WALDOBORO — The Waldo Theatre welcomes back Ben Curtis as he presents two of his father Tony Curtis’ most enduring films in June and July. 

On Friday, June 21, Ben will present The Defiant Ones. Nominated for nine 1959 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor (Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier), and winner of two Oscars  for Best Writing and Cinematography, The Defiant Ones broke new ground by delivering its story of racial intolerance through a fast-moving blend of action and suspense. 

The story follows two escaped convicts – John (“Joker”) Jackson (played by Tony Curtis) and Noah Cullen (Sidney Poitier) – who are chained together. After their prison truck crashes, the two men desperately try to elude the police while being forced to confront and overcome their racial prejudices. The evening’s screening will be presented by Tony’s son Ben, who will share some thoughts and memories prior to the screening and will also be available for questions after the film. Ben says that The Defiant Ones remains his all-time favorite film of his father’s. It has always stood out to him as a culturally important moment in his father’s career and life. Tony Curtis fought for equal billing with his co-star, the great Sidney Poitier, which was unheard of at the time. Tony carried a warm admiration and respect for Poitier and his work throughout the rest of his life. 

The second film in the series is The Great Impostor and will screen on Friday, July 5. The Great Impostor is a 1961 American comedy drama film based on the story of an impostor named Ferdinand Waldo Demara. Loosely based on Robert Crichton's 1959 biography of the same name, Tony Curtis stars in the title role. “This is a really fun, feel-good movie that I find myself returning to,” says Ben. “It shows my father’s personality; he spent much of his own life filling different roles. He changed his name and entire persona, and found success in the path he created for himself. Join me afterwards for a Q&A.” 

“We extend a warm welcome to all and particularly classic film aficionados and Tony Curtis fans,” said The Waldo, in a news release. “Join us for this entertaining two part series with Ben Curtis.”

Adult tickets are $10 in advance, $15 on the day of and at the door at: https://www.thewaldotheatre.org/film. Doors open at 6 p.m., films start at 7 p.m.