In this eight-week Scarecrow Academy season, we trace the gaudy, glittery, sometimes tragic story of the movie star. From the invention of the silent star through the Hollywood studio system's manufacturing of silver-screen gods and goddesses, through the upheavals of Method acting and the counterculture right up through the present moment, we'll trace what movie stars have meant to audiences—and ask why certain times demanded certain (sometimes wildly unlikely) stars.
We'll talk about how Archie Leach became Cary Grant, how studios squelched scandals, how Garbo made reclusiveness into publicity. We'll see how Sidney Poitier broke the color barrier, how Brando and Marilyn Monroe re-defined the star, how casualties like Judy Garland and Rita Hayworth were broken by the system. We'll trace the history of cool from McQueen to Clooney, analyze the longevity of Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise, and fondly recall Brangelina.
There are no assigned films, but instructor and Scarecrow's "Programmer-Historian in Residence" Robert Horton will recommend a title for attendees to view before class. As always, Scarecrow Academy is free and online.
All sessions convene Saturdays, via Zoom at 2pm Pacific Time
Classes are free to all, but please register in advance
Schedule and Registration
October 12 -- Register Here
October 19 off (bye week for Video Store Day!)
October 26 -- Register Here
November 2 -- Register Here
November 9 -- Register Here
November 16 -- Register Here
November 23 -- Register Here
November 30 -- Register Here
December 7 -- Register Here
