I Read That Movie @ the Library: THE LION IN WINTER

For December, our "page-to-screen" book club, I Read That Movie @ the Library, is reading the 1966 play The Lion in Winter by James Goldman. The play is set during the Christmas season of 1183 in the royal court of King Henry II and his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, recently released from a 10-year imprisonment to spend the holidays with her Plantagenet family, as they and their offspring engage in a comedic, dramatic and acerbic battle of wits over the future of their respective kingdoms. The play's original Broadway production, though relatively short, earned Rosemary Harris a Tony Award for her performance as Eleanor, and despite its initially brief run, the play has gone on to enjoy many later productions, including Broadway and London West End revivals.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Memphis Library Foundation, we have a limited number of copies of each month's reading selection to give to participants, so please come to the Humanities Desk on the 2nd Floor of the Central Library to claim your copy of The Lion in Winter while supplies last. We will also gather as many circulating library copies of the play as possible for readers to borrow after the other copies are given away.

Participants are invited to read the the play during December, then come for a screening of the classic 1968 film, adapted by Goldman himself from the play, for which Katherin Hepburn would win her third Best Actress Oscar in the role of Eleanor. The movie took home Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Score Oscars as well. Other notable performances include Peter O'Toole as King Henry II (nominated for a Best Actor Oscar), Anthony Hopkins in his first major film role as Richard the Lionheart, and Timothy Dalton (a future James Bond!) in his film debut as King Philip II of France, a son of Eleanor from a prior marriage. 

The screening (including popcorn, drinks, and other snacks!) will take place on December 21 at 2:00 p.m. in Room L-56 at the Central Library, followed by a discussion about the book and the movie.

Even if you don't have the opportunity to read the book, you are welcome to join us to watch the movie and participate in the conversation!