Michael Douglas to Present Restored ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’

Michael Douglas will present a newly restored print of Miloš Forman’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Karlovy Vary Film Festival next month. The 1975 classic, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, will screen as part of the festival’s Out of the Past section.

Douglas will be joined at the Gala Screening by Paul Zaentz — nephew of the late Saul Zaentz, who produced the film with Douglas — as well as members of Forman’s family.

The film made Oscar history as only the second to win all five major Academy Award categories: picture (Douglas and Zaentz), director (Forman), actor (Jack Nicholson), actress (Louise Fletcher), and adapted screenplay (Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman).

The screening also honors Karlovy Vary’s ties to the film. Forman was a loyal supporter of the festival, and he, along with Douglas, Zaentz and actor Danny DeVito, who also appeared in the film, are all recipients of the festival’s Crystal Globe for outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema.

“We are truly honored to present ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ on its 50th anniversary,” said the festival’s executive director Kryštof Mucha. “The presence of Michael Douglas, Paul Zaentz and the Forman family will make this an unforgettable moment in the festival’s history.”

Adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” follows Randle McMurphy, a rebellious gambler whose defiance of authority challenges the rigid confines of a mental institution. A powerful parable of freedom versus control, the film marked a turning point in Forman’s career and paved the way for his later international successes.

Douglas last visited Karlovy Vary in 1998, when he and Saul Zaentz were honored with the Crystal Globe.

Paul Zaentz worked closely with Forman on “Amadeus” (1984) and “Goya’s Ghosts” (2006), and produced acclaimed titles including “The English Patient” (1996) and “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999).