Frank Mandosa - Film Lecturer/Host

Check out my movie-themed podcasts at
"Reels of Cinema" (host)
"Movies Across the Pod" (co-host)
"Hollywood's Hidden Cost" (co-host)

All available wherever you get your podcasts! (Spotify, Apple, Buzzsprout, GoodPods)
Or simply click here:
https://linktr.ee/reelsofcinema?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

About Me:
Since 2012, I have given a wide variety of different film-related talks at different venues, such as public libraries (including the Boston Public Library in Copley Square), community centers, senior living facilities, local cable programs, and private residences.

For eight years, I also co-hosted Reel Life, a Stoughton-based cable program, which placed second for Arts and Theater at the 17th annual Alliance for Community Media-Northeast Region (ACM-NE) Video Festival in November 2015.

These film talks include lots of fun interactive trivia questions, movie-themed door prizes, photo displays, and free handouts pertaining to your choice of topic!

Want to hear more about slapstick comedy? The Academy Awards? Horror movies? Film noir? The "gangster pictures" of the 1930s? Famous Hollywood icons? Romantic films? Movies from a particular era? Something else entirely? You pick your topic - and I also accommodate specific requests!

For a movie talk at your place of business, your next birthday party, at a town or community event, or any other type of occasion, contact me for guaranteed cinematic fun!

See "Alphabetized List of Topics" for complete menu. See "Events" page for regularly updated speaking schedule.

NOTE: New for 2026...

"Robert Redford: From Sundance Kid to Sundance Founder" ... Robert Redford has been an icon of cinema throughout his career, both in front of the camera and behind it. An Oscar-winning director for 1980's Ordinary People, he also was a nominated actor, a heartthrob, a worthy co-star of Paul Newman, a philanthropist, an environmentalist, and a strong supporter of independent film. A look at the life and career of the man who was The Sundance Kid!

"Rob Reiner: A Tribute" ... A celebrated actor, writer, director, and producer, Reiner's career both in front of and behind the camera garnered him two Emmy Awards for the TV comedy series All in the Family and a Best Picture Oscar nomination for 1992's A Few Good Men. From his early days writing for TV to his directorial mastery with cherished films such as 1984's This Is Spinal Tap!, 1985's The Sure Thing, 1986's Stand by Me, 1987's The Princess Bride, 1989's When Harry Met Sally, 1990's Misery, and 1995's The American President, this is a look at the life and career of the artist who proved that he is no "Meathead"!

"Diane Keaton: A Tribute" ... A celebrated actress, director, producer, and screenwriter, Keaton forged herself a career that spanned over five decades. From her early Broadway work as part of the original cast of Hair to her auspicious early film roles in The Godfather and many comedies, some with Woody Allen, she became beloved for her offbeat charm, quirkiness, and goofball sensibility. Receiving the Best Leading Actress Academy Award for 1977's Annie Hall further solidified her status as one of the most influential artists of her generation. A look at the life and career of one of America's favorite actresses!

"Catherine O'Hara: A Tribute" ... From the moment that she first appeared on Canadian TV screens in SCTV, O'Hara left her mark on the world of comedy. Later film roles in beloved classics such as 1988's Beetlejuice, 1990's Home Alone, 1993's A Nightmare before Christmas, and a string of mockumentaries with writer-director Christopher Guest cemented her status as a cherished comedienne. Of course, no look at her life and career is complete without including her many TV guest spots on shows like Modern Family - and, of course, the role of a lifetime as 'Moira Rose' in Schitt's Creek!!

"Carrie Fisher: The Force Is Always with Her" ... While most famous for her portrayal of Princess (later General) Leia Organa in the classic Star Wars films, Fisher's turbulent life was filled with its fair share of hits and misses, triumphs and heartaches. From her other film roles (1986's Hannah and Her Sisters, 1989's When Harry Met Sally) to her career as a novelist and Hollywood screenwriter to her relationships with singer-songwriter Paul Simon, agent Bryan Lourd, Harrison Ford, and Dan Aykroyd, her time with us was all too brief. A look at the life and career of the witty, sardonic actress and author!!

"Mel Brooks: Laughing His Way to the EGOT" ... Born Melvin Kamisnky in Brooklyn, this Oscar-winning legend has had audiences laughing in the aisles for decades. Beginning with 1967's The Producers and continuing with a one-two punch in 1974 courtesy of Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, he extended his comedy to TV and the world of the Broadway musical. Along the way, he accumulated more accolades than there are Spaceballs in the galaxy. A look at the life and career of the comedy legend!!

"Clint Eastwood: He Makes Our Day" ... from his 'Spaghetti Westerns" like 1964's A Fistful of Dollars and 1966's The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly to his thrillers like 1971's Play Misty for Me and the Dirty Harry franchise to his later heavy dramas like 2004's Million Dollar Baby and 2008's Gran Torino, Clint Eastwood has been a staple of the silver screen as an Oscar-winning director, an Oscar-nominated actor, and an accomplished music composer. A look at the life and career of the star who spans the generations!!

