SCIENCE FICTION FILMS OF THE 1950s

March 11 - 15, 2012
 
The 1950s launched what many consider the golden age of science fiction films. As with much science fiction, the sci-fi films of that decade often focused on political and social issues—specifically, the Cold War and the advent of the nuclear age.

This fourth CCA of the 2011-2012 academic year will consider the history, themes and influence of science fiction films of the 1950s.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

4:00 p.m. Showing of The Thing from Another World 
               (1951, dir. Christian Nyby/Howard Hawks)

8:00 p.m. “Science Fiction Films of the 1950s: History and Significance”
               Richard Schickel
               Film Critic Writer and Director, Watch the Skies! Science Fiction,
               the 1950s and Us 
               (2005, Turner Classic Movies)

MONDAY, MARCH 12

4:00 p.m. Showing of The War of the Worlds (1952, dir. Byron Haskin)

8:00 p.m. “The Making of ‘The War of the Worlds’”
               William Warren 
               Author, Keep Watching the Skies!
               American Science Fiction Movies of the Fifties

  
TUESDAY, MARCH 13

4:00 p.m. Showing of Forbidden Planet (1956, dir. Fred Wilcox)

8:00 p.m. “Sci Fi Film Themes: 1950s to the Present”
               Stephen Hunter
               Film Critic and Author

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14

4:00 p.m. Showing of The Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956, dir. Don Siegel)

8:00 p.m. “How to Think About Science Fiction”
               Thomas A. Shippey
               Saint Louis University
               Editor, The Oxford Book of Science Fiction Stories

THURSDAY, MARCH 15

11:00 a.m. Faculty Roundtable
                 Paul Moreno, Chair
                 Donald A. Turner
                 James M. Brandon
                 Angelica J. Pytel

All Speakers Confirmed