Join us at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 for one of Hollywood’s great romances to commemorate the stellar career of actor Robert Redford (1936 – 2025). Our audience voted on five classic Redford romantic films, and the winner was . . . "Out of Africa" (1985, PG, 2 hours, 41 minutes).

The film follows the life of Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep), a Danish baroness who establishes a plantation in 20th-century colonial Kenya. Her life is complicated by a husband of convenience, a true love, Denys Finch-Hatton, free-spirited big-game hunter (Redford), troubles on the plantation, schooling of the natives, war, and disease. The film is based on a true story, written by Karen Blixen as Isak Dinesen. About 70% of the movie was actually filmed in Kenya, Africa.

During the filming Streep and Redford developed a strong off-screen connection built on mutual admiration and respect.  Streep admitted she had a major crush on him, which helped their on-screen chemistry, though director Sydney Pollack sometimes found their close bond distracting. Their off-screen bond translated into the powerful intimacy audiences saw in the film, with Streep feeling "safe and truly seen" with Redford. Streep called Redford "wonderful to work with," an "incredibly good listener," and "the best kisser"! Redford praised her as the "most complete actress" he'd worked with. Their relationship was rooted in trust and artistry, not tabloid gossip, and they maintained a deep, lasting friendship and respect for each other.

In the film when Denys washes Karen's hair, he quotes from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. One line, "He prayeth well, who loveth well both man and bird and beast," is inscribed on the real Denys Finch Hatton's gravestone.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with us, swoon over Robert Redford on the big screen, and enjoy a delicious free chocolate truffle, compliments of Harbor Theater.

“Out of Africa is a stunner, a freak, a rarity, a miracle. It's a genuine movie for grown-ups that's moving, sweet and deeply romantic.” – Stephen Hunter, Baltimore Sun