THE HEIGHTS FOCUS ON WOMEN IN CINEMA

The Heights Theater in Columbia Heights, Minnesota is a gorgeous film palace dedicated to classic film presentation in 35mm and DCP. Thanks to a a Republican Party that seems to be moving backwards several decades, we are moving through a period where women have, again, had enough of men governing their bodies and reproductive rights, as well as pushing back on an eternity of sexism and inequality. It only makes sense to highlight, and champion, the roles of women through cinema history. Through May The Heights presents a selection of iconic roles and performances by some of the greatest women of cinema's classic era to grace the screen.  Here's what the Heights have to say on their program for May;


From Egypt of 1st century BC, to the rural South of early 20th Century United States; from a woman whose dream is to see her name up in lights, to a blind woman unwittingly caught up in a deadly con. The Heights Theater and Rediscover Movies proudly bring you 5 cinematic stories about women discovering and asserting their selfworth when up against all odds. Each heroine faces unique but equally difficult circumstances created to either destroy them or their feelings of identity. Through confidence found within and the support of loved ones, the empowerment they find helps each to propel forward and change their lives on their own terms.


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CLEOPATRA (1963 / DCP)
April 30th 1:30 p.m.

This legendary winner of 4 Academy Awards stars Elizabeth Taylor as the passionate and ambitious Egyptian queen who is determined to hold onto the throne and seduces the Roman emperor Julius Caesar (Rex Harrison). When Caesar is murdered, she redirects her attention to Marc Anthony (Richard Burton) who vows to take power. However Caesar's successor (Roddy McDowall) has other plans. NOTE: This presentation is the 2013 restored version of the initial premiere film. Shortly after the premiere Fox had an hour cut (over the objections of Mankiewicz) from the movie hours to allow theaters to increase the number of showings per day which left certain details out of the film. As a result in 1963 and since then, nearly all of the public only viewed the shorter version.

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FUNNY GIRL (1968 / 35mm Print)
May 4th 7:30 p.m.

NEW RESTORATION! Funny Girl is the 1968 American romantic musical comedy-drama film adapted from the stage musical of the same title. The story is loosely based on the life and career of film star and comedian Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand) and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein (Omar Sharif).

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WAIT UNTIL DARK (1967 / 35mm Print)
May 11th 7:30 p.m.

This tense psychological thriller stars Audrey Hepburn as Suzy, a woman who has recently become blind. A trio of criminals attempt to take advantage of her blindness to trick and ultimately terrorize her while they search for a heroin stuffed doll they believe is in her apartment. The devious, murderous leader of the pack of criminals, Harry Rote, is played with frightening conviction by Alan Arkin.

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FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (1991 / DCP)
May 18th 7:30 p.m.

Based on the Fannie Flagg novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. Kathy Bates plays southern woman Evelyn Couch who is experiencing a difficult mid-life crisis. When visiting a relative in a nursing home, Evelyn happens upon the seemingly odd elderly Ninny Threadgoode, played by Jessica Tandy. While reluctant at first, Evelyn becomes increasing interested and wrapped up with the stories Ninny tells her about a 1920s girl Idgie Threadgoode (Mary Stuart Masterson), and her friendship with Ruth Jamison (Mary-Louise Parker). Ninny's stories serve as an inspiration and strength for Evelyn, and result in a close caring, relationship with Ninny. Remember - Secret's in the sauce!

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THE COLOR PURPLE (1985 / DCP)
May 25th 7:30 p.m.

The Color Purple is set in rural Georgia during the first part of the 20th century, and centers of the life Celie (Whoopi Goldberg) who is oppressed not only by white society, but also by her father and eventually by a cruel and violent husband (Danny Glover). Her internal and steadfast strength help her to cope with and eventually overcome the forced loss of her sister, the demoralization of her friend Sofia (Oprah Winfrey), and her husband's continuous oppression.


Program notes by Heights Theater.