Entertainment : In Depth: Imitation Game

While this year we are not having an Oscar Month, as such, with “The Imitation Game” the Palace screens another of the Academy’s 2014 favorites. Running on a shortened schedule due to ACT I’s “Dates With a Nut,” this movie plays Sunday, March 8 through Thursday, March 12 at 7 pm, and Monday, March 9 at 2 pm.

“The Imitation Game” received eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Benedict Cumberbatch (my second favorite Sherlock) was nominated for Best Actor for his role as British genius mathematician Alan Turing, and Kiera Knightley (check her out with Mark Ruffalo in “Begin Again”) as Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Joan Clarke.

Downton Abbey fans will enjoy Allen Leech (Branson the Irish chauffeur-turned-aristocrat) and Matthew Goode (Henry Talbot) as Turing’s fellow code breakers.

This crowd pleasing historical drama is fraught with mystery and suspense. In the winter of 1952 British police investigated a supposed burglary at the home of WWII hero Turing, pioneer of the modern computer, and instead ended up arresting him for gross indecency.

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material and sexual references, “The Imitation Game” runs 1 hour and 54 minutes.

Reminder: NO MOVIE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT

The ACT I of Benton County community theatre group performs “Dates With a Nut” Thursday through Saturday at 7 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets may be purchased at www.act1.org or by calling 319/214-0096.