Cradle Will Rock (1999)

Part of the Tim Robbins Weekend
A vibrant evocation of a rare moment in American history when art and politics were dynamically forged on the same anvil, "Cradle Will Rock" succeeds far more often than not in delivering a credible, kaleidoscopic portrait of creative, and often famous, individuals.

Film's title, curiously minus the initial definite article of its source of inspiration, refers to the polemical musical drama, "The Cradle Will Rock," written by Marc Blitzstein (Hank Azaria) in 1936 for the Federal Theater. Taken on by a 21-year-old Orson Welles (Angus Macfayden) and John Houseman (Cary Elwes) at the height of their celebrated theatrical collaboration in New York, the play enjoys a unique place in legit annals due to the dramatic circumstances of its premiere: With right-wing politicians on the attack and its theater abruptly shut down by authorities on the day of opening, the company led the public on a 21-block march through Manhattan to another venue where the actors, forbidden by their union from setting foot onstage, spontaneously began performing their roles from various spots in the auditorium to the accompaniment of Blitzstein on piano. Result was a politically charged triumph for the beleaguered Federal Theater. Fashioning his screenplay from scratch, Robbins uses the "Cradle" episode as just one of several thematically related artistic ventures to create a larger picture of the dynamic cultural landscape during a tumultuous and exciting period.

Also starring Ruben Blades, Emily Watson, John Cusack, Joan Cusack, Phillip Baker Hall, Bill Murray, Jack Black, Cherry Jones, Susan Sarandon, Vanessa Redgrave, John Turturro, and Gretchen Mol.

132 minutes. Rated R for some language and sexuality.

Tickets are $8 general public, $6 seniors and military, $4 with SCAD ID and are available by calling 912-525-5050 or online at www.lucastheatre.com.

Series passes will be available soon. $64 for general public, $48 for seniors and military, $30 with SCAD ID. These passes provide access to all six films at the Lucas Theatre and the three films at the Trustees Theater. Discounted passes must be purchased in person with valid ID.