Dana Andrews Film Festival

The Junior Fellows’ fourth annual Film Festival was a lot of fun.

Dr. Rollyson’s Biography of Dana Andrews

The day started with a tour of Huntsville.  Susan Andrews (Dana’s daughter) had never been to Huntsville, so this was her first chance to see her father’s old haunts.  The tour included the graves of Dana’s parents;

Rev. and Mrs. Andrews’ Graves, Oakwood Cemetery

…the First Baptist Church, where his father was pastor; the site of the Dorothy Theater where Dana worked as a projectionist, reinforcing his interest in films; the Old Town Theater, where Andrews’ image still graces the front…

Dr. Rollyson, Susan Andrews, and Dana Andrews, Old Town Theater

…and in an entirely unrelated stop, we were able to see the Dan-Phillips designed Tree House, which doubles as a bakery.

Dan Phillips’ Tree House

As for the film festival, the organization held the event at the Walker Education Center—with much support from the SHMM Staff—and the theater and dining facilities couldn’t have been nicer.  The organization also received a lot of help from Dr. Bonnie Thorne, who brought a party of ten; Margaret Gulledge, who brought a party of seven…

The Gulledge Table– Film Festival Regulars!

…Dr. Lee Courtney, who thought this whole thing up about five years ago (“Hey, I have a good idea for your organization…”); and Mac and Leanne Woodward and Ralph and Linda Pease, who provide us with a whole lot of community support.

The Andrews, Carl Rollyson, The Woodwards, The Peases

And, of course, Dr. Rollyson and Susan Andrews added some amazing insight, and Angela Andrews Fabry was engaging, informative, and helped organize the family gathering!

Linda Pease, Angela Fabry, Jack Andrews, and Carl Rollyson

Dr. Rollyson and Susan Andrews introduced the film, Where the Sidewalk Ends.  The film is a noir, and it is a fine, fine film, with the same leads as the more famous Laura.  Both films were directed by Otto Preminger.   Given that the Junior Fellows and some of the Andrews’ family saw Laura on Thursday night, the week made for a nice lesson in film noir.

Following the film, organization members, students…

Date Night!

…townspeople, and the Andrews family enjoyed dinner.

The Andrews Family and Friends

More Andrews and Friends

Ryan, who is in an 8th Grade Film and Editing class, got some technical advice from Susan,

Ryan with Susan Andrews

The offerings included pinwheels with beef and Gouda cheese; Mediterranean Orzo Salad; Parmesan Chicken Bowtie Salad; Tarragon Chicken Salad; and various finger foods such as olives stuffed with bleu cheese.  The meal was complemented by punch, water, and wine, with coffee to help enliven post-prandial conversation.  Desserts included dark caramel with sea salt, rum cordials, and cake balls.

Dark Caramel with Sea Salt & Assorted Cordials

Perhaps most fun, however, was the after-dinner conversation.  For Dr. Carl Rollyson, it was a success—he sold 35 copies of his book!

And for the Andrews, it was a family reunion—apparently a rare one.

Andrews Family Having Fun

… and more fun…

…still having fun…

…they can’t stop…

…last one…

And with the Junior Fellows at the end of the evening…

Bush Presidential Library; Brazos Bookstore

The Junior Fellows had a nice time Thursday night, taking  Susan Andrews, Angela Andrews Fabry, and Carl Rollyson to the Bush Library, where Rollyson and Susan introduced Laura.

Susan Andrews Introduces “Laura” at the Bush Presidential Library

The film was well attended, with more than 100 people in attendance.  Carl, who watched all of Dana’s films while writing the biography, has seen Laura ten times; Susan, Dana’s daughter, has seen it twelve times, including this viewing.

Susan, in the audience, watching her father, Dana, on the screen…

Friday brought new adventures.  Hellieth Pedroza escorted Carl, Susan, and Angela to the First Baptist Church, where Dr. Bonnie Thorne and two dozen other First Baptist Church members provided lunch and a tour.  CF Andrews, Dana’s father, was the pastor at the First Baptist Church from 1924-1929.

Later that evening, the Junior Fellows, Fabry, Andrews, and Rollyson drove to the Brazos Bookstore in Houston, where Carl discussed his book and signed books.  Interestingly, several more members of the Andrews’ family showed up, as did Brenda Gunther, who met Dana Andrews in 1986 when she attended SHSU.

Carl discussing his book, Hollywood Enigma: Dana Andrews

If you have the chance to go to the Brazos Bookstore–go!–it’s a great place to book browse.