"John Williams: The Musical Maestro" ... Arguably the quintessential composer in all of motion picture history, Williams has entertained countless generations with his scores to such legendary films as 1972's The Poseidon Adventure, 1974's The Towering Inferno, 1974's Earthquake, 1975's Jaws, the Star Wars franchise, 1977's Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the Superman franchise, 1982's E.T.: The Extraterrestrial, the Indiana Jones franchise, 1986's Spacecamp, 1987's The Witches of Eastwick, the Home Alone franchise, 1991's Hook, 1991's JFK, 1993's Schindler's List, the Jurassic Park franchise, 1998's Saving Private Ryan, the Harry Potter franchise, and so many others. A look at the life and career of this multi-award-winning gift to cinema!!

NOTE: New for 2025...

"Jaws at 50: It’s Still Got Bite" ...when it comes to audience impact, Psycho had its shower, and Jaws has its ocean! This presentation is a behind-the-scenes look at the conception, production, and reception of the Steven Spielberg-directed classic that is widely considered to be one of the best films of the 20th century!

"Jane Austen: From the Page to the Screen” … The world-renowned writer turns 250 years old in 2025, and to mark the occasion, enjoy a look at her life and the many film adaptations based on her work, from biopics to book-to-film adaptations to re-imaginings and modern-day updates!

“Thanksgiving-Themed Films: From the Favorite Hits to the Total Turkeys” … It’s the time of year when contemplation, perspective, and gratitude for our blessings are all imperative. And in the movies, it’s also when friends and loved ones get together and grin their way through a turkey dinner while putting up with each other’s idiosyncrasies, personality conflicts, and years-long grudges in both comedic and dramatic style! An affectionate look at a collection of films that serve as a reminder that no matter how complicated relationships can get, in the end it is the love that binds us together. Films include, but are not limited to, 1969’s Alice’s Restaurant, 1986’s Hannah and Her Sisters, 1995’s Home for the Holidays, and 2003’s Pieces of April.

“Holiday Films: From Under the Radar to Center Stage” … Everyone is likely familiar with holiday staples such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, the many iterations of A Christmas Carol, Home Alone, The Santa Clause, and Elf. But this presentation throws some variety into the mix with a look at films that have either flown under the radar or gone largely forgotten! Ever hear of It Happened on Fifth Avenue, Holiday Affair, or One Magic Christmas? When you hear about these and more, you just might find yourself adding new titles to your holiday viewing rotation!

“Things that Go Bump in the Night: The History and Impact of the Horror Film” … Fear is perhaps one of the strongest human emotions. So why would we choose to watch films that inspire terror, suspense, and dread? Why are we satisfied when a horror movie unnerves us, and why are we disappointed when it doesn’t? This program looks at the many horror movies that have enthralled audiences for well over a century, with a special focus on the Universal Stufios era of the 1930s-40s! Behind-the-scene anecdotes, a look at the early beginnings of cinematic terror, and interactive trivia all combine to make for a spooky good time!

“New York City: A Tribute to Movie Memories” … Title tells all about this presentation that looks at films made in and/or set in the city that never sleeps. From inspirational dramas like 2002’s In America and 2015’s The Walk to the family-friendly like 1984’s The Muppets Take Manhattan and 2007’s Enchanted to action-thrillers such as 1933’s King Kong, 1971’s The French Connection, 1973’s Serpico, 2001’s Vanilla Sky, and 2024’s Anora and finally to comedies like 1961’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 1984’s Ghostbusters, 1988’s Coming to America, 1989’s When Harry Met Sally, and 2014’s Birdman, The Big Apple does not lack representation on the big screen! A love letter to the legendary city.

“Movies with Rhythm and Beat: Films about the Music World” … Movies and music practically go hand in hand. So why not a program that tips its hat to films that tell stories about the world of melodies and harmonies? 1969’s Alice’s Restaurant, 1978’s New York, New York, 1980’s Fame, 2000’s Almost Famous, 2007’s Music and Lyrics, 2015’s Ricki and the Flash, 2020’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, 2022’s Elvis, 2024’s A Complete Unknown, and the four (so far!) versions of A Star Is Born are just some of the titles to explore!

“Jack Lemmon: The Everyday Funnyman” … Whether he’s donning a dress with Tony Curtis in Some Like It Hot, lending his home out to his bosses in The Apartment, or engaging in shenanigans with Walter Matthau in the ten films they made together, Jack Lemmon is one of the most highly-respected and highly-decorated actors of his generation. He and Marlon Brando hold the same record: 2 Oscar wins out of 8 nominations. A musician, director, and producer as well, Lemmon proved that there is more to an actor than meets the eye. A look at the life and career of the relatable personality who was equally adept at comedy and drama!

“Your Game Is Now a Movie” … a look at the origins of video games, their impact on pop culture, and how the movies eventually decided to get in on the act! With films like The Super Mario Brothers, Wreck-It Ralph, Ready Player One, and Free Guy, there’s no shortage of digitally-created characters becoming Hollywood stars! Plus, a nod to movies based on board games like Clue and Jumanji!

