This lavish film version of the first book in the globally popular fantasy series tells the story of Harry’s first year at Hogwarts under the menacing shadow of the evil Voldemort. Director Chris Columbus cast Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint as J. K. Rowling’s young heroes and supported them with the elite of British acting, including Richard Harris, John Hurt, Alan Rickman, and Maggie Smith. The film received nominations for its imaginative art direction (Stuart Craig, Stephenie McMillan) and costume design (Judianna Makovsky), and John Williams’s melodious score, which introduced “Hedwig’s Theme” which became the musical signature for the series. 

DIRECTED BY: Chris Columbus. WRITTEN BY: Steve Kloves. WITH: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, John Cleese. 2001. 143 min. USA. Color. Scope. English. Rated PG; suitable for ages 7+. 35mm.

Academy Museum film programming generously funded by the Richard Roth Foundation.