Movie Memories

I'd like to thank the Academy

As I write this, we are one month away from the glitz, glamour and drama of the Academy Awards, which will be handed out in Hollywood (on ABC) Sunday, Feb. 26.

I'm in the rare position of being the first (as far as I know) to thank the voting members of the Academy. Not for a nomination, mind you, but for including George Clooney and his pal Brad Pitt in the Best Actor race.

Don't worry, I won't waste your time or mine thanking all the little people: my agent (don't have one), my manager (don't need one), my personal trainer (Ha! Good one) or my hair stylist, unless Supercuts counts.

However, I would like to thank Oscar, that shiny gold statuette every actor covets, for pitting Pitt ("Moneyball") and Clooney ("The Descendants") against Demian Bichir ("A Better Life"), Jean Dujardin ("The Artist") and Gary Oldman ("Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy") in the Best Actor race.

I went out on quite a limb, you see, on Dec. 5. That's when I sent my Getting Reel movie column for Jan./Feb. to "The Senior Voice" publisher/managing editor Carol Butler.

"With the 2011 Oscar race heating up, it makes sense to add George Clooney and Brad Pitt to the list of enduring leading men. Both are in the hunt for Academy Award nominations (to be announced Jan. 24) and could, if nominated, walk away with a golden statuette on Feb. 26," I wrote, way before the nominations were announced.

It was a gamble, in fact huge odds I wouldn't lay down real money on at Windstar casino. But I had a gut feeling that Clooney and Pitt would land Best Actor nods for some of the best work of each of their careers.

So thanks, Oscar.

Grab your brown bag, we'll bring the flick

If I told you that you could enjoy three great movies, including one ("Rango") nominated for an Academy Award this year, for a mere 26 bucks, what would you say?

Since I can't hear you from here, I'm hoping you'd say, "Where do I sign up?"

I'm hosting a "Brown Bag Movie Nights" series through the exciting Richland College Emeritus Plus 50 program that no movie fan will want to miss. Even if you're just looking for something to do on Friday nights, this will be an excellent choice to get out of the house, meet some people and see some terrific movies.

The series kicks off with "The Shawshank Redemption" on Feb. 24. We'll watch the entire movie. Before we roll the projector, I'll talk a little about why the film of the evening was chosen for the series. Afterward, I'll lead a discussion of what we've just seen.

Click here to join us in the Brown Bag Movie Series.

Want to be a Movie Memories day-tripper?

It's time to sign up for what I think will be a fun-filled Movie Memories road trip. On April 21, I'm hosting a Richland College Emeritus Plus 50-sponsored day bus trip to historic Waxahachie (just a short 45-minute ride from Dallas) to visit the sites where some memorable Oscar-winning films were shot. Films like "Places in the Heart," "Tender Mercies" and "The Trip to Bountiful," just to name a few.

You don't have to be a Richland College enrollee of any kind to enjoy this excursion to beautiful Waxahachie. Here's how it works.

We'll screen "Places in the Heart" starring Sally ("You like me ... ") Field on the evening of April 20 at Richland. The next morning we'll board the bus for Waxahachie, where actor, film buff and Waxahachie Texas Theater proprietor Tim Eaton will guide us on a driving tour, then a short walking tour of key Waxahachie movie sites, including where Bonnie and Clyde allegedly left shotgun blast marks in the ceiling of the local bank during an actual robbery.

Seats are limited on the bus, so I urge you make your reservations soon. Or, even better, right now. Click this link for details.

(Photo credits -- Brad Pitt, left, Jonah Hill "Moneyball" shot courtesy: Columbia TriStar/George Clooney photo from "The Descendants" courtesy: Fox Searchlight Pictures/Ellis County Courthouse photo courtesy: garygiles.net)

So long 2011, hello New Year!

As the late, great Groucho Marx might say if he were the year 2011:

Hello, I must be going.
I cannot stay,
I came to say
I must be going.
I'm glad I came
but just the same
I must be go-ing.

Before 2011 completely fades from memory, though, here's a look at my favorite films of the year.

As strong as some of the late-year arrivals are, I'm still haunted by the searing emotional drama of "The Help."

