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Film Noir, Swing Era Music, Florida Citrus to Railroads

Program Number: 20288RJ
Start and End Dates:
2/23/2013 - 2/28/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Price starting at: $899.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Multi-Topic Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Activity Particulars

Walking up to a mile over uneven terrain.



Coordinated by Senior Friendship Centers, Inc.



The Dark Side of the Screen: Film Noir

Noir style was a vehicle for filmmakers who attempted to convey the darkness in the heart of American Post-WWII society as it faced many unknowns, gangsters, hoodlums, prostitutes and killers. View three films for a deeper understanding.



Swing Those Tunes

From the mid-thirties to the end of World War II the Swing Era dominated America’s popular music. Travel back to the era of those Big Bands and their vocalist, small instrumental and singing groups while enjoying songs of this unique period.



Florida: From its Citrus to Railroads

Explore a winery with a tasting and ride a tram through an orange grove to see first-hand the impact of how those industries and more shape the current state of Florida. Trace how humankind has affected Florida’s environment of today.




Sarasota

Situated on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico on Florida's west coast, Sarasota is rich in cultural treasures and recreational attractions within a short driving distance, including the outstanding John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Ringling Museum of the Circus, art galleries, golf courses and beaches.
Accommodations
Four-star hotel with heated outdoor swimming pool/spa, fitness center.
Meals and Lodgings
   Holiday Inn-Lakewood Ranch
  Sarasota, FL 5 nights
 Holiday Inn-Lakewood Ranch
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Hotel is located on Lake Osprey in the Nationally Renowned Master Planned Community of Lakewood Ranch, minutes from many of the area attractions. Close to restaurants, a hospital, pharmacy, grocery stores, movie theaters, hair salons etc., some within walking distance.
  Contact info: 6231 Lake Osprey Drive
Sarasota, FL 34240 USA
phone: 941-782-4400
web: www.hilr.com
  Room amenities: In room coffeemakers, refrigerator, microwave, hair dryers, iron and ironing board, data ports, 2 two-line phones, desk, ergonomic chair, high speed Internet service, plug in or wireless, color TV/remote, in-room pay movies, cable/HBO, alarm clock radio.
  Facility amenities: Hotel has a heated outdoor swimming pool/spa, fitness center, full service restaurant, cocktail lounge, room service, on site laundry facilities, free parking.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $119-$149 AAA Rate Please make reservations as soon as possible this hotel fills up quickly during season. Please call the hotel directly at 941-782-4400 not the national toll free number in order to receive the AAA discounted rate.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $119-$149 AAA Rate Please make reservations as soon as possible this hotel fills up quickly during season. Please call the hotel directly at 941-782-4400 not the national toll free number in order to receive the AAA discounted rate.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Meet between 3:30-4:50pm in the hotel meeting room for registration. You will be staying at Holiday Inn-Lakewood Ranch that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends at 10:30am followed by a box lunch. You will be staying at Holiday Inn-Lakewood Ranch the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Free
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Sarasota, FL
  Nearest city or town:  Sarasota
  Nearest highway: I-75
  Nearest airport:  Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport SRQ
  From End of Program
  Location: Sarasota, FL
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Diplomat Taxi
phone: 941-365-8294

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approx $30
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 min. 
 

Distance:

 

5-6 miles
   

Taxis are readily available 24hrs a day at the SRQ Airport.
 

Tampa International Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Starlight Limousine
phone: 941-957-6761
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approx $85 to hotel
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hr 10 min 
 

Distance:

 

60 miles
   

They use executive town cars and SUVs, please ask for Rick.
 

Tampa International Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Sarasota Tampa Express
phone: 800-326-2800 x9413558400
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$35 to SRQ Airport or office of Sarasota Tampa Express
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hr 20 min 
 

Distance:

 

65 miles
   

Please call in advance for reservations. You will then need to call a taxi to get yourself to the hotel. They can tell you who to call.
 
