• By Rob Norwood
• Posted Monday, June 17, 2013

Unusual Characters - Film Series at Central Library

Join us on four Monday nights in July for this movie series in the Central Library Auditorium. The films are very different, but they all feature unusual, off-beat or eccentric characters. As always, the movie programs at the library are free and open to the public.

July 1, at 6:45 pm. An executive from a Texas oil company travels to a quaint village in Scotland to negotiate the purchase of property for a refinery. The beautiful location and the quirky locals charm him, his eccentric boss joins him there and fits right in, and nothing turns out as expected. Starring Peter Riegert and Burt Lancaster. 1983, Rated PG. "Thoroughly original" - New York Times. "Charming and whimsical." - TV Guide. "A small film to treasure." - Roger Ebert.
For more information about this film click here.

July 8, at 7 pm. In the freezing cold of a Minnesota winter, a man’s desperate scheme to have his wife kidnapped and his father-in-law provide the ransom money goes horribly wrong. A very optimistic and very pregnant police chief sets about to solve the crime. Starring Frances McDormand, William H. Macy and Steve Buscemi. 1996, Rated R. Seven Academy Award nominations, and Oscar winner for Best Actress and Best Screenplay. "An American masterpiece." - Roger Ebert. "A dazzling mix of mirth and malice." - Rolling Stone.
For more information about this film click here.

July 15, at 6:30 pm. After being sheltered his entire life, and only learning about the world from watching television, a slow witted gardener is thrust into the powerful world of Washington DC politics and high society. They mistakenly assume his every word is profound wisdom. Based on the novel by Jerzy Kosinski. Starring Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine and Melvyn Douglas. Directed by Hal Ashby. 1979, Rated PG. Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor (Douglas) and Oscar nomination for Best Actor. "Highly unusual and unusually fine." - Variety. "Confoundingly profound...with wonderful comic moments." - Roger Ebert. .
For more information about this film click here.

July 22, at 7 pm. In a small flower shop on skid row, a plant from another planet demands to be fed with human beings. The meek shop clerk does his best to comply, and he somehow manages to find true love along the way in this inventive musical. Starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene. (Steve Martin and Bill Murray have small roles.) 1986, Rated PG-13. Golden Globe nomination for Best Movie Musical/Comedy. "Lively and fun." - Reel Views. "Looniest, nuttiest, ... movie musical comedy in years." - Jeffrey Lyons. "Winning and delightful." - New York Times. "Off beat, up beat, really funny." Siskel & Ebert.
For more information about this film click here.