English 217 Fall 2005: Writers of Litchfield County and the Films Made from Their Works
Lecturer
s:
Davyne Verstandig an
d John Long
Wednesday
evenings
6:30 - 9:00pm
This course was open and free of charge to the general public and was also taken by students for credit in English. Co-taught by John Long, Professor of Drama and Film and Davyne Verstandig, Professor of English, the course showcased the novels, films and guest speakers listed below.
Litchfield
County
writers had their say on issues that included prejudice, racism, faith and family.
Frank McCourt : "Writers of Litchfield County and Films Made From Their Works": A Discussion Series, English 217
September 29, 2005
 
[left photo: Davyne Verstandig and author Frank McCourt. ]
[right photo: John Long, author Frank McCourt and Davyne Verstandig. ]
Frank McCourt was the guest speaker discussing his memoir and the film version of "Angela's Ashes” .
Comments from the Frank McCourt lecture
Bill C. Davis: "Writers of Litchfield County and Films Made From Their Works": A Discussion Series, English 217
Nov, 9, 2005
Bill C. Davis was the guest speaker discussing his screen play and stage version of "Mass Appeal,” the story of a clash of ideology and personality between an older entrenched priest, Fr. Farley, who accommodates to survive, and a young scorching seminarian, Mark Dolson, who attacks to force salvation. Each in his own way uses his relationship to the congregation to resolve personal scars. As each tries to force the other to be a good priest, they learn, in unexpected ways, the nature of courage, friendship and the infinite varieties of love.” (Dramatists Play Service)
Mr. Davis developed the play into a screenplay and a movie was made starring Jack Lemmon and Charles Durning. A recent New York Times article suggested it was time for Mr. Davis’s play to be produced again or a distributor found for the movie since the play shares a common theme with the Vatican’s current controversial review regarding homosexuality within the priesthood.
A R Gurney, Playwright, Guest Speaker
December 7th at 6:30PM
A. R. Gurney was the guest speaker discussing his screen play and film version of "Love Letters" as part of an ongoing course "Writers of Litchfield County and Films Made From Their Works: A Discussion Series." He was most generous in answering questions and his insights about writing for both stage and screen was enlightening. The film was shown on November 30th and was also free and open to the public.
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