Library to host Gary Cooper program

North Lake County Public Library in Polson will host the Montana Conversations program “Gary Cooper: First, Last and Always” presented by Neal Lewing Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the library meeting room. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Free Gary Cooper movies will also be shown in the library meeting room Feb. 1 and Feb. 2. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served. The movie “High Noon” will play Feb. 1, and “Sergeant York” will be shown Feb. 2. Both are at 2 p.m.

Funding for the Montana Conversations program is provided by Humanities Montana through grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Montana’s Cultural Trust, private donations, and the North Lake County Library Foundation.

Personifying the ideal American male, Gary Cooper, above all, was most concerned with integrity; his roles reflected those personal views. This nostalgic reintroduction to one of Hollywood’s most endearing and enduring actors recreates memorable moments, from his first silent films to his dramatic last days, through the written words he spoke. Underscored by music and socio-economic history of his day, this program not only illuminates Montana’s favorite actor but also 20th century America.

Neal Lewing is an actor, singer/songwriter, recording artist, playwright, poet, storyteller, author and historian. Managing Director of the Port Polson Players theatre, Neal served as Musical Advisor to the Custer Reenactment in Hardin, and a term on the Montana Arts Council; he also performs with the popular Montana ShamRockers. His mother’s infatuation with Gary Cooper greatly influenced his career, including the acclaimed full-length musical, Three Voices – A Musical Celebration of the Lives and Times of Gary Cooper, Jeannette Rankin and Nat King Cole, which has toured the region extensively.