Academy Brings "Giant" to NYC | WPN World People News

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Monday Nights with Oscar® will present "Giant" on Monday, September 12, at 7 p.m. at the Academy Theater at Lighthouse International in New York City. The evening will also feature actress Carroll Baker and historian Foster Hirsch in an onstage discussion about the making of "Giant" and working with George Stevens.

In the 1956 film adaptation of the novel by Edna Ferber, screenwriters Fred Guiol and Ivan Moffatt bring to life the saga of a family of Texas ranchers headed by Jordan "Bick" Benedict (Rock Hudson) and his wife, Maryland socialite Leslie Lynnton (Elizabeth Taylor). Spanning several decades, Stevens's "Giant" is drama on a grand scale, confronting themes of family expectations, class warfare, alcoholism, discrimination against Mexican Americans, and how the oil industry transformed a generation of Texas ranchers into super-rich oil barons. In addition to Baker, the star-studded cast includes James Dean in his final role, Dennis Hopper, Mercedes McCambridge, Earl Holliman and Jane Withers.

"Giant" was nominated for 10 Academy Awards® including Best Picture, but received only one, given to Stevens for Directing. This 55th anniversary screening celebrates the life and legacy of Stevens and is presented as part of the George Stevens Lecture Series, established by the Academy in 1981 after Stevens's personal papers were donated to the Margaret Herrick Library by George Stevens Jr.
Baker appeared in "Giant" as Luz Benedict II shortly before her Oscar-nominated breakout performance in Elia Kazan's "Baby Doll."

Source: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences