A friendly, familiar, and informed authority on the movies, Jack Garner retired in June after 28 years as staff film critic of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Jack’s sphere of influence stretches way beyond the local and regional: for 20 years he’s also served as the nationally syndicated chief film critic of Gannett News Service.
A fixture in Rochester journalism since 1970, he first began reviewing films for the Rochester Gannett Newspapers in May 1977, starting with his review of the original Star Wars. He has since traveled all around the world, interviewing stars and directors including Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Quentin Tarantino, David Lean, Woody Allen, Sophia Loren, and silent film legends Lillian Gish and Louise Brooks.
While he will continue writing a weekly films and entertainment column for the Democrat and Chronicle, George Eastman House and Honorary Event Committee Chair Ted Curtis will pay homage to the career accomplishments of Jack Garner by presenting him with the George Eastman Medal of Honor on Friday, November 9. The award is presented to individuals whose work represents the values of George Eastman.
This event will be supplemented throughout November and December when we present a series of films personally curated by Jack that reflect his tastes in cinema. Jack’s selections range from sentimental favorites (American Graffiti) to award-winning classics (The Bridge on the River Kwai) to guilty pleasures (King Creole).
Our series begins with the award presentation, followed by a screening of Elia Kazan’s masterpiece, On the Waterfront, a film that Jack Garner considers “one of the landmarks of American cinema, a film of great import to movies in general and in many ways, to me personally.” Following the screening, Jack will talk about On the Waterfront and his life in the movies.
Jim Healy, Assistant Curator, Exhibitions, Motion Picture Department
A Salute to Jack Garner
When: Friday, November 9, 7:30 p.m.* | Where: Dryden Theatre | What: George Eastman Medal of Honor presentation followed by a screening of On the Waterfront and an audience q&a with Mr. Garner after the film. | Tickets: General Admission tickets for Orchestra side and Balcony seating for the ceremony and screening are $10, $8 members and students, available at www.eastmanhouse.org, the admissions desk, Dryden Theatre box office, or (585) 271-3361 ext. 295. No Take-10 tickets or passes. Doors open 6:45 p.m.
* Reservation-only pre-event reception with Jack Garner from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Potter Peristyle| Tickets: Pre-event reception tickets are $75, and include reserved Center Orchestra seating for the ceremony and film, available at www.eastmanhouse.org, the admissions desk, Dryden Theatre box office, or (585) 271-3361 ext. 214. | Proceeds benefit the continued renovation of the Dryden Theatre.
Friday, November 9, 7:30 p.m.
A Salute to Jack Garner w/ screening of On the Waterfront (Elia Kazan, US 1954, 108 min.) Special admission prices No Take-10 tickets or passes.
Wednesday, November 14
Do the Right Thing (Spike Lee, US 1989, 120 min.)
Wednesday, November 21
The Bridge on the River Kwai (David Lean, UK 1957, 161 min.)
Saturday, November 24
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (Stanley Kubrick, UK 1964, 93 min.) New 35mm print!
Sunday, November 25, 7 p.m.
American Graffiti (George Lucas, US 1973, 112 min.)
Wednesday, November 28
Cries and Whispers (Ingmar Bergman, Sweden 1973, 106 min., Swedish/subtitles)
Wednesday, December 5
Amarcord (Federico Fellini, Italy 1974, 127 min., Italian/subtitles)
Wednesday, December 12
King Creole (Michael Curtiz, US 1958, 116 min.)
Sunday, December 16, 7 p.m.
Members’ Movie Night
The Man Who Would Be King (John Huston, US/UK 1975, 129 min.) Free to members.
Wednesday, December 19
The Night of the Hunter (Charles Laughton, US 1955, 93 min.)
Friday, December 28
7 p.m. Rear Window (Alfred Hitchcock, US 1954, 112 min.) Two films for one admission price.
Sunday, December 30, 7 p.m. & Monday, December 31, 2 p.m.
A Hard Day’s Night (Richard Lester, UK 1964, 85 min., 35mm). Two films for one admission price.
All films will be screened in the Dryden Theatre at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Admission is $6, $5 students, and $4 members.
