Academy Sets Sail for Restored South Pacific 6/25

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present a recently restored 70mm print of "South Pacific" on Friday, June 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The screening is presented in association with Center Theater Group, which is hosting the touring version of the current Broadway revival. Following the screening, Center Theatre Group's artistic director, Michael Ritchie, will lead an onstage discussion featuring Mitzi Gaynor, who portrays Ensign Nellie Forbush in the film.

Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's musical version of James Michener's novel premiered on stage in 1949 and was adapted for film in 1958. Set against the backdrop of World War II, "South Pacific" explores the dynamics of romantic attraction and racial prejudice among several residents of a fictitious South Pacific island and members of the U.S. Navy.

Featuring numerous well-loved songs, including "Some Enchanted Evening," "A Wonderful Guy," "Happy Talk" and "Bali Ha'i," "South Pacific" won an Academy Award® for Sound (Todd-AO Sound Department, Fred Hynes, sound director) and earned nominations for Color Cinematography (Leon Shamroy) and Music - Scoring of a Musical Picture (Alfred Newman, Ken Darby).

The current Broadway revival, the first since the show's premiere, garnered seven 2008 Tony Awards®, including Best Revival of a Musical.

Tickets for "South Pacific" are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID, and may be purchased online at www.oscars.org, in person at the Academy box office or by mail. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. All seating is unreserved. For more information, call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org.