Actor Larry Gilliard Jr. visits Dryden Theatre May 8

To introduce and discuss film Straight Out of Brooklyn

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Dryden Theatre at George Eastman House welcomes actor Larry Gilliard Jr. at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 8. He will introduce the motion picture in which he made his film debut in the lead role, Straight Out Of Brooklyn, and answer audience questions following the screening. Gilliard's credits also include Gangs of New York and TV series The Wire.

Writer-director Matty Rich was only 19-years-old when made Straight Out Of Brooklyn (US 1991, 91 min.), a heartfelt and raw look at life in a Brooklyn ghetto. The story centers around young Dennis Brown (portrayed by Gilliard), who plans to rob a dangerous drug dealer with his two best friends.

"A strong, good film," noted Roger Ebert in his review of Straight Out Of Brooklyn. "A convincing portrait of a big-city black teenager who feels that if he does not take some sort of conclusive action, life will clamp him into poverty and discouragement...an honest, effective film."

Admission to the event is $6 general and $5 students. Eastman House members are admitted free to this screening. For more information please visit dryden.eastmanhouse.org. or call (585) 271-4090.

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