Author Talk: Tom Santopietro – The Way We Were: The Making of a Romantic Classic

The Way We Were: a nostalgia drenched, bittersweet romance starring superstars Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford at the peaks of their careers, and a story for everyone who was ever loved with passion, if not wisely. A smash hit around the world whose power echoes to this day—yet a film whose success was so far from assured that one studio executive was heard to exclaim: “Barbra Streisand doesn’t sing, and she plays a communist—are you trying to kill me?!” But succeed the film did, propelled by a smash-hit title song and career defining performances from Streisand and Redford.

Now, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the film’s release, best-selling author Tom Santopietro’s latest book, The Way We Were: The Making of a Romantic Classic, provides the definitive inside story behind the challenges, disputes, and creative passions of those who fought to make this landmark film. Charting the path from screenwriter Arthur Laurents’ initial inspiration to the fervent talk of a possible sequel, Santopietro mingles reverence and wry humor to decode the mysterious chemistry between Streisand and Redford that created a romance for the ages. It is filled with humorous anecdotes and fascinating first-hand accounts by actors, film historians, and members of the creative team.

Registration is required. Register online. For more information, call 203.762.6350 or email the library’s reference librarians.

The media sponsor of Wilton Library’s author talks is GOOD Morning Wilton.

Elm Street Books will be selling copies after the talk. A portion of the proceeds will go to Wilton Library.