Drama/Adaptation ‧ PG ‧ 2h 35m ‧ 1981
Ragtime is a 1981 film adaptation of the bestseller “Ragtime” by E. L. Doctorow, directed by Miloš Forman. The film is set in early 1900s New York City, a time full of hope and tragedy, and includes fictionalized references to actual people and events of the time. Starring James Cagney (in his last film appearance), Mary Steenburgen, Howard E. Rollins Jr., Brad Dourif, James Olson and Elizabeth McGovern, the movie tells the story of a young black pianist who becomes embroiled in the lives of an upper-class white family. The film also features early appearances by several actors who would later achieve greater fame. Among them are Samuel L. Jackson, Debbie Allen, Jeff Daniels, Elizabeth McGovern, Fran Drescher, Andreas Katsulas, Ethan Phillips, Mandy Patinkin, John Ratzenberger, and Stuart Milligan.
Praised at the time of its release by film critic Roger Ebert as “a loving, beautifully mounted, graceful film that creates its characters with great clarity,” Ragtime was nominated for eight Oscars and seven Golden Globes. The original score, composed by Randy Newman to capture the mood of the film’s historical period, was nominated for a Grammy Award.
Admission is free. Donations are encouraged and appreciated.
Sponsored by Scott and Amelia Zesch.
The Odeon’s Classic Movie Night is the third Wednesday of each month. Admission is always free but we appreciate your donations, which enable us to continue offering these special movie presentations.
If you’re interested in sponsoring your favorite Classic Movie* by underwriting the licensing fee (typically $50 to $250 depending on the film) in part or whole, please email us at notify@theodeontheater.com.
* Movies must appear on the AFI’s “100 Greatest Movies of All Time” list.