In 1922 Anna May Wong starred in an early color film, “Toll of the Sea.” The film’s plot is a variation on the opera “Madame Butterfly.” A sailor returns to reclaim his son with a new bride.The library has this and five other films of the actress in our circulating collection.
Author: Joe Mullarkey
Dead Man Walking
is one of the most acclaimed operas of the 21st Century. Now onstage at Chicago’s Lyric Opera in a new production, the cast includes mezzo-soprano Susan Graham who originated the lead role in the 2000 premiere production. The library collection contains the source of the story, Sister Helen Prejean’s 1993 memoir of the same title… Continue reading Dead Man Walking
“Who wants to be first?”
No one had to ask Alice Guy that question. She just was. In 1896 she made her first film and what is debated by film historians to be the first narrative film ever. Take a look at surviving footage of the 1900 remake: No, your eyes don’t deceive you, those are babies being born in… Continue reading “Who wants to be first?”
Why would this seemingly loving family “fake” a wedding?
And why do they appear so grim about it? For the answer see The Farewell in theaters now or listen to writer/director Lulu Wang’s real-life story that inspired the film on a segment of This American Life For another ‘faked’ Chinese wedding, check out award-winning director Ang Lee’s first feature film The Wedding Banquet (1993)… Continue reading Why would this seemingly loving family “fake” a wedding?
Malala Yousafzai wins Nobel Peace Prize
One of the most important international prizes, the Nobel Peace Prize, has been awarded to 17-year old Malala Yousafzai for her courage and resiliency. She is the youngest recipient ever in the Nobel Award’s history. The Nobel Prizes have been awarded since 1901. Click here to read the committee’s public statement about the 2014 award.… Continue reading Malala Yousafzai wins Nobel Peace Prize
Asian Images in American Film pt.3 1982-1998
1982 is a watershed year in Asian-American cinema as Wayne Wang’s low-budget film Chan is Missing becomes an art house success and launches his directing career, including The Joy Luck Club (1993). Bernardo Bertolucci’s international production of The Last Emperor (1987) brings western attention to several performers including Lisa Lu, Joan Chen and John Lone.… Continue reading Asian Images in American Film pt.3 1982-1998
Asian Images in American Film pt. 2: 1919-1980
Despite the early success of Anna May Wong and Sessue Hayakawa in silent film [See http://ext.morainevalley.edu/librarynews/?p=1982], few significant roles were created for Asian performers and often large roles went to heavily made up non-Asian performers. This practice came to be known as ‘yellowface.’ Examples of this in the collection include: Richard Barthelmess in Broken Blossoms… Continue reading Asian Images in American Film pt. 2: 1919-1980
Native Americans and American Film: 100 Years cont’d
1975’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a landmark in American film as Native-born actor Will Sampson was cast in a significant role as a Native American. His success in film and television marks a turning point for Native and First Nations performers. Director Michael Apted’s Incident at Oglala [documentary] and Thunderheart [feature film]… Continue reading Native Americans and American Film: 100 Years cont’d
“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…long before ‘glee’ “
The young Mickey Rooney’s answer to all problems was, “Hey kids, let’s put on a show!” The library collection contains 4 of what MGM deemed his “Backyard Musicals”: Babes in Arms (1939) Strike Up the Band (1940) Babes on Broadway (1941) Girl Crazy (1943) In the Greatest Classic Legends: Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland set.… Continue reading “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…long before ‘glee’ “
National Poetry Month: A Poem A Day?
Consider celebrating National Poetry Month by reading a poem a day! (Click on titles for location and availability) The library has many poetry anthologies including: 180 more : extraordinary poems for every day / selected and with an introduction by Billy Collins The Best American Poetry annual allows an accomplished poet to to review and… Continue reading National Poetry Month: A Poem A Day?