Drexel Theatre to screen 'Being There' as part of monthly film series
Belinda M. Paschal
The Drexel Theatre's monthly "Voices: A Century of Political Cinema" series continues with a variety of films that brought the politics of their time to the screen, beginning with the 1979 satirical comedy-drama "Being There" at 7 p.m. May 8.
The series, which is curated from a special edition of The New Republic magazine titled “The 100 Most Significant Political Films of All Time,” continues through November.
In "Being There," Chance (Peter Sellers), a simple-minded, sheltered gardener is forced out of the only home he's ever known after his employer dies. He meets business tycoon Ben Rand (Melvyn Douglas), who assumes Chance to be a fellow upper-class gentleman and becomes his unlikely trusted adviser and an insider in Washington politics. Shirley MacLaine also stars.
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Each screening in the series is accompanied by commentary from a subject expert who can help guide the audience through the film’s historical and cinematic importance.
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The rest of the series features:
- June 12: "Milk" (2008)
- July 10: "The Great McGinty" (1940)
- Aug. 14: "Harlan County, USA" (1976)
- Sept. 11: "No" (2012)
- Oct. 9: "The Lives of Others" (2006)
- Nov. 13: "Wag the Dog" (1997)
All films are to be shown at 7 p.m. at the Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St. The screenings and discussions are free of charge, but advance registration is encouraged at drexel.net.