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A 1988 film classic from Sidney Lument, RUNNING ON EMPTY @First-Fri. Free large screen Film Showing, Peace Center of Delaware County
February 7, 2020 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
RUNNING ON EMPTY, a 1988 Oscar-nominated film classic from Sidney Lumet (Serpico, The Verdict, Network) set in the wake of the Vietnam War protest, concerns the conflict between beliefs, loss of a loving family, and a son’s freedom to realize his own dreams.
Annie and Arthur Pope (Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch) have been on the run from the FBI for more than a decade, after bombing a napalm laboratory in protest of the Vietnam War, blinding and paralyzing a janitor who wasn’t supposed to be there.
They occasionally rely on an underground network of supporters, for arranging housing in another state, where they won’t be found out, maybe. Every move they make, including total identity and name changes, and schooling for their two children — Danny, 18, Harry, 10 — under-the-table jobs, must be carefully planned and considered to keep them from FBI capture.
Danny Pope (portrayed by River Phoenix in his Oscar-nominated break-out role) is an extraordinary musical talent whose heart lies in music. Annie faces the fact that she must let her son find his own way. This is simply out of the question for Arthur, knowing what it would mean for his family .
Complicating the situation is a visit of an unappreciated figure from the Popes’ underground past.
This is a film about the courage it takes to love.
Doors open at 6:30p.m. with light refreshments.
People are invited to a short after-film discussion.
Film trailer: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/running-on-empty
Famed film critic, Roger Ebert’s review of RUNNING ON EMPTY, https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/running-on-empty-1988