2/29 – "Call of the Wild" History Walk & Reading with CWC Writers

On February 29th, we’re excited to celebrate the release of The Call of the Wild, a new movie based on Jack London’s classic novel, with an outing for our club! An author talk, a history walk, and a reading at the place where Jack London learned to write will showcase our club. Get some friends together and see the show before or after!

Prior to the 1:20pm screening, Dirk Wales will be present at the theater to display, discuss and sell his book, Jack London’s Dog, about the animal who inspired Call of the Wild. Dirk Wales is the author of several children’s books, including the best-selling A Lucky Dog.

At 4pm (time may change slightly), we’ll gather at the Jack London statue near the movie theater, and walk the wolf tracks to Jack London’s cabin.

Learn the History of the Film in the Location Where It was Inspired

As we walk to Heinolds’ First and Last Chance Saloon (48 Webster Street, Oakland), CWC Berkeley historian Linda Brown will provide details on the life of Jack London.

(If you’re not familiar with London’s work, this is a great chance to learn about the complicated man who was a strident socialist, animal rights activist, union organizer and founding light of the California Writers Club.)

A piece of history, Heinold’s was built from the remnants of a whaling ship and the bar is tilted from surviving the 1906 quake. Known as “Jack London’s Rendezvous,” it was in this bar that Jack London that decided to be a writer, and Heinold helped pay his tuition.

Hear the Writers of Today at Oakland’s Most Legendary Bar

After the walk, grab a beer and enjoy a literary reading featuring local writers who are members of the California Writers Club with pieces focused on California history, animals, and adventure.

Schedule of Events

1pm: Appearance by Dirk Wales, author of Jack London’s Dog in the Jack London Cinema Lobby

1:20: First showing of The Call of the Wild

4:00: Meet at the Jack London Statue by Lungomare restaurant. Dirk Wales reads from Jack London’s Dog before CWC Berkeley historian Linda Brown’s History Tour.

4:30: Beer & readings at Heinold’s Saloon. Author book sales!

7:00: Evening showing of The Call of the Wild

Getting There

The Regal theater is at 100 Washington Street, Oakland.

The Statue is on the waterfront near the seating are

Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon is at 48 Webster Street, Oakland (Jack London Square).

Call of the Wild Trailer

The film stars Harrison Ford, trailer below.

Come hear today’s voices!

Featured readers include:

Henry Hitz 
Terry Tierney 
Fred Dodsworth 
Judith Offer 
Keith Mark Gaboury 
Kristen Caven 

To learn more about Dirk Wales’ books, go to www.greatplainspress.com