Screening:
Sunday, April 30, 9:30 AM, Charles 4

From that famous film year of 1939 comes The Wizard of Oz, one of the most beloved films in American movie history. Through generations, the movie has had an unusual pull on audiences. Many people estimate the number of times they've seen the movie in double digits. Songs and dialogue have been memorized (my son Robert was 5), scenes have been analyzed (my son Elihu was 13 when he pointed out the swinging munchkin), rock and roll has been mysteriously synchronized to the movie (Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon apparently cues up perfectly).

But how often have you been able to see it on the big screen ? In the era of black and white film, The Wizard of Oz suggested a whole new world with its bold use of new Technicolor; perhaps the best use of color in film to this day. The original director was Richard Thorpe, but he was fired in 12 days. George Cukor directed for 3 days. Victor Fleming took over until he had to leave to direct Gone With the Wind. King Vidor finished up. Cast and crew accidents and continuity goofs have become part of movie lore; even Toto missed a few days after getting stepped on.

Through it all, the essential magic shines through. The little girl from Kansas and her friends were searching for something we all wanted to find. It made us all believe that even if we were imperfect-though most of us have a brain, a heart, some nerve-we could persevere and accomplish something.-Jed Dietz

Tidbit:
Terry McMillan, the great African American novelist, said she learned about courage from Dorothy, about "being afraid, but doing whatever it was you set out to do anyway."

Bio:
Attorney General Joseph Curran is serving the longest run of consecutive terms for the office of Attorney General in Maryland history. As Attorney General, he has taken the lead in many noteworthy fights-he has taken a stand against gun violence; he has advocated for consumer protections, and he led Maryland to join the historic settlement with the tobacco industry. Before he was elected Attorney General, Curran served as Lt. Governor in the Harry Hughes administration.

Born in Florida, Joe attended Baltimore parochial schools, Loyola High School, the University of Baltimore, and the University of Baltimore Law School. He and wife Barbara are the parents of 5 children-some of whom have followed their father's footsteps in public service: son Joseph, III (Max) is on the Baltimore City Council, and his daughter Catherine, a judge, is married to Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley.