William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar has been adapted for film and television on countless occasions, with the first version produced in 1908 (and running a mere 10-15 minutes!). The definitive take, however, remains the 1953 version, which will be screened as part of the Shakespeare at the Movies series presented by the Main Library. Louis Calhern portrays the doomed title ruler, although it's the three actors billed above him who are more known: Marlon Brando as Marc Antony, John Gielgud as Cassius and James Mason as Brutus. Directed by four-time Oscar winner Joseph L. Mankiewicz (All About Eve), this earned five Academy Award nominations (including Best Picture and Best Actor for Brando), winning for its art direction-set decoration. Following the screening, there will be a half-hour lecture by Andrew Hartley, Robinson Distinguished Professor of Shakespeare in the Department of Theatre at UNC Charlotte and author of two upcoming books on the Bard (Shakespeare and Political Theatre and a performance history of Julius Caesar).

Matt Brunson

Price: Free