Armistead Maupin Introduces ‘Tales’ at Outfest-UCLA Legacy Project Screening at Wilder Theatre

Author Armistead Maupin will attend a screening of two episodes of his groundbreaking “Tales of the City” series at the Billy Wilder Theater on Saturday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m.

Maupin’s series of novels with their frank depictions of sexuality and drug use in 1970s San Francisco are a “Valentine” to the Bay Area. Produced by Britain’s Channel 4, the first adaption of the novels appeared on American public television in 1994, garnering the highest ratings ever for a dramatic program on PBS, and drawing criticism and calls for PBS to be defunded because of its gay content. Twenty years later the struggles have diminished, but the “Tales” retain their freshness and optimism.

“We are pleased to celebrate this indispensable and influential legacy with a glimpse at the show’s first two episodes, and the participation of Ar

Tales of the City helped launch the career of actress Laura Linney, center.

mistead Maupin himself,” says a spokesperson.

The stellar cast includes Laura Linney, Olympia Dukakis, Chloe Webb, Marcus D’Amico and Donald Moffat.

Tickets: $10; Outfest members get 2-for-1 tickets at the box office, at 10899 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, (310) 206-8013. For more info see www.cinema.ucla.edu.