Paul Newman Documentary To Have Connecticut Premiere At Danbury’s Historic Palace Theatre

Danbury’s Palace theatre will host the Connecticut premiere of the new documentary film “Winning:The Racing Life of Paul Newman" on Friday, June 12.

The world knows Paul Newman as an Academy Award winning actor with a fifty-plus year career as one of the most prolific and revered actors in American Cinema. He was also well known for his philanthropy; Newman's Own has given more than four hundred and thirty million dollars to charities around the world.

Yet few know the gasoline-fueled passion that became so important in this complex, multifaceted man's makeup. Newman’s passion for racing was so intense it nearly sidelined his acting career. His racing career spanned thirty-five years; Newman won four national championships as a driver and eight championships as an owner. Not bad for a guy who didn't even start racing until he was forty-seven years old. 

Produced and directed by comedian and major car enthusiast Adam Carolla, The film chronicles Newman's relentless drive to become a championship-caliber driver. Although he wasn’t very good when he started out, Carolla's documentary centers on how Newman got bitten by the racing bug and eventually became a world class driver.

Jay Leno, who appears in the film, exclaimed “This is the best racing documentary I’ve ever seen.”

“Winning” features archival footage of Newman racing as well as interviews with show business colleagues including Tom Cruise, Robert Redford, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Wagner, and Joanne Woodward. Famed racers Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti, Dick Barbour, Bob Sharp, and Sam Posey also appear in the film.

Robert Redford, Newman’s close friend and Butch and the Sundance Kid co-star said there never was a contest between acting and driving for Newman. “He wasn’t divided between the two — film would always come in second to racing.”

Paul Newman died Sept. 26, 2008 at age 83 and was posthumously inducted into the SCCA  (Sports Car Club of America) Hall of Fame a year later. “Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman” serves as a fitting tribute to this beloved actor, philanthropist, and world class driver.

Winning:The Racing Life Of Paul Newman will be shown at The Palace Danbury on Friday, June 12 at 8:00 PM. The film is unrated with a running time of 83 minutes. All tickets cost $15. Tickets may be purchased online at www.thepalacedanbury.com, by telephone at (203)794-9944 between 1:00 PM -5:00 PM daily,  or at the box office starting one hour before showtime.

The historic Palace Danbury Theatre is located at 165 Main Street in Danbury, CT. Free parking for patrons is readily available behind the theatre. For more information about all upcoming shows and events, please visit their website at www.thepalacedanbury.com

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Submitted by Bethel, CT

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