FRED ZINNEMANN CLASSICS
Fred who? High Noon, From Here to Eternity Fred, that’s who! Immensely successful during his lengthy career, but largely neglected in recent years, director Fred Zinnemann created a superlative body of work that excels in powerful emotions, excellent acting, literate, mature scripts and meticulous production values. In short, he was a class act all the way, and this enormously entertaining course gives him the retrospective tribute he richly deserves. Don Anderson will enhance your enjoyment of the films with extensive background information, including absorbing interviews and numerous excerpts from Zinnemann’s autobiography.
The Search (1948): This deeply moving drama follows a Czech boy’s search for his mother in the rubble of post-second-world-war Germany. Eleven-year-old Ivan Jandl received a special outstanding juvenile performance Oscar for this film, and Montgomery Clift made his screen debut as a kindly American soldier who helps him. It brought Zinnemann the first of his seven nominations for the best director Oscar.
High Noon (1952): On his wedding day, the principled marshal of a small western town (Gary Cooper) must face a gang of vengeful outlaws without help from the people he protects, in this heart-pounding suspense classic. Co-starring Grace Kelly and Lloyd Bridges, it won four Oscars, including best actor for Cooper.
From Here to Eternity (1953): This searing drama focuses on a group of American soldiers, stationed in Hawaii, leading up to the Pearl Harbour attack. The stellar cast includes Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, Frank Sinatra (supporting actor Oscar), and Donna Reed (supporting actress). It received 13 Oscar nominations and won eight, including picture and director.
A Man for All Seasons (1966): Sixteenth-century English statesman Sir Thomas More wrestles with his conscience as King Henry VIII pressures him to approve the king’s divorce. Paul Scofield’s towering lead performance won an Oscar, and the film received five additional Oscars including picture and director. The exceptional cast includes Wendy Hiller, Susanna York, Robert Shaw, John Hurt, Leo McKern and Orson Welles.
The Day of the Jackal (1973): Zinnemann’s gripping, semi-documentary-style suspense drama details the intricacies of a plot to assassinate French president Charles de Gaulle. Edward Fox stars as The Jackal, an exceptionally resourceful and determined hit man.
Julia (1977): Based on renowned author Lillian Hellmann’s book of character sketches, this compelling drama follows her relationship with a childhood friend who draws her into a dangerous political mission to Europe on the brink of the Second World War. Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave head the cast. The film received 11 Oscar nominations, including picture and director, and it won for supporting actress (Redgrave), supporting actor (Jason Robards), and adapted screenplay.
Six Tuesdays, Oct 24 to Nov 28, 2017
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Fee: $100
This course takes place in the Community Classroom at McNally Robinson Booksellers, 1120 Grant Ave. To register, please call 204 475 0483, drop by the store, or log on to www.mcnallyrobinson.com and click on Community Classroom. Please note that contents, fees and dates are subject to change.
