The Study of Books and Movies

English: Lesson 175 Studying American literature: print vs. movies. The Ron Paul Curriculum American Literature English course has been divided up into two parts; classic books, and second, classic movies. Most English courses that I have taken before the RPC had me read a total of 4 books and a couple of news articles to …

Good stories deserve a little embellishment

English: Lesson 165 Quiz Show did not tell the truth about key historical figures. Did this break the commandment, 'Thou shalt not bear false witness'? Quiz Show (1994), directed by Robert Redford, is a movie based on the 1950s Twenty One television show scandal when it was discovered that the producers of the hit game show were feeding correct …

Unearned Grace in Tender Mercies and Driving Miss Daisy

English: Lesson 160 In what ways are both movies about grace: gifts unearned by the recipient? Tender Mercies (1983) and Driving Miss Daisy (1989) are films about two people who didn't expect grace from the world but are given it. Both films won an Oscar for best lead actor and actress; Robert Duvall in Tender …

A Gun is as Good or as Bad as the Man using it

English: Lesson 145 "Compare and contrast the attitude of each movie regarding guns." Shane (1953) and High Noon (1952) are two of the best western movies ever created. Until this last week, westerns to me were just fun movies filled with drama, gun fighting, and simple sets and characters with not a lot of detail …

How can you create the sound, costumes, sets, and landscapes on a page?

English: Lesson 140 Is it easier for skilled authors to manipulate movie viewers or book readers? Good writers will never be out of work. If you can write effectively, you can think effectively, and thinking leads to the creation of good books, articles, speeches, and movies. Movies have taken off like wildfire in the last …

Businessmen vs. Actors

Economics: Lesson 150 Why do voters accept the riches of movie stars, but resent the riches of businessmen? Everyone has a favourite movie star. Little children love certain cartoons, and adults love certain block buster actors. It isn't often that you come across a person who says, my favourite person is the rich guy who …

The Winning Characteristics of a Cowboy and Politician

English: Lesson 135 Do you see any characteristic features of Stewart and Wayne in these films that rocketed them to permanent stardom? John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart had their breakthrough roles in two of the most influential and remembered films of all time; Stagecoach (1939) directed by John Ford, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) directed by Frank …