The Hope College Knickerbocker Theatre will present legendary actress Katharine Hepburn as part of its Classic Film Series. Highlighting some of her most iconic performances from the late 1930s through the 1940s, the series will feature one film each week on Monday evenings at 7 p.m., from May 11 through June 1.
Hepburn won a record four Academy Awards for Best Actress and has been named the top actress in film history by the American Film Institute. In addition to her acting skills, Hepburn upended the traditional movie studio complex by buying out her own contract and determining her film career.
The lineup includes:
- May 11: “Stage Door”
- May 18: “Bringing Up Baby”
- May 26: “The Philadelphia Story”
- June 1: “Adam’s Rib”
Tickets for all films are $10 each and are free for Hope students. Tickets are available at the ticket office in the Events and Conferences Office located in downtown Holland in the Anderson-Werkman Financial Center (100 E. Eighth St.). The ticket office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be called at 616-395-7890. Tickets are also available online at hope.edu/tickets and will also be available at the door.
Monday, May 11: “Stage Door” (1937)
A backstage tragicomedy starring Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers, “Stage Door” follows a group of aspiring actresses living together in a New York boarding house as they chase their dreams of success. The film blends humor and heartbreak, exploring ambition, friendship, and sacrifice in the competitive world of theater.
Monday, May 18: “Bringing Up Baby” (1938)
A classic screwball comedy starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, this fast-paced film follows a mild-mannered paleontologist whose life is turned upside down by a free-spirited heiress—and a mischievous leopard. Known for its chaotic humor and sharp dialogue, the film has become one of the defining comedies of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Tuesday, May 26: “The Philadelphia Story” (1940)
In this sophisticated romantic comedy, Katharine Hepburn stars as a wealthy socialite whose wedding plans are complicated by the return of her ex-husband and the arrival of a charming journalist. Balancing wit, romance and social commentary, the film is widely regarded as one of Hepburn’s most iconic performances.
Monday, June 1: “Adam’s Rib” (1949)
Starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, “Adam’s Rib” is a clever courtroom comedy about a married couple who find themselves on opposing sides of a high-profile legal case. The film explores themes of gender equality and marriage with humor and intelligence, making it one of the most celebrated collaborations between its two stars.
To inquire about accessibility or accommodations to fully participate in the event, please email accommodations@hope.edu. Updates related to events are posted when available at hope.edu/calendar in the individual listings.
The Knickerbocker Theatre is located in downtown Holland at 86 E. Eighth St. between College and Columbia Avenues.