"Bernie", a Dark Comedy, Next FOLA Movie in Ludlow, Oct. 1

Note:  Photo from movie cited attached

"Bernie", a Dark Comedy, Next FOLA Movie in Ludlow, Oct. 1


"Bernie", a 2011 American black comedy film directed by Richard Linklater, and written by Linklater and Skip Hollandsworth, will be FOLA's (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) next movie offering in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium on Saturday, October 1, at 7 PM.

The film stars Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine and Matthew McConaughey. It is based on a 1998 Texas Monthly magazine article by Hollandsworth, "Midnight in the Garden of East Texas," that chronicles the 1996 murder of 80-year-old millionaire Marjorie Nugent in Carthage, Texas by her 39-year-old companion, Bernhardt "Bernie" Tiede. Tiede proved so highly regarded in Carthage that, in spite of having confessed to the police, the district attorney was eventually forced to request a rare prosecutorial change of venue in order to secure a fair trial.

In small-town Carthage, Texas, local assistant mortician Bernie Tiede, a beloved member of the community, becomes the only friend of the wealthy, recently widowed Marjorie Nugent, who is widely considered cold and unpleasant by the other townsfolk. Tiede, in his late 30s, and the elderly Nugent quickly become inseparable, frequently traveling and lunching together, though Tiede's social life becomes hindered by Nugent's constant and sometimes abusive need for his attention.

Tiede murders Nugent after growing weary of the emotional toll of her possessiveness, persistent nagging, and non-stop putdowns. For nine months, Tiede takes advantage of her poor reputation to excuse her absence with few questions while using her money to support local businesses and neighbors. Finally, Nugent's stockbroker uses Tiede's neglect of previously agreed upon payments to enlist the help of her estranged family.

The film went on to receive acclaim from critics with praise for its direction, accuracy to the real-life event, "Town Gossips" element, and particular praise for Jack Black's portrayal of Tiede, many calling it his best performance yet. Roger Ebert noted, "Richard Linklater's Bernie is a gently told and unexpectedly amusing true-crime comedy that benefits from an impressive performance by Jack Black".

The Movie is rated R for a violent scene and some crude language.

As with all FOLA movies, the movie is free; donations are appreciated. Popcorn will be supplied by Berkshire Bank while FOLA will provide water. For additional information, call (802) 228-7239 or visit FOLA's web site at www.fola.us.