Film @ International House

Outdoor Screenings

Wednesdays in August

(rain or shine)

Paul Newman – Behind Blue Eyes

Free admission. Please bring chairs and blankets.

 

In September of last year, the world lost icon and philanthropist Paul Newman at the age of 83. Spanning over five decades, Newman’s career began during the Golden Age of Television in series such as The United States Steel Hour and Playhouse 90. He came to prominence in 1956 playing boxer Rocky Graziano in Robert Wise’s Somebody Up There Likes Me. With his last role as Doc Hudson in Disney/Pixar’s Cars, Newman was introduced to the children and grandchildren of fans throughout the generations. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture for Rachel, Rachel, he won Best Actor for The Color of Money in 1987. Film @ IHouse honors this legacy with four films that encompass his range as an actor and see beyond that face.

 

Wednesday, August 5 at 8pm

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

dir. Richard Brooks, US, 1958, video, 108 mins, color

 

Although Elizabeth Taylor (in all her negligee glory) chews the scenery as Maggie the Cat, Newman’s Brick is the heart of Tennessee Williams’ adaptation of his play. Confronted by the loss of the glory days of football and the death of best friend Skipper, Brick spends his days perpetually drunk in the Mississippi home of Big Daddy (and big Mama). Brick and Maggie share more than a few secrets about his relationship to Skipper (this is 1958) and the state of Big Daddy’s health and wealth. In the end, the truth will always set you free.

 

Nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Newman), Best Actress (Taylor) and Best Director (Brooks). Richard Brooks also directed Newman in Sweet Bird of Youth.

 

Wednesday, August 12 at 8pm

The Hustler

dir. Robert Rossen, US, 1961, video, 134 mins, b/w

The Hustler is a film of grit and greed and ultimately, redemption. Fast Eddie Felson is essentially a good man who is good at one thing – pool. He travels the road to challenge Minnesota Fats, portrayed by the incomparable Jackie Gleason. Eddie does play Fats, but the tables are turned by a bottle of whiskey and the appearance of professional gambler Bert Gordon (George C Scott). With only $200 in his pocket, he meets alcoholic Sarah (Piper Lauire). Apprehensive at first, Sarah takes him in as he hustles for small stakes. Bert backs Eddie in matches (which he looses as much as he wins), eventually challenging Fats to a final showdown. Will Eddie come out ahead with both body and soul intact after the game? And will that be enough?

 

The Hustler received nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role for Newman, Best Actress in a Leading Role for Laurie, Best Actor in a Supporting Role for both Gleason and Scott (Scott refused the nomination).  

 

Wednesday, August 19 at 8pm

Hud

dir. Martin Ritt, US, 1963, video, 112 mins, b/w

Based on Larry McMurty’s novel Horseman, Pass By, Hud is the story of a brutal, amoral cowboy. In his third Oscar-nominated performance, Newman’s Hud cannot see and does not care about the misery and havoc he’s inflicted upon those closest to him, including the death of his only brother. Father Homer is a principled man who considers his own son "not fit to live with" and tries to keep grandson Lon from emulating him. Housekeeper Alma keeps her distance – “I've done my time with one cold-blooded bastard, I'm not looking for another." Hud is a man with no conscience and we can’t look away.

 

Hud won Academy Award’s for Melvyn Douglas (Best Actor in a Supporting Role), Patricia Neal (Best Actress in a Leading Role) and James Wong Howe (Best Cinematography).

 

Wednesday, August 26 at 8pm

The Sting

dir. George Roy Hill, US, 1973, video, 129 mins, color

Set in the Great Depression, The Sting is a revenge comedy with Paul Newman and Robert Redford at their 70’s best. When grifter John Hooker’s (Redford) best friend and accomplice is murdered by corrupt police and crime boss Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), he seeks out retired con man Henry Gondorff (Newman) to exact payback and make a tidy profit. They assemble an experienced crew for the “long con” and try not to get killed in the process.

 

Nominated for 10 Academy Awards (one for Redford, but not Newman), The Sting won seven, including Best Picture, Director and Original Score.

 

Free admission.

 
 
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3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA

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