Henry King: A Retrospective in Bologna

Henry King, 1930

Il Cinema Ritrovato has a soft spot for those American masters whose careers encompassed all of the major technical developments from the silent era to Cinemascope. Henry King, the subject of this year's retrospective in Bologna, is a prime example. One of Hollywood's most enduring filmmakers, he made 116 films across all genres between 1915 and 1962. King's style was invisible and economical, whether realising a work of Americana, or a lavish historical drama. Nostalgic and religious, his films are blessed with vitality in each and every shot. They feature some of cinema's greatest stars, often in their best performances. And the films in this programme offer the chance to celebrate some of the best cameramen in the history of Hollywood – especially those associated with Fox Studios, where King spent 32 years of his career. This retrospective focuses on King’s sound period, but the programme also includes one classic and one rarity from his silent years. Curated by Ehsan Khoshbakht

From left: Frank Lloyd, Henry King, John Ford, Frank Borzage. Il Cinema Ritrovato 2019 will screen films by the three directors on the right.

Il Cinema Ritrovato XXXIII
Bologna, June 22-30, 2019

The titles in the programme (screening dates to be confirmed):

Twin Kiddies (1917) [New restoration][Live music]
The Winning of Barbara Worth (1926) [Introduction by Kevin Brownlow][Live music]
She Goes to War (1929) [Introduction by Ehsan Khoshbakht][Sound version][New preservation]
Over the Hill (1931) [New preservation]
State Fair (1933) [35mm]
In Old Chicago (1938) [35mm][Complete version]
Jesse James (1939) [35mm]
Twelve O’Clock High (1949) [35mm][This title will be screened more than once]
The Gunfighter (1950) [Introduction by Ehsan Khoshbakht][35mm][This title will be screened more than once]
Wait till the Sun Shines, Nellie (1952) [35mm][Introduction by Ehsan Khoshbakht][The screening starts with a short, German Agfacolor film][This title will be screened more than once]
The Bravados (1959) [Introduction by Imogen Sara Smith][35mm]
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King of the Movies (Phil Chilvers, 1978), a BBC doc on King.