ROCKY II Leads the Reel 13 Lineup in June as Broadway Production of ROCKY Continues Its Run

Earlier this year the Broadway musical adaptation of the original 1976 Academy Award-winning film Rocky (which aired on Reel 13in February), made its debut on The Great White Way. The 1979 sequel Rocky II picks up where the first film (and the musical) leave off, with Sylvester Stallone reprising his iconic role as underdog fighter Rocky Balboa, the small-time boxer who gets a rare chance to fight the heavy-weight champion.

The following week, Paul Newman stars as Luke Jackson and George Kennedy as Dragline in the prison drama Cool Hand Luke. George Kennedy was honored with an Academy Award for his work in the film while Newman received a nomination.

The month's programming concludes with the independent Two Lovers starringJoaquin Phoenix and Gwyneth Paltrow. Phoenix and the film's director James Gray have been collaborating for more than 15 years. Following Phoenix's critically acclaimed performance inTwo Lovers, the actor went on a self-imposed hiatus following a controversial appearance onThe Late Show with David Letterman. Phoenix returned to the spotlight with a much praised performances in the 2012 film The Master. His latest collaboration with Gray, The Immigrant,opened in May.

The series is pre-empted on both June 7 and 14 for special pledge programming.

Every Saturday night beginning at 9 p.m., viewers can catch a Classic hosted by film historian Neal Gabler, followed by an Indie, hosted by Richard Peña. The evening concludes with a Short selected by visitors to Reel13.org who vote for their favorite of three shorts every week.

June 7

The series pre-empted for special pledge programming

June 14

The series pre-empted for special pledge programming

June 21

"Rocky II"(1979) Dir: Sylvester Stallone

Underdog Philadelphia fighter Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) gets another shot at heavyweight champ Apollo Creed. Also with Talia Shire and Burt Young.

"Ceremony" (2010) Dir: Max Winkler

Two friends take a weekend outing: one, hoping to re-establish the friendship; the other, hoping to crash a wedding. With Uma Thurman, Michael Angarano, Reece Thompson, Lee Pace andJake Johnson.

June 28

"Cool Hand Luke" (1967) Dir: Stuart Rosenberg

A likable loner (Paul Newman) on a chain gang transforms the other gang members as he resists authority and keeps trying to escape. Also with George Kennedy andStrother Martin.

"Two Lovers" (2008) Dir: James Gray

A bachelor is torn between the family friend his parents want him to marry and his beautiful but volatile neighbor. With Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow and Vinessa Shaw.

WNET is the parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21, New York's public television stations. For more than 50 years, THIRTEEN has been a partner with the tri-state community, using its rich resources to inform and inspire the passionate people of New York and the world to better understand and address the issues that challenge our diverse communities.

Reel 13 is funded by the Sy Syms Foundation and the Rubin Museum of Art.

David Horn is executive producer. Bob Morris is senior producer. Colleen McHugh is associate producer. Kevin Alexander is associate producer.

Visit Reel 13 Online at www.thirteen.org/sites/reel13/ for additional information.

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