Today, Luverne, a small town on Minnesota's southwestern prairies, will host the world premiere of Ken Burns' "The War." And while the swank opening is at the town's historic movie palace, the Strib points out that the real premiere is being offered to a more exclusive audience in Luverne GIs rise to a teachable moment:
They have the red carpet out at the refurbished Palace Theater in Luverne tonight for what's billed as the world premiere of "The War," a 14.5-hour, seven-part Ken Burns documentary about America's experience in World War II, set to air on PBS beginning Sept. 23.
That billing fudges a little -- fittingly so. The real debut of Burns' spectacular contribution to America's understanding of its role in humankind's worst war will take place a few hours earlier in Luverne, at the Minnesota Veterans Home. There, a number of the soldiers who shared their stories with filmmakers Burns, Lynn Novick and their crew will get a richly deserved preview showing.
Nice. A schedule of events beginning today in Luverne, from the Rock County Herald:
Thursday eventsFrom 2 to 3 p.m. Burns will address students and the public at the Luverne Cardinal Gymnasium.
At 3 p.m. veterans will enjoy their own World Premiere showing of "The War" at the historic Palace Theatre.
At 4 p.m. a community picnic will be served at the Minnesota Veterans Home (a meal ticket is required).
At 7:15 p.m. World War II memorabilia and vintage cars will be displayed on the Rock County Courthouse lawn. This event is free and open to the public.
At 7:30 p.m. there will be a parade from the Rock County Courthouse to the historic Palace Theatre.
At 8 p.m. the world premiere showing of "The War" will start at the Palace.
Tickets for all events are available at the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce, 507-283-4061 or 888-283-4061.
Also on the schedule:
Weekend showings of "The War" at the Palace Theatre will be at 7 and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 7 and 8, and at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9. More showings may be added if demand proves necessary.
Professional opera singer Emily Lodine will sing wartime classics from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, in Hilger Commons, on Cedar Street across the street from Holy Trinity Church. Pie and coffee will be served. The public is welcome and donations will be accepted.
War display at Carnegie Cultural Center
In honor of the PBS documentary series of "The War," the Carnegie Cultural Center will display items from the World War II era.
The public contributed military memorabilia, uniforms, medals, papers, pictures, ladies' clothing, furniture and art work to stir memories and illustrate life from 1939 to 1945. It's open until 7:30 p.m. today.
Read a lot more about "The War" at the Rock County Herald.
Comments