NEW DVD FOR MAY: FROST/NIXON

The Green Free Library has added the DVD entitled Frost/Nixon to its growing collection. This movie was released in theaters in late 2008 and just came out on DVD in Jan 2009 (Universal City, CA : Universal Studios Home Entertainment, 2009). It is based on the original stage play by Peter Morgan.

Running time is 123 minutes.
Rated Rated R for some language. Parents click here for more information.

Directed by Ron Howard.
Written by Peter Morgan.

STARRING:

Frank Langella as Richard Nixon
Michael Sheen as David Frost
Kevin Bacon as Jack Brennan
Rebecca Hall as Caroline Cushing
Toby Jones as Swifty Lazar
Matthew Macfadyen as John Birt
Oliver Platt as Jack Zelnick
Sam Rockwell as James Reston JR
Kate Jennings Grant as Diane Sawyer
Patty McCormack as Pat Nixon
Jay White as Neil Diamond

This is a Ron Howard picture so his brother Clint Howard shows up as Lloyd Davis

Summary from WebPAC:

Richard Nixon is the disgraced president with a legacy to save. David Frost is a jet-setting television personality with a name to make. This is the legendary battle between the two men and the historic encounter that changed both their lives. For three years after resigning from office, Nixon remained silent. But in the summer of 1977, the steely, cunning former commander-in-chief agreed to sit for one all-inclusive interview to confront the questions of his time in office and the Watergate scandal that ended his presidency. Everyone is surprised that Nixon would select Frost as his televised confessor, intending to easily outfox the breezy British showman and secure a place in the hearts and minds of Americans (as well as a $600,000 fee). Likewise, Frost's team harbors doubts that their boss with be able to hold his own. But as cameras roll, a charged battle of wits results.

It is interesting to note that Frank Langella won a Tony Award in 2007 for his part as Richard Nixon in the original stage production.

A quote made by Richard M. Nixon:

Certainly in the next 50 years we shall see a woman president, perhaps sooner than you think. A woman can and should be able to do any political job that a man can do.

Richard M. Nixon



The library also has the DVD, Frost/Nixon : the Original Watergate Interviews released by Liberation Entertainment, in Dec.2008. Click here for more on this DVD.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR PRESIDENT?

The third Monday in February has been designated Presidents Day. Many people find this confusing as both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were born in February. So whose birthday is it?

Well technically, neither president was born on February 16, which is the day Presidents Day fall on for 2009. George Washington, the first president of the United States of America was born on February 22, 1792. Abe Lincoln was born on February 12; 1809.Washington’s birthday was not celebrated nationally until 1832 even though it was recognized in 1796, when he was in his last full year as president. Lincoln’s birthday was recognized in 1865 shortly after he was assassinated, but only on a state level, and not in every state.

In 1968 Congress passed legislation that placed any federal holiday on a Monday. In 1971 President Richard Nixon combined Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays into the Federal holiday called President’s Day. It would be celebrated on the third Monday in February regardless of the date, and would not only honor the two great presidents that had birthdays in February, but also pay tribute to all who had served as president of this great country.

The Green Free Library has a large collection of books on the history of the United States and its presidents, both past and present. Stop in today and check the card catalog, or ask a staff member for assistance.