“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” Celebrated at the LBJ Ranch in “Movies Under the Stars” Series

News Release Date: May 27, 2017

Contact: Dave Schafer, 830-868-7128 ext. 235

**Important Update** While the event is still on, it has been moved inside the airplane hangar visitor center theater at the LBJ Ranch due to rain and lightning.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park begins its popular outdoor summertime movie series on Saturday, June 3, with the showing of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” starring Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Sidney Poitier, and Katharine Houghton. The film starts at dusk and will be presented on a large outdoor screen at the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall. Access to the ranch begins at 7:00 pm. A movie trivia contest will precede the film with prizes given out to lucky contest winners.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” Released in 1967, the comedy-drama dealt with the controversial subject of interracial marriage, which had been illegal in some states. But just six months before the film was released, the US Supreme Court struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriage in its decision in Loving v. Virginia. Stanley Kramer produced and directed “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” Katharine Hepburn won the Academy Award for Best Actress and William Rose won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and refreshments. The program is free of charge. Entry to the LBJ Ranch is located north of US Highway 290, just off of Ranch Road 1. Parking is available on the airstrip taxiway adjacent to the movie site.

The Johnsons enjoyed inviting guests to their ranch to show some of the biggest films of the 1960s and early 1970s. For modern visitors, the “Movie Under the Stars” series is a great way to enjoy timeless classics while experiencing a night of family fun on the LBJ Ranch—just like friends of the Johnsons experienced.

The LBJ Ranch hangar visitor center will be open from 7:00 pm through the end of the film. Visitors are welcome to explore the interactive exhibits, shop the Western National Parks Association sales outlet, and use the restrooms in the building.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information call 830-868-7128 ext. 231 or 244, or visit www.nps.gov/lyjo and www.facebook.com/LBJohnsonNPS.
 
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 418 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice. For more information on the NPS Centennial visit www.nps.gov/subjects/centennial/index.htm.