How about a first amendment film festival? The ALA has a nifty page up with some great movies about censorship:
I noted that Fahrenheit 451 was on the list – one of my favorite Bradbury titles (another author who’s been targeted by the small minded censors for decades). I think Bradbury is brilliant. Fahrenheit was on my sophomore english reading list and I’ve read it another dozen times over the years.
I must say my personal favorite on that list is Inherit the Wind, about the Scopes Monkey trial – it’s a fabulous movie if you haven’t seen it yet.
Some other titles on the list: Cinema Paradiso, 1984 (the book is much better than the movie), Good Night and Good Luck and Guilty By Suspicion – I think we may do a mini film festival at my house next family movie day (though they might vote for Footloose instead of Inherit the Wind, LOL)
The link above will take you the page and you can check out all the great movies they’ve got up!
In keeping with the celebration this week, I’m giving away a copy of Hot for the Holidays – the new anthology with the ever so lovely Anya Bast’s novella within along with those of Lora Leigh, Angela Knight and Allyson James!
I’ll choose a winner at random from the comments at noon pacific tomorrow! What are some of your favorite, or not so favorite movies about censorship/book banning?
I have to agree with you on Fahrenheit 451. A wonderful book & the movie adaptation that I saw was excellent. I especially remember the twins who had memorized War & Peace.
by Sewicked September 30th, 2009 at 7:07 amI like 1984 although your right the book is much better. My 12 year old will watch it with me just for the part with the rats. Ironically the only part of the movie that makes my stomach go ick.
by Megan September 30th, 2009 at 7:11 amI really enjoyed Fahrenheit 451. One of my favorites is Footloose.
by Heather F. September 30th, 2009 at 8:17 amI’ve read several books about book banning such as 1984, but my favorite would have to be Brave New World
by Jeanette Juan September 30th, 2009 at 8:21 amFootloose is my favorite. :)
by Crystal B. September 30th, 2009 at 8:28 amI would say Footloose since the pastor and the church/school board was trying to censor the type of music they listened to. I loved that soundtrack. and My kiddos like it to lol.
by Pamk September 30th, 2009 at 8:57 amThe book was better than the movie?! (re Cinema Paradiso) Wow. I’ll have to read that sometime.
by Chris September 30th, 2009 at 9:05 amOh no, Chris, I meant 1984 was better in book form than the movie. I haven’t read Cinema Paradiso!
by laurendane September 30th, 2009 at 9:11 amI really enjoyed Clockwork Orange with a very young Rowdy McDowell. It was quite scandalous when it was first released and showed a disturbing scene that was risque in the movie industry.
by Armenia September 30th, 2009 at 10:25 amMy favorites are Footloose and Farenheit, but you have me curious about Inherit The Wind, so I will definitely be checking it out.
by Cathy M September 30th, 2009 at 11:09 amA Clockwork Orange was a really crazy, and thought provoking, movie. I liked it, even though it was over-the-top.
And you’re right, the movie version 0f 1984 was a disappointment compared to the book. As was The Handmaid’s Tale….great book, not near as good movie.
by Jody F. September 30th, 2009 at 12:26 pmHas to be Fahrenheit 451. So compelling.
by Sabrina September 30th, 2009 at 1:52 pmI’m going to have to go with Footloose. I really enjoy that movie and have no trouble watching it over and over again.
I think I’m going to have to watch Fahrenheit 451 now.
by Karin September 30th, 2009 at 2:59 pmRay Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451″ is my favorite, too. We read it in college and saw the movie in class.
by Jane September 30th, 2009 at 3:33 pmGuilty by Suspicion popped right into my head while I was reading your post so I totally agree on that one! Also — not on there — Reds. And oh my, I LOVED Pump Up the Volume, which just goes to show you what a total dork I am ;-)
I have HftH, so no need to enter me — I just felt like playing along too ;-)
by Bella September 30th, 2009 at 3:42 pmI remember a war movie where they were burning the books in the middle of a big street but cant remember the title.
by Diane Sadler September 30th, 2009 at 3:53 pmPlease don’t enter me in today’s contest I already have a copy of Hot for the Holidays and it was great.
One of my favorite movies was Good Morning Vietnam with Robin Williams. Radio DJ program is censored by Command. It was really good – Williams along with Forrest Whittaker were perfect!
by Cybercliper September 30th, 2009 at 4:10 pmI loved the movie Pleasantville and really liked how they approached the subject of what is really wrong if everything is just “pleasant” and not challenging to anyone. I remember when suddenly they could read Tom Sawyer and look at art and listen to rock and roll.
by Amy Kathryn September 30th, 2009 at 4:54 pmI honestly could not think of one movie about censorship, but once people mentioned Footloose and Pleasantville, I remembered, but honestly I can’t think of one that someone else has not already mentioned.
Thinking, thinking….yep nothing, sorry. I tend to go for romantic comedies when I go to the movies.
by Booklover1335 September 30th, 2009 at 6:44 pmOh, I loved Pump Up the Volume and Footloose. I am really not coming up with anything that has not already been mentioned.
by Lori T September 30th, 2009 at 7:08 pmwhy th e cage bird sings
by kh September 30th, 2009 at 10:43 pmcongrats on teh book
Oh, Footloose, definently. I’m dying to see the remake!!
by Melissa October 1st, 2009 at 9:56 ami can’t think of any others.. But i liked pleasantville and footloose
by jessica October 1st, 2009 at 11:31 amFahrenheit 451 earns my vote both in book and film version :D
by Ilona October 1st, 2009 at 11:55 am