So, life in the Deep South during the racially troubled 1960s from the maids' often-tragic point of view is my No. 1 of 2011.

"The Descendants," starring George Clooney as a conflicted father fighting to cope with two rebellious daughters and a wife clinging to life in a coma, is my No. 2, followed by (3) "Moneyball," (4) "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," (5) "Midnight in Paris," (6) "My Week with Marilyn," (7) "J. Edgar," (8) "The Iron Lady," (9) "Young Adult" and (10) "The Artist."

It's Critics' Choice Movie Awards time

I'm proud to say I'm a founding member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, which was formed in 1995. This year's Critics' Choice Movie Awards will air live on VH1 from the Hollywood Palladium Thursday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. Central Time.

The show itself gets bigger and better every year, and 2012 will be no exception. "Hugo" director Martin Scorsese will be honored with the Critics' Choice Music+Film Award this year, and that's just the tip of the iceberg of the movie award show that's truly fast and loose and -- if history holds -- a precursor to the Academy Awards on Feb. 26.

All aboard the Movie Memories road trip!

On April 21, I'm hosting a Richland College-sponsored day bus trip to historic Waxahachie (just a short 45-minute ride from Dallas) to visit the sites where some memorable Oscar-winning films were shot. Films like "Places in the Heart," "Tender Mercies" and "The Trip to Bountiful," just to name a few.

We'll screen "Places in the Heart" starring Sally ("You like me ... ") Fields on the evening of April 20 at Richland. The next morning we'll board the bus for Waxahachie, where actor, film buff and Waxahachie Texas Theater proprietor Tim Eaton will guide us on a driving tour, then a short walking tour of key Waxahachie movie sites, including where Bonnie and Clyde allegedly left shotgun blast marks in the ceiling of the local bank during an actual robbery.

There are only so many seats available on the bus, so I urge you make your reservations as quickly as possible. Click this link for details.

And don't forget

It's not too soon to sign up for our big "Brown Bag Movie Nights" series that kicks off with "The Shawshank Redemption" on Feb. 24. We'll watch the entire movie, for a change. Before we roll the projector, I'll talk a little about why the film of the evening was chosen for the series. Afterward, I'll lead a discussion of what we've just seen.

(2011/2012 Image courtesy: sandpiperportaransas.com/Viola Davis photo from "The Help" courtesy: DreamWorks Pictures.)

Movie Memories -- a stocking stuffer

Part of the fun during the holidays is to celebrate the season in movies, whether it be the boy-and-his-Red Ryder BB gun chestnut, "A Christmas Story," the technically brilliant "Polar Express" or the feel-good granddaddy of them all, "It's a Wonderful Life."

Another real holiday pleasure is sharing that experience with family and friends. This season, I'm offering an even greater experience: A Movie Memories presentation for your retirement center, activity center, church or club group as a special event stocking stuffer of sorts.

Chances are you've seen Frank Capra's 1946 Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life" before; perhaps even several times. The Movie Memories presentation, however, goes behind the scenes to add wonderment to what you probably already know.

Were you aware, for instance, that Henry Fonda was considered for the lead as small-town banker George Bailey, which became Jimmy Stewart's signature role? And what about Bedford Falls, is that a real place?

If you're involved with a group looking for some holiday fun, call 972-599-2150 to book your "It's a Wonderful Life" Movie Memories presentation today.

Emeritus class 'graduates' with honors, fun

Thanks to all those who took my Richland College Emeritus fall classes this year. We had a really good turnout and a great time focusing on the careers of "Lone Star Movie Stars" Joan Crawford, Tommy Lee Jones, Dennis Quaid and others.

By the way, it's not too soon to sign up for our big "Brown Bag Movie Nights" series that kicks off with "The Shawshank Redemption" on Feb. 24. We'll watch the entire movie, for a change. Before we roll the projector, I'll talk a little about why the film of the evening was chosen for the series. Afterward, I'll lead a discussion of what we've just seen.

Exciting news: A Movie Memories road trip!

On April 21, I'm hosting a Richland College-sponsored day bus trip to historic Waxahachie (just a short 45-minute ride from Dallas) to visit the sites where some memorable Oscar-winning films were shot. Films like "Places in the Heart," "Tender Mercies" and "The Trip to Bountiful," just to name a few.