“Harrison Ford: The Beloved Cynic" ... From Bob Falfa and Han Solo to Indiana Jones, Rick Deckard, and Jack Ryan, this is one globe-trotting space cowboy who left an indelible mark on multiple generations of moviegoers worldwide! A look at the life and career of the Academy Award-nominated actor!

"Sally Field: We Like Her!" ... She may have started in fluffy 1960s sitcoms like The Flying Nun and Gidget, but Sally Field grew up to conquer both film and television with award-winning work in both drama and comedy. A look at the life and career of the two-time Oscar winner!

"The 60th Anniversary of The Sound of Music" ... Your heart will beat like the wings of the birds that fly from the lake to the trees when you celebrate 60 years with this beloved classic that received the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1965! Entertaining behind-the-scenes fun facts, background on the cast, and information about the real-life Von Trapp family all combine to make this one experience that will have you twirling on the mountaintops!

"Al Pacino: We Know It Was Him" ... what other actor could turn a New Year's Eve celebration into one of the most heartbreaking and chilling moments in modern cinema with those words in The Godfather Part II? While this theatrically-trained actor achieved Hollywood superstardom, he never cut off ties to his stage roots. Famously guarded about his private life, he offers insight into his life in his 2024 memoir. And this look at the life and career of the Oscar-winning legend will reveal a whole new side of the actor you thought you knew!

"River Phoenix: An Icon of Generation X" ... once or twice every generation, there is a star who speaks to their generation through their sensitive portrayals of complicated characters and their real-life ideals and conviction. River Phoenix is one such actor with a capital 'A." Controversial but magnetic, brilliant but troubled, he threw himself passionately into his art. This look at his life and career will renew your appreciation for this talent who left us too soon!

"Glenn Close: Oscar's Bridesmaid" ... hers is a star that keeps shining brightly on the silver screen, the small screen, and the Broadway stage. Glenn Close is one industry veteran whose acting credentials reflect a solid, rightfully highly-decorated body of work. A look at the life and career of the 8-time Academy Award nominee!

"Dame Maggie Smith: Queen of the Quips" ... whether she puts the Downton Abbey characters in their place, runs Hogwarts with stern discipline, or helps Whoopi Goldberg hide out in a convent, two-time Oscar winner Dame Maggie Smith has been beloved and cherished for generations for her combined warmth and acid-tongued wit. A look at the life and career of the star of 1969's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, 2011's The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, 2001's Gosford Park, and so many others!

"Terms of Endearment Revisited" ... created by request for a public library's film discussion group, this presentation is a behind-the-scenes look at the conception, production, and reception of the beloved dramedy that netted 5 Oscars, including Best Picture of 1983!

NOTE: New for 2024...

"New England Movies of Terror and Suspense" ... Once dubbed "The New World" by the Puritans, New England has long been a source of inspiration for historical fiction, films purportedly based on true stories, and works of unfiltered imagination! Perfect for the Halloween season or any time of the year, this presentation looks at a wide variety of films set in each of the New England states, including, but not limited to, the supernatural horror of 1941's The Devil and Daniel Webster, 1963's The Haunting, 2009's The Haunting in Connecticut, and 2013's The Conjuring, and 2021's Night at Eagle Inn to Salem-based stories like 1993's Hocus Pocus and 2015's The VVitch! (and that last title is not a typo...!)

"Class Is in Session: Back to School Films" ... Whether it's been 5, 15, or 50 years since you've been in a classroom, this presentation will bring on the nostalgia with a look at films depicting school life. From comedies like 1982's Fast Times at Ridgemont High and 1986's Back to School to horror like 1998's The Faculty to inspirational stories like 1998's October Sky and 2006's Akeelah and the Bee, the back to school season will be on full display!

"Robin Williams: The Man of a Thousand Laughs and Tears” … Anyone who has seen just five minutes of footage of Williams performing can attest to his frenetic, warm-hearted zaniness. For every minute of laughter, he successfully delivered one of tears. A look at the life and a career of the Academy Award-winning actor and comedian!

"Burt Lancaster: From Circus Acrobat to Silver Screen Stardom" ... He may have won his Oscar for 1960's Elmer Gantry, but this actor and producer graced the silver screen for five decades in classics like 1953's From Here to Eternity and 1962's Birdman of Alcatraz. A look at the life and career of this one-time circus acrobat!

"Lasting Legacies: Actors Who Left Us Too Soon" ... From James Dean to Heath Ledger, from Carole Lombard to River Phoenix, so many talented actors had the potential to have longer, highly-decorated careers. Biographical snippets from a selected group of actors who left us too soon help to keep their legacies alive!

"Take Me out to the Ballgame: Baseball Movies" ... With the crack of the bat comes the roar of the crowd, the smell of hot dogs and peanuts, and the excitement for a good baseball-themed film to complement the latest game! From kids in Little League to romantic comedies to biopics, baseball films are a great way to spend a couple of hours if a game is ever rained out - batter up!