Rollyson Display, Brazos Bookstore

The Junior Fellows did their share of browsing…

Browsing for Books

And Annel tried to prove that she really did read…

Annel And Her Book

But mostly the Andrews family had a chance to catch up.

Andrews Family at the Brazos Bookstore

Afterward, we all went to Black Walnut Cafe, where we had good food, nice conversation, and a late night before returning to Huntsville.

Santiago and Hellieth, Enjoying Time With Carl Rollyson, Angela Fabry, and Susan Andrews

 

 

Bush Presidential Library Classic Films: Laura

In preparation of their Dana Andrews Film Festival, the Junior Fellows booked Dr. Carl Rollyson (biographer of Dana Andrews) at the Bush Presidential Library in College Station. The Bush Library showed the classic film Laura, followed by a booksigning by Dr. Carl Rollyson, whom the Fellows accompanied to the event.

Their workday started after classes, when the Fellows accompanied Dr. Rollyson to lunch at the wonderful Farmhouse Eats and Sweets and a short tour of the square…

Dr. Rollyson and Hellieth Pedroza at the Old Town Theater

…where they posed in front of a Dana Andrews mural in Laura.

From there, they went to the Bush Library, where Dr. Rollyson was scheduled to give a talk on Andrews.  The Fellows began the event by touring the Bush Library with Dr. Rollyson, where the group had some fun posing for pictures in the Oval Office

After the tour, the JFs met up with Susan Andrews and Angela Fabry, Dana’s daughter and niece, respectively.  They had a nice dinner at Cafe Eccell, and then returned to the Bush Library for a nice event.  Dr. Rollyson and Susan introduced the film with interesting stories, and then the Fellows and an audience of more than 100 people watched the incomparable Laura, one of the greatest films ever made.  Afterward, Carl signed books for numerous people…

Dr. Rollyson Signing His Book: Hollywood Enigma: Dana Andrews

…and the group posed for some photographs after a long and wonderful day.

Junior Fellows, Friends, Susan Andrews, Angel Fabry, and Dr. Rollyson

David Mamet’s Satirical Take on Politics: November

On Saturday, September 8, the Junior Fellows trekked to the Alley Theater in Houston to see David Mamet’s November, a funny and pointed satire of politics in the 21st century.  In addition to four of the Junior Fellows, prospective Pol Sci major Taylor Parker, alumni Blake Roach, and friend Lucas Ashby attended.

Junior Fellows Attend David Mamet’s “November.”

Will Phillips–Nearing the end of a lame-duck first term, President Smith begrudgingly relinquishes the prospects of reelection to focus on building his Presidential Library—a project that is suffering from meager funds.   With the help of his advisor and (lesbian) speechwriter, the President concludes that the best way to secure financial backing for the library and for his livelihood is to extort the National Association of Turkey & Turkey By-Products Manufacturers, threatening to skirt his duties for the National Turkey Pardoning Ceremony if they do not pay him 200 million dollars.  His plan never reaches fruition: from an Indian Chief attempting to kill him, to the deaths of two Turkeys, to his ill speechwriter who is extorting the President to legalize gay marriage for a speech she wrote, to the national scare the President’s wife unleashes around the world when she believes Iran has launched nukes…

This comedy is the creation of David Mamet (Author of other such notables as the Pulitzer Prize winning Glengarry Glen Ross) in the play November, and the Junior Fellows had the opportunity to see this hilarious play at the Alley Theatre in downtown Houston.   The play is set exclusively in the Oval Office, offering a unique 360 degree viewing opportunity.  The play was funny from one minute to the next, and I believe it was enhanced more so by it involving politics during a Presidential election year.   Two thumbs up!

Kathy Reichs

Last night the Junior Fellows traveled to Murder by the Book in Houston to see Kathy Reichs, a professor of forensic anthropology, author of more than 20 books, and producer of the television show Bones.

Ms. Reichs is promoting her newest book, Bones are Forever, but she also discussed her young adult work that she writes with her son, her children’s work, and the work she does for the television show, Bones.

Junior Fellows, Friends, and Kathy Reich

Reichs is interesting for many reasons, but one is that she is one of only eighty-eight certified forensic anthropologists.  Perhaps for this reason, she actually works for two Universities, McGill (in Canada) and University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  With her recent success, however, she is not expected to teach, and she has large discretion in choosing the cases she will work on as a forensics expert.

Afterward, the organization went to the Black Walnut Cafe, where members had Lobster tacos, gyros, toasted ravioli, crab-stuffed mushrooms, and other delicious fare!

