• By Theodora M. Drozdowski
• Posted Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Friendly Persuasion at the Community Arts Café

Cameron Kent’s The Road to Devotion might become a movie someday. While we’re waiting, On The Same Page invites you to enjoy a movie afternoon featuring a film with many thematic parallels to our book. RiverRun International Film Festival is partnering with the library to bring us the 1956 classic movie, Friendly Persuasion.

Along with Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire, you’ll recognize Tony Perkins starring in this early Civil War drama based on a story by Jessamyn West. The Birdwells, a Quaker family, have a peaceful and happy life in Indiana in 1862, but the Civil War is getting closer to home every day. Their spiritual commitment to non-violence is tested as the battle comes to their own backyard and threatens the family. How will they reconcile the pacifism their faith demands and yet defend their family, homestead and community?

The movie combines drama and endearing comic touches to define a loving marriage in a tight-knit community. Directed by the legendary William Wilder, Friendly Persuasion was nominated for six Academy Awards. 137 minutes. Not Rated, but family-friendly. Please see CommonSense.org for parental guidance.

This program is open to the public and free of charge.

Downtown Community Arts Café
411 West Fourth Street, Winston-Salem
Sunday, October 2nd at 4:00 pm