August 27, 2010 Library's Packard Campus Spotlights Home Movies in September

Press Contact: Sheryl Cannady (202) 707-6456
Public Contact: Rob Stone (202) 707-0851
Contact: Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ada@loc.gov.
Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov

The Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation will celebrate home movies during its free September film festival in Culpeper, Va. Starting Sept. 9, the series lineup will include home movies of such notables as Alfred Hitchcock and Richard Nixon as well as cinematic classics starring Marilyn Monroe, Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Errol Flynn.

The Packard Campus will also showcase movies from the Library of Congress National Film Registry. Films named to the registry have been selected for preservation because they are “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant. For more information on the National Film Registry, visit www.loc.gov/film/filmnfr.html.

Programs are preceded by an informative slide presentation about the film, with music selected by the Library’s Recorded Sound Section. Some screenings will also include short subjects before the main feature. Titles are subject to change without notice.

All Packard Campus programs are free and open to the public, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For reservation information, call (540) 827-1079 extension 79994 or (202) 707-9994 during business hours, beginning one week before any given screening. Reservations will be held until 10 minutes before showtime. For further information on the theater and film series, visit www.loc.gov/avconservation/theater/.

The Packard Campus is a state-of-the-art facility where the nation’s library acquires, preserves and provides access to the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of films, television programs, radio broadcasts and sound recordings.

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution. It seeks to spark imagination and creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs and exhibitions. Many of the Library’s rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov and via interactive exhibitions on a personalized website at myLOC.gov.

Series Schedule

Thursday, Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m.
“Some Like It Hot”
(United Artists, 1959)
When two Roaring ‘20s musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women, but further complications set in. This classic comedy was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1989. Directed by Billy Wilder, “Some Like It Hot” stars Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.

Friday, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m.
“The Adventures of Robin Hood”
(Warner Bros., 1938)
The bandit king of Sherwood Forest leads his merry men in a battle against the corrupt Prince John. Directed by Michael Curtiz, this action-adventure film was named to the National Film Registry in 1995. “The Adventures of Robin Hood” stars Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland and Basil Rathbone.

Saturday, Sept. 11, 2:00 p.m.
“The Sword in the Stone”
(Disney, 1963)
Merlin the Magician teaches a young boy who is destined to become King Arthur. This animated family adventure was directed by Wolfgang Reitherman and features the voices of Rickie Sorensen, Karl Swenson and Sebastian Cabot.

Thursday, Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. (A Ken Maynard Double Feature)
“Texas Gun Fighter”
(Tiffany, 1932)
Two ex-outlaws thwart their old gang’s plan to steal a gold shipment. Directed by Phil Rosen, this Western stars Ken Maynard and Lloyd Ingraham.

“Lightning Strikes West” (Colony, 1940)
When Butch Taggart escapes prison, the marshal sends Lightning Morgan to find him and his hidden gold. Harry L. Fraser directed this Ken Maynard Western, which also features Michael Vallon and Reed Howes.

Friday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.
“Streets of Fire”
(RKO, 1984)
A mercenary goes after his singer ex-girlfriend who has been kidnapped by a gang. This stylish, futuristic fable, set to a rock music beat, was directed by Walter Hill. Michael Paré, Diane Land and Rick Moranis star in this romantic adventure.

Saturday, Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m.
“The Corsican Brothers”
(United Picture Theaters, 1920)
This is an early adaptation of the Dumas novel of revenge and love in 19th-century Corsica as two feuding families are caught up in a centuries-old tradition of vendetta. Directed by Colin Campbell, this silent film stars Dustin Farnum.

“Neighbors” (Metro, 1920)
This silent comedy short stars Buster Keaton. Both showings will feature musical accompaniment by Andrew Simpson.

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m.
CELEBRATING HOME MOVIES
“Lost Landscapes of Detroit”
(Rick Prelinger, 2010)
Archivist Rick Prelinger presents a special program showcasing a collection of amazing — and nearly lost — amateur films and home movies that celebrate a vibrant, busy and productive Detroit from 1917 through the 1970s.

Thursday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m.
CELEBRATING HOME MOVIES
“Adam’s Rib”
(MGM, 1949)
Husband-and-wife lawyers argue opposite sides in a sensational women's rights case. One scene in the film features the couple watching a home movie. Named to the National Film Registry in 1992, this romantic comedy was directed by George Cukor. The film stars Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.

Friday, Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m.
CELEBRATING HOME MOVIES
“Amateur Night”
(Dwight Swanson, 2010)
A compilation of 16 home movies and amateur films from American film archives, including home movies of Alfred Hitchcock, Smokey Bear and Richard Nixon, plus comic shorts, dramas, historical events and family scenes from around the country.

Saturday, Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m.
“Saturday Afternoon” and other Mack Sennett comedies
(Mack Sennett, 1926 and 1920)
Trouble ensues when the bachelor friend of a henpecked husband talks him into sneaking out for an afternoon of fun and frolic with a couple of shop girls. Directed by Harry Edwards, this comedy stars Harry Langdon, Vernon Dent and Alice Ward. The screening will also feature two silent Mack Sennett comedy shorts. The Snark Ensemble will provide musical accompaniment.

Thursday, Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m. (A Thelma Todd Double Feature)
“You Made Me Love You”
(British International, 1933)
A modern-day redo of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” with song-and-dance man Stanley Lupino falling for the temperamental beauty Thelma Todd. Monty Banks directed this comedy.

“Air Hostess” (Columbia, 1933)
A plucky stewardess risks her life marrying a daredevil pilot. Directed by Albert S. Rogell, this drama stars James Murray, Evalyn Knapp and Thelma Todd.

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PR 10-188
2010-08-27
ISSN 0731-3527