Driving Directions
  I-75 and SRQ Airport, Sarasota, FL From I-75 North or South take exit 213 University Parkway, East, right on Lake Osprey Drive, Holiday Inn-Lakewood Ranch is on the left. From Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, East on University Parkway - 7 miles, right on Lake Osprey Drive, Holiday Inn-Lakewood Ranch is on the left.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration/Orientation
(Saturday, February 23)
   
 Arrive To: REGISTRATION: With Road Scholar is between 3:30 - 4:45PM. HOTEL CHECK-IN: Is at 3:00pm, room may be ready earlier.
 Afternoon: ORIENTATION: Begins at 5:00pm
 Dinner: Dinner will be at the hotel. Forms are sent out in advance to see if participants are vegetarian.
 Evening: GETTING TO KNOW YOU: After dinner there will be a getting to know you session for participants to become better acquainted.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn-Lakewood Ranch
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Morning presentation on Swing Music and two presentations about Florida of today/Evening Film for the Film Noir Series
(Sunday, February 24)

Note: All activities take place at the hotel.
   
 Breakfast: A continental breakfast is available in our private meeting room.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Thrill to the music of the Swing Era. Learn how it developed in the early 1930s and became a distinctive style by 1935 in the United States.

Break

PRESENTATION: Impact of current industries in the Florida of today.

 Lunch: Picnic lunch or lunch at hotel.
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: Trace how humankind has affected Florida's current environment.
 Dinner: Dinner will be at the hotel.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: View the film "The Sweet Smell of Success," which is one of three for the film noir series this week. "The Sweet Smell of Success," (1957) They know him - and they shiver - the big names of Broadway, Hollywood and Capitol Hill. They know J.J.- the world-famed columnist whose gossip is gospel to sixty million readers! They know the venom that flickers in those eyes behind the glasses - and they fawn - like Sid Falco, the kid who wanted "in" so much, he'd sell out his own girl to stand up there with J.J., sucking in the sweet smell of success! This is J.J.'s story - but not the way he would have liked it told! This is the story of J.J. - But not the way he wants it told! The almighty J.J. ...the columnist with sixty million believers ...his wrath is feared by the great and near great who worship the sweet smell of success!

The Motion Picture That Will Never Be Forgiven... Or Forgotten

PRESENTATION: Talkback with film expert immediately following film.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn-Lakewood Ranch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Two morning presentations with lunch at Mixons then afternoon tram ride and wine sampling.
(Monday, February 25)

Note: Walking up to one half mile at Mixon's Fruit Farm if you wish to stroll through the gardens and maze. You will be riding a tram through the groves.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast will be served in our private meeting room and will be continental breakfast with eggs and a breakfast meat on the third and fifth mornings.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Travel back to the era of those Big Bands. Swing bands usually featured soloists who would improvise on the melody over the arrangement. Learn about the danceable swing style of bandleaders such as Benny Goodman and Count Basie which was the dominant form of American popular music from 1935 to 1945.

Break

PRESENTATION: Learn why the Noir style was a vehicle for filmmakers who attempted to convey the darkness in the heart of American society as it faced numerous unknowns, primarily, "the move to the big city," which is filled with gangsters, hoodlums, prostitutes and killers.

 Lunch: Lunch at Mixon's Fruit Farm which includes their famous orange swirl ice cream.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Take a tram ride through the grove for a deeper understanding of the Florida Citrus Industry. After ride stroll through the garden area or maze. Opportunity to sample some Florida wines.
 Dinner: Dinner will be at the hotel in our private meeting room.
 Evening: View second film "Laura," in the film noir series. (1944) This adaptation of Vera Caspary's suspense novel was begun by director Rouben Mamoulien and cinematographer Lucien Ballard, but thanks to a complex series of backstage intrigues and hostilities, the film was ultimately credited to director Otto Preminger and cameraman Joseph LaShelle (who won an Oscar for his efforts). At the outset of the film, it is established that the title character, Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney), has been murdered. Tough New York detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) investigates the killing, methodically questioning the chief suspects: Waspish columnist Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb), wastrel socialite Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price), and Carpenter's wealthy "patroness" Ann Treadwell (Judith Anderson). The deeper he gets into the case, the more fascinated he becomes by the enigmatic Laura, literally falling in love with the girl's painted portrait. As he sits in Laura's apartment, ruminating over the case and his own obsessions, the door opens, the lights switch on, and in walks Laura Hunt, very much alive! To tell any more would rob the reader of the sheer enjoyment of watching this stylish film noir unfold on screen.

Everything clicks in Laura, from the superbly bitchy performance of Clifton Webb (a veteran Broadway star who became an overnight movie favorite with this film) to the haunting musical score by David Raskin.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn-Lakewood Ranch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Morning presentations of film noir talkback and swing music. Afternoon presentation and field trip to explore De Soto National Memorial with a nature walk along the beach. Dinner on your own evening.
(Tuesday, February 26)

Note: Participate in a nature walk on uneven terrain along the beach and on trails up to 3/4 of a mile. Bus will pick up participants for dinner on your own and drop off close to restaurants for your dining pleasure.
   
