‘Fame’ Screening

A new print of Alan Parker’s 1980 musical Fame will be screened as part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Monday Nights with Oscar” series on Monday, July 21, at 7 p.m. at the Directors Guild of America Theatre in New York City. Two-time Academy Award-winning composer Michael Gore will be present for a post-screening onstage discussion about the film.

Written by Christopher Gore, Fame revolves around a group of students at a performing arts high school in New York City, where the future artists find love, lust, friendship, ambition, and music. Though hardly the greatest musical ever made or the most incisive look at youthful ambition and angst, Fame has its moments and the film does boast a number of catchy tunes. In the cast: Irene Cara, Paul McCrane, Maureen Teefy, Barry Miller, Lee Curreri, and Boyd Gaines.

Fame won Academy Awards for Music – Original Score (Michael Gore) and Music – Original Song (“Fame,” Music by Michael Gore; Lyric by Dean Pitchford). It also was nominated for Film Editing (Gerry Hambling), Music – Original Song (“Out Here On My Own,” Music by Michael Gore; Lyric by Lesley Gore), Sound (Michael J. Kohut, Aaron Rochin, Jay M. Harding, Chris Newman) and Writing – Screenplay written directly for the screen (Christopher Gore).

Even though it was no blockbuster, Fame spawned a television series, a reality show, and an Off-Broadway musical.

Tickets for Fame in NYC are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets may be reserved by calling 1-888-778-7575. Depending on availability, tickets may be purchased in person on the night of the screening. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. All seating is unreserved. The DGA Theatre is located at 110 West 57th Street in New York City.

Fame images: Courtesy of the Margaret Herrick Library