The Outsiders star headlines Indy Screening
Actor and musician C. Thomas Howell, known for his role as Ponyboy in “The Outsiders,” is set to visit Indiana for two special screenings of the classic film on November 21. Howell, who co-founded the Stay Gold Foundation with his wife, aims to use these events to engage audiences in person, particularly younger viewers. “We’re in a battle with social media; attention spans are shrinking. People would rather swipe than read a book or watch a film. So, we decided to get out and spread the word,” he said, emphasizing the importance of literacy and personal communication.
Filmed in 1982, “The Outsiders” is based on S.E. Hinton’s 1967 novel, which she wrote at the age of 16. The book remains a staple in American schools, touching generations of readers. Howell reflects on the legacy, saying, “Every year, I get a new batch of 13- and 14-year-old kids who come on my social media, emotional over Johnny Cade and Dally’s fate. Then they see Ponyboy is now 57, and they really start crying.”