July 8, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Leslie Unger - (310) 247-3000
                      lunger@oscars.org

Academy Salute to William Wyler Features "Counsellor at Law"

Beverly Hills, CA - "Counsellor at Law," William Wyler's 1933 examination of the business and personal issues confronting a high-powered New York attorney, will be screened at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday, July 18, at 8 p.m., as a centennial salute to the director. A panel discussion moderated by film critic Peter Rainer will follow the screening.

Wyler earned twelve Academy Award^® nominations for directing and during his career won Oscar^® statuettes for "Mrs. Miniver," "The Best Years of Our Lives" and "Ben-Hur." He also earned nominations in the Best Picture category for "Roman Holiday" and "Friendly Persuasion," which also were among his directing nominations. He received the Irving G. Thalberg Award in 1965.

"Counsellor at Law" stars John Barrymore as George Simon, a Jewish lawyer who works his way up to the top of his profession. Set entirely in the firm's offices, the film also stars Bebe Daniels, Doris Kenyon, Onslow Stevens, Isabel Jewell, Melvyn Douglas, Thelma Todd, Marvin Kline and John Qualen. Written by Elmer Rice, "Counsellor at Law" was produced by Carl Laemmle, Jr. The print to be screened is courtesy of the UCLA Film and Television Archive.

The post-screening panel will include actor Terence Stamp, who starred in "The Collector" (1965), for which Wyler earned the last of his directing nominations; actress Carroll Baker, who was directed by Wyler in "The Big Country" (1958); actor/director Vincent Sherman, who plays Harry Becker in "Counsellor at Law; and writer Fay Kanin. Kanin and her husband Michael were colleagues of Wyler.

Tickets for the Academy's Centennial Salute to William Wyler are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members. They may be purchased in advance at the Academy during regular business hours, by mail, or if still available, on the night of the event when the doors open at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information call 310-247-3600.