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UCLA Film & Television Archive and the Hugh M. Hefner Classic American Film Program present

Looking for Richard Brooks: An Appreciation

Crisis (1950)
April 1, 2011 -
May 25, 2011
In-person: 
Actor Scott Wilson and author Douglass K. Daniel

A stalwart creative force of the American film industry for more than four decades, writer-director Richard Brooks stands as one of the most significant filmmaking voices of the second half of the 20th century. Working across many genres, the journalist and novelist-turned-screenwriter became a versatile director who exhibited a strikingly consistent worldview throughout his career: that of a brutal and unjust world that might yet be redeemed. His characters respond differently to this proposition, and different films introduce it with more or less intensity, but it consistently informs the moral field upon which Brooks deployed a humanistic appreciation for flawed people and a stern assessment of the breakdowns and challenges of postwar America. Along the way, he created numerous iconic film classics, and pivotal roles for some of the most important actors of his time. This series surveys some of the highlights of Brooks’ directorial career, as well as rare and not-so-rare examples of his screenwriting prowess.

Past Programs & Events

Title Date and Time Location
The Professionals (1966)

The Professionals (1966)

Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - 7:30 pm Billy Wilder Theater
Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977)

Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977)

Sunday, May 22, 2011 - 7:00 pm Billy Wilder Theater
Lord Jim (1965)

Lord Jim (1965)

Monday, May 16, 2011 - 7:30 pm Billy Wilder Theater
The Happy Ending (1969)

The Happy Ending (1969)

Sunday, May 1, 2011 - 7:00 pm Billy Wilder Theater
Elmer Gantry (1960)

Elmer Gantry (1960)

Saturday, April 23, 2011 - 7:30 pm Billy Wilder Theater
Blackboard Jungle (1955)

Blackboard Jungle (1955); Brute Force (1947)

Saturday, April 16, 2011 - 7:30 pm Billy Wilder Theater
Key Largo (1948)

White Savage (1943)
Key Largo (1948)

Saturday, April 16, 2011 - 2:00 pm Billy Wilder Theater
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)

Sunday, April 10, 2011 - 7:00 pm Billy Wilder Theater
Crisis (1950)

Crisis (1950)
Storm Warning (1951)

Sunday, April 3, 2011 - 7:00 pm Billy Wilder Theater
Crossfire (1947)

Crossfire (1947)
Swell Guy (1946)

Saturday, April 2, 2011 - 7:30 pm Billy Wilder Theater
Something of Value (1957)

Something of Value (1957)
Battle Circus (1953)

Saturday, April 2, 2011 - 2:00 pm Billy Wilder Theater
In Cold Blood (1967)

In Cold Blood (1967); Mystery Street (1950)

Friday, April 1, 2011 - 7:30 pm Billy Wilder Theater