We'll screen "Places in the Heart" starring Sally ("You like me ... ") Fields on the evening of April 20 at Richland. The next morning we'll board the bus for Waxahachie, where actor, film buff and Waxahachie Texas Theater proprietor Tim Eaton will guide us on a driving tour, then a short walking tour of key Waxahachie movie sites, including where Bonnie and Clyde allegedly left shotgun blast marks in the ceiling of the local bank during an actual robbery.

There are only so many seats available on the bus, so I urge you make your reservations as quickly as possible. Click this link for details.

And finally ...

Happy holidays to all. And thanks to everyone who attended or booked a Movie Memories presentation or my Emeritus/Boomer classes and Enrichment lectures at Richland College in 2011. It's been a great year.

We're planning an even bigger and better 2012.

That's our holiday wish for you as well!

("It's a Wonderful Life" poster courtesy: Republic Pictures/Sally Field "Places in the Heart" photo courtesy: TriStar Pictures)

For whom the school bell tolls

That would be you and, now that we mention it, me as well.

My Emeritus Plus 50 classes for fall at Richland College heat up the projector Nov. 3 and run for three Thursday afternoons through Nov. 17.

If you've never tried one of my classes at Richland, let me assure you there is no homework, we have tons of fun and learn quite a bit exploring past and present movies and movie stars.

We've even been known to indulge in a little behind-the-scenes gossip from time to time, and our "graduation" parties usually involve movie snacks.  Are you getting my drift?  We have a very good time in a relaxed atmosphere learning about movies, those who make them and the stars who light up the marquees.

The theme this fall is "Lone Star Movie Stars."  We'll kick it all off Nov. 3 with San Antonio's Lucille Fay LeSueur.  Excuse me, you might know her better as Joan Crawford, the Oscar-winner for "Mildred Pierce." 

Please, we request that no wire hangers be brought to class for the Joan Crawford session.

On Nov. 10, San Antonio's Tommy Lee Jones takes center stage.  We'll look at the Texan, Harvard graduate and Academy Award winner's stellar career.  And we'll discuss how Mr. Jones had more than a little to do with my attendance at the Cannes Film Festival in France in 2005. 

In the Nov. 17 wrap-up, we'll scatter-shoot across the Lone Star State and spotlight the careers of Dennis Quaid, Sissy Spacek, Renee Zellweger, Matthew McConaughey and more, including the late Patrick Swayze.

The classes only last an hour and a-half each.  The fee for the series is $20.

Your casting call is for 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Nov. 3 at Richland College's Room C102 (in Crockett Hall).

Call 972-238-6147 and mention Course No. 726433 to register.

(Joan Crawford photo courtesy:  originaloldradio.com/Tommy Lee Jones photo courtesy:  moviefanatic.com)

Memorable trip to 'Bountiful'

 

Thanks to everyone who came out to Waxahachie's Texas Theater Friday night (Oct. 14) to celebrate that city's rich cinematic history with my presentation "Waxahachie:  The Little Movie Town That Could."

Tim Eaton, the theater's general manager and Waxahachie Film Society spark plug, earns extra kudos for his hard work in making my equipment co-mingle with his house video and sound board to make everything possible.

And thanks to my brother Lannie for coming up with the idea of attaching a weight to a pesky non-functioning connector cable to solve a sound problem when nothing else seemed to work.

And while I'm spreading the gratitude, thanks to Waxahachie Daily Light reporter Andrew Branca for capturing the event in newspaper prose.  Click here to read Branca's account of the evening.

Those in attendance learned about Waxahachie's rich history as a site for movie-makers, especially from native son Robert Benton ("Places in the Heart") and the late Horton Foote ("Tender Mercies," "The Trip to Bountiful") in the 1980s.

I couldn't resist referring to Foote, one of the most interesting, genteel playwright/screenwriters I've ever met and interviewed -- as Waxahachie's cinematic poet laureate.

It was a rewarding experience, even if I was up on stage (twice, actually for two shows) and not actually occupying my usual aisle seat.

