Movie Nights Screening Selections September 2024
Proposed Movies for Branch Screenings
by our patrons’ selection
Dear Members and Friends of the Branch,
The Lounge Committee is seeking feedback for our 2nd round of future Branch Movie Nights.
The current Criterion Licence is set to expire at the end of December 2024 and the Branch Executive Board will make a decision whether to renew or not the licence accordingly.
We invite you to complete this short survey, and help us decide which films to show next for the remainder of the year and into 2025, providing the license is renewed.
Please read the synopsis of each of the films below and complete the survey located here.
Thank-you on behalf of the Lounge Committee!
Curated Selections:
- A UNITED KINGDOM (2017) Drama; Romance; Biography
Synopsis: A UNITED KINGDOM tells the inspiring true story of Seretse Khama, the King of Bechuanaland (modern Botswana), and Ruth Williams, the London office worker he married in 1948 in the face of fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments. Seretse and Ruth defied family, Apartheid and empire – their love triumphed over every obstacle flung in their path and in so doing they transformed their nation and inspired the world.
Director: Amma Asante
Cast: David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Jack Davenport, Tom Felton, Laura Carmichael, Terry Pheto, Jessica Oyelowo, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Arnold Oceng
Writer: Guy Hibbert - TITANIC (1997) Drama; Romance
Synopsis: The tragic story of star-crossed lovers (Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio), who meet during the Titanic’s doomed maiden voyage, unfolds against a backdrop of the ship’s dramatic four-and-a-half-day journey and her spectacular demise. Director James Cameron employs state-of-the-art visual effects to re-create the horror of the Titanic’s last few hours.
Director: James Cameron
Cast: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher, Gloria Stuart, Bill Paxton, Bernard Hill, David Warner
Writer: James Cameron - THE FULL MONTY (1997) Comedy
Synopsis: Six unemployed steel workers, inspired by the Chippendale’s dancers, form a male striptease act. The women cheer them on to go for “the full monty” – total nudity.
Director: Peter Cattaneo
Cast: Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Steve Huison, William Snape, Tom Wilkinson
Writer: Simon Beaufoy - CHINATOWN (1974) Drama; Thriller; Mystery; Crime
Synopsis: Set in seedy Southern California in the 1930’s Chinatown reverberates with the subtle eroticism of the love affair between Jack Nicholson as the small-time shamus and Faye Dunaway as his big-time client. As with the film noir detective movies it styles itself after, the mood in Chinatown is pervasive, ominous and shadowy. First-class entertainment
Director: Roman Polanski
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Burt Young
Writer: Robert Towne - SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952) Comedy; Musical; Romance
Synopsis: In 1927, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a famous on-screen romantic pair. Lina, however, mistakes the on-screen romance for real love. Don has worked hard to get where he is today, with his former partner Cosmo. When Don and Lina’s latest film is transformed into a musical, Don has the perfect voice for the songs. But Lina – well, even with the best efforts of a diction coach, they still decide to dub over her voice. Kathy Selden is brought in, an aspiring actress, and while she is working on the movie, Don falls in love with her. Will Kathy continue to “aspire”, or will she get the break she deserves?
Director: Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen
Cast: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, Jean Hagen, Cyd Charisse, Douglas Fowley, Rita Moreno
Writer: Betty Comden, Adolph Green - 2001, A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968) Drama; Science Fiction
Synopsis: It’s man vs. machinery in Stanley Kubrick’s startling milestone film. Rarely are such power and beauty expressed in purely cinematic terms. From prehistoric man’s struggle to cope with a hostile environment, to the interplanetary voyage to Jupiter, the film is a eloquent statement on man’s endless quest to master his fate. The Oscar-winning special effects paved the way for the high-tech look of ’80’s science-fiction films.
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Cast: Gary Lockwood, Keir Dullea, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter, Leonard Rossiter, Margaret Tyzack
Writer: Stanley Kubrick (screenplay), Arthur C. Clarke (screenplay) - GOODFELLAS (1990) Drama; Crime
Synopsis: Based on Nicholas Pilegg’s best-selling book “Wiseguys” and spanning thirty years of Mafia life, this is the story of a young boy, who dreams of becoming a member of the wiseguys. After fulfilling that dream and after much terror and murder, he turns against the men who made him.
Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Paul Sorvino, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Tony Darrow
Writer: Nicholas Pileggi - THE GREAT GATSBY (2012) Drama; Romance
Synopsis: Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby’s circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy.
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher, Gemma Ward, Callan McAuliffe, Amitabh Bachchan, Jason Clarke
Writer: F. Scott Fitzgerald (novel), Baz Luhrmann (screenplay) - THE CIDER HOUSE RULES (1999) Drama; Romance
Synopsis: Homer Wells is an orphan, but he does not lack a family. Having grown up at St. Cloud’s orphanage under the unconventional but loving tutelage of Dr. Wilbur Larch, Homer never wanted for affection. Now, as Homer approaches manhood, he begins to question his future. Homer yearns to explore the world for himself. Upon meeting a privileged young couple, Homer hitches a ride with them and liberates himself from St. Cloud’s. Suddenly Homer’s choices are limitless. He is introduced to a bigger world full of new sights, adventures and friendships, as well as tragedy, betrayal and danger. The rules that governed his former life seem obsolete. And when Homer falls in love for the first time, his upbringing offers no guidance. As affection turns to ardor, he experiences the highs and lows, as well as the complicated rewards and responsibilities that come with these new emotions. Suddenly, the consequences of making choices become more acute. As the course of his new life unfolds, Homer’s seemingly simple past collides with his more complex present. Yet, Homer comes to realize that his previous life has provided him with the means to make profound decisions that will change the course of his future.
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Cast: Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Erykah Badu, Jane Alexander, Kate Nelligan, Kathy Baker, Michael Caine, Paul Rudd, Tobey Maguire
Writer: John Irving - PULP FICTION (1994) Drama; Action; Thriller; Crime
Synopsis: Prizefighter Butch Coolidge has decided to stop payment on his deal with the devil. Honey Bunny and Pumpkin are a pair of young lovers and smalltime thieves who decide they need a change in venue. Two career criminals go about their business of shooting up other crooks who are slow on payments to their boss. Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar-winning screenplay is a celebration of pulp culture and its dark underbelly.
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Cast: John Travolta, Harvey Keitel, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Uma Thurman
Writer: Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avary - SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (1977) Drama; Musical; Romance
Synopsis: A New York disco and a pulsating Bee Gees musical score of hit songs are the backdrop for an electrifying and sensual performance by John Travolta. He’s a Brooklyn paint store clerk who lives only for Saturday night at the local disco, where he can cut loose and release his pent-up energy by dancing. SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER is carefully observed look at the restlessness of the disco culture, and an unparalleled showcase for Travolta’s energetic talent and boundless vitality.
Director: John Badham
Cast: John Travolta, Karen Gorney, Donna Pescow
Writer: Nik Cohn, Norman Wexler - GREASE (1978) Comedy; Musical; Romance
Synopsis: The most popular musical of all time, “Grease” merges the talents of solid gold recording star Olivia Newton-John as good girl Sandy and John Travolta of “Saturday Night Fever” fame as greaser Danny in this nostalgic look at the Fabulous Fifties.
Director: Randal Kleiser
Cast: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Eve Arden, Sid Caesar
Writer: Jim Jacobs (musical) and Warren Casey (musical) - BEN-HUR (1959) Adventure; Drama; Action; Literary Adaptation
Synopsis: Judah Ben-Hur lives as a rich Jewish prince and merchant in Jerusalem at the beginning of the 1st century. Together with the new governor his old friend Messala arrives as commanding officer of the Roman legions. At first they are happy to meet after a long time but their different politic views separate them. During the welcome parade a roof tile falls down from Judah’s house and injures the governor. Although Messala knows they are not guilty, he sends Judah to the galleys and throws his mother and sister into prison. But Judah swears to come back and take revenge.
Director: William Wyler
Cast: Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, Hugh Griffith, Sam Jaffe
Writer: Lew Wallace (novel), Karl Tunberg (screenplay) - HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY (1941) Black and White Drama; Romance
Synopsis: Life is hard in a Welsh mining town and no less so for the Morgan family. Seen through the eyes of the family’s youngest, Huw, we learn of the family’s trials and tribulations. Family patriarch Gwyllim and his older sons work in the mines, dangerous and unhealthy as it is. Gwyllim has greater hopes for younger son how to honor his hard working parents. Huw who has his own ideas on how to honor his father. Daughter Angharad is the most beautiful girl in the valley and is very much in love with Mr. Gruffydd who isn’t sure he can provide her the life she deserves. Times are hard and good men find themselves out of work and exploited by unseen mine owners.
