SPRING 2008
Family Frames presents
SEE YOU IN THE FUNNY PAGES
Sponsored by Fantagraphics and Cupcake Royale
Northwest Film Forum presents a trio of classic comic strips turned big screen musicals! These family-friendly film adaptations of DICK TRACY, ANNIE and POPEYE are sure to win the hearts of new young viewers. Isn't it high time your kids knew about Dick Tracy's watch, Popeye's can of spinach and Little Orphan Annie's dog? And shouldn't they be humming the tunes of Stephen Sondheim, Harry Nilsson, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin? These films will be a treat for parents too, revisiting the delightful results of unlikely directorial assignments for John Houston (ANNIE), Robert Altman (POPEYE) and Warren Beatty (DICK TRACY). All this, plus unforgettable performances by Robin Williams, Albert Finney, Shelly Duvall, Carol Burnett, Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman and even (gulp) Madonna!
MARCH 1 – 2, Saturday-Sunday at 1:30, 4pm
POPEYE
Sponsored by Fantagraphics and Cupcake Royale
(Robert Altman, USA, 1980, 35mm, 113 min)
An often overlooked masterpiece from director Robert Altman, starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall in the screen roles they were born to play, and featuring an unforgettable series of songs written by Harry Nilsson. Need we say more? The story of the spinach-eating, one-eyed sailor man seems a perfect adaptation for Altman, drawing strong connections to the stories and wisecracking anti-heroes of his most acclaimed films of the 70s. Williams proves himself in his first big screen role, bringing impeccable timing and depth to the character. POPEYE will warm the heart and leave you screaming "I YAM WHAT I YAM!"
Rated PG
APRIL 12 – 13, Saturday-Sunday at 1:30, 4pm
ANNIE
Sponsored by Fantagraphics and Cupcake Royale
(John Huston, USA, 1982, 35mm, 127 min)
The most successful adaptation of a comic strip, Little Orphan Annie leapt to the big screen under the direction of John Houston (TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, KEY LARGO). This classic rags-to-riches musical set in Depression Era New York distills every girl's orphan fantasy into a series of dance numbers, pillow fights and trips to the White House. Perfectly cast as Annie, Aileen Quinn is accompanied by a memorable group of supporting actors including Albert Finney as Daddy Warbucks, Tim Curry as Rooster and Carol Burnett in an indelible performance as Miss Hannigan.
Rated PG
MAY 3 - 4, Saturday-Sunday at 2, 4pm
DICK TRACY
Sponsored by Fantagraphics and Cupcake Royale
(Warren Beatty, USA, 1990, 35mm, 105 min)
Mob bosses, machine gun fights and Madonna - could this really be family entertainment? Absolutely! Warren Beatty's surprisingly bloodless take on Chester Gould's comic strip crime-stopper will be a relief to parents who’ve shied from taking their kids to darker cartoon adaptations. Upon its release, critics cheered the film's stylish production, and audiences of all ages delighted in film’s cheerful good vs. evil smackdown. Beatty turns in an appropriately square-jawed performance as the heroic gumshoe, with Al Pacino and Dustin Hoffman playing the grotesquely visaged villains to the hilt and none other than Madonna playing the sultry Breathless Mahoney. Stephen Sondheim wrote several exuberant songs for the film, including a stellar slower number sung by Mandy Patinkin as the luckless Club Ritz piano player.
NOTE: This PG-rated film contains violence (though no gore) and some sexually suggestive costumes and scenes courtesy of Madonna (which stop well short of anything explicit). Recommended for ages 8 and up.
