"The Color Purple" Is Returning To The Big Screen, But Only For One Day
The Color Purple will be returning to movie theaters during Black History Month on February 23, in honor of the 35-year anniversary of the film's release.
The 1985 movie, which was Oprah's first appearance on the big screen, was adapted from Alice Walker's eponymous 1982 Pulitzer Prize winning novel.
Fathom Events, in conjunction with Turner Classic Movies, will be showing The Color Purple on Sunday, February 23rd at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m (local time). Tickets are available here.
The Color Purple is an undeniable part of Black Hollywood history. And now, thanks to Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies, you can see this iconic film—which stars Oprah, Whoopi Goldberg, and Margaret Avery—on February 23 in theaters across the country.
Not only was the film adaptation of Alice Walker's influential novel a box office hit when it came out 35 years ago, it was also a critical success. The late Pulitzer Prize winning film critic Roger Ebert wrote in his 1985 review, "This is one of the few movies in a long time that inspires tears of happiness, and earns them. The Color Purple is the year's best film."
The Color Purple—which was was nominated for 11 Oscars—including a best supporting actress nod for our very own Lady O—introduced co-stars Oprah and Goldberg to audiences and became a breakout career moment for both of them.
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It also inspired a Broadway musical that led to a Tony-award winning performance by Harriet star Cynthia Erivo, as well as a movie musical adaptation that's still in the works.
Although some time has clearly passed since its release, the emotional story of how Celie Johnson (Goldberg) and Sofia (Oprah) faced oppression as Black women in the South carries life lessons that still resonate with viewers today.
In fact, Ebert revisited the film and included it in his 2004 list of great movies, writing, "Returning to The Color Purple after almost 20 years, I can see its flaws more easily than when I named it the best film of 1985, but I can also understand why it moved me so deeply, and why the greatness of some films depends not on their perfection or logic, but on their heart."
Sorry in advance, we'll be cancelling all previously scheduled plans on Sunday. February 23. If you want to join, make sure to get your tickets here.
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