"Frankenstein in Film" ... since Mary Shelley's Gothic novel's publication in the early 19th century, her creation has taken on a life of its own, pun intended, as it has graced the stage, screen, and TV and become a permanent part of the fabric of the horror film. A look at different incarnations of the Creature, from Boris Karloff's unbeatable portrayal to parodies like The Munsters and Young Frankenstein, this presentation will get you in the Halloween spirit of fun and fright!

"Elizabeth Taylor: The Tumultuous Talent" ... the true embodiment of "celebrity," this two-time Academy Award-winning actress is one of the few to ultimate make the successful transition from child star to iconic beauty. Sometimes scandalous, sometimes aggressive, very often philanthropic, she made heads turn and screens glow. A look at the life and career of one of the most photographed public figures of the 20th century!

"Marlon Brando: A Life of Talent and Controversy" ... this controversial actor knew how to make heads turn, and he took his craft (most of the time) seriously. A look at the life and career of the artist and activist who gave some of his roles everything he had but others a collect call from "phoning it in"!

"Jack Nicholson: Behind the Shades" ... known for his trademark sunglasses and sly grin, this 3-time Academy Award winner has done it all, from independent cinema to cult film to romantic comedy to horror to modern-day gangster picture. A look at the life and career of one of the greats!

"Meryl Streep: Screen Queen" ... acting careers rarely reach the trajectory of this 21-time Academy Award nominee and 3-time winner! From frothy musicals like Mamma Mia! to sober dramas like Sophie's Choice and Doubt, this is one actress who shows no signs of slowing down!

"Harry Belafonte: From Day-O to EGOT" ... a look at the life and career of the singer, actor, and civil rights activist that will have you happily singing "Day-O"!

"Ben Affleck and Matt Damon: A Boston-Bred Bromance" ... together they received Oscars for co-writing 1997's Good Will Hunting, but that was only the beginning of two long-lasting careers that have had their fair share of hits and misses. A look at these two Hollywood heavyweights who are as resilient as they come!

"UHF" ... created by request for a public library's film discussion group, this presentation is a behind-the-scenes look at the conception, production, and reception of 1989's comedic, quirky, irreverent 'Weird Al' Yankovich headliner!

"Bogart and Bacall: A Love Story from Hollywood's Golden Age" ... What do a middle-aged onscreen tough guy and a husky-voiced 19-year-old firecracker have in common? Plenty, as Oscar-winning legends Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall proved in the four films they made together in the 1940s! Biographical bits from both of their careers, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at their onscreen collaborations, complement this tribute to two of the 20th century's greatest!

"Jim Henson: Master Muppeteer" ... It all began with his mother's old spring coat and a pair of his own jeans with ping pong balls for eyes. Over time, his creation evolved into the beloved icon Kermit the Frog. From children's television to feature films to animated TV series, Henson's creative vision brought us the most recognizable motley collection of characters to span the generations. This presentation on his life and career will show that with his branching out into edgier fare like 1982's The Dark Crystal and 1986's Labyrinth, he proved his versatility in writing, producing, and performing!

"Movies about the Sea: When Science and Human Emotion Merge" ... by request as a complement to a public library reading group's book-of-the-month selection (Sy Montgomery's The Soul of an Octopus), this is a look at movies thematically linked to sea life and the sea in general. Titles include, but are not limited to, 20,000 Leagues under the Sea, Moby Dick, Life of Pi, Jaws, Free Willy, Splash, and Cast Away!

NOTE: New for 2023...

"'Tis the Season: Celebrating the Holidays in Film" ... this presentation is a comprehensive overview of some of the most beloved and rewatched holiday films in movie history!

"Home Alone" ... created by request for a public library's film discussion group, this presentation is a behind-the-scenes look at the conception, production, and reception of one of the most iconic holiday films of all time!

“Protecting Our Freedoms: The Veteran Experience in Film" ... a tribute to all veterans of all branches of the Armed Forces. From The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) to Rescue Dawn and Flags of Our Fathers (both 2006), from Coming Home and The Deer Hunter (both 1978) to Glory and Born on the Fourth of July (both 1989) and Jarhead (2005) and Grace Is Gone (2007), this is a behind-the-scenes look at both fictional and nonfictional stories that continue to inspire dignity and respect for those who gave - and continue to give - so much.

“King Kong: Still Top Banana” … a look back at the 1933 quintessential 'monster movie' from Hollywood's Golden Age, this program explores behind-the-scenes fun facts from before, during, and after its production. Together with shout-outs to the sequels and remakes from over the decades, you will roar in excitement as you learn what you thought you knew about this film that makes it worth celebrating almost a century later!

"Biopics: Preserving Personal Stories for Posterity" ... a look at a collection of biopics of some famous and not-so-famous names that had an impact on the world, from the Oscar-winning performances of Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking, and Ben Kingsley as Gandhi to the portrayals of Rubin "The Hurricane" Carter, Howard Hughes, Mamie Till, Jackie Kennedy, Temple Grandin, Steve Jobs, and Tonya Harding!

