American Epics on the Silver Screen: Classic Clips

American artist Thomas Hart Benton continues to be praised for his ability to translate the dynamism of a major motion picture onto a two-dimensional canvas. Having worked directly on film sets, Benton captured the entire production process and behind-the-scenes culture of Hollywood. To him, the movie industry was “very much American” and significantly focused on real-world themes such as war and the quest to achieve the “American dream.”

To accompany the Museum’s feature exhibition of Benton’s work, American Epics: Thomas Hart Benton and Hollywood, the Museum is screening four of the films that inspired the artist’s vibrant, dramatized pieces.

Showings take place every Friday at 6:15 PM, July 8-29, in Lubar Auditorium and are free with Museum admission. As a sneak preview of this upcoming film series, a famous scene and quote from each movie have been listed below. Because some have been referenced in modern and contemporary pop-culture, you might recognize more than you expect!

1. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
July 8, 2016

Memorable Quote: “Hey, STELLAAA!” –Stanley

2. The Kentuckian (1955)
July 15, 2016

Memorable Quote: “All we know, Little Eli and me, was livin’ free in the woods…shootin’ our meals and followin’ foxes. It’s habit with us and hard to bust. And maybe it shouldn’t be busted.” –Elias Wakefield

3. Grapes of Wrath (1940)
July 22, 2016

Memorable Quote: “…I’ll be all around in the dark – I’ll be everywhere. Wherever you can look – wherever there’s a fight, so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Wherever there’s a cop beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there. I’ll be in the way guys yell when they’re mad. I’ll be in the way kids laugh when they’re hungry and they know supper’s ready, and when the people are eatin’ the stuff they raise and livin’ in the houses they build – I’ll be there, too.” –Tom Joad

4. The Searchers (1956)
July 29, 2016

Memorable Quote: “I hope you die!” –Martin
“That’ll be the day.” –Ethan

–Erin Green, Marketing Intern