Murph the Surf: Silver Screen Gems Film Series

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Our Silver Screen Gems film series continues with a screening of the 1975 film Murph the Surf, introduced by exhibition curator Elyse Zorn Karlin.

Inspired by real events, this film chronicles the audacious 1964 heist of the J.P. Morgan jewel collection from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Dubbed “The Greatest Jewel Heist of the 20th Century,” the daring robbery unfolds as a group of thieves brazenly seize twenty-two priceless gems, among them the legendary Star of India, the magnificent 100.32-carat de Long Ruby, and the exquisite 16.25-carat Eagle Diamond. Starring Robert Conrad and Don Stroud. Directed by Marvin J. Chomsky.

This screening is designed for adults ages 18 and over. Running time 1:41. Popcorn will be provided!

Note: This film is not part of the Free Third Wednesday event series.

About the Speaker:

Elyse Zorn Karlin is the exhibition curator of Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective and previously curated the Driehaus Museum exhibition, Maker & Muse: Women and Early Twentieth Century Art Jewelry. Karlin is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Adornment, The Magazine of Jewelry & Related Arts, and the co-director of the Association for the Study of Jewelry & Related Arts. She is also the author of Jewelry and Metalwork in the Arts & Crafts Tradition, the definitive book on the jewelry of the Arts & Crafts Movement circa 1900; the catalog International Art Jewelry, 1895-1925; the book Sally Ann Wekstein: An Artist in the Studio; Imperishable Beauty: Art Nouveau Jewelry, and editor of Maker & Muse: Women and 20th Century Art Jewelry. She is currently co-authoring a book in progress: Aletto Five Generations of Jewelers.

Film still courtesy of American International Pictures