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Professor Emeritus of Cinema John Fell
You never wanted to miss a John Fell lecture. It was always as enriching as a Pee Wee Russell clarinet solo, informative, humorous and mind-stretching. No matter how the day was going, John took you with him on a flight into 20th Century culture that was bound to leave you thinking it over. John's office door was never closed. He loved a good discussion, almost as much as he loved traditional jazz.
An unwilling authority and a humble man, John felt and acted from a great sense of responsibility for people, ideas and fairness. He led the department with an even hand and sense of measure. For those involved in the student power movement of the 1960s, John was always supportive and interested in what colleagues proposed. His contributions to the cinema community are immeasurable. Fortunately, he set down some of his thoughts on film in books: "Film and the Narrative Tradition" and "Before Hollywood: Turn-of-the-Century American Film," as well as a history of stride piano players called "Stride!"
The Cinema Department will celebrate John Fell with an evening film showing and reception in his honor, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m., in the Coppola Theater, FA 101. All are invited. Memorial donations can be made to the Cinema Department, https://www.applyweb.com/public/contribute?sfsucoca or sent to: San Francisco State, Dean's Office, Creative Arts Building, 1600 Holloway Avenue, SF 94132 |
