Kathyrn Falk Recommends (part 1): SALINGER and THE STORY OF FILM: AN ODYSSEY

Kathryn (left) at RT/Chicago 2012

I spent the weekend at Lora Leigh's RAW in Hagerstown (link). It gave me the opportunity to chat with romance readers (who happen to be military veterans) to brainstorm ideas for the SOS America Military Mixer at the RT Booklovers Convention, May 14-18, 2014, in New Orleans (link).   I called Kathryn Falk, founder of RT Book Reviews and SOS America Inc., to coordinate our ideas.   We not only chatted about RT next year ... but what's happening now on TV and movie theaters.     I'll quote from her Facebook posts:

SALINGER:

RUN don't walk to see the new film SALINGER. 

This documentary of the life of J.D. (Jerry to his friends) is a writer's movie -- what influenced him to write "Catcher on the Rye," the demons he drove away ( WW II and the loss of Oona O'Neill to Charlie Chaplin), his need for innocence, his writing bunker where he'd live with his characters for days on end -- will haunt you. And, you will love this biographical film even if the subject never speaks.
The stories about his adversity to publicity are surely unique.

Of course, we're curious about Salinger, as one reviewer gave out as a reason to see the film. But the so-so reviews across the board should not discourage the public. The critics misjudged its power.

The film revealed that new works by J.D. will begin to be released between 2015 and 2020. They are expected to shake up the literary world.

THE STORY OF FILM:  AN ODYSSEY

If you love films, TED TURNER /TCF -- every Monday night -- is presenting "The Story of Film: An Odyssey." Chapters 1 and 2 have aired (covering film history up to early 20s and silent films) - but the series continues until October. These documentaries are the equivalent of a college course on every aspect of film-making. You will learn about the directors, stars, writers and the creative people behind the camera.

The contribution of women writers is finally recognized and their disappearance for the most part, after the 40s, is explained (men needed jobs!). Rare coverage and the contribution and influence of early foreign films is also included in Part 1. 

Camera movements, lighting, and many tricks and innovation of this creative trade will furnish viewers with a new regard for the art of film-making. 

TCM is showing some of the films discussed each Monday night, illustrating all the information gleaned from this detailed presentation. The series is more academic that the Tycoon Film History series that aired a few years ago. For a Masters Degree in Film -- tune in every Monday

Mahalo, Kathryn, for your insightful recommendations!   Have you read CATCHER IN THE RYE?  Are you a film buff?  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my conventions stash.  This giveaway is open to all readers. Comments are open through Saturday, September 28, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 29.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City