October 14, 2003

Boise State and The Flicks Honor Elia Kazan With Film Screening

The Boise State University history department and The Flicks Theater mark the passing of acclaimed film and stage director Elia Kazan with the screening of his timeless film “On the Waterfront” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5. Admission is $7.50 general and $5.50 for seniors and students with ID. The evening includes introductory remarks by Boise State history professor Todd Shallat and an optional seminar-style discussion following the film in the Flicks’ loft. The Flicks Theater is located at 646 Fulton St. near Capitol Boulevard and Myrtle Street.     “On the Waterfront” is the fact-based story of a longshoreman (played by Marlon Brando) who is blackballed and beaten for informing on mobsters who have sold out his union. The 1954 film won a Best Director Oscar for Kazan as well as Oscars for Best Picture and Best Actor.           In a review for Amazon.com, David Chute said, “For all its great dramatic and cinematic qualities, and its fiery social criticism, Elia Kazan’s ‘On the Waterfront’ is also one of the most gripping melodramas of political corruption and individual heroism ever made in the United States.”            In addition to Brando, whose character made famous the phrase “I coulda been a contenda,” the film stars Karl Malden and Eva Marie Saint.            Kazan was born in Istanbul in 1909 to Greek parents and came to the United States as a young child. He directed several classics on Broadway, including “The Skin of Our Teeth,” “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Death of a Salesman” before moving on to a notable film career. His selection for an honorary Oscar in 1999 angered many in the film community because of his cooperation with the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1952, which contributed to the ruin of many careers in Hollywood. Kazan died Sept. 28, 2003 at the age of 94. -30- Contact                                        Media Contact Todd Shallat                                Kathleen Craven Department of History                 News Services 208 426-3701                             208 426-3275