Henderson Community College presents the Spring 2012 Film Series

Films That you Should Have Seen By Now

Films will be shown at 6:30 p.m. in Room STC 310 and admission is free

Scarface                                                                                                                                                               Feb. 2

One of the best gangster films made during “Scarface” Al Capone’s heyday, Scarface is a morality tale thinly veiled as “fiction.”  Paul Muni plays a small time crook working his way to fame and fortune through violence and debauchery.  But at what cost?  (1932, 93 minutes; directed by Howard Hawks; starring Paul Muni, George Raft, and Boris Karloff.)  Discussion led by Kevin Reid.

Birth of a Nation                                                                                                                                              Feb. 16

This is the movie that defined film-making and established cinematography as an art form.  While the story line (a southerner builds the KKK in the post-Civil War south to protect against the greed and lechery of northerners and ex-slaves) has always been controversial, this film is still a trailblazer in the development of cinema.  The discussion following this film will discuss both artistic and social concerns, and is offered in conjunction with HCC’s Diversity Week activities.   (1915, 190 minutes; directed by D. W. Griffith; starring Lillian Gish and Henry B. Walthall.)  Disclaimers:  This film’s content is not a reflection of HCC’s policies or values.  Since this film is 190 minutes long, the showing begins at 6:00 p.m.  Discussion led by Bill Dixon.  

It Happened One Night                                                                                                                                 March 1

Gable, a just-fired newspaper reporter accidentally meets a millionaire heiress (Colbert) on the run from her father.  During their travels the two learn about each other’s eccentricities, fears and motivations – and ultimately find themselves in love.  What are the new lovers to do?  Perhaps the best “screwball comedy” ever, it’s the first film to ever receive the “Grand Slam” of the five top Oscars: Best Actor, Actress, Director, Picture, and Screenplay.  (1934, 105 minutes; directed by Frank Capra; starring Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, and Walter Connolly.)  Discussion led by Mike Knecht.

Double Indemnity                                                                                                                                           March 22

Dark and surprising, Double Indemnity always rates among the top “film noir” movies.  MacMurray, an insurance agent, falls in love with the beautiful Barbara Stanwyk who wants to get rid of her inconvenient husband—but will MacMurray help her become a widow?  Superb acting and pacing earned Double Indemnity seven Oscar nominations.    (1944, 107 minutes; directed by Billy Wilder; starring Barbara Stanwyk, Fred MacMurray and Edward G. Robinson.)  Discussion led by Cary Conley.

Strangers on a Train                                                                                                                                       April 5

Perhaps the first “murder swap” movie, this film follows the plotting of two strangers who meet on a train where they plan the murders of inconvenient family members.  As always with Hitchock, suspense and plot twists are abundant.  (1951, 101 minutes; directed by Alfred Hitchcock; starring Robert Walker, Farley Gardner, and Marion Lorne.)  Discussion led by Katie Griffis.