 Breakfast: A continental breakfast is available in our private meeting room.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Talkback on "Laura," with film expert and introduction to "The Postman Always Rings Twice."

Break

PRESENTATION: Continue the fun with swing music by viewing film clips and listening to tunes.

 Lunch: Lunch at hotel in our private meeting room.
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: Florida's living history.<> FIELD TRIP: Explore De Soto National Memorial where you will see historic armor, weapons and period artifacts along with a nature walk along the beach and trails.<> Nestled on the Manatee River, west of downtown, this park attracts history buffs by re-creating the look and atmosphere of the period when Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto landed here in 1539. It includes a restoration of de Soto's original campsite and a scenic 0.5-mile nature trail that circles a mangrove jungle and leads to the ruins of one of the first settlements in the area. Optional: 21-minute film about de Soto in America.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own tonight. An opportunity to experience local cuisine. Our bus will transport you to dinner in the Lakewood Ranch area.
 Evening: HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE: Game night!
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn-Lakewood Ranch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Morning presentation on swing music. Lunch at local winery, lectures and a wine tasting. Evening film noir.
(Wednesday, February 27)

Note: Walk up to 3/4 of a mile at winery.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast will be served in our private meeting room and will consist of a continental breakfast with eggs and a breakfast meat on the third and fifth mornings.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Learn why swing bands played a large part in people's lives in the late 30's as people tried to shake off the depression by dancing. Discuss who dominated the big bands that played to huge audiences during this period.

FIELD TRIP: Enjoy an expert led walk through the vineyard, where you will learn about the growing season, pruning, harvesting times, and the different varieties of Florida grapes grown here. Discover the art of wine making in their own winery. Including how grapes are crushed, pressed, fermented and bottled.

 Lunch: Luncheon at local winery featuring stromboli, Italian subs or vegetarian selection.
 Afternoon: Participate in a wine tasting with your souvenir wine glass, while sitting in the pavilion by the Conquistador grape vineyard. <>Free Afternoon
 Dinner: Dinner will be in our private meeting room at the hotel.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: Enjoy viewing "The Postman Always Rings Twice," for your last film of the week. It started as a 1934 crime novel by James M. Cain. The novel was quite successful and notorious upon publication, and is regarded as one of the more important crime novels of the 20th century. Fast-moving and brief (only about 100 pages long, depending on the edition), the novel's mix of sexuality and violence was startling in its time, and saw the book banned in Boston. It is also included in the Modern Library 100 Best Novels list. It has been adapted as a motion picture four times; the 1946 version is probably the best known, and is regarded as an important film noir.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn-Lakewood Ranch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Talkbacks on the films Laura and Postman. Depart after lunch.
(Thursday, February 28)

Note: All programs are at the hotel today. Depart on your own after lunch.
   
 Breakfast: A continental breakfast is available in our private meeting room.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Talkback on film noir, "Laura," and "The Postman Always Rings Twice," with film maven.
 Lunch: Program ends after last class approx. 10:30am. A box lunch is offered on the last day to allow students who need to catch an early flight to take their lunch with them. Opportunity to make your own deli sandwich. Students who do not need to leave can enjoy their lunch in the classroom or on the patio by the pool.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Sarasota, FL Sarasota attractions
Sarasota is known as the cultural arts center of Florida. The area has a plethora of activities: Selby Botanical Gardens, Ringling Museum of Art, Mote Marine Aquarium, Historic Spanish Point, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Florida WestCoast Symphony, Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Sarasota Ballet Co., Asolo Theatre Co., Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. The area also offers several high quality beaches, boat rentals, water skiing, canoeing and kayaking. Hiking in two local state parks. Sarasota Polo grounds are close to hotel. For additional information, visit www.sarasotafl.org/
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Postman Always Rings Twice


Author: James Cain


Laura


Author: Vera Caspery


Film Noir Reader


Author: Allen Silver & James Ursini


The Wine Bible


Author: Karen MacNeil


Oranges


Author: John McPhee


A Journey Into Florida Railroad History


Author: Gregg Turner


Notes on Broadway: Conversations with Broadway's Greatest Songwriters


Author: Al Kasha and Joel Hirshhorn


Rodgers and Hart: A Duel Biography


Author: Marx and Clayton




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