Film Series: Classical Music in War Movies: Gallipoli

Join us for the first in a 3-part series showcasing the use of classical music in war movies.  The movie we are screening is Gallipoli and live musical accompaniment for some scenes will be provided by members of the Cambridge Symphony Chamber Players.

Gallipoli, 1981, 1 hour 52 minutes

Rated PG

Starring Mel Gibson, Mark Lee, Bill Kerr, Harold Hopkins, Charles Yunipingli, & Ron Graham

Directed by Peter Weir

Amazon.com says, "An outstanding drama, Gallipoli resonates with

sadness long after you have seen it.  Set during World War I, this

brutally honest antiwar movie was cowritten by director Peter Weir. 

Mark Lee and a sinfully handsome Mel Gibson are young, idealistic best

friends who put aside their hopes and dreams when they join the war

effort.  This character study follows them as they enlist and are sent

to Gallipoli to fight the Turks.  The first half of the film is devoted

to their lives and their strong friendship.  The second half details the

doomed war efforts of the Aussies, who are no match for the powerful

and aggressive Turkish army.  Because the script pulls us into their

lives and forces us to care for these young men, we are devastated by

their fate."

The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra

has worked with organizations that honor American veterans over 2012. 

The CSO has chosen three war-themed films, and through an introduction

with live chamber music, will spotlight how familiar classical music

underscores the theme of war and its aftermath for veterans.