Junior Fellows’ Updates

 

September 6: Kathy Reichs (Author of Bones Series)
September 8: November, by David Mamet (Alley Theater)
September 12-15: Dana Andrews Film Festival (Featured Speaker: Dr. Carl Rollyson–as well as Andrews’ daughter and niece)
September 22: Wynne Home Art Exhibit Opening–Prison Art
September 26: TX Tech Law School Visit
September 29: Gibbs-Powell 150th Anniversary
October 2: Law School Caravan, TAMU
October: County U (Tuesday nights in October)
October 6: Fair on the Square
October 8: Law School Panel
October 13: Great Muddy Escape
October 15: SHMM Amateur Photograph Exhibit Opening
October 18: Patricia Cornwell Booksigning
October 20: Mock LSAT
October 23: “Leuikemia and Genomics Research: Past, Present, and Future”
October 27: Scare on the Square
November 7-12: JF Trip (Southern Culture Trip–7 states)
November 9: CHSS Outdoor Classroom Opening
November 10: HEARTS Veterans Day Gala
November 27: Michael Connelly Book Signing
November 29: Scholarship Luncheon
December 7: HEARTS Pearl Harbor Dinner

 

Michael O’Hanlon: Obama’s Foreign Policy

(By Jessica Rodriguez)–Last week the Junior Fellows attended a presentation by Michael O’Hanlon who offered an in-depth assessment of President Obama’s foreign policy disappointments and triumphs.

O’Hanlon, a senior fellow in foreign policy at the Brookings Institution, specializes in U.S. defense strategy, use of military force, homeland security and American foreign policy, provided provocative commentary on the topic, and proved to be a friendly and approachable presenter.

The Junior Fellows were able to attend through their membership with the World Affairs Council.

Jessica Rodriguez with WAC’s Ronan O’Malley

Accordingly, the Fellows and their (student) guests also received complimentary books by O’Hanlan, “Bending History: Barack Obama’s Foreign Policy.”  O’Hanlan signed the books following the event.

Michael O’Hanlon Signing His Book

O’Hanlan stressed four major points in concluding his discussion of Obama’s foreign policy: (1) President Obama has moved away from his campaign rhetoric of 2008 and has become a (successful) pragmatist; (2) on a case-by-case basis, Obama’s handling of discrete foreign policy events has been as successful as any President other than George H. W. Bush, (3) any assessment of Obama’s foreign policy is preliminary until the Israel-Iran conflict is resolved, and (4) the best foreign policy maneuver may simply be restoring the American economy to a point that allows the US to regain its capacity to exercise power.

O’Hanlan did a great job of giving a balanced view of Obama’s foreign policy, and he covered the topic comprehensively for an informative evening.

Michael O’Hanlon Speaking

After the event, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at California Pizza Kitchen.  The Junior Fellows don’t usually eat at chains, but this was different for a lot of us, and we all tried new things: hummus with tomatoes, chile relleno, and various pizzas.

California Pizza Kitchen

My pizza was a habanero carnitas pizza—a cheese pizza topped with delicious roasted-pork, onions, and a spicy habanero sauce.

It was an educational and fun evening!

Junior Fellows Host Dana Andrews Film Festival

The Sam Houston State University Junior Fellows will honor Hollywood leading man and Huntsville native Dana Andrews during their fourth annual “Legends of Hollywood Film Festival” on Sept. 15.

Dana Andrews

The festival will be held at the Walker Education Center and will include a reception, an introduction by Andrews’s biographer Carl Rollyson and Andrews’s daughter Susan Andrews, a showing of the film “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” and a dinner. Andrews also is the star of “The Best Years of Our Lives” and “Laura.”

Where the Sidewalk Ends, starring Dana Andrews

The reception will begin at 5 p.m., followed by introductions at 5:30 p.m. and the screening, which will begin at 6 p.m.

“We see this as a unique opportunity to continue promoting classic films in Huntsville while also highlighting local history,” said Junior Fellow Santiago Casas. “We are especially excited this year, with the opportunity to bring Dana Andrews’ family and Dr. Rollyson to Sam Houston State University and to Huntsville.”

The Junior Fellows are also bringing Andrews’s niece Angela Fabry and other family members to the festival, which will feature Rollyson as the guest speaker.

Rollyson, the author of 40 books, has just released the first major biography of Andrews, Hollywood Enigma: Dana Andrews.

Hollywood Enigma, by Dr. Carl Rollyson

Almost a third of the book is devoted to Andrews’s time in Huntsville, making the read enjoyable for Hollywood fans and local history buffs alike, according to Junior Fellows adviser Mike Yawn.

A limited supply of books will be available for purchase, and Rollyson will sign books following the film.