Time to book your holiday presentation

If you have a club or group and you're in the market for a speaker as entertainment for your holiday gathering, check out the description of the Movie Memories presentations at the top left of this webpage and give us a call at 972-599-2150 to book your presentation.

(Movie Memories presentation photo credit:  Lannie Ratliff)

Movie Memories road trip!

Mark your calendar for Oct. 14.  We're taking Movie Memories on the road to Waxahachie for a very special presentation titled:  "Waxahachie:  The Little Movie Town That Could."

We're doing two shows at Waxahachie's beautiful, restored Texas Theater.  But tickets are going fast.  Call 972-937-1993 to reserve your seats at either the 7 p.m. or the 9 p.m. show.

Why Waxahachie?  See below (Click poster for larger view):

 

Some like it auctioned

It happens all the time, but it still makes one feel odd, sad and eerie, like something's just not right.

An actor struggles to launch a career -- John Wayne as the Ringo Kid in "Stagecoach" (1939), Elizabeth Taylor in "There's One Born Every Minute' (1942), Tony Curtis in "City Across the River" (1949), etc. -- they find fame and when they're gone their precious possessions are cashed in by those left behind.

The jewels Taylor loved so much.  The eye patch Wayne wore in "True Grit," and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Now the not-so-wanted spotlight falls on the late Tony Curtis, the "Some Like It Hot" prolific actor/movie star who died Sept. 29 last year in Las Vegas.

Hollywood memorabilia, jewelry and art owned by Curtis went for over a million bucks Sept. 17 in L.A., including the yachtsman jacket Curtis wore to woo Marilyn Monroe in "Some Like It Hot"

 As is often the case, the heirs, or in this case the jilted heirs, air more than a little dirty laundry when it's time to divvy up the spoils of celebrity war.

The Hollywood Reporter website posted an item saying Curtis's children were even caught off guard that the actor's widow -- sixth and final wife Jill -- had put the items up for auction, according to daughter Allegra. 

"Jill Curtis is the only beneficiary of this auction. She did not consult us. This is not what my dad would have wanted. Jill's even selling off credit cards and driver licenses. She's also selling my dad's letters to Cary Grant, Jerry Lewis, Picasso -- these belong in a museum. It's the dissemination of the estate of Tony Curtis. He deserves better," Allegra said.

"Meanwhile, Julien's Auctions owner Darren Julien says: 'Tony came to many of our auctions with Jill and said he wanted Julien's to handle his auction after he died. I know this is exactly what he wanted,'" the Hollywood Reporter article stated.

Looking for something to read?

One of the reasons book lovers are often disappointed when one of their favorites is turned into a movie is that movies (like "The Help," for instance) have to condense plot-lines, dispense with some subplots and sometimes even combine characters.

So I'd like to recommend a couple of books by authors you'll no doubt recognize that have not, at this point anyway, made it to the big screen.

Steve Martin's "An Object of Beauty" (Grand Central Publishing, $14.20 in hardback on Amazon) is a clever, sexy novel set behind the scenes of New York art galleries.  It's an extremely entertaining read.

And so is "I Remember Nothing:  And Other Reflections" (Alfred A. Knopf, $13.49 in hardback on Amazon), Nora Ephron's funny, revealing insights into her life and her struggles to remember faces, places and things.

Recently added presentations

Those of you who visit this Web page regularly probably know that you can click on the list of Movie Memories presentations on the top left portion of the page for a description of each presentation.

There may be some new additions since you last perused them.  And recently, we added "Life Lessons I've Learned at the Movies" to the mix. 

If you have a club, group or gathering of weary senators and/or congresspersons looking for a little fun after debating the debt ceiling debacle for way too long, check out the description of "Life Lessons I've Learned at the Movies" and give us a call at 972-599-2150 to book your presentation

(Tony Curtis photo courtesy:  starpulse.com)

What's wrong with this picture?

OK, the floor is open for debate.

What's wrong or right about this picture of Ashton Kutcher in Charlie Sheen's old perch between Angus T. Jones, left, and Jon Cryer in the familiar "Two and a Half Men" pose?

Can anyone suggest a reason why CBS and the production company have decided to re-tool and move forward with a show that, although a cash cow, was broke beyond Humpty Dumpty repair when Sheen moved to Mars mentally and abandoned all hope of salvaging his financial connection to "the good life," i.e. drugs and women?

