80s Altman film series kicks off at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts on May 23 with screening of POPEYE (1980) starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall

Through the 1970s Robert Altman directed some of the most iconic and influential films of the decade, including M*A*S*H (1970), McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971), The Long Goodbye (1973), Thieves like Us (1974), Nashville (1975), and 3 Women (1977).  After that, it’s widely understood that his career went into decline until he made a “comeback” in 1992 with The Player. In the interim, however, Altman continued to make films steadily, exploring new directions and producing interesting work, including a series of films based on adaptations of stage plays.  The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts examines several of Altman’s films from this period in the series 80s Altman, starting May 23 and running through June 24. All screenings are free and will take place in the Bruno Walter Auditorium located on Amsterdam Avenue and 65th Street.  For more information please visit www.nypl.org .

Several screenings will include special guest speakers, including Altman scholar Rick Armstrong and film critic and scholar Patricia Aufderheide.

80s Altman film schedule is as follows: 

Thursday, May 23, 6:00 pm

Popeye (1980, 114 min.) 

Written by Jules Feiffer

With Robin Williams, Shelley Duvall

Thursday, May 30, 6:00 pm

Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982, 109 min.)

Written by Ed Graczyk

With Sandy Dennis, Cher, Karen Black

Screening followed by Q&A with Altman scholar Rick Armstrong

Thursday, June 13, 6:00 pm

Streamers (1983, 118 min.)

Written by David Rabe

With Matthew Modine, Michael Wright, David Alan Grier

Screening followed by Q&A with film critic and scholar Patricia Aufderheide

Thursday, June 20, 6:00 pm

Secret Honor (1984, 90 min.)

Based on a play by Donald Freed and Arnold M. Stone

With Philip Baker Hall

Monday, June 24, 6:00 pm

Fool for Love (1985, 106 min.)

Written by Sam Shepard

With Sam Shepard, Kim Basinger

Contact: Jonathan Pace | 212.592.7710 | JonathanPace@nypl.org