In December 1937, then-gossip columnist Ed Sullivan announced that in a recent nationwide poll of movie fans, Clark Gable and Myrna Loy had been named the “King” and “Queen” of Hollywood. It seems only fitting; in a country lacking a system of ennoblement, filmgoers instead turned motion picture stars into Hollywood royalty. In England, where the reigning monarch has long bestowed titles, many film actors and actresses have been knighted, and one (Laurence Olivier) was made a Lord. In this series, we will enjoy films starring knights and dames in the same picture. Their contributions to both the cinematic and stage arts and the kingdom in which they were born and raised, make them truly royal.

LECTURES:

1. “The Entertainer” (1960): Baron Lawrence Olivier and his wife, Dame Joan Plowright, in a film about an old-time British music hall performer sinking into final defeat who schemes to stay in show business.

2. “Major Barbara” (1941): Sir Rex Harrison and Dame Wendy Hiller star in a comedy with social commentary adapted from a play by George Bernard Shaw

. 3. “The Chalk Garden” (1964): Sir John Mills and Dame Edith Evans. An elderly woman hires a governess with a mysterious past to look after her disturbed granddaughter.

4. “In Which We Serve” (1941): Sir Noel Coward, Sir John Mills, Sir Bernard Miles and Dame Celia Johnson in a film written and directed by Sir Noel about survivors clinging to a raft at sea . . . all told in flashbacks.

"Kurt Stone is a masterful presenter with a wealth of knowledge." - OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.