Director: John Ford
Cast: Walter Pidgeon, Sara Allgood, Roddy McDowall, Donald Crisp
Writer: Richard Llewellyn (novel), Philip Dunne - THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA (1964) Drama; Literary Adaptation
Synopsis: The Rev. T. Lawrence Shannon has been living in Mexico for two years, working as a tourist guide for a cut-rate travel agency. Shannon lost his church and was defrocked after taking liberties with one of his parishioners. He’s now accompanying a group of middle-aged ladies from Texas whose leader, Judith Fellowes, is keeping a close eye on her teenage ward, Charlotte Goodall, who definitely has an interest in the former priest. After Charlotte and Shannon spend the night together, Fellowes is out to have him fired and to keep her from communicating with his employer, Shannon strands them at a remote hotel run by his good friend Maxine Faulk. It’s the arrival of Hannah Jelkes and her elderly grandfather that has the greatest impact however. Her approach to life and love forces Shannon to deal with his demons and re-evaluate his life.
Director: John Huston
Cast: Richard Buron, Ava Gardner, Sue Lvon, Deborah Kerr
Writer: Tennessee Williams (play), Anthony Veiller (screenplay) - THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940) Black and White Comedy; Romance
Synopsis: Philadelphia socialites Tracy Lord and C.K. Dexter Haven married impulsively, with their marriage and subsequent divorce being equally passionate. They broke up when Dexter’s drinking became excessive, it a mechanism to cope with Tracy’s unforgiving manner to the imperfect, imperfections which Dexter admits he readily has. Two years after their break-up, Tracy is about to remarry, the ceremony to take place at the Lord mansion. Tracy’s bridegroom is nouveau riche businessman and aspiring politician George Kittredge, who is otherwise a rather ordinary man and who idolizes Tracy. The day before the wedding, three unexpected guests show up at the Lord mansion: Macaulay Connor (Mike to his friends), Elizabeth Imbrie – the two who are friends of Tracy’s absent brother, Junior – and Dexter himself. Dexter, an employee of the tabloid Spy magazine, made a deal with its publisher and editor Sidney Kidd to get a story on Tracy’s wedding…
Director: George Cukor
Cast: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Ruth Hussey, John Howard, Roland Young, John Halliday
Writer: Donald Ogden Stewart (screenplay), Philip Barry (play) - SUMMERTIME (1956) Drama; Romance
Synopsis: Summertime combines a sensitive performance by Hepburn as a lonely American spinster who meets handsome, but married Brazzi.
Director: David Lean
Cast: Katharine Hepburn, Rossano Brazzi
Writer: H.E. Bates, Arthur Laurents - ROMAN HOLIDAY (1953) Comedy; Drama; Romance
Synopsis: Princess Anne embarks on a highly publicized tour of European capitals. When she and her royal entourage arrive in Rome, she begins to rebel against her restricted, regimented schedule. One night Anne sneaks out of her room, hops into the back of a delivery truck and escapes her luxurious confinement. However, a sedative she was forced to take earlier starts to take effect, and the princess is soon fast asleep on a public bench. She is found by Joe Bradley, an American newspaper reporter stationed in Rome. He takes her back to his apartment. The next morning Joe dashes off to cover the Princess Anne press conference, unaware that she is sleeping on his couch! Once he realizes his good fortune, Joe promises his editor an exclusive interview with the princess
Director: William Wyler
Cast: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert, Hartley Power,
Writer: Dalton Trumbo (story) (front Ian McLellan Hunter), Ian McLellan Hunter - A TIME TO KILL (1996) Drama; Social Studies
Synopsis: Joel Schumacher, who directed the filmed adaptation of John Grisham’s “The Client” to critical and popular acclaim, now brings Grisham’s best-selling first novel to the screen with a high profile cast. In front of hundreds of witnesses in a simmering, small Southern town, a distraught man (Samuel L. Jackson) murders the two racist thugs who brutally assaulted his young daughter. An idealistic young lawyer (Matthew McConaughey) and a savvy law student (Sandra Bullock) team together for his seemingly not-able-to-win defense in a trial that sparks a cauldron of conflicting emotions from a kaleidoscope range of southerners — a microcosm of a unique place in the American landscape where time is no longer standing still.