“Musician Biopics: The A Sharps and B Flats” … a look at a collection of biopics of some of the greatest recording artists, from the Oscar-winning performances of Sissy Spacek as Loretta Lynn and Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles to the portrayals of Brian Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Johnny and June Cash, and Sir Elton John!

“The Jurassic Park Franchise: Back to Isla Nubar” … a retrospective of the six-film franchise made up of two trilogies, this presentation looks not only at behind-the-scenes fun facts and anecdotes, but also at what came before, the groundbreaking depictions of dinosaurs in the early days of silent cinema!
“Angela Lansbury: From Tony Triumphs to Talking Teapots” … A four-time Tony winner for her Broadway roles ranging from Mame to Gypsy, Angela Lansbury graced the stage, the silver screen, and TVs for eight decades. This overview of her life and career will present the story behind the story of one of the most cherished actresses of her generation!
“Gregory Peck: From Ahab to Atticus” … this overview of the life and career of one of the 20th century’s most iconic stars brings you information that you never knew! From his many screen performances to his theatrical endeavors to his personal tragedies to his charity work, this is one actor whose impact on cinema is felt to this day!

"Families in Film" ... this presentation is a comprehensive overview of some of the most iconic Hollywood families that all made their mark on the entertainment industry! You will hear about famous siblings, from the Arquettes to the Hemsworths to the Wayans Brothers, as well as parents and children, including, but not limited to, Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher, Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli, Kirk and Michael Douglas, and Denzel and John David Washington!

“Elizabeth Taylor: The Tumultuous Talent” … multiple marriages, famous beauty, fierce loyalty to her friends such as Montgomery Clift, James Dean, and Rock Hudson - these are just some of the ways to describe Taylor, a woman who successfully transitioned from child star to respected, 2-time Oscar-winning adult actress! A look at the life and career of the legend!

"Films of Adventure and Discovery: Part 1" ... created by request to complement a public library's summer reading program, this presentation explores films with the themes of searching for and learning about new lands, new people, and even whole new worlds! These stories challenge us to step outside of our comfort zones and open our minds to experiences we might not have imagined. Among the highlighted films (which can vary upon request) are Back to the Future, Labyrinth, SpaceCamp, The Goonies, Willow, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and The Martian! This presentation both stands on its own and pairs up well with Part 2!

"Films of Adventure and Discovery: Part 2" ... created by request to complement a public library's summer reading program, this presentation explores films with the themes of searching for and learning about personal identity, goals in life, hidden talents and flaws, and journeys of self-discovery! Among the highlighted films (which can vary upon request) are The Mosquito Coast, Kon-Tiki, The Tourist, Under the Tuscan Sun, Into the Wild, Captain Fantastic, Night Train to Lisbon, and Sideways! This presentation both stands on its own and pairs up well with Part 1!

“Morgan Freeman: The Man Behind the Voice” … with a deep, hypnotic voice that has provided countless narrations and voiceovers, Freeman is one of the best actors of his generation. A look at the life and career of the Academy Award-winning icon from his early days on PBS’s The Electric Company to his starring turns in such classics as Glory, The Shawshank Redemption, and Million Dollar Baby!

“Golden Atrocities and Guilty Pleasures: Movies So Bad, They’re Good” … title tells all as this program serves up behind-the-scenes fun facts and anecdotes about some of the best of the worst that cinema has to offer!

“Dorothy Dandridge: An Unsung Talent” … a look at the life and career of the first African-American actress ever to be nominated for the Best Leading Actress Academy Award. From her nightclub career to her memorable work in 1954’s Carmen Jones, hers was a path that deserves to be remembered and shared!

”Hedy Lamarr: Stolen Legacy" ... a look at the life and career of actress Hedy Lamarr, who declined roles in Casablanca, Laura, and Gaslight and instead invented a covert communication system to help defeat the Nazis during WWII, the technology that we use today for secure Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth … as her Hollywood bosses restricted her to selling kisses for war bonds during WWII

"The Truth about Cats and Dogs" ... created by request for a public library's film discussion group, this presentation is a behind-the-scenes look at the conception, production, and reception of one of the 90s-era romantic comedy that puts a modern-day, gender-reversal spin on the classic tale of Cyrano de Bergerac! Janeane Garofalo, Uma Thurman, and Ben Chaplin portray the characters mixed up in the quintessential love triangle. Biographical bits from the career of comedienne Garofalo complements this retrospective.

"Casablanca Turns 80!: Watch It Again, Sam" ... a behind-the-scenes look at the conception, production, reception, and legacy of one of the most revered American films of all time! Biographical bits from the lives of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman complement this retrospective.

NOTE: New for 2022...

"Titanic: 25 Years with Rose and the King of the World" ... In 1997, director James Cameron's passion project Titanic sailed into theaters and became the top-grossing film of all time and a pop culture phenomenon. Stars Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet were catapulted to global fame and continue to enjoy highly-decorated acting and producing careers of their own. Behind-the-scenes anecdotes, fun facts, and interactive trivia!

"John Candy: The Affable Laughmaker" ... For about twenty years, actor and comedian John Candy cracked up TV and film audiences with his likeable goofiness onscreen and his big-hearted characters. From his two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Writing for SCTV to his memorable characters in films like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and Uncle Buck, he was a character actor who both entertained and moved us!

