Vengeance is Mine

USA, 1984, Michael Roemer

A major rediscovery: a third narrative feature written and directed by a maverick American filmmaker whose other two movies—the low-key Black love story Nothing but a Man (1964) and the Jewish gangster comedy The Plot Against Harry (1971)—are widely regarded as masterpieces. Brooke Adams (Days of Heaven) and Trish Van Devere (The Changeling) star in this rapturously-reviewed, multifaceted melodrama that was originally shown under the title Haunted on PBS’ American Playhouse in 1984. The film tells of a troubled, recently-divorced woman who returns to her unhappy childhood home in Rhode Island. There she becomes involved in the messy lives of an even unhappier neighboring family. “[Roemer is] one of the masters of American cinema. Don’t miss this.” –New York Magazine. Cleveland revival premiere. DCP. 118 min. Special admission $11; members, CIA & CSU I.D. holders, and those age 25 & under $8. No passes. www.thefilmdesk.com