The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to present a new digitally restored “Definitive Director’s Cut” of “The Last Picture Show” on November 17 in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present a new digitally restored “Definitive Director’s Cut” of “The Last Picture Show,” in celebration of the film’s 40th anniversary, on Thursday, November 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The movie will be followed by an onstage cast and crew reunion with guests including director Peter Bogdanovich and actresses Cybill Shepherd and Cloris Leachman.

Adapted by Larry McMurtry and Bogdanovich from McMurtry’s 1966 novel, “The Last Picture Show” is an atmospheric character study that launched the careers of a remarkable group of young actors (including Shepherd, Jeff Bridges, Timothy Bottoms and Randy Quaid) and greatly influenced a generation of prominent directors.

Set in the fading West Texas town of Anarene in the early 1950s, the film combines a poignant coming-of-age tale with a bittersweet appraisal of Anarene’s discontented adults. As the only movie theater in town goes out of business, Anarene’s high school seniors grapple with conflicting feelings about sex, friendship and responsibility, and the adults reflect on their unfulfilled lives.

The film’s nostalgic appeal is heightened by Robert Surtees’ black-and-white cinematography, Polly Platt’s production design and an innovative use of period music. The picture garnered eight Oscar® nominations, including Actor in a Supporting Role (Ben Johnson, Bridges), Actress in a Supporting Role (Leachman, Ellen Burstyn), Cinematography (Surtees), Directing (Bogdanovich), Best Picture (Stephen J. Friedman, producer), and Writing – Screenplay based on material from another medium (McMurtry, Bogdanovich), with Johnson and Leachman earning statuettes for their performances.

The “Definitive Director’s Cut” includes scenes reinstated or re-edited by Bogdanovich for the 2000 DVD and theatrical re-release. This digital version is courtesy of Sony Pictures and the Academy Film Archive.

Tickets for “The Last Picture Show” are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID, and may be purchased online at www.oscars.org or by mail starting November 1. The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. All seating is unreserved. For more information, call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org for the latest updates on panelists.