Primary Colors: The Story Of Corita

Adored and abhorred by members of the Catholic clergy, Sister Mary Corita (Frances Elizabeth Kent), entered the Order of the Immaculate Heart Community at the age of 17. When she was asked by the order to teach "art" at Immaculate Heart College in Hollywood, Sister Corita's life changed forever. Working with silkscreens, Corita combined her passion for art with her growing social and political convictions. During the 60s, she joined the civil rights and anti-war movements, lending her voice and her art to the causes. Corita's style was to use vibrant primary colors to enhance words of wisdom or add color to meaningful photographs. She often took ad lines for consumer products and transformed them into positive images of hope. Narrated by Eva-Marie Saint, this program focuses on Corita's life and work, and the increasing antagonism on the part of the Catholic authorities which eventually drove her to leave the order. On her own, Corita flourished commercially while fighting with depression and eventually a fatal illness. Her postage stamp "Love" is one of the best known postage stamps issued. Interviews with poet Daniel Berrigan, art gallery owner Celia Hubbard, and close friends of Corita round out the portrait of this amazing woman who placed the courage of her convictions before the administrative edicts of her religion. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (See FRONTLINE: THE MAN WHO MADE THE SUPER GUN for availability.)