Henderson Community College presents

The Fall 2008 Film Series

Politics American Style

Sullivan Technology Center

Room 309

Show time 6:30 p.m.

Admission is free

Meet John Doe (1941)                             Thurs., Sept. 4th

Follow a political phenomenon turned campaign that is built on a lie!  Stanwyk, a down-on her luck reporter hires a homeless Gary Cooper to act the role of “John Doe.”  In her articles, Stanwyk portrays Doe as a common man crusading to take America back from the politicians.  This screwball comedy liberally mixes humor with biting political satire.  Starring: Barbara Stanwyk, Gary Cooper, and Walter Brennan; directed by Frank Capra.  (123 min.)  Discussion led by Katie Griffis.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)   Thurs., Sept 18th

One of Jimmy Stewart’s best-loved roles is that of Jefferson Smith, a naïve appointee to the U.S. Senate.  When he tries to fund a camp for the “Boy Rangers,” he finds out that he has to fight against the corruption and scandal of “politics as usual.”  Starring: Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains and directed by Frank Capra.  (130 min.)  Discussion led by Kevin Reid.

Primary Colors (1998)                              Thurs., Oct. 2nd

John Travolta stars in this thinly disguised satire of the Clinton presidency.  Travolta plays a southern governor campaigning for the presidency.  Along the way his immense charm and capabilities must overcome a manipulative wife, unscrupulous subordinates and his own inner demons such as serial infidelity.  Starring John Travolta, Emma Thompson, and Kathy Bates; directed by Mike Nichols.  (138 min.)  Discussion led by Michele Carson.

Wag the Dog (1997)                                 Thurs., Oct. 16th                                                                                        

A satire of the incestuous relationship between the press and politicians, this film watches what might happen when a Hollywood producer creates a virtual war—and war hysteria—to distract Americans from a scandal involving the president fondling a Girl Scout.  Starring: Dustin Hoffman and Robert DeNiro; directed by Barry Levinson.  (96 min.)  Discussion led by Nikki Brotherton.

All the King's Men (1949)                       Thurs., Oct. 30th

This powerful adaptation of the Robert Penn Warren novel won three Academy Awards.  This film uses the governorship of a southern state to tell the story of the compromises and corruption that lurk in any campaign and administration, no matter how upright the politician.  Starring Broderick Crawford, Mercedes McCambridge, directed by Robert Rossen.  (109 min.)  Discussion led by Cary Conley. 

The American President  (1995)           Thurs., Nov. 13th

What happens when a President who is also a widower dates and falls in love with a political lobbyist?  This film is a light-hearted romantic comedy and an expose on how public office can impact private lives.  Starring Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin Sheen, and Michael J. Fox; directed by Rob Reiner.  (114 min.)  Discussion led by Susanne Wilson.

All films are shown in the Sullivan Technology Center

Room 309  

Show Time 6:30 p.m.

Admission is free and a discussion follows each film.