Author Frank Thompson Speaks at SU May 6

SALISBURY, MD--  Author, comedy writer, filmmaker and film historian Frank Thompson discusses "Blind Date: The Comedy of Reality" on Monday, May 6, at 7 p.m. in Devilbiss Hall, Room 149 on the campus of Salisbury University. Part of the University's Humor Series, admission is free and the public is cordially invited.

A prolific writer, Thompson's books include such varied works as Texas Hollywood: Filmmaking in San Antonio Since 1910 (Maverick Publishing, 2002), The Blind Date Guide to Dating (St. Martin's, 2001), Abraham Lincoln: 20th Century Popular Portrayals (Taylor, 1999) and William A. Wellman (Scarecrow, 1983). The Wellman biography was issued in a new edition in 1993 by the Filmoteca Espanol in conjunction with a Wellman tribute at the San Sebastian Film Festival, at which Thompson was a guest of honor.

Thompson served as associate producer and historical consultant, and appears onscreen, in Wild Bill: Hollywood Maverick, an award-winning documentary about the career of William A. Wellman (1996, Turner Network Television). He also wrote and directed The Great Christmas Movies, a one-hour special for American Movie Classics, and wrote a companion book of the same name. He also appears onscreen in E! Entertainment's "Louise Brooks" episode of Mysteries and Scandals (1998), The Alamo (History Channel, 1996) and History vs. Hollywood: "The Alamo" (History Channel, 2001).

He is currently a writer on the television series Blind Date (Universal Television). Other television series Thompson has written for include Fast Food Films (FX, 1998-99) Reel Wild Cinema (USA Network, 1996-1997) and Hollywood Babylon (syndicated, 1992).

Thompson wrote and co-produced Frank Capra: A Personal Remembrance (VidAmerica, 1992) and The Making of It's a Wonderful Life (Republic Pictures, 1991), both of which appear on the 1996 Republic Pictures Home Video release It's a Wonderful Life 50th Anniversary Edition.

The SU Office of Cultural Affairs and Museum Programs sponsors the lecture. For more information call 410-543-6271.