Dr. O. H. “Bud” Frazier will open Season 15 of Movies Houstonians Love at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) on Sunday, September 15 at 5:00 PM.
• Presented by heart surgeon Dr. Bud Frazier with filmmaker Richard Pearce.
• Post-film discussion moderated by “Texas Monthly” executive editor Mimi Swartz, author of “Ticker: The Quest to Create an Artificial Heart.”
At the screening, Dr. Frazier shares his unique connection with the production of this film. Celebrated for his contributions to the field of mechanical circulatory support and pioneering treatments for patients suffering from heart failure, he has performed over 1,300 heart transplants and implanted more than 900 left ventricular assist devices, more than any other surgeon in the world.
Tickets available online or through MFAH
Maps & Parking
About Threshold
Donald Sutherland plays a celebrated heart surgeon who supports the research of an offbeat scientist (Jeff Goldblum) pioneering the invention of an artificial human heart. The surgeon disagrees with the ethics committee when the opportunity arises to perform the first artificial heart transplant.
“When Threshold went before the cameras in an Ottawa hospital, the first human heart transplant was already part of medical history. In 1967, South African surgeon Christian Barnard’s achievement made headlines around the world. In 1981, director Richard Pearce made a film that featured the replacement of an organic heart with an artificial one, a subject that was still the stuff of science fiction. Sadly, his picture would not be released until January 1983, a month after American surgeon William DeVries installed a Jarvik-7 into the chest of a Seattle dentist named Barney Clark. Despite its quality, Threshold ended up with a minor distributor who appears to have spared every expense in its promotion.” —Michael Walsh, reelingback.com
About Movies Houstonians Love
The MFAH annual film series invites notable Houstonians to present a favorite film. An initiative of the MFAH film committee, Movies Houstonians Love introduces new audiences to the year-round film programming offered in the Museum’s Brown Auditorium Theater. Over the years, presenters have included luminaries such as ballet stars, musicians former First Ladies, sports stars, fashion designers, restauranteurs, filmmakers, radio hosts and every Houston mayor since its launch.
