Sir Thomas More stands up to King Henry VIII at Dryden Theatre in A Man for all Seasons

Academy Award®-winning historical drama screens Saturday, Dec. 13, followed by panel discussion

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Dryden Theatre at George Eastman House continues its Human Spirit film series in December with the screening of the celebrated 1966 film A Man for All Seasons, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. The film tells the story of Sir Thomas More's willingness to sacrifice his life to stay loyal to his moral and religious beliefs. A panel discussion will follow the film.

A Man for All Seasons, directed by Fred Zinneman, won six Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director. The story features spiritually unyielding More and the consequences faced for his principled objections to the divorce of his adulterous king, King Henry VIII, and first wife, Katherine of Aragon. Paul Scofield recreated his stage role as Sir Thomas More in this adaptation of Robert Bolt's play, with Robert Shaw portraying Henry VIII. The powerful supporting cast includes Orson Welles, Wendy Hiller, Leo McKern, Susannah York, and John Hurt.

"A Man for all Seasons is a picture that inspires admiration, courage, and thought," said New York Times film critic Bosley Crowther. "Zinnemann has done a fine job of putting upon the screen the solid substance of Robert Bolt's play about Sir Thomas More, and in doing so he presents us with an awesome view of a sturdy conscience and a steadfast heart."

The panelists taking part in the post-film discussion are Jack Garner, Democrat and Chronicle film columnist; Shirley Mullen, PhD, president of Houghton College; and Joel Seligman, J.D., president of the University of Rochester.

Admission to A Man for all Seasons is $7 general admission and $5 members and students. Complete listings and information for the Human Spirit film series can be found at dryden.eastmanhouse.org. You may also call (585) 271-3361 for more information. The Dryden Theatre at George Eastman House is located at 900 East Ave., Rochester.

The Human Spirit series, launched in September and continuing through June 2009, features films that explore the potential to add meaning in one's life through contributions to the lives of others.

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