The Public Library of Brookline

Senior Cinema

Avalon

Jul 2, 2009 Coolidge Corner

Drama about an extended family of first and second-generation Jewish immigrants in post-war Baltimore and their struggles— oftentimes with each other—to make the American Dream come true. From the arrival of patriarch Sam Krichinsky in 1914, through several decades, the family experiences poverty and prosperity and major changes in the world around them, including the proliferation of television in homes.

(1990, 2 hrs 6 min, CC)

Le château de ma mère (My mother’s castle)

Jul 9, 2009 Coolidge Corner

The companion piece to Marcel Pagnol’s autobiographical “My Father’s Glory,” this film continues the story of Pagnol’s childhood days in Provence. After a wonderful summer, Marcel’s mother yearns to spend every holiday in their beloved country cottage. A shortcut across private estates leads to new adventures and a renewed appreciation for family and nature.
In French with English subtitles.

(1990, 1 hr 38 min)

In the Shadow of the Moon

Jul 16, 2009 Coolidge Corner

Between 1968 and 1972, the world watched in awe as American astronauts voyaged to the moon and 12 American men eventually walked upon its surface. Featuring archival material from the original NASA film footage as well as interviews with surviving astronauts, including Buzz Aldrin who, 40 years ago, was one of the first humans to set foot on the moon, this documentary portrays an extraordinary era in American history.

(2007, 1 hr 50 min, CC)

Roman Holiday

Jul 23, 2009 Coolidge Corner

Audrey Hepburn is at her best in this classic William Wyler film about a European princess who goes incognito in Rome, in the hopes of experiencing a “normal life.” She meets a journalist (Gregory Peck) who pretends he doesn’t know who she is, just to get an exclusive story about the Princess. But his plan backfires when, naturally, he falls in love with her!

(1953, b&w, 1 hr 58 min, CC)

Music of the Heart

Jul 30, 2009 Coolidge Corner

Meryl Streep stars in this inspiring true story about a teacher who fought to bring music to underprivileged school children in Harlem. Armed with little more than talent and determination, single mother and violinist Roberta Guaspari faced an uphill battle establishing a music program at an East Harlem school, amidst budget cuts and indifference from school administrators.

(1999, 2 hrs 6 min, CC)