The page meets the screen at Reel to Read, a curated series of independent and classic cinema. These free screenings, hand-picked by local authors and film experts, include a Recommended Reads list inspired by the movies.

February Theme: Battle of the Sexes

Curated By NYPL Staff

His Girl Friday (1940)

Saturday, February 3, 2018, 2 PM-4 PM. Doors open at 1:30 PM.

Why Alison picked the film: In this battle of the sexes, Hollywood gems Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell team for a screwball comedy that pays tribute to the field of journalism and equity for women in the workplace.  His Girl Friday is fast paced, witty, and filled with punchlines.
 

Miss Julie (1951)

Saturday, February 10, 2018, 2 PM-4 PM. Doors open at 1:30 PM.

Why Claudine picked the film: "I chose this film for the passionate and tormented male-female interaction depicted on screen by stars  Anita Bjork and Ulf Palme. With the beautiful backdrop of a Swedish country estate, the film captures the essence of class issues among the central characters that is still relevant today."
 

My Brilliant Career (1979)

Saturday, February 17, 2018, 2 PM-4 PM. Doors open at 1:30 PM.

Why Claudine picked the film: In her debut role, Judy Davis delivers a wonderful performance as the young heroine who refuses to follow the rules and convention, and instead takes authority of her own life. The theme of Judy Davis’ character Sybylla longing for independence while following her dreams will resonate with many. 
 

Sudden Fear (1952)

Saturday, February 24, 2018, 2 PM-4 PM. Doors open at 1:30 PM.

Why Alison picked the film: It was a gamble when Joan Crawford asked Warner Brothers for a release from her contract—Crawford would sign with RKO and star in Sudden Fear, based on the novel by Edith Sherry. For her performance in this deeply dark psychological thriller, Crawford was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
 

Recommended Reads

If you enjoy these films, try one of these dynamic reads!
 

Fiction

• Margaret Atwood, Good Bones and Simple Murders
• Lee Child, Matchup
• William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing
• August Strindberg, Miss Julie
• William Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew
• Günter Grass, The Flounder
• Diana Gabaldon, Voyager

Nonfiction

• Kate Shoup, Billie Jean King: The Battle of the Sexes and Title IX
• John Gray, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
• Barbara and Allan Pease, Why Men Don’t Listen and Women Can’t Read Maps: How We’re Different and What to Do About It
• George Carlin, When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?