English actor Robert Donat played the title role in the 1939 feature Goodbye, Mr Chips, alongside Irish actress Greer Garson in her first MGM film. This was the role for which Donat would always be remembered, aging on screen from 25 to 83. Many expected Clark Gable to win the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role, especially since Gone with the Wind was sweeping up, but instead Robert Donat was the surprise winner that year. 

The role of Katherine established Greer Garson as MGM’s leading actress, and garnered her first of seven Academy Award Best Actress nominations.

Based on the novel by James Hilton, Goodbye, Mr Chips tells the story of a man’s life transformed by pupils and colleagues during his lifelong teaching career, and especially by an idyllic romance.

On Sunday, August 31, the Edmond Town Hall Theater will screen Goodbye, Mr Chips, as the next offering in the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission’s celebration of films released in 1939. Continuing through the end of the year, the 2014 Sunday Cinema Series celebrates what many film enthusiasts consider the greatest year in film history.

Tickets for all shows are $2, with shows scheduled for 1, 4 and 7 pm.

This month’s screening is made possible by private sponsors David and Marjorie Nelson, and additionally supported by Newtown Friends of Music.

Additional dates and features planned for the Sunday Cinema Series, which also celebrates recent renovations and upgrades within the historic building at 45 Main Street, are as follows:

September 21 — Mr Smith Goes to Washington starring James Stewart and Dark Victory starring Bette Davis;

October 19 — Hunchback of Notre Dame starring Charles Laughton;

November 30 — Gone with the Wind starring Vivian Lee and Clark Gable; and

December 28 — Babes in Arms starring Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney.

Visit Facebook.com/NewtownSundayCinemaSeries or www.NewtownArtsCommission.org for up-to-date information.