"Rita Moreno: A Fiery Ambition" ... a look at the life and career of the charismatic EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner! From her bit parts to her lauded performances, from her live shows to her television appearances, this is one performer whose star continues to shine brightly as she enters her 90th decade!

"Horror Movies So Bad, They're Frightening" ... Ideally, horror movies are meant to frighten, shock, disturb, or intimidate. But there are some that are so outrageous, so campy, so over-the-top, so overacted and/or low in production value that they become caricatures of themselves and the genre. This is a fun look at some of the most (in)famous "so bad that they're good" horror flicks ever to grace the silver screen!

"Man vs. Nature in Film" ... in conjunction with a public library summer reading program, this offers an overview of nature-themed films depicting our relationship with the natural world around us and its many elements, both peaceful and dangerous. Perfect for an Earth Day celebration as well! Films such as Into the Wild, Free Solo, Twister, The Impossible, 127 Hours, March of the Penguins, The Perfect Storm. and Adventures of the Wilderness Family - and more! - are featured.

"Warren Beatty: A Famously Private Life” … a look at the life and career of one of the most accomplished Academy Award winners of the 20th century! Along with Orson Welles (1941's Citizen Kane), Beatty is the only Oscar nominee to receive nods for producing, directing, writing, and acting in a single film. And Beatty did it twice, for 1978's Heaven Can Wait and 1981's Reds. His offscreen romantic flings have rivaled his body of work for his claims to fame, but his Best Director Oscar win for Reds, as well as much of his filmography, does speak for itself. (And yes, in part, Carly Simon's song was about him...)

"Hattie McDaniel and Viola Davis: Makers of Hollywood History" ... a look at the lives, careers, and accomplishments of two noted actresses who made film and Oscar history! Holding the distinction of being the first African-American actress to receive the coveted Academy Award for acting, McDaniel struggled to find dignified work after Gone with the Wind brought her unprecedented accolades. Decades later, Davis continues to hone her craft in a highly-decorated career of her own. They may be from different generations, but these two Oscar winners both have left indelible marks in the world of filmmaking!

"The Godfather at 50" ... a look at the conception, production, and lasting legacy of the 1972 classic directed by Francis Ford Coppola! B.Y.O.C. (Bring Your Own Cannoli)

"Star Wars: A Jump into Hyperspace" ... long before there was a franchise, there was this pet project, a space epic fantasy conceived by a young, imaginative director named George Lucas. A look at the conception, production, and lasting legacy of the 1977 original!

"Miracle on 34th Street at 75" ... a look at the conception, production, and lasting legacy of the beloved holiday classic directed by George Seaton and starring Maureen O'Hara and a young Natalie Wood! Edmund Gwenn to this day melts hearts in his Oscar-winning performance as the one and only Kris Kringle.

NOTE: New for 2021...

“The Films of 1941: 80 Years Later” … a behind-the-scenes look at The Maltese Falcon, Citizen Kane, How Green Was My Valley (*Academy Award for Best Picture), Hitchcock’s Suspicion, and The Little Foxes!!

"Montgomery Clift: A Tortured Brilliance" ... a look at the life and career of one of the most inspired, talented, attractive, but privately troubled actors of the 20th century!! Clift left an indelible mark on cinematic history with memorable performances in such classics as A Place in the Sun, From Here to Eternity, and Judgement at Nuremberg. His name may not be as instantly recognizable to some younger audiences as Marlon Brando’s or James Dean’s, but his filmography is a testament to his status of one of the best Method actors of all time!!

”Katharine Hepburn: Blazing a Cinematic Trail” ... Hollywood royalty in every sense of the phrase, Hepburn proved herself ahead of her time both on the screen and after the cameras stopped rolling. Her feisty independence got her some of the best roles that the studios at the time had to offer ... and sometimes cost her a few successes as well. A look at the life and career of the 20th century movie star legend who still holds the record for the most Academy Award wins (4) of any actor, living or deceased!

“Sidney Poitier: The Man, the Artist, the Reluctant Hero” ... Holding the distinction of being the first African-American actor to receive the coveted Academy Award for Best Actor, Poitier has worked steadily in the show business industry for decades. His onscreen characters have inspired and galvanized movie fans around the globe. But underneath the critical praise and the box-office power lies a man who felt conflicted and frustrated with the scripts he was given and the type of character that the studios repeatedly expected him to portray. A look at the life and career of this Broadway and cinematic star!!

"Denzel Washington: Forever Falling Forward” ... The epitome of classic movie star charisma, Denzel has been entertaining movie audiences in dramas and action thrillers for over thirty years. In 2011, he gave the commencement address at UPenn and advised the graduates to “fall forward” in life. A look at the life and career of this inspirational critical and box office favorite ... and one-time backup singer/dancer for Gladys Knight!!

