Sag Harbor Cinema will highlight the importance of Sag Harbor resident John Steinbeck’s film works with a series of screenings and panel talks beginning May 1.
The project is in support of a community effort to preserve Steinbeck’s historic Bluff Point home.
On May 1 at 6 PM, attend a rare 35mm showing of “The Forgotten Village,” a 1941 documentary that Steinbeck wrote for director Herbert Kline. It was shot in the Mexican states of Puebla and Tlaxcala with a non-professional cast of mostly indigenous residents of the region.
The 67-minute film is Steinbeck’s first work written for the screen and his only documentary. He became involved when friends introduced him to Kline, a distinguished young director who’d recently directed four anti-fascist documentaries.
In the film, an indigenous couple lives with their six children in a small and remote pueblo somewhere on Mexico’s central plateau. Their oldest son, Juan Diego, attempts to the traditional and modern worlds.
Through an idealistic teacher at the government school, he’s introduced to modern science. As an outbreak of a mysterious disease begins to affect his family and the village, Juan Diego struggles to overcome ancient superstitions and save his small community.
Spencer Tracy was initially asked to voice Steinbeck’s narration, but MGM wouldn’t let him out of his contract, so Burgess Meredith replaced him.
Purchase tickets for “The Forgotten Village” and other film screenings at sagharborcinema.org.
Projections panel talk
Prior to the screening at 4 PM, Steve Hamilton, co-founder of Bay Street Theater, will moderate a Projections panel including:
- Bret Johnston, Director of the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas in Austin
- Tommy John Schiavoni, Councilperson for the Town of Southampton
- Kathryn Szoka of Canio’s Cultural Cafe, sponsor of the “Steinbeck in Search of America” initiative (for more information on previous and future events, see caniosculturalcafe.org)
The talk will focus on Steinbeck’s film work and the campaign to preserve his home in Sag Harbor and turn it into a world-class writing center. The Sag Harbor Partnership is a co-sponsor.
This is the third of SHC’s Projections series. Bill Collage, SHC’s education committee chair, created the series to activate the Cinema’s Rosenberg Workspace. Through collaborations with regional not-for-profit groups, SHC aims to amplify voices, begin conversations, and build audiences.
Tickets for the panel discussion are free but must be reserved in advance at sagharborcinema.org.
Other films in the series
Other films in the Steinbeck series (with dates/times TBA):
- The Moon Is Down (1943) on May 25
- East of Eden (1955)
- Grapes of Wrath (1940)
- Viva Zapata! (1952)
- The Pearl (1947)
About the Sag Harbor Cinema
As a community-based organization, SHC is dedicated to presenting the past, present, and future of the movies and to preserving the film-going experience in its three state-of-the-art theaters.
SHC engages its audiences year-round through dialogue, discovery, and appreciation of the moving image — from blockbusters to student shorts and everything in between.
The cinema itself was revitalized and reimagined through unprecedented community efforts after a 2016 fire nearly destroyed the iconic Main Street structure.
SHC members enjoy discounts on tickets and merchandise, and special access to the cinema’s rooftop lounge, The Green Room.
