Dive into the magic of cinema with the Enzian Film Club! Join us for an enriching experience where film enthusiasts and novices alike can explore classic films in a new light. Each session features a short presentation by esteemed professors from local colleges, followed by collaborative discussions that bring fresh insights and foster a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking. Part of our Saturday Matinee Classics series, the Enzian Film Club is your gateway to understanding and enjoying timeless cinematic masterpieces in a vibrant, community-focused setting.

Featuring an Enzian Film Club discussion on “Politics on Film” with Barry Sandler of the University of Central Florida.

Decorated Korean War veteran Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey), becomes an unwitting pawn in an international communist conspiracy. Brainwashed by enemy forces, Shaw is programmed to assassinate a U.S. presidential candidate, under the manipulation of his domineering mother—a ruthless political operative married to a senator. Major Bennett Marco (Frank Sinatra), a fellow soldier plagued by nightmares, begins to uncover the truth, racing to stop a plot that could destabilize American democracy.

Directed by John Frankenheimer (Seconds), and released at the height of Cold War tensions, The Manchurian Candidate captures the paranoia of McCarthy-era America and the widespread fear of communist infiltration. The film’s portrayal of political manipulation, authoritarianism, and ideological extremism remains eerily prescient, offering a sharp critique of both foreign threats and internal political corruption.