Standing Rock Cultural Arts will present a showing of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” starring the late actor Paul Newman, on Sunday. Newman, arguably one of the more talented stars in movie history, died on Sept. 26.

Newman initially struggled to break through the pack of immensely talented new stars of the 1950s. He was compared to his contemporary, Marlon Brando, but critics noted he simply looked more Anglo-Saxon and did not possess the raw tenacity of Brando.

Newman was also compared to James Dean, whom he screen-tested with for “East of Eden.” The role went to Dean.

While Dean starred in “East of Eden,” along with classics like “Rebel Without a Cause” and “Giant,” Newman was stuck in films like “The Silver Chalice.” The movie embarrassed him so much that he released ads in the paper years later, apologizing for it being aired on television.

But when Dean died in a car accident, Newman took over his role in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”

The film demonstrates the personas Newman would go on to experiment with throughout his career. He explored haughtiness in “The Hustler,” rebellion in “Hud,” determination in “Cool Hand Luke,” coolness in “The Sting,” guilt in “The Verdict” and unrelenting ambition in “Road to Perdition.”

Emily Parker, a member of the Standing Rock film committee that chose the film, explained why this particular film was chosen for Sunday.

“We looked at a number of nice films,” Parker said. “This is Paul Newman at his best.”

Jeff Ingram, executive director of Standing Rock, agreed by saying, “If you haven’t seen a Paul Newman film, this is the one to see.”

His legacy, of course, goes beyond his performances. Newman built an empire, which was semi-based off his own salad dressing, that gave more than $250 million to charity. He also started his Hole in the Wall Camps for children suffering from cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Newman is also known for his liberal activism and his 50-year marriage to Joanne Woodward.

He is particularly well-known in Ohio, where he was born and raised. Newman stayed true to his Ohio roots by attending Kenyon College.

From fellow Ohioan to a leading man in Tinseltown, Paul Newman will truly be missed. His legacy will live on, however, through quality performances in films including “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”

Contact all reporter Chris Kallio at [email protected].