OSHER 122 - Motion Pictures that Inspire

Explore several inspiring motion pictures that deal with real persons such as Helen Keller, Peter Marshall, Anne Frank, and Eric Liddle, as well as fictional characters such as Scout Finch, Francie Nolan, Huw Morgan, and Jess & Eliza Birdwell. Using such books as To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Story of My Life by Helen Keller, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn, The Friendly Persuasion by Jessamyn West, A Man Called Peter by Catherine Marshall, and Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, we will discover the source material for some of the most life-affirming stories ever captured on film. Participants will be encouraged to read or re-read at least one of the novels covered in the course. Excerpts from the discussed films will be shown as well as related films and documentaries that enrich the viewing experience and invite one to return to certain books and films for deeper meaning. The films and books have been selected by the instructor based upon the inspiration that they have brought to his lifetime of viewing and reading.