“Movies of Winter: Part 1” ... Shake out those parkas for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most adrenaline-racing thrillers, heart-pounding horrors, and tear-jerking dramas that offer some winter-themed entertainment! An overview of a selection of these films, all set against the backdrop of icy landscapes like the planet Hoth, the Arctic region, the Colorado Rockies, and the Alaskan wilderness, is sure to send shivers down your spine! The film selections can vary upon request.

“Movies of Winter: Part 2” ... Shake out those parkas again, this time for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the funniest comedies and most exciting, heartwarming family-oriented movies that offer up some winter-themed entertainment! An overview of a selection of these films, all set against the cold climates and icy landscapes, will warm you right up with its heart and wit! Includes Edward Scissorhands (1990), Cool Runnings (1993), Groundhog Day (1993), Grumpy Old Men (1993), While You Were Sleeping (1995), Ice Age (2002), Miracle (2004), Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005), Arctic Tale (2007), and Frozen (2013). The film selections can vary upon request.

"It's a Wonderful Life: 75 Years with George Bailey" ... We all know the classic 1946 film that celebrates life and its true meaning. Just in time for the 75th anniversary of its initial release, this behind-the-scenes look at the history, production, and lasting cultural impact of the perennial holiday favorite will leave you feeling sentimental all over again!! This program will remain available after 2021.

"Indiana Jones: 40 Years (and Counting!) of Adventure" ... In 1981, movie audiences were first introduced to Dr. Indiana Jones - college professor, eminent archaeologist and adventurer! Celebrate the 40th anniversary of this iconic character and the franchise like no other with this retrospective that will bring you behind the scenes of the production of each of his four films!! The secrets of the upcoming fifth film may be scarce, but this program will make you want to revisit some of the best action sequences ever shown on the silver screen!! This program will remain available after 2021.

NOTE: New for 2020...

“Movies of the 1980s: Totally Awesome or, Like, Gnarly?” ... From Mr. Mom to Mr. T, from Princess Leia to the Princess Bride, from Ridgemont High to Welton Academy, a lot of the movies of the 1980s were considered pretty rad in their time. So throw on those gym shorts over those sweatpants, grab your boom box, blast that Irene Cara music, and moonwalk your way into the Griswold Family Truckster as we chill out and look back at a decade full of cheap slasher sequels, big budget blockbusters, teen comedies, heavy dramas, and gallons of Aqua-Net! Doc Brown’s DeLorean time machine will fetch latecomers. No one will ever know that you were running behind.
"Karloff and Lugosi: The Chilling Charmers of Horror” ... How did Boris Karloff (Frankenstein’s creature) and Béla Lugosi (the Dracula vampire himself!) find themselves immortalized in movie history as perhaps the most iconic faces of horror? A look at their careers, the rumors of professional jealousy and rivalry, and the movies that made them famous!!! A perfect Halloween season mood-setter... (REVISED)

"Vincent Price: Horror's Gentle Giant" ... just in time for the Halloween season (or beyond!), a look at the beloved actor and art lover's life and career!! (REVISED)

"Jamie Lee Curtis: The Halloween Season’s Scream Queen” ... a look at the life and career of the dramatic and comedic actress, including her legacy as the horror genre’s ‘Scream Queen’ - and her talents as a bestselling children’s book author!! With 2019’s smash hit Knives Out and two more Halloween sequels in the works, she shows no signs of slowing down!! (REVISED)

“Bing Crosby: King of the Christmas Crooners” ... a behind-the-scenes look at the Oscar-winning actor/singer’s life and career with a focus on his holiday-themed films Going My Way, The Bells of St. Mary’s, and White Christmas!! (REVISED)

“James Dean: The Needy Rebel” ... He may be most famous for playing cinema's most famous 'rebel,' but James Dean had a vulnerability that he only showed to a select few in his life. A look at the adolescence, early Broadway career, film work, and ongoing legacy of one of the biggest names of the 1950s!!!

“International Cinema: French and Italian Directors” ... a sampling of 20th and 21st century French and Italian filmmakers and their films that are not only accessible, but also relatable!!!

“Hollywood Heads to the Polls: Movies about Campaigns, Elections, and Other Travesties” ... a closer look at true stories such as 1989’s Blaze and 2015’s Trumbo, political dramas such as 1939’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,1949’s All the King’s Men, and 1962’s The Manchurian Candidate, and satirical comedies such as 1997’s Wag the Dog, 1998’s Primary Colors, and 1999’s Election!!! (REVISED)

"Kirk Douglas: The Man Who Was Spartacus” ... His most famous onscreen role may be that of Spartacus, but a closer look at the life and career of the Hollywood heavyweight reveals more about his family roots, his loyalty in the McCarthy era to colleagues, especially screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, and his impressive body of work in front of and behind the camera!!!

NOTE: New for 2019...

“Audrey Hepburn: Our Fair Lady” ... A look at one of the most one of the recognizable and most-loved film icons of the 20th century - with a focus on her Hollywood career, as well as her humanitarian work overseas!!!

"Karloff and Lugosi: The Chilling Charmers of Horror” ... How did Boris Karloff (Frankenstein’s creature) and Béla Lugosi (the Dracula vampire himself) find themselves immortalized in movie history as perhaps the most iconic faces of horror? A look at their theatrical roots, the rumors of professional jealousy and rivalry, and the movies that made them famous!!!

