Charles Matthau

The Films of Charles Matthau

DOIN’ TIME ON PLANET EARTH (1988)
Charles Matthau directed this film about teen alienation and the need to celebrate what makes each of us unique. In this interesting tale, a teen learns he is an alien prince from a distant planet. As his brother is about to marry the daughter of a former Presidential candidate, the girl’s family tries to make sure that the teenager, Ryan, doesn't embarrass them. When Ryan tries to find a date for the wedding, he logs onto a computer dating service, which tells him he is an alien. A group of cultists then descend upon the town, certain that Ryan will help them return to the stars. One of the writers, Darren Star, went on to create "Sex and the City." Nicholas Strouse, Andrea Thompson and Adam West star, along with Hugh O'Brian and Roddy McDowall in supporting roles.
Rating: PG
Running time: 85 minutes
Fri., Sept. 5th, 12 noon
BV Community Center, Buena Vista

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THE GRASS HARP (1995)
Set in the South in the 1940’s, the witty coming-of-age drama is told from the point-of-view of an orphaned teen named Colin (Edward Furlong of "Terminator 2") who lives with his father's cousins. The film’s title refers to the sound of the wind as it rustles through fields of uncut grass - "a harp of voices telling stories" and the stories here were crafted in a novella by Truman. They were brought to life under the direction of Charlie Matthau and a veteran cast, including Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Edward Furlong, Nell Carter, Mary Steenburgen, Scott Wilson, Joe Don Baker, Charles Durning, Bonnie Bartlett, Sean Patrick Flanery, and Roddy McDowell. (introduced, and followed by, a Q & A with director Charles Matthau)
Running time: 107 minutes
Thur., Sept. 4th, 5pm
The Tabor Opera House, Leadville