SPTV Channel 12

THE TURNING POINT (1977)

Sunday, March 12 Shirley MacLaine and Anne Bancroft were both nominated for the Best Actress Oscar for this drama of life in the world of ballet. Two friends go their separate ways, one to continue her dance career and the other to marry and have a family. Years later, fate brings them together again when one of the friend’s daughters has the opportunity to join a ballet troupe. A romantic and moving story of envy, hatred, friendship, triumph and love. Who regrets the path one takes in life? Premier Russian dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov is featured and was nominated for best supporting actor. Ballet fans will appreciate the dance sequences with ballerina Leslie Browne.

LOVING VINCENT (2017)

Sunday, March 26

The last few years of the life of impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh is filmed in the most unusual and colorful way…in animation! A young mailman seeks an answer to the artist’s mysterious death by tracing his last days in the village. He meets the residents and visits locales painted by Van Gogh. These paintings all come to life in brilliant color. Over 6,000 paintings by 100 artists were created for this Oscar-winning animation. Please note—check the Academy of Lifelong Learning schedule for March 20, when Carol Jonson presents on the life of Vincent Van Gogh and the making of this fascinating film.

THE GREAT RACE (1965)

Sunday, April 23

This Blake Edwards comedy starring Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon is a fun follow up to the Academy’s presentation on the historic 1908 car race. Peter Falk and Natalie Wood are also featured in this colorful film that re-creates the world of old-fashioned road races and daredevil stunts. Follow their adventures through the Wild West and Russian steppes; add colorful costumes, magnificent sets, some slapstick humor, a Henry Mancini score and a cast of superb supporting players, for a delightful afternoon.

Monday Night Musicals

7 P.M. in Connie Brown Hall • Also on SPTV Channel 12

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME (1949)

Monday, March 6

March is the opening of the baseball season here in Florida, so it is fitting to present this classic musical this month. The co-stars, Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, guaranteed a huge hit for MGM studios. At the turn of the century, two vaudevillians take to the field for the baseball season. This year there is a surprise for them, a new team owner, and she’s a woman (Esther Williams)! Adding to the mayhem is Edward Arnold as a gambler pressing them to throw the big game. A romp for Kelly and Sinatra, with a score by Betty Comden and Adolph Green.

QUARTET (2012)

Monday, March 20

Perhaps not quite a musical, but a drama with music, is this charming film directed by Dustin Hoffman. A lovely estate in the English countryside is the site of a retirement home for former musicians and performers. The residents stage a yearly gala to raise money for the home. Of course, they are all very talented, but they hope to have a resounding success if they can convince four former opera stars to sing the quartet from Rigoletto. The problem is…the four have good and bad memories of their former relationships. Starring Dame Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly and Michael Gambon.

EASTER PARADE (1948)

Monday, April 17

Fred Astaire plays a Broadway star whose dance partner (Ann Miller) has decided to go solo. He declares he can turn anyone into a hit performer, including chorus girl Hannah (Judy Garland). The story is not much, but it’s the singing, dancing and incredible costumes that make this a feel-good movie and one of the best musicals of the classic era. Watch for Peter Lawford singing and Ann Miller’s superb dancing. Meant to be a Gene Kelly vehicle, Fred Astaire came out of retirement to star when Kelly broke his leg. The film features songs by Irving Berlin.