Films about librarians often explore themes of knowledge, adventure, and the quiet heroes amongst the stacks of books. These characters can range from the stereotypical quiet and reserved individual to action heroes fighting against supernatural or criminal elements, all while championing the importance of knowledge and learning. These movies can belong to a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, action, and fantasy, showcasing the versatility of settings in which librarians can become protagonists.
Here are some films that feature librarians in significant roles:
“The Mummy”, 1999
Director: Stephen Sommers
Evelyn Carnahan, portrayed by Rachel Weisz, is a librarian and Egyptologist who becomes embroiled in an action-packed adventure to stop the resurrected mummy of an ancient Egyptian priest. The film combines elements of horror, fantasy, and action, showcasing a librarian as the central character in a thrilling treasure hunt.
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Kevin J. O'Connor, Jonathan Hyde, Oded Fehr, Erick Avari, Stephen Dunham, Corey Johnson;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: fantasy, adventure, action;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The Mummy” on the website imdb.com
“Desk Set”, 1957
Director: Walter Lang
A classic romantic comedy starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. Hepburn plays Bunny Watson, the head of a television network's research department, essentially functioning as a corporate librarian. The film explores themes of automation and the value of human intellect with witty dialogue and charming performances.
Starring: Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Gig Young, Joan Blondell, Dina Merrill, Sue Randall, Neva Patterson, Harry Ellerbe, Nicholas Joy, Diane Jergens;
Production year: 1957;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
Age: 0+;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Desk Set” on the website imdb.com
“The Librarian: Quest for the Spear”, 2004
Director: Peter Winther
This made-for-TV movie is the first in “The Librarian” series starring Noah Wyle as Flynn Carsen, an over-educated underachiever who takes a job as a librarian, only to discover that the library is a repository for magical and mystical artifacts. It's a fun adventure that mixes humor with elements of fantasy and action.
Starring: Noah Wyle, Sonya Walger, Bob Newhart, Kyle MacLachlan, Kelly Hu, David Dayan Fisher, Jane Curtin, Olympia Dukakis, Lisa Brenner, Mario Iván Martínez;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: fantasy, action, thriller, drama, melodrama, comedy, adventure;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
“The Public”, 2018
Director: Emilio Estevez
Written and directed by Emilio Estevez, who also stars in the film, “The Public” is set in the Cincinnati Public Library and follows a group of homeless patrons who refuse to leave the library during a brutal cold snap. Estevez plays a librarian caught in the crossfire of a media frenzy and a standoff with law enforcement. The film is a powerful commentary on social justice and the role of libraries in community support.
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Taylor Schilling, Emilio Estevez, Jena Malone, Christian Slater, Jacob Vargas, Gabrielle Union, Derek Polen, Michael Kenneth Williams, Jeffrey Wright;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “The Public” on the website imdb.com
“Party Girl”, 1995
Director: Daisy von Scherler Mayer
This independent comedy-drama stars Parker Posey as Mary, a free-spirited party girl who finds her calling in life when she begins working at a library. The film captures the transformation of the protagonist through her newfound respect for the profession and the impact of librarianship on personal growth.
Starring: Parker Posey, Anthony DeSando, Guillermo Diaz, Donna Mitchell, Liev Schreiber, Omar Townsend, Sasha von Scherler, Lum Chang Pang, Elizabeth Beer, Richard Topol;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Party Girl” on the website imdb.com
“The Music Man”, 1962
Director: Morton DaCosta
In this classic musical, Marian Paroo, played by Shirley Jones, is the steadfast and moral librarian who captures the heart of con man Harold Hill, portrayed by Robert Preston. While not solely about the librarian, Marian's role highlights the respect and impact a diligent librarian can have on a community.
Starring: Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett, Hermione Gingold, Paul Ford, Pert Kelton, The Buffalo Bills, Timmy Everett, Susan Luckey, Ron Howard;
Production year: 1962;
Genre: musical, melodrama, comedy, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 151 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Music Man” on the website imdb.com
These films illustrate the diverse ways librarians can be portrayed in cinema, spanning a wide range of genres and storylines that celebrate the profession's significance in society.
In conclusion, films about librarians transcend the stereotypical portrayal of the profession, delving deeply into the rich, complex nature of those who dedicate their lives to the guardianship of knowledge. Through a diverse array of stories, from the quiet resilience shown in “The Public” to the adventurous spirit captured in “The Librarian” series, these films collectively highlight the profound impact librarians have on individual lives and society as a whole. They underscore the importance of libraries as bastions of democracy, education, and community, serving not just as repositories of books, but as vibrant cultural hubs. The portrayal of librarians in cinema, while varied, often reveals them as heroes of an understated yet powerful kind, showcasing their unwavering commitment to their communities, the pursuit of truth, and the defense of intellectual freedom. As such, films about librarians contribute significantly to the public's appreciation of this often-underestimated profession, reminding viewers of the critical role librarians play in fostering a literate, informed, and engaged society.
