College of the Canyons will pay tribute to the prolific acting career of Jack Oakie by hosting the annual Jack Oakie Film Series on Thursday, Nov. 15, with a special screening of “The Great American Broadcast.”

Award-winning writer and filmmaker Jack Epps Jr., professor and chair of writing for screen and television at the University of Southern California, will introduce the film with a special lecture. Epps co-wrote screenplays for hit films such as “Top Gun,” “Legal Eagles” and “The Secret of My Success.”

The film series will take place from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the COC cinema room, Hasley Hall, Room 101, located on the college’s Valencia campus.

“The College of the Canyons Foundation is very honored and grateful for the continued support the Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne Oakie Charitable Trust Foundation has provided to our students over the years,” said Michele Edmonson, COC Foundation director of development. “We are honored to celebrate the Oakie legacy through this annual film series, which also helps and encourages our students to continue their studies in the arts.”

The Jack and Victoria Horne Oakie Charitable Trust Foundation will award $10,000 in scholarship awards to 10 COC students studying Fine and Performing Arts whoattend the screening of the 1941 musical comedy starring Jack Oakie and Alice Faye.

To be considered for a prestigious Oakie scholarship award, students must attend the screening on Nov. 15 and submit a one-page critical review of the film written from the perspective of a scriptwriter, a director, an actor, a comedian, a singer or a dancer to be considered for a prestigious Oakie scholarship award.

“I am very grateful for the Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne Oakie Charitable Foundation for their continued generosity and support of College of the Canyons’ Fine and Performing Arts students,” said Carmen Dominguez, Dean of the Fine and Performing Arts division at the college.

Application forms and more award information can be found at the college’s theatre website at http://www.canyons.edu/departments/theatre/oakie.htm. Application packets may also be picked up in Pico Hall, Room 112, located on the college’s Valencia campus. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19.

About the Oakies

Jack Oakie’s film career was remarkably prolific during a turbulent time in American history. He worked steadily in the film industry from 1927 through the 1940s, and was on contract at Paramount Studios from 1929 to 1934. His career spanned many decades and encompassed stage, film, radio and later, television. Oakie appeared in 87 films and was nominated for an Academy Away as Best Supporting Actor for his role as the Dictator of Bacteria in the 1940 Charlie Chaplin classic film “The Great Dictator.”

Both Jack and Victoria were actors and long time residents of the San Fernando Valley—known for being philanthropists and humanitarians throughout their lives. Continuing their legacy of giving, The Oakie Charitable Foundation trustees remain dedicated to the couple’s wishes: “Give the money to the kids!”

For more information about the College of the Canyons Jack Oakie Film Series or how to apply for an Oakie scholarshipaward, contact the COC Foundation at 661-362-3737.