The Harder They Come – Listen to the Movie

At the Bedford Playhouse

Tuesday, April 12, 7 pm

LISTEN TO THE MOVIE presents “The Harder They Come”

Film Screening and a Talk

A great movie soundtrack can make all the difference. In this series, Rob Cavenagh guides you through the music that makes movies memorable. Rob, a Bedford resident since 2000, is a lifelong music fan, record collector, musician and self-described soundtrack nerd. An ad agency guy by profession, he spent his college years working in a record store and then making music videos for Atlantic Records in the 1990s.

“The Harder They Come” celebrates Jamaican music and style, but it also considers issues of race. A celebration of Jamaican music and style, this was the first extensive American movie exposure for reggae, the insinuating Jamaican music that was just then beginning to make itself heard. The story centers around anti-hero Ivanhoe Martin (Jimmy Cliff), first shafted by the music industry before winding up as a ganja delivery boy who asks too many questions, landing him in hot water with the local corrupt police chief. Ivanhoe arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, looking for work and, after some initial struggles, lands a recording contract as a reggae singer. He records his first song, “The Harder They Come,” but after a bitter dispute with a manipulative producer named Hilton, soon finds himself resorting to petty crime in order to pay the bills. He deals marijuana, kills some abusive cops and yet, earns local folk hero status. Meanwhile, his record, rollicking reggae, is topping the charts.

About Bedford Playhouse

Bedford Playhouse is a vibrant cultural center, state-of-the-art cinema, and community hub, offering outstanding films, live performances, and engaging arts and educational programming. More than just a movie theater, it is a welcoming space where visitors can relax, socialize, and experience exceptional entertainment. Located in the heart of Bedford Village, the Playhouse has been modernized and upgraded with the support of the community, ensuring an accessible and enriching experience for all. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, it thrives through memberships, grants, donations, and ticket sales. With a commitment to bringing unique programming to the region, Bedford Playhouse partners with thought leaders, creatives, and community organizations to offer events and discussions not found elsewhere. The venue features a 37-ft-wide screen with Dolby Atmos surround sound in its main theater, along with two smaller theaters for intimate viewing experiences. Guests can also enjoy drinks and small bites at the Playhouse Café and Bambi’s Bar, an inviting spot to gather before or after a film. Originally opened in 1947, the Playhouse was revitalized in 2015 through the dedication of local residents, led by John Farr, transforming it into the thriving cultural hub it is today.