Dr. Ralph H. Wolfe Viewing Center

Publisher: Culver City, CA : MGM/UA Home Video, ©1971.

Notes: Originally released in 1944 (124 mins.); Based on the novel by Enid Bagnold; Nominated for 5 Academy Awards

Summary: Elizabeth Taylor is Velvet Brown, an English schoolgirl who has very big dreams. She falls for a thoroughbred rogue horse and with the help of Mi Taylor (Mickey Rooney), she trains him for steeplechase racing

OCLC #: 42511445

Publisher: N/A – Taped from television

Notes: Originally released in 1959 (80 mins.?); From the novel by Leonard Wibberley;

Summary: The tiny duchy of Grand Fenwick is bankrupt, and its minister decides to declare war on the United States, be defeated, and receive Marshall Aid. But he forgot to tell their invasion force leader that he’s supposed to lose

OCLC #: 223954073

Publisher: N/A – Taped from television

Notes: Originally released in 1991 (96 mins.?); Nominated for four 1992 Emmy Awards

Summary: Documentary about the filming of the motion picture, Apocalypse Now, made by the director’s wife, Eleanor Coppola. It’s the history of a film beset by physical and personal troubles, such as the destruction of the sets by a hurricane and the heart attack that almost cost the life of one of the stars, Martin Sheen. Includes recent interviews with cast and crew

OCLC #: 26289958

Publisher: N/A – Taped off the television

Notes: Originally released in 1992 (52 mins.?);

Summary: A man returns home rich and uses the money to get a wife and open a bar. But the money makes everyone, including the police, question how the man became rich.

OCLC #: 33111529

Publisher: N/A – Taped from television

Notes: Originally aired in 1987

Summary: The music from the Graceland album performed in concert in Harare, Zimbabwe. Songs include Township jive, Boy in the bubble, Gumboots, Whispering bells, Bring him back home, Crazy love II, I know what I know, Jinkel E. Maweni, Soweto blues, Under African skies, Nomathemba, Hello my baby, Homeless, Graceland, You can call me Al, Stimela, Diamonds on the soles of her shoes, N’Kosi sikeleli Africa

OCLC #: 26746467

Publisher: San Francisco, CA : California Newsreel, [1996]

Notes: Originally released in 1996 (96 mins.);

Summary: Sobgui, a former computer programmer, drives a “clando” cab in Douala, Cameroon’s streets. He is clandestine, not just because his cab is unlicensed, but because he is hiding from his past. When a radical political group involves him a revenge slaying of an informer, Sobgui knows that it is time to get out of Douala. He gets his chance when he is asked to find a wealthy villager’s son in Germany. The film represents a dilemma facing educated Africans: whether to work to change the autocratic regimes at home or seek their fortunes abroad.

OCLC #: 38137686

Publisher: San Francisco, CA : California Newsreel [distributor], ©1990.

Notes: Originally released in 1989 (107 mins.);

Summary: Tells the story of two women’s rebellion. Nanyuma, a young widow, refuses her brother-in-law, the village fool, when he asserts his traditional right to “inherit” her. Fili, a young girl sent from the city by her conservative father, is brutally circumcised by the village women who are scandalized that she resists the age-old custom.

OCLC #: 24261948

Publisher: New York, N.Y. : Mystic Fire Video, [1987?]

Notes: Originally released in 1960 (83 mins.);

Summary: Documentary-style film which tells the story of Zacariah, an African who, after being forced off his land by the government, must then go to work in the gold mines.

OCLC #: 26693910

Publisher: Los Angeles, CA : Republic Pictures Home Video, [1991]

Notes: Originally released in 1953 (167 mins.); Twelve serial episodes over two video cassettes;

Summary: A danger-filled trek through darkest Africa, foreign intrigue and savage natives threaten two of Republic Pictures greatest action adventure stars in this thrill-a-minute jungle serial.

Chapters: ch. 1. Jungle ambush (20:00) — ch. 2. Savage strategy (14:00) — ch. 3. The beast fiend (14:00) — ch. 4. Voodoo vengance (14:00) — ch. 5. The lion pit (13:00) — ch. 6. Underground tornado (13:00) — ch. 7. Cavern of doom (13:00) — ch. 8. The water trap (13:00) — ch. 9. Trail to destruction (13:00) — ch. 10. The flaming ring (13:00) — ch. 11. Bridge of death (13:00) — ch. 12. The avenging river (13:00).

