Discussion of the Film, "The Post"
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

In this class we will celebrate the 55th anniversary of the printing of the "Pentagon Papers" in the New York Times and the Washington Post. The US government had previously filed a lawsuit to prevent the publication of the papers claiming that the publication would cause 'irreparable injury' to the United States. However, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the right of the Press to print the papers based on the public's 'right to know' the truth about government deception regarding the Vietnam War. Much of this story is revealed in an excellent 2017 movie by Steven Spielberg, called "The Post" starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. Students should watch this movie at home, before class, and come prepared for a lively discussion. This one day class will be an introduction, but not a prerequisite to a 6 week film course in the Fall of 2026, dealing with journalism and First Amendment issues in film. After class, those who wish can join Scott for lunch at the soup and salad buffet "Dollies" which is a quick walk from the Sandy Center.