Nov 13 2022
The Plot Against Harry

The Plot Against Harry

Presented by Harvard Film Archive at Harvard Film Archive

The story of a small-time Jewish bookie freshly out of jail and trying to regain his lost turf, The Plot Against Harry is one of the great New York films and, to a contingent of true believers, a total masterpiece, beautifully shot in black and white, again by Young. However, in keeping with Roemer’s new path as a writer, Harry is an increasingly desperate and unheroic character who keeps losing, propelled by unbelievable coincidence as he attempts to work his way out from under increasing obstacles completely beyond his control. It is also deadpan in the extreme, specifically ethnic—warts and all—and refuses to telegraph its intentions. Thus, early screenings were met with bafflement, most significantly from anyone who would possibly distribute the film. Roemer decided to shelve it. The Plot Against Harry is not a film that was released and failed. It is a film that the creator decided failed and was never released.

Admission Info

$10 / $8 students and seniors / Harvard students free

Phone: 617-496-3211

Email: bgravely@fas.harvard.edu

Dates & Times

2022/11/13 - 2022/11/13

Location Info

Harvard Film Archive

Harvard Film Archive Cinematheque, Cambridge, MA 02138

Parking Info

Although parking in Cambridge is difficult (most of the surrounding streets have restricted parking for Cambridge residents only), metered parking on Broadway and Harvard Streets, as well as the rest of Harvard Square, is free after 8pm. Film-goers are encouraged to use public transportation, particularly the MBTA Red Line.