Please sing to the tune of the "Two and a Half Men" theme song:

"Money ... money ... money ... money ... mon-eeeeeeeeeeeeee."

Take it from me, this creative shipwreck is doomed to failure on the artistic level.

No one could right the Titanic once it went belly up, and no one will ever recreate the magic-in-a-bottle of Sheen as the heavy drinking womanizer who reluctantly allows his nebbish brother Alan (Cryer) and nephew Jake (Jones) to share his Malibu beach house.

Kutcher, a decent actor, will give it the good go.  According to a report by the Hollywood Reporter, CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler had high praise for Kutcher (and took a slight verbal snipe at Sheen) Wednesday as she faced reporters at the fall TV network dog and pony show in L.A.

"'We have an extraordinary actor in Ashton Kutcher. You have someone who is committed to doing their job and is incredibly professional,' she said, adding that Kutcher is 'an extraordinarily talented, funny and gifted actor,'" sez the posted Hollywood Reporter article.

Tassler forgot to mention one thing.  Kutcher is not Charlie Sheen, and you can read into that what you will.

I have met and interviewed Sheen on more than one occasion.  I always walked away thinking something like, "This guy's crazy as a loon."

And that was before his cars began suspiciously falling off cliffs into deep Cali canyons.  That was before Sheen took a hike as TV's highest paid sitcom guy and showed up in Tinsel Town waving a machete and gathering a posse of "goddesses" to keep around the house.

Charlie is Charlie is Charlie.

He was also extremely funny as the anchor of the sitcom CBS is trying to rebuild.

Once Sheen exits the "Two and a Half Men" grand scheme for good, however, as he likely will when the new season debuts Sept. 19 with a two-parter that's rumored to be about Charlie's funeral, the only people who stand to "win" are the advertisers, CBS and the production company.

Bottom line men, you see, could care less about artistic integrity, on-screen chemistry or a sitcom story that makes sense.

They're keen on something else.  Hit it boys ...

"Money ... money ... money ... money ... mon-eeeeeeeeeeeeee."

Tips on beating the August Texas heat

• Stay indoors:  If you have good air conditioning, don't even think of cracking the front door open until around mid-November.  It's too darn hot.
• Let a neighborhood movie theater pay the outrageous electric bill to keep you cool.  Take in the  movie "Cowboys & Aliens." That'll take your mind off your electric bill because you'll be pondering the notion of high-tech aliens invading Earth in the 19th century Old West. Believe it or not, this one is fun.  Click here for my review of "Cowboys & Aliens."
• Just for fun, drive to Dairy Queen (with your auto air conditioner on Arctic Blast) and order a dip cone at the drive-through window.  Count the number of red lights you hit on the way home.  (Hint:  Take along paper towels to clean up melted Dip Cone from your hand, arm and vehicle.)

 New Movie Memories presentations

Those of you who visit this Web page regularly probably know that you can click on the list of Movie Memories presentations on the top left portion of the page for a description of each presentation.

There may be some new additions since you last perused them.  And today I'm happy to announce that we're adding "Life Lessons I've Learned at the Movies" to the mix. 

If you have a club, group or gathering of weary senators and/or congresspersons looking for a little fun after debating the debt ceiling debacle for way too long, check out the description of "Life Lessons I've Learned at the Movies" and give us a call at 972-599-2150 to book your presentation.

Most of all, enjoy our sizzling Texas summer, stay out of the heat as best you can and brace yourself for the revised "Two and a Half Men."

("Two and a Half Men" photo courtesy:  CBS)

Wow, I'm playing the big room

Harrumph!  Accustomed as I am to public speaking, I am humbled.

I'm honored that Mitzi Werther, director of the Emeritus Plus 50 Program at Richland College in Dallas, has asked me to give the keynote speech at the program's Fall 2011 Back-to-School Kickoff event July 7.

I'm looking forward to playing Richland's big room, Fannin Performance Hall.  My topic that day is titled "Hey Buddy, Can You Spare a Movie Ticket?"