Director: Joel Schumacher
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey, Kevin Spacey, Donald Sutherland
Writer: John Grisham (novel), Akiva Goldsman (screenplay) - SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950) Black and White Drama; Literary Adaptation; Romance
Synopsis: There’s never been another film quite like this eerie Oscar-winning cinema classic. A forgotten queen of silent films lives surrounded by her past in a decaying mansion on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard. Enter a cynical young screenwriter, who first exploits her and then becomes trapped by her, as she goes mad.
Director: Billy Wilder
Cast: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Fred Clark, Lloyd Gough, Jack Webb
Writer: Charles Brackett, Billy Wilder - BODY HEAT (1981) Thriller; Crime
Synopsis: A contemporary mystery involving two lovers, an attorney and the wife of a wealthy man who successfully plans the murder of her husband. This passionate love story ends with a bizarre twist.
Director: Lawrence Kasden
Cast: William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Richard Crenna, Ted Danson, J.A. Preston, Mickey Rourke Kim Zimmer
Writer: Lawrence Kasden - THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX (2004) Adventure; Action; Survival
Synopsis: An action-adventure in which a group of air crash survivors – cast-offs from society who will never be missed – are stranded in the Mongolian desert with no hope of rescue. As they attempt to build a new plane from the wreckage of the old one, in hopes of flying back to civilization, they experience a rebirth of their own.
Director: John Moore
Cast: Dennis Quaid, Giovanni Ribisi, Tyrese, Miranda Otto, Jared Padalecki
Writer: John Thomas & Jim Thomas, Scott Frank, David Arata, Hilary Seitz, Ron Hutchinson, Edward Burns, based on the novel by Elleston Trevor - SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (1998) Drama; War; Literary Adaptation
Synopsis: In World War II, it is found that 3 soldiers who have been killed are brothers. The mother will be receiving three death notices on the same day. The army discovers that there were actually four brothers. A mission is deployed to find Private James Ryan and send him home.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore, Edward J. Burns, Matt Damon, Jeremy Davies, Vin Diesel, Adam Goldberg, Barry Pepper
Writer: Robert Rodat - THE LONGEST DAY (1962) Black and White Drama; War; Action
Synopsis: England in June 1944. Unseasonal storms. Allied troops are massed ready for the invasion of France, some already on the boats. The Normandy beaches will be their destination while paratroopers are dropped inland to take key towns and bridges. On the other side of the Channel the Germans still expect the invasion at Calais, and anyway the weather makes them think nothing is likely to be imminent. Eisenhower decides to go. Hitler sleeps on.
Director: Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton
Cast: Eddie Albert, Paul Anka, Arletty, Jean-Louis Barrault, Richard Beymer, Hans Christian, Blech, Bourvil, Richard Burton
Writer: Romain Gary, James Jones - TWELVE O’CLOCK HIGH (1949) Black and White Drama; War
Synopsis: A perceptive, psychological drama that deals with the problems of an Air Force commander who must rebuild a bomber group whose shattered morale threatens the effectiveness of daylight bombing raids. Gregory Peck plays the commander, and Dean Jagger won an Oscar for his supporting role. Exciting air combat footage intensifies the deeply moving drama.
Director: Henry King
Cast: Gregory Peck, Hugh Marlowe, Gary Merrill, Millard Mitchell, Dean Jagger, Paul Stewart, Robert Arthur, John Kellogg, Sam Edwards, Russ Conway, Lawrence (Larry) Dobkin
Writer: Sy Bartlett (also novel), Beirne Lay Jr. - DARK PASSAGE (1947) Drama; Thriller; Romance; Crime
Synopsis: A convict escapes from prison to prove his innocence. From the novel by David Goodis.
Director: Delmer Daves
Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Agnes Moorehead, Bruce Bennett, Tom D’Andrea, Housely Stevenson
Writer: David Goodis (novel), Delmer Daves