The public is invited to enjoy Sippican Historical Society and Marion Council on Aging’s summertime collaboration: Merchant Ivory Matinees. Beginning on Wednesday, July 31 and continuing over the following three weeks, the organizations will present a selection of Merchant Ivory’s most popular films.
The selection for July 31 is The Bostonians. Based on Henry James’ classic novel, the post-Civil War drama stars Christopher Reeve and Vanessa Redgrave as a Southern lawyer and his Bostonian aunt, both struggling for the attention and affection of a spirited young suffragette, played by Madeline Potter. For her stellar performance, Vanessa Redgrave received 1984 Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Best Actress. The film’s running time is 122 minutes.
August 7 will feature A Room with a View. This 1986 film adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel features Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter, Julian Sands and Daniel Day-Lewis in a tale of romance, repression, manners and mores. The film received eight Academy Award nominations, winning Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. The running time for the film is 117 minutes.
Howard’s End is August 14’s film selection. Starring Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter and Vanessa Redgrave, this 1992 adaptation of another Forster novel explores class divisions in Edwardian England. Howard’s End received the Special 45th Anniversary Prize at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival. In 1993, the film received nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film’s running time is 143 minutes.
Finally, on August 21, the series will close with the presentation of The Remains of the Day, a tale of emotional deprivation and misguided loyalty. Like Howard’s End, it stars Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. Hugh Grant and Christopher Reeve are also featured. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, and was praised as: “Smart, elegant, and blessed with impeccable performances from Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.” Running time for the film is 134 minutes.
Merchant Ivory Matinees will be held in the front room of the Marion Music Hall (164 Front Street) and offered free of charge to the public. Films begin at 11:00 am, and attendees are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy during the presentation. For more information, contact the SHS at 508-748-1116.