Wild River (1960, PG)

Dir: Elia Kazan, USA, 110mins, 35mm

The New Deal has come to Depression-era Tennessee, in the huge reform of the Tennessee Valley Authority and its schemes for new dams and hydro-electric power. One small island, its extended family and a way of life that pre-dates the Civil War, holds out, even though the waters are rising and will, in weeks, inundate it and its values. Written by East of Eden screenplay writer Paul Osborn, this is the Kazan film overlooked even by admirers, but which – like no other of his films – gets to the heart of his themes of American social conflict. It’s also the film the director himself most respected for its performers and performances: the vitality of Lee Remick; the vanquished world-weariness of Montgomery Clift (in one of his last great roles); and the power of Jo Van Fleet – then 45, but inhabiting the King-Lear -like character of a woman nearly twice her age. New 35mm print restoration by the Academy Film Archive and Twentieth Century Fox, with funding provided by The Film Foundation. Presented with the support of the Embassy of the United States. FREE to current 'Max’ pass holders.