“William Holden: Cynical ‘Golden Boy’ of ‘Sunset Blvd.’” ... a look at the life and career of the Oscar winner who built a successful acting career on the onscreen persona of the jaded cynic!!!

“Jamie Lee Curtis: Scream Queen, Children’s Author, Fighter” ... a look at the life and career of the dramatic and comedic actress, including her legacy as the horror genre’s ‘Scream Queen’, who grew up in a show biz family - and shows equal talent in her books written for children!!

“Bradley Cooper: From Raunchy Slapstick King to Oscar Bait” ... a look at the life and promising career of the multiple Oscar nominee!!

“Steve Martin: The Craftsman of Comedy” ... from his early days of standup to his stint as an SNL host to his decades-long film career in comedy, his is a star that has yet to dim!!

“Julie Andrews: Our Drop of Golden Sun” ... a look at the life and career of the Oscar-winning soprano sensation who headlined classics from The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins and keeps shining in 21st century fare from The Princess Diaries to the Shrek movies!!

“Jimmy Stewart: His Was a Wonderful Life” ... a look at the life and career of one of the sentimental favorites of the 20th century!!

“Reel Rockets: Blasting off with the Movies” ... a look at movies about far-off galaxies, space exploration, and extraterrestrials from other worlds - perfect for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing!!

"Olivia de Havilland: A Golden Star from Hollywood's Golden Age" ... a look at the life and career of the double Oscar-winning legend who starred in classics such as Gone with the Wind, The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Snake Pit, and The Heiress!!
"Out of the Shadows: Hollywood's History with the LGBTQ Community" ... in acknowledgement of Pride Month in June, a look at the ongoing evolution of LGBTQ representation both onscreen and off!!
"Lauren Bacall: Accidental Stardom” ... a look at the life and career of the model-turned-actress who proved to be so much more than Humphrey Bogart’s wife with roles in To Have and Have Not, The Big Sleep, and How To Marry a Millionaire!!
”Rock Hudson: Hollywood’s Giant” ... a look at the life and career of one of the biggest box-office draws of the 1950s with starring roles in Magnificent Obsession, Giant, and Pillow Talk!!

NOTE: New for 2018...

"Vincent Price: Horror's Gentle Giant" ... just in time for the Halloween season (or beyond!), a look at the actor and art lover's life and career!!

"Natalie Wood: Child Star, Rebel, Tragic Figure" ... a look at the life and career of one of the most beloved actresses of the 20th century!!

"Cary Grant: Head of His Class" ... a look at the life and career of one of the suavest actors to grace the silver screen!!

"Paul Newman: Star of Stage, Screen, and Salad Dressing” ... a look at the life and career of the Hollywood icon who starred classics such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Hustler, Hud, Cool Hand Luke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid!!

“Grace Kelly: From Queen of Cinema to Princess of Monaco” ... a look at the life and career of the acclaimed actress of the 1950s!!

“Lana Turner: MGM's Golden Girl" ... a look at the career triumphs and personal obstacles of one of the 20th century's icons of Hollywood glamour!!

“Bing Crosby: King of the Christmas Crooners” ... a behind-the-scenes look at the Oscar-winning actor/singer’s life and career with a focus on his holiday-themed films Holiday Inn, Going My Way, The Bells of St. Mary’s, and White Christmas!!

"Pushing the Cinematic Envelope: From Censorship to Film Ratings of the 60s and 70s"...an overview of the early days of censoring film content leading right up to the "New Hollywood" during one of the U.S.'s largest cultural revolutions - includes a look at some of the most iconic films of the era, including but not limited to The Graduate, In the Heat of the Night, Easy Rider, The French Connection, and Dog Day Afternoon!!

"Rounding 'em up at Rick's" ... a look at Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and the 75th anniversary of Casablanca!!

"Sovereigns to Spare: British Monarchy in the Movies" ... just in time for 2018's Royal Wedding!!

"Bette Davis: A Vulnerable Fortress" ... a look at the life and career of the fiery cinematic legend!!

“Frankly, My Dear, We DO Give a Damn: Clark Gable, Hollywood’s King” ... a look at the life and career of the man called the King of Hollywood!!

the lives and careers of some of the most recognizable supporting players/character actors/"second bananas" from the movies!! (including, but not limited to Sal Mineo, Thelma Ritter, Una O'Connor, Henry Travers, John Cazale, Margaret Dumont, Elsa Lanchester, Thomas Mitchell, Peter Lorre, Karl Malden, et al.)

Diane Keaton was an American actress, director, producer, and screenwriter. Her career spanned over five decades, and she became famous in the 1970s for her roles in The Godfather films and Woody Allen's Annie Hall, which won her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Keaton's style, timing, and emotional honesty brought a mix of vulnerability, wit, and offbeat charm to her roles, making them unforgettable and deeply human. Enjoy a look at the life and career of one of America's favorite actresses.