Folks in Black Rock have their own way of welcoming mysterious, one-armed stranger John J. Macreedy. He’s welcome to leave. Or they’ll make sure he leaves in a pine box. Spencer Tracy plays World War II veteran Macreedy, who keeps his own counsel about why he’s come to Black Rock and who keeps his wits about him when confronted with threats and violence. Director John Sturges ramps up the tension while revealing Macreedy’s mission and the town’s grim secret. “I’m half horse, half alligator,” one says. They’ll find Macreedy is even tougher stuff.
Read MoreGenre: Western
The Bedford Playhouse is pleased to present one of the greatest musicals of stage and screen, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Starring Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones (in her film debut), Rod Steiger, Gloria Grahame, and Eddie Albert, directed by Fred Zinnemann. Winner of two Academy Awards and a must-see for all ages. Prior to the show, Oscar “Andy” Hammerstein III and former NY Times film critic Janet Maslin will introduce the film and share their insights into this timeless classic.
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Folks in Walsburg may want to pay heed to the brace of pistols holstered onto Josiah Gray’s hips. In time, they may want to pay even more heed to the Bible in his hand. Gray (Joel McCrea) is the newly arrived parson in the woodsy post-Civil War Tennessee town. And the true test of his strength will come when, during his greatest and most dangerous challenge, he sets aside his six-shooters and relies on his faith. McCrea brings a quiet resolve to this touching tale burnished through the recall of the pastor’s impressionable nephew (Dean Stockwell). Based on the novel by Joe David Brown (who would later provide the source novel for Paper Moon), Stars in My Crown shines with a powerful, simple dignity.
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On one side is an army of gunmen dead-set on springing a murderous cohort from jail. On the other is Sheriff John T. Chance (John Wayne) and two deputies: a recovering drunkard (Dean Martin) and a crippled codger (Walter Brennan). Also in their ragtag ranks are a trigger-happy youth (Ricky Nelson) and a woman with a past (Angie Dickinson) – and her eye on Chance. Director Howard Hawks lifted the Western to new heights with Red River. Capturing the legendary West with a stellar cast in peak form, he does it again here.
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