OCLC #: 34130814

Publisher: New York, NY : Fox Lorber Films : Distributed by Winstar TV & Video, [2000]

Notes: Originally released in 1990 (105 mins.); The third part of Chahine’s Alexandria trilogy;

Summary: Yehia joins a hunger protest which has brought together the entire Eqyptian filmmaking industry. As the strikers increase their demands, Yehia becomes increasingly attracted to Amir, a young actor whose film career he launched. Soon, however, Yehia’s obsession is replaced by his infatuation with Nadia, the lovely ingenue he has decided to cast in his next film.

OCLC #: 45047151

Also: The first chapter: Alexandria…Why? (VHS00007); The second chapter: An Egyptian Story (VHS00072)

Publisher: New York, NY : Fox Lorber Films : Distributed by Winstar TV & Video, [2000]

Notes: Originally released in 1982 (127 mins.); The second part of Chahine’s Alexandria trilogy;

Summary: Yehia, now a famous Egyptian director, becomes ill with a serious heart condition that requires surgery. During the operation, a child embodying his conscience accuses Yehia of betraying his ideals. A trial ensues, in which various witnesses testify about “the defendant.” Yehia is forced to confront hidden feelings involving his life, work and country. The child conscience loses the trial, but a redundant organ is expelled from Yehia’s body. Will he survive the ordeal?

OCLC #: 45047149

Also: The first chapter: Alexandria…Why? (VHS00007); The third chapter: Alexandria Again and Forever (VHS00006)

Publisher: New York, NY : Fox Lorber Films : Distributed by Winstar TV & Video, [2000]

Notes: Originally released in 1978 (133 mins.); The first part of Chahine’s Alexandria trilogy;

Summary: 8-year-old Yehia retreats from the poverty, death and suffering all around him in World War II Egypt and dreams of one day becoming a Hollywood filmmaker. But after he falls in love and discovers the harsh truths behind the European occupation of his country, Yehia reassesses his identity and allegiances.

OCLC #: 45047148

Also: The second chapter: An Egyptian Story (VHS00072); The third chapter: Alexandria Again and Forever (VHS00006)

Publisher: New York : Orion Home Video, ©1988.

Notes: Originally released in 1986 (113 mins.); From the novel by Marcel Pagnol;

Summary: Ten years have passed since the tragic events of Jean De Florette. Jean’s daughter, Manon, appears in town to accuse the Soubeyrans of killing her father. A tragedy results that nearly destroys Cesar, the neighbor who destroyed Jean.

OCLC #: 18527964

Also: The prequel: Jean de Florette (VHS00119)

Publisher: New York : Orion Home Video, ©1988.

Notes: Originally released in 1986 (122 mins.); From the novel by Marcel Pagnol;

Summary: The story of Jean Cadoret, a hunchback who inherits a farm from his mother and foolishly hopes to become a gentleman farmer. But even before he arrives, his powerful neighbor is plotting to steal his land. The ending is heartbreak and tragedy for Jean who is no match for his wily neighbor

OCLC #: 18527839

Also: The sequel: Manon of the Spring (VHS00152)

Publisher: Troy, MI : Anchor Bay Entertainment, 2000.

Notes: Originally released in 1987 (110 mins.); Edition includes original theatrical trailer; Based on the novel “The viceroy of Ouidah” by Bruce Chatwin;

Summary: Francisco Manoel da Silva, 19th century, gun-toting Brazilian bandit known as the Cobra Verde, is unknowingly hired by the owner of a sugar plantation to keep his slaves in check, but instead, the Cobra manages to sleep with the landowner’s daughters and impregnate them. In revenge, the owner sends the Cobra on a dangerous mission to sail to the West coast of Africa and reopen the slave trade, and the Cobra wages war with a local tribal king.

OCLC #: 45323080

Publisher: Vidcrest, 1983

Notes: Originally released in 1964 (90 mins.); Inspired by the book by Sean O’Callaghan and official reports by Lord Maugham;

Summary: This documentary, filmed secretly at the risk of death, is a graphic, disturbing and fascinating glimpse into the realm of slaves, slave traders and slave masters. See women of many nations and races, stripped, displayed and sold for an hour, an evening, or for life. Witness children bought or abducted, forced into slavery and transported along the slave routes by plane, truck and camel caravan. This program contains actual events shown in graphic detail.

OCLC #: 56513329