As the accompanying flyer touts, we go to the movies to feel better when times are bad or we're just feeling down in the dumps.

But why do we do that?  And is it a recent phenomenon?

We'll get into all that on July 7, beginning at 9 a.m., with what I believe will be interesting info mixed with a little fun.

The Fall 2011 Back-to-School Kickoff, which is free by the way, will also include an overview of fall Emeritus classes and a bonus:  free coffee and muffins.

One of the things I'm most excited about is that in some of my other speaking engagements, the coffee and muffins got top billing.

If you haven't been to Richland College's Fannin Performance Hall, it's a beautiful, comfortable auditorium.

I'm really looking forward to the event.  So, if you can, do me a solid and mark your calendars and join us on July 7 at 9 a.m.  We want to fill up the joint.

Deadline to R.S.V.P. is July 1. Call 972-238-6972 to reserve your space for this FREE Event.

Mention my name and you'll get free coffee and a muffin.  Don't mention my name and the results will be exactly the same.

Hey buddy, can you spare part of your Thursday morning on July 7?

Wanted:  Class clown, teacher's pet

Ready for a little hot classic movie fun in the summertime?

It's time to sign up for my series of non-credit Emeritus classes at Richland College.  This summer, we're offering a choice of morning or early evening classes.  Of course you can feel free to sign up for both.

The idea, for those who haven't yet hopped on the classic movie bandwagon, is to learn something about classic films, film trends or filmmakers and have some fun (and often movie snacks) while doing it in a friendly, open forum.  There are no tests and no homework.  Just memorable cinematic moments and, lest we forget, snacks.

This summer's morning session is titled "Classics, Must-Sees and One Loser."  It will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays from June 14 through July 5.  It's non-credit, and the fee for the four classes is $26.

Here's what we'll cover week-by-week:

June 14:  Yankee Doodle Dandies

We'll take a close look at classic movies that celebrate the American spirit. Films like “Yankee Doodle Dandy,”  “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and others.

June 21:  Big Stars, Bad Movies

Even the biggest stars have appeared in a stinker or two. It's fun to take a look at films like “The Return of Dr. X,” in which Humphrey Bogart played a vampire. And Bogie's not the only legendary star with a stinker in his past.

June 28:  Hot Fun in the Classic Movie Sun

It'll be summertime, we'll hit the cinematic beach with a look at everything from "Jaws" to "Beach Blanket Bingo."

July 5:  The Classic Movie Essentials

We’ll look at 10 must-see classic movies. Have you seen “Nosferatu”? … How about “The Apartment” or “Days of Wine and Roses”?

The early evening session is titled "Lights ... Camera ... Dallas!  Movies filmed in the DFW."  On three Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8, we'll focus on memorable movies lensed in or near the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

The fee for the evening series is $25,  Here's how the classes shape up:

June 16: The Early Years

It’s probably no surprise that “State Fair” was shot here, but were you aware that “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Logan’s Run” and “Tender Mercies” were as well?

June 23: 'Silkwood' to 'JFK'

We'll begin with Mike Nichols’ whistle-blower drama “Silkwood” starring Kurt Russell and Meryl Streep.  The class continues through Robert Benton’s “Places in the Heart,” Horton Foote’s “The Trip to Bountiful” and, finally, Oliver Stone’s political-drama “JFK.”

June 30: That’s a wrap so far, Big D

We wrap up the series with a close look at the surprising 1998 Oscar winner “Boys Don’t Cry,” Dennis Quaid as “The Rookie” and “Dr. T and the Women,” not exactly famed filmmaker Robert Altman’s crowning achievement.

To register for my non-credit classes, call Richland's Continuing Education Department at 972-238-6146 or 972-238-6147.

The morning series course number is EMEZ 1000.  The registration number is 693787.

The evening series course number is EMEZ 1000.  The registration number is 693783. 

I'm looking forward to diving into some hot classic movies this summer.  If you have any questions or problems registering, email me at lrratliff@verizon.net or call 972-599-2150.  

(Fall 2011 Back-to-School Kickoff flyer courtesy:  Richland College/"Yankee Doodle Dandy" poster courtesy:  Warner Bros.)

