History & Film

History & Film

Fall 2006 Schedule
All films shown on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 PM
Walker Hall 133 (Screening Room)

September 27
Barefoot in Athens (directed by George Schaefer, 1966)

A televised production of the 1951 play by Maxwell Anderson, Barefoot in Athens tells the story of the philosopher Socrates’ fall from grace, trial, and last days in Athens. While the script was inspired by the ancient Greek sources, Anderson’s play offers a more modern, democracy-loving version of Socrates. Peter Ustinov won an Emmy award for his portrayal of the barefoot philosopher; also starring Geraldine Page, Anthony Quayle, and Christopher Walken.

October 11
Hero (Ying Xiong) (directed by Yimou Zhang, 2002)

The powerful king of Qin is determined to unify China under his imperial control, but a trio of assassins is equally determined to prevent him. When a nameless Hero defeats the highly-trained assassins, has he acted to save the ruthless king, or is he the ultimate assassin? A visually stunning film set in the “Era of Warring States” before Chinese imperial unification, Hero combines a Rashomon-style mystery with breathtaking action sequences. Starring Jet Li, Tony Leung, Donnie Yen, and Maggie Cheung. Multiple awards and nominations for best direction and cinematography. In Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles.

November 1
The Message (directed by Moustapha Akkad, 1976)

The story of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, The Message depicts the beginnings of Islam, from the struggles of the first Muslims to Muhammad’s triumphant return to Mecca. Epic battles alternate with moments of religious discovery to create an entertaining, yet devout and respectful, account of the birth of one of the world’s great religions. Starring Anthony Quinn and Irene Pappas. Academy Award nomination: Best Music, Original Score.

November 29
The Passion of Joan of Arc (directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, 1928)

Working from the original transcripts of the trial of Joan of Arc, director Dreyer creates an intense, unforgettable portrait of the teenage mystic whose faith led her to military leadership, trial, torture, and death. Critic Pauline Kael said the performance of Renee Maria Falconetti as Joan “may be the finest performance ever recorded on film.” In the 1980s, Dreyer’s expressionistic masterpiece, one of the great silent films, was restored, with a new score and additional music by Voices of Light. Silent film with English subtitles.

September 27	Barefoot in Athens (directed by George Schaefer, 1966)
	A televised production of the 1951 play by Maxwell Anderson, Barefoot in Athens tells the story of the philosopher Socrates’ fall from grace, trial, and last days in Athens. While the script was inspired by the ancient Greek sources, Anderson’s play offers a more modern, democracy-loving version of Socrates. Peter Ustinov won an Emmy award for his portrayal of the barefoot philosopher; also starring Geraldine Page, Anthony Quayle, and Christopher Walken.

October 11	Hero (Ying Xiong) (directed by Yimou Zhang, 2002)
	The powerful king of Qin is determined to unify China under his imperial control, but a trio of assassins is equally determined to prevent him. When a nameless Hero defeats the highly-trained assassins, has he acted to save the ruthless king, or is he the ultimate assassin? A visually stunning film set in the “Era of Warring States” before Chinese imperial unification, Hero combines a Rashomon-style mystery with breathtaking action sequences. Starring Jet Li, Tony Leung, Donnie Yen, and Maggie Cheung. Multiple awards and nominations for best direction and cinematography. In Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles.

November 1	The Message (directed by Moustapha Akkad, 1976)
	The story of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, The Message depicts the beginnings of Islam, from the struggles of the first Muslims to Muhammad’s triumphant return to Mecca. Epic battles alternate with moments of religious discovery to create an entertaining, yet devout and respectful, account of the birth of one of the world’s great religions. Starring Anthony Quinn and Irene Pappas. Academy Award nomination: Best Music, Original Score.

November 29	The Passion of Joan of Arc (directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, 1928)
	Working from the original transcripts of the trial of Joan of Arc, director Dreyer creates an intense, unforgettable portrait of the teenage mystic whose faith led her to military leadership, trial, torture, and death. Critic Pauline Kael said the performance of Renee Maria Falconetti as Joan “may be the finest performance ever recorded on film.” In the 1980s, Dreyer’s expressionistic masterpiece, one of the great silent films, was restored, with a new score and additional music by Voices of Light. Silent film with English subtitles.