CINEMATINEE- JULY 2008
A potpourri of movies, past and present, often with an emphasis on life in the west - which could mean the new west, the old west, or anything in between- and ‘movies that missed us’- films that are notable but never had a lot of publicity- the CineMatinee series is designed to show area residents that film is a form of art as well as entertainment! At least one film a month for this series has a ‘New Mexico Connection’, drawing from the vast pool of movies made in the state or perhaps featuring a star/story from New Mexico talent.
Unless otherwise noted, screening time is 1.30 PM, and admission is $4 for everyone except film society members who are admitted for $1. The theatre is located one half block of the Mesilla Plaza. For more information, please call 524-8287 or 522-0286.
July 19- Red Sky at Morning (1971, 112 minutes, rated PG, made in New Mexico) Based on the novel by Richard Bradford, who lived in New Mexico for many years, Red Sky at Morning is a quiet coming of age tale that takes place in the early days of World War II.
Richard Thomas (yes, that Richard Thomas) stars as Joshua whose well to do family moves from the deep south to New Mexico at the outbreak of the war.
His father, Richard Crenna, is called to service, and it is up to Joshua to help take charge of the family home, as his mother (Claire Bloom) falls into a well of self pity, longing for the amenities that were available to her at the family home in Alabama, while falling prey to a sycophantic cousin who mooches off of Joshua’s father’s generosity.
Joshua also finds it necessary to adjust to a new school, a new culture, and new friends (well-played by Catherine Burns and Desi Arnaz, Jr.)
This rarely seen movie also offers terrific supporting roles from Gregory Sierra, as a sheriff who is trying to balance the influx of Anglo culture into a traditional Hispanic town, and Harry Guardino as an abstract artist, and Crenna’s best friend.
Bradford, who lived in Santa Fe until his passing in 2002, wrote only one other book, before becoming a medical transcriptionist. Red Sky is quite autobiographical, and his superb writing transfers quite well to the big screen.