Although the Junior Fellows have hosted film festivals previously, this one has new twists and, in many respects, is a culmination of their work over the years. While the festival is the local highlight, the Junior Fellows are drawing on relationships they’ve built in the community and region to put on a three-day, four-city book tour for Rollyson that will involve seven distinct events, Yawn said.

“So many people and organizations in the area have offered us opportunities, and we wanted to include them in this opportunity if we could,” Junior Fellow Melva Gomez said. “We approached different organizations with which we’ve worked in the past to see if they were interested in working together. Things just fell in place.”

The fellows’ tour will include escorting Rollyson to two SHSU classes; a luncheon hosted by former SHSU Professor Bonnie Thorne at Huntsville’s First Baptist Church, where Andrews’ father was pastor from 1924-1929; booking Rollyson and Andrews at Houston’s Brazos Bookstore for a book signing on Friday evening; and a tour and luncheon with the Madison County Museum to bring the Andrews family to Madisonville, where the family lived for several years in the 1930s, as part of the city’s 100th birthday celebration.

Also among these events, on Sept. 13, will be a special tour of the Bush Presidential Library in College Station, after which the library will host a public screening of “Laura” and a book signing by Rollyson in the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center.

“The Junior Fellows have been attending events here for several years,” said Tracy Paine, events coordinator for the Bush Presidential Library. “I get excited when I see their enthusiasm and willingness to make the most out of the opportunities they have as students. It’s a pleasure to partner with them on the ‘Laura’ screening and the Rollyson book signing.”
For the six Junior Fellows, it’s a rewarding, and a busy, week.

“This is what our adviser calls a ‘stretch assignment,’” said Junior Fellow Annel Gonzalez. “It’s an opportunity to promote and deepen our appreciation for the arts, to refine event-planning skills, to maintain relationships we have made in Huntsville, College Station and Houston, and to carry out our mission of promoting education, public service, and professional development.”

Festival tickets must be reserved in advance and are $20 each, which includes the reception, the film, the dinner, and the speaker’s presentations.

“This is our first year to hold the festival in the Walker Education Center,” said Junior Fellow Will Phillips. “It is a large venue, and we hope that people will come out and enjoy the film, the speaker, the history, and the dinner.”

For more information or to reserve tickets, contact Yawn at 936.294.1456 or mike.yawn@shsu.edu.

Santiago Casas with Attorney General Greg Abbott and Senator Marco Rubio

Recently, I was fortunate enough to be one of about 200 Republicans gathered at Houston’s Omni Hotel to attend the Texas Hispanic Leadership Forum (HLF).  This Forum is put together to encourage Latinos to vote and run for Office as Republicans.

Attorney General Greg Abbott was one of the introductory speakers, and it was great to see him again.  Abbott is not only a leading Republican in Texas, but he’s also married to a Mexican-American, making him particularly appropriate for the morning’s speaker. Interestingly, he was appearing at the breakfast on he and his wife’s 31^st wedding anniversary.  “She let me be here,” he said, jokingly, “only because Marco Rubio would also be here.”

Senator Rubio and General Abbott

With that clever segue, Abbott introduced Rubio, who greeted with Latinos in Spanish, culminating with, “Su pasado no decide su future” (“Your past doesn’t decide your future.”)   Rubio then transitioned into an effective speech encouraging Hispanics—and all Americans—how important it is to make a difference in your community.  Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants, and they worked hard in Florida to give him the opportunity to attend the University of Florida and the University of Miami Law School.  He then went to work as a City Commissioner and a Florida Legislator before moving into national politics.

Rubio didn’t come from a wealthy background, but he was able to move forward and pursue the American dream.  All, Americans, he said, should have the right “to decide their own dreams, and the opportunity as their talent and work ethic allow them.”  It’s an inspirational message for all Americans, first generation or seventh, and for both Democrats and Republicans.

Where you start doesn’t determine where you end up.

The Week Ahead: August 27-31

Today, the Junior Fellows were on KSAM Radio’s “Around Town” with Larry Crippen, and the organizational Retreat is tonight.

Tuesday, the organization will assist new students, helping them find their classes the day before they actually have to be in class. 

And, of course, Wednesday the Fellows will be starting class themselves.  At least two, Annel Gonzalez and Santiago Casas, will also be starting internships.  Internships, of course, involve interviews and you can find some good advice about interviews here…

Wednesday, the organization is taking a trip to see Michael O’Hanlan at the World Affairs Council in Houston.  O’Hanlan is Senior Policy Advisor at the Brookings Institute, and he has taught at Princeton and Johns Hopkins.  He will discuss President Obama’s foreign policy successes and failures and how these might affect the 2012 Presidential election.