Outdoor Films Continue With 'Richard III' Sept. 15 at Luther Burbank Park

The Mercer Island Arts Council and "Classics on Films" Director Lance Rhoades are stretching out the outdoor film season on Mercer Island with two more screenings in September at as part of the Fall Film Series, "British Royalty".

In addition to honoring the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee with the theme, the Arts Council will — for the first time — show two films in the series outdoors. 

Islanders are invited to join the Arts Council for a showing of "Richard III", a 1995 screen adaptation of the classic play by Shakespeare about a murderously scheming king that is staged in an alternative fascist England setting. Directed by Richard Longcraine, the film won several awards — including Academy Awards for Art Direction and Costume Design — and stars Sir Ian McKellen, Annette Bening, and Robert Downey, Jr.

The showing is this Saturday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Luther Burbank Park Amphitheater.

On Friday, Sept. 21, the Arts Council and Aljoya presents the 1944 Laurence Olivier-directed classic "Henry V". Director, producer, and scenarist Olivier also stars in this famous Shakespeare adaptation. Created as a patriotic gesture in the midst of the Second World War, the film is an epic display of British culture and history.

All movies are free to the public. Click here for information about the entire film series including show times indoors at . The Arts Council Film Series is a partnership between the Arts Council, , and Aljoya.

(Ed. Note: The information in this article is from a City of Mercer Island press release.)