Do your best to Dallas film fest

Dallas keeps striving to become one of those great film festival cities like Park City, Utah (Sundance), Toronto and yes, even, Austin, our neighbors south down I-35 who host South By Southwest (SXSW).

This year's edition of the Dallas International Film Festival, which kicks off tonight (March 31), could be Big D's best effort to join the film festival elite.

Like Austin, Park City and Toronto, for instance, this year's Dallas festival (Dallas IFF) is spread all over town like the big boys.  Do you live in Oak Cliff?  No problem.  There will be festing in your neighborhood at the historic Texas Theater.

Are you closer to the Magnolia, either Angelika, Highland Park or Northpark theaters?  Not to worry.  You're covered.

And this year, the Dallas IFF kicks off with an opening night shindig that would make Toronto Film Fest party-hoppers stand in line.

Every decent film festival needs an eye-popping headliner, of course.  SXSW had Jodie Foster, director of "The Beaver," pop in a few weeks back.

The one and only Ann-Margret will be in attendance at the Winspear Opera House tonight to receive a Dallas Star Award.  Tickets are $30 for the opening night event, which also includes Elmo, or more specifically, the documentary "Being Elmo."

If you'd like to hob-nob after the official ceremonies, a $150 ticket will give you access to the Opening Night Gala at the Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art.

There's something for everyone at this year's fest.  Saturday's (April 2) screening of "Soul Surfer," the inspirational feature based on teen surfer Bethany Hamilton (who lost an arm to a shark and returned to surfing), is shaping up as a very hot ticket (7:30 p.m. at the AMC Northpark).

If you can't get into that one, try Sunday (April 3), also at the AMC Northpark at 5 p.m.

The important thing is just to get out and go to something this year.  The allure of a hopping film festival is difficult to explain until you experience the collective joy and anticipation of sharing the discovery of creative cinema with friends or even strangers before the masses get their shot.

Click here for a list of screenings by title and here for general Dallas IFF info.

It's not too late to talk classic movies

Even though Session 1 of my non-credit Emeritus classes at Richland College is under way, it's not to late to join our classic films discussion group.

The idea is to learn something about classic movies while having some fun.  There's no homework and no tests, just a review of memorable cinematic moments in a friendly, open forum.  This spring we'll look at classic films decade-by-decade.

My weekly classes began March 24 and will run, via two separate three-week sessions, through April 28.  We'll spend the first hour or so viewing each movie.  Then, in the time that remains, we'll look behind the scenes and discuss key points of significant interest or importance.

The fee for each three-week session is a recession-friendly $26.  Each weekly session runs from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursdays.  Call 972-238-6146 or 972-238-6147 today to reserve your spot. 

Here's what's remaining on the agenda this spring:

Session Group 1 (remaining)

March 31 The 1950s:  Offbeat romance -- "The African Queen" (1951)

There's much to enjoy in this offbeat gem about a stubborn riverboat captain (Humphrey Bogart) and the prim and proper missionary he can't help falling for (Katharine Hepburn) during a wartime river journey.

April 7  The 1960s:  Good guys of the Old West -- "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962) 

All John Ford Westerns are worthy of attention.  But this one, starring John Wayne, James Stewart, Vera Miles and Lee Marvin as the title character is simply one of the most enjoyable Westerns of all time.

Session Group 2

April 14  The 1970s:  Bad hombre gangsters -- "Dillinger" (1973)

Johnny Depp gave legendary bank robber John Dillinger a go in 2009.  It wasn't a bad portrayal.  It just couldn't compare to Warren Oates’ stellar performance in the 1973 biopic written and directed by John Milius.

April 21  The 1980s:  Punch-drunk brilliance -- "Raging Bull" (1980)

The '80s had barely begun when the best movie of the decade hit the screen with a jolting, Oscar-winning performance by Robert De Niro as boxer Jake La Motta. Director Martin Scorsese changed fight films for decades to come.

April 28  The 1990s: Girls on the run -- "Thelma & Louise" (1991) 

Few road dramas get their performance motors running as smoothly as this one pairing Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis.  They shoot first when wronged and take off in a Thunderbird on a wild ride that'll end with a date with destiny.

(Ann-Margret photo courtesy:  starpulse.com)