The Last Picture Show

Cybill Shepherd is quite busy in April. Two of her films have just been given a digital restoration. This one along with the more famous Taxi Driver.

Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW will return to cinema screens in Sony Pictures’ newly restored digital version of Peter Bogdanovich’s Director's Cut.

Based on acclaimed writer Larry McMurtry’s novel and featuring a talent-laden cast, led by Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd and Timothy Bottoms, the title is a study of life in a small Texas town during the 1950s, and how characters' lives intertwine. This frank, bittersweet drama of social and sexual mores follows the exploits and coming-of-age of two high school football stars. With its unforgettable swimming pool scene, the film involved the acting debut for the young Shepherd, who plays the town’s equally stunning and manipulative ‘it girl’.

Released in 1971 to critical acclaim and public controversy, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW received eight Academy Award nominations (including ‘Best Picture’), winning the Oscars for ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role’ (Ben Johnson) and ‘Best Actress in a Supporting Role’ (Cloris Leachman). The film also won three BAFTA awards for ‘Best Screenplay’ (Larry McMurtry, Peter Bogdanovich), ‘Best Supporting Actor’ (Ben Johnson) and ‘Best Supporting Actress’ (Cloris Leachman).

The new digital restoration from Sony Pictures showcases Robert Surtees’ crisp black and white cinematography and gives audiences the chance to experience the Director’s Cut as it should be seen, back on the big screen.

THE LAST PICTURE SHOW will open from April 15, 2011 at the BFI Southbank, Filmhouse Edinburgh, Irish Film Institute and key cities.