ABILENE, Kan. - The 2012 Paul H. Royer Film Series begins March 1 and continues on March 8 and 15 at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum Visitors Center Auditorium. Each film starts at 7 p.m. and includes free soda and popcorn. All films are free and open to the public. 

The film series is sponsored by Robert H. (Hank) Royer, Jr., in memory of his grandfather, who was a founding father of the Eisenhower Foundation and Abilene High School classmate of President Eisenhower. The three films chosen for this year are movies nominated for Academy Awards 50 years ago in 1962.   

March 1 - Splendor in the Grass

Starring Natalie Wood, Warren Beatty, Pat Hingle

This is a story (by William Inge) of two Kansas high school sweethearts growing up in the late 1920s through the stock market crash of 1929. A fragile Kansas girl's unrequited and forbidden love for a handsome young man from the town's most powerful family drives her to heartbreak and madness. The crash of '29 hits and changes the lives of both their families. Together they learn the harsh lesson of love and life in the '20s.This movie won the 1962 Academy Award for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay written directly for the Screen.  

March 8 - Pocketful of Miracles

Starring Glenn Ford, Bette Davis, Hope Lange, Arthur O'Connell                    

(1961, Color, 136 minutes)

A classic Frank Capra film based on the Damon Runyon story about Apple Annie, a seedy street vendor who has given her daughter the impression that she is well-to-do. When her daughter schedules a visit, Annie's friends come to the rescue to uphold the myth. This movie won the Golden Globe for Best Musical/Comedy and was nominated for three Academy Awards.   

March 15 - The Hustler

Starring Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie, George C. Scott   

(1961, Black and White, 134 minutes)

"Fast" Eddie Felson is a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a

self-destructive attitude. His bravado causes him to challenge the legendary "Minnesota Fats" to a high-stakes match, but he loses in a heartbreaking marathon. Now broke and without his long-time manager, Felson faces an uphill battle to regain his confidence and his game. Nominated for nine Academy Awards, this movie won for Best Art Direction-Set Direction, Black-and-White and for Best Cinematography, Black-and-White.