An obscure novel, a comedian-turned-film-director, an unlikely cast, a generation gap, and one word: “Plastics.” The San Bernardino County Museum’s 2018 Dome Talks series continues on Thursday, April 26, with a presentation and book signing by Beverly Gray, the author of Seduced by Mrs. Robinson: How The Graduate Became the Touchstone of a Generation, published in November 2017. The evening is co-sponsored by Inlandia Institute. On the 50th anniversary of The Graduate, author Beverly Gray offers a smart, close reading and vivid, behind-the-scenes details about this iconic film—including all the drama and decision-making of the cast and crew. For movie buffs and pop culture fans, Seduced by Mrs. Robinson explores how The Graduate changed the future of filmmaking and rocked the late sixties world, reflecting and changing the era's views of sex, work, and marriage. Beverly has covered the entertainment industry for The Hollywood Reporter, and leads screenwriting workshops for UCLA Extension’s world-renowned Writers’ Program. Her first book, Roger Corman: An Unauthorized Biography of the Godfather of Indie Filmmaking, debuted in the #4 spot on the Los Angeles Times hardcover non-fiction bestseller list. She next published Ron Howard: From Mayberry to the Moon … and Beyond, then followed up with an expanded paperback edition of the Corman bio, released under the tasteful new title Roger Corman: Blood-Sucking Vampires, Flesh-Eating Cockroaches, and Driller Killers. “We’re excited to partner with Inlandia Institute to bring this entertaining author to our area. Beverly is a wealth of insider stories about Hollywood pop culture, and we can’t wait for her to dish about the behind-the-scenes of this groundbreaking movie,” said museum director Melissa Russo. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments provided by the San Bernardino County Museum Association. Talks begin promptly at 7 p.m. with book sales and signing following. These evening discussions feature leading authors and thought leaders discussing topics relevant to the past, present, and future of our Inland Southern California region. This year’s lineup emphasizes the seismic shifts, social changes and environmental forces that have affected the lives of Californians. Individual tickets for Dome Talks are $25 per evening; Museum members can purchase individual tickets for $18. Tickets may be purchased at the Museum’s welcome desk, by calling the Museum at (909) 798-8608, or on-line at www.sbcounty.gov/museum. Advance ticket purchases are recommended because seating is limited. Tickets are still available for the June 21 presentation by Chip Colwell, author of Plundered Skulls and Stolen Spirits. Cheech Marin’s presentation on May 16 is sold out. Inlandia Institute is a lively center of literary activity serving the 29,000 sq. mile inland Southern California region. It grew out of the highly acclaimed anthology Inlandia: A Literary Journey through California’s Inland Empire, published by Heyday Books in 2006 with the active participation of the Riverside Public Library. Their mission is to recognize, support, and expand literary activity in all of its forms in the Inland Empire by publishing books and sponsoring programs that deepen people’s awareness, understanding, and appreciation of this unique, complex and creatively vibrant region.

New Book about The Graduate subject of Dome Talks