Odell Public Library Friends presents the acclaimed film “War Horse” on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, in the Odell Public Library Program Room, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL. Doors open at 2:00 p.m.
This is a great story of friendship and war. It is a based on a children’s book by Michael Morpurgo, who wrote the book in 1982 after visiting with World War I veterans. “War Horse” was adapted into a play in 2007 using puppetry for the horse, Joey. In 2011, the play opened on Broadway and won five Tony Awards, including Best Play.
The film begins in Dartmoor, England, in 1914 on a small farm. Mr. Narracott buys a thoroughbred horse, rather than a plow animal, much to the dismay of his wife. His teenage son, Albert, trains the horse to plow the fields and names him Joey. They become inseparable until World War I is declared. Joey is sold to the British cavalry and shipped to France. Joey meets a series of masters, most of them on both sides, men who respected horses. Yet war is no place for sentiment. As an officer explains, “A horse is a weapon and must either be used or destroyed.”
The film then follows the extraordinary journey of the horse, Joey, through the war, inspiring and changing the lives of those he meets. “With a musical score by the famed conductor John Williams and the lush countryside of England, the film contains some of the best film footage Steven Spielberg has ever directed.” (Roger Ebert)
Spielberg praised the Dartmoor countryside of England for its beauty. “I have never before been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty. The landscape was very much a character in the film,” he stated.
“This certainly is a fitting movie to be shown in November, on a date so close to Armistice Day, which celebrates the ending of World War I,” said librarian Lori Matlock.
There is no charge, although donations are welcomed. As always, “See you at the movies!” We’ll bring the popcorn and drink.