WASHINGTON — It was a year that changed Hollywood forever: 1967.
The year that sword-and-sandal epics of the ’50s and early ’60s gave way to edgier themes of violence, sex, drugs, rock ‘n roll, race and religion.
The year that French New Wave rule-breaking spilled over to maverick American filmmakers.
And the year that Roger Ebert launched his film critic career and George Stevens. Jr. founded the American Film Institute, providing new avenues of auteur appreciation.
This weekend, the Avalon Theatre in Chevy Chase is hosting a special tribute, “Revolution in Hollywood: The Films of 1967,” to benefit Avalon film education programs and general operations.
The campaign features retro screenings of “The Graduate,” “Bonnie and Clyde” and “In the Heat of the Night,” leading up to a special ceremony Sunday night, including a conversation hosted by NPR correspondent Susan Stamberg and film journalist Mark Harris.
While many folks throw out 1939, 1959, 1976 or 1994 as the best years in cinema, it’s hard to imagine another year that will feature as many groundbreaking masterpieces as 1967:
‘The Graduate’ (1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iV_CIj-9FA
‘Bonnie and Clyde’ (1967)
‘In the Heat of the Night’ (1967)
‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ (1967)
‘Cool Hand Luke’ (1967)
‘In Cold Blood’ (1967)
‘Wait Until Dark’ (1967)
‘The Jungle Book’ (1967)
‘Dr. Doolittle’ (1967)
‘The Dirty Dozen’ (1967)
‘Playtime’ (1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdMsEg-2XkU
‘Belle du Jour’ (1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJXLCYZMGQ8
Click here for ticket information to the Avalon events.
