Film:What Happened to Kerouac?
Directed by Richard Lerner and Lewis MacAdams
Thursday, January 27, 2005, 9:30 pm
Fine Arts Theatre, 36 Biltmore Ave. – Downtown Asheville
$7 admission
What Happened to Kerouac? will be screened at the Fine Arts Theatre on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005 at 9:30 pm. This 96-minute documentary directed by Richard Lerner and Lewis MacAdams presents a fascinating portrait of Jack Kerouac, father of the Beat Generation and author of On the Road. Kerouac, a deeply creative and complex man, was ultimately unable to handle the instant fame thrust upon him in 1957 with the publication of On the Road, and he died a mere 12 years later at age 47. What Happened to Kerouac? includes archival footage of a young Jack Kerouac at the height of his fame as well as an older Kerouac damaged by alcohol but still perceptive, unconventional and interesting.
Two noteworthy encounters in the film serve as bookends for the Kerouac legend: a young and vibrant Jack reading his work accompanied by Steve Allen on piano; and an older, inebriated Jack shortly before his death in a bizarre appearance on William F. Buckley’s television program. What Happened to Kerouac? also includes memorable interviews with Beat writers William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Gregory Corso as well as rare footage of saxophonist Charlie Parker and Beat legend Neal Cassady.
The film will continue a three-month celebration of the Beat movement and the 1950s San Francisco Renaissance inspired by an exhibition of paintings, prints and photographs by artist Leo Krikorian that opened on Dec. 3 at the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center located at 56 Broadway in downtown Asheville. Visual artist and Black Mountain College student, Leo Krikorian was known as the “Grandfather of the Beats” because of a now-legendary bar he opened in 1953 in San Francisco called The Place. The Place was a watering hole and cultural mecca for Beat era artists, musicians, filmmakers and writers including Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg.
For more information please contact Alice Sebrell at 350-8484 or bmcmac@bellsouth.net.
The Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center preserves and continues the unique legacy of educational and artistic innovation of Black Mountain College for public study and enjoyment. We achieve our mission through collection, conservation, and educational activities including exhibitions, publications, and public programs.
