Film series concludes with Mitchum’s ‘Cape Fear’

Churchill Arts Council’s Robert Mitchum Thrilllers film series concludes tonight with a screening of the 1962 film “Cape Fear.”

In addition to Mitchum, the movie stars Gregory Peck, Polly Bergen, Lori Martin and Telly Savalas. It was directed by J. Lee Thompson and based on a novel, “The Executioners,” by John D. MacDonald, the well-known mystery writer whose other books include the series of detective novels featuring Travis McGee.

It is a psychological thriller, the story of a disturbed man who, released from prison after serving eight years, begins stalking the wife and daughter of the lawyer who testified against him.

Mitchum’s menacing performance has been hailed as one of his best. “Newsweek” selected Mitchum as one of the ten best villains in movie history and the American Film Institute included him in its list of the top 50 movie villains of all time.

The film was re-made by Martin Scorcese in 1991, featuring Robert De Niro and Nick Nolte, but the re-make pales in comparison to the escalating game of nerves captured in the original. Tickets are $7 for CAC members, $10 for non-members and will be available in the Center’s Art Bar beginning at 6 p.m. and the film will begin at 7 p.m.

There are still a few seats available for “An Evening with the Arts,” CAC’s annual fundraising dinner and silent auction which raises funds to help insure that programs such as the film series and musical performances continue to happen right here in Fallon.

The event features a dinner catered by the Slanted Porch, wine and a silent auction of eclectic items donated by local and regional artists and businesses.

Tickets are on sale for the performance by the Paul Thorn Band. The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter will perform at the Art Center on March 22. Thorn’s muscular music has been pleasing crowds for years. It’s bluesy, rocking, unabashedly Southern. A mixture of the sacred and profane, the good, the bad and everything in between.

The performance is anticipated to sell out, so for best availability get your tickets early. Seats are $17 for CAC members, $20 for non-members and can be picked up at Jeff’s Copy Express and ITT @ NAS Fallon.

Also, for tickets or information on any CAC programs, call Churchill Arts at 775-423-1440.

Kirk Robertson writes about the Fallon arts scene.