GRANTS, N.M. - Part I
Would you be willing to fight to the death to entertain the public? Would you do it for a high amount of money? Would you do it to save another person? What if you never received any compensation or recognition? Would you do it? What if you were forced to do it? If you refused, you would die. No choice of yours. Someone controls your life. Give it thought….
September 25th’s film-story is set in an ancient country and features the concept of “freedom”. Some of the actors/actresses include: Joanna Barnes, Tony Curtis, Kirk Douglas, John Gavin, Charles Laughton, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons and Peter Ustinov.
This 66 – year old movie is described as having “ a magnificent musical score, staggering battle scenes and delicious performances by Olivier, Laughton and Ustinov”.
This film earned Academy Awards in the categories: Best Supporting Actor, Art Direction, Costume Design and Cinematography.
Howard Fast wrote the novel; Dalton Trumbo wrote the screenplay. “Protest” is the theme of this movie. Many consider it the best with this theme. Join movie – goers Friday, September 25 at 1 pm in your NMSU Library. You might leave repeating the famous line, “I am SPARTACUS.” Part II Summary
• The story is set in 73 -71 BC during the Roman Empire.
• A slave in the Roman Republic is purchased and trained at a gladiatorial school.
• The slave leads a revolt, freeing himself and other slaves. They form an army, free more slaves and accumulate a mighty force.
• The slave falls in love with a female slave.
• The slave army poses a serious threat to Rome. The Roman Senate debates a reaction. A massive army is formed to crush the revolt.
• The slave army is betrayed and defeated. The slave leader is captured.
• The slaves protect their leader, demonstrating their solidarity.
• The slave- leader is punished but his spirit and fight for freedom goes on.
Part III The Writer Actor Kirk Douglas often said the favorite movie he made was “Lonely are the Brave” (set in NM). Montrose, CO’s son, Dalton Trumbo, wrote this screenplay in the early 60’s. Several years earlier he adapted “Spartacus” from a Howard Fast novel.
Criticized for his leftist views and for being a member of the Communist Party, he spent time in a federal penitentiary AND was blacklisted in the entertainment industry. Friends encouraged him to keep writing. His works include: “Johnny Got His Gun”, “A Bill of Divorcement,” “Kitty Foyle,” “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo,” “Roman Holiday,” “Town Without Pity,” “The Sandpiper,” “Hawaii” and many more. He had to use pseudonyms and later was reinstated into the Writers Guild of America. He also earned an Academy Award for his writing talents.
Join movie – goers Friday, September 25 at 1 pm in the NMSU Library to see a classic film about “protest.” It is long, so there will be breaks. There’s never an admission fee, a bathroom is close, there’s a big screen, and it’s a carpeted, cozy environment.