It’s Banned Books Week next week ((September 27 to October 3rd) – We think immediately, of course, of Howl and the infamous Howl trial – see here, here and here – On Monday, at 7pm, (as part of Banned Books Week), taking place at the Cambria County Library, Neal Cassady‘s daughter, Jami will be presenting a virtual lecture. Through stories and memorabilia from her father’s estate, she will be discussing her father’s life and the pivotal role that he played in the Beat Generation. This interactive event is accessible from any computer, device or by telephone and participants can share their questions and comments with the presenter. Registration is required and can be completed either here or here
Speaking of censorship. Aaron Sorkin’s Chicago Conspiracy Trial movie, his highly timely Chicago Conspiracy Trial movie, (mentioned here last week), just released its official trailer:
“Sharp, riveting, timely, tremendous writing and sensational performances across the board. A chilling but inspiring film about the power of protest.” is how one critic has described it. Particularly stand-out are the performances by Sacha Baron Cohen (playing Abbie Hoffman) and Jeremy Strong (playing Jerry Rubin), and the interaction between them – And Bobby Seale – the gagging of Bobby Seale – curious to see how that infamous and shameful moment plays out in the current climate (interesting to see how the whole movie plays out). Ominous parallels. Matters of great urgency. Baron Cohen acknowledged this at the press conference – “I fear the American people have the same choice as the Chicago 7 had. Do we stand by or stand up?” We stand up.
Speaking of films, Errol Morris‘ latest film, My Psychedelic Love Story (based on Joanna Harcourt-Smith‘s memoir Tripping the Bardo With Timothy Leary) also officially opens next month:
“The movie follows LSD high priest Timothy Leary and how he became a narc in 1974 and abandoned the millions he urged to turn on, tune in and drop out. Was his “perfect love” Joanna Harcourt-Smith a government pawn, as suggested by Allen Ginsberg? Morris and Harcourt-Smith reexamine the Leary saga: his period of exile, reimprisonment and subsequent cooperation with the authorities.”
Watch that trailer- here
T.S. Eliot was born on this day [Editorial note – actually, tomorrow!] Want to hear Bob Dylan reading T.S.Eliot?
