In a career that lasted just over a decade, Preston Sturges became one of Hollywood's most influential writer/directors. Known for his sharp, fast-paced comedies, Sturges quickly rose to the top of the cinematic world, creating some of the most enduringly funny films ever made. After establishing himself as a talented screenwriter, Sturges believed no one could bring his stories and characters to life like he could. He famously sold Paramount the rights to his screenplay for The Great McGinty for just one dollar, with the condition that he direct it. The film went on to win an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 1941, making Sturges one of the first to receive the “Written and Directed By” credit, a milestone alongside Charles Chaplin.

LECTURES:

1. The Power and the Glory (1933): Directed by William K. Howard, this film tells the story of a self-destructive man of wealth, who tries to redeem himself while being pursued by a scandal that threatens his reputation. Running Time: 86 minutes.

2. The Great McGinty (1940): A satire, this comedy follows a lowly man who rises to power through corruption, only to find that wealth and influence come with moral consequences. Running Time: 82 minutes.

3. Christmas in July (1940): Another Sturges comedy, this film revolves around a man who mistakenly believes he has won a large cash prize, leading to an amusing series of events as he dreams of a better life. Running Time: 67 minutes.

4. Sullivan’s Travels (1941): In this satirical comedy, a wealthy film director goes undercover as a hobo to experience the hardships of the common man, only to find unexpected revelations along the way. Running Time: 90 minutes.

5. The Palm Beach Story (1942): This screwball comedy follows a woman who seeks a divorce from her wealthy husband and marries a millionaire in order to secure funds for her husband’s career, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings. Running Time: 88 minutes.

6. The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (1943): This Preston Sturges comedy tells the story of a young woman who becomes pregnant after a wild night and must navigate the resulting complications with her family and a returning soldier.Running Time: 98 minutes.

Dr. Kurt F. Stone, known as FAU's "Hollywood Brat," is in his 27th year with Lifelong Learning and is a medical ethicist, best-selling author, historian, and ordained rabbi. In 2023, he received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Who’s Who in America for his multifaceted contributions and lifelong passion for film.

“Dr. Stone has an encyclopedia knowledge of his subject.” OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.