Some of the most popular stories of the past century are featured in a yearlong book and film discussion series that will be free to Salt Lake Public Library patrons.
As part of its centennial celebration, the library will sponsor the programs beginning Wednesday, Feb. 25.Registration is required. Those interested may register and pick up books at Chapman Branch Library, 577 S. 900 West, or at the Main Library, 209 E. 500 South.
Individuals may register for the entire series or just for those programs in which they are interested. All book discussions will be at 7 p.m. at Chapman. Films will be shown at 2 p.m. Sundays in the Main Library third floor auditorium. No registration is required for the films, which begin March 1, and which are free and open to the public.
Here's the schedule and information on the books and films:
- Wednesday, Feb. 25: "The Red Badge of Courage," by Stephen Crane. Published in 1896, the book is considered one of the greatest novels of the American Civil War. The 21-year-old author vividly describes the terror of battle and the emotions of soldiers under fire. Many believe this novel to be the landmark work of modern American fiction.
- Sunday, March 1: "The Red Badge of Courage," directed by John Huston. In the film, released in 1951, a young man joins the Union Army, flees under fire, then returns. The movie includes sweeping battle scenes and frightening rebel cavalry charges. It examines cowardice, courage and manhood.
- Wednesday, March 25: "The Hound of the Baskervilles" written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and published in 1902. For generations, a curse hung over the Baskerville family. Holmes and Watson pursue the unknown evil prowling the moors in one of the most bewildering and bloodcurdling cases the famous duo face.
- Sunday, April 5: "The Hound of the Baskervilles" (1988). Jeremy Brett stars as Sherlock Holmes. Edward Hardwicke plays Dr. Watson in this television movie. Many Conan Doyle purists consider Brett the best Holmes since Basil Rathbone.
- Wednesday, April 22: "Pollyanna" by Eleanor H. Porter (1913). This is the touching story of an orphaned girl, 11, who lives with a strict maiden aunt after the death of her father. The book is a strong story of courage, discovery and optimism.
- Sunday, May 3: "Pollyanna," directed by David Swift (1960): A special Oscar was awarded to Hayley Mills for her performance as a young orphan who must live with a miserable aunt. This Disney film offers a good blend of sentiment and humor. The film stars provide good performances and enjoyable family entertainment, library officials say.
- Wednesday, May 27: "The Enchanted April," by Elizabeth Von Arnim (1912). This is a novel about four strangers eager to escape a dreary winter in 1920s London. The four women set off for a month in Italy where they are changed by the magic of San Salvatore.
- Sunday, June 7: "Enchanted April," directed by Mike Newell (1992): A charming film about two repressed Englishwomen who leave their husbands at home for a quiet month in the Italian countryside. They take on two very different women as housemates. The adventure turns out to be not so quiet.
Other book and film titles, discussion and film showing dates:
"Elmer Gantry," June 24 and July 12; "Lost Horizon," July 22 and Aug. 2; "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," Aug. 26 and Sept. 13; "East of Eden," Sept. 23 and Oct. 4; "To Kill a Mockingbird," Oct. 28 and Nov. 1; "Sophie's Choice," Nov. 18 and Dec. 6; "Gorky Park," Dec. 30 and Jan. 10; and "The Firm," Jan. 27, 1999, and Feb. 7, 1999.