February 25, 2011 (REVISED March 3, 2011) Library Showcases Pre-Code Hollywood Films and Cinema Classics

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

For moviegoers who have never seen a pre-code Hollywood film on the big screen, the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation will present two major motion pictures during its March film festival that were produced before the enforcement of production-code moral guidelines. Showcased in the Packard’s plush Art Deco theater with superlative sound and state-of-the-art film projection, this month’s screenings will include such cinematic stars as Big Bird, Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, Charlie Chaplin, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden, Jack Nicholson and Julia Roberts. In addition, the film series will feature 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. In case of inclement weather, call the theater reservation line no more than three hours before showtime to confirm cancellations. For further information on the theater and film series, visit www.loc.gov/avconservation/theater/. The Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation is a state-of-the-art facility funded as a gift to the nation by the Packard Humanities Institute. The Packard Campus is the site where the nation’s library acquires, preserves and provides access to the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of motion pictures, television programs, radio broadcasts and sound recordings (www.loc.gov/avconservation/). The Packard Campus is home to more than six million collection items, including nearly three million sound recordings. It provides staff support for the Library of Congress National Film Preservation Board, the National Recording Preservation Board, and the National Registries for film and recorded sound. 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, March 3, 7:30 p.m. “Mister Buddwing” (MGM, 1966) Delbert Mann directed this drama about an amnesiac who wanders the streets of Manhattan, trying to solve the mystery of who he is. This film stars James Garner, Jean Simmons, Katharine Ross and Suzanne Pleshette. Friday, March 4, 7:30 p.m. “Sabrina” (Paramount, 1954) Humphrey Bogart and William Holden star as two wealthy brothers who fall for the chauffeur's daughter, portrayed by Audrey Hepburn. Billy Wilder directed this romantic comedy-drama that was selected to the National Film Registry in 2002. Saturday, March 5, 7:30 p.m. “The Border” (Universal, 1982, R-rated) A corrupt border agent decides to clean up his act when an impoverished woman's baby is put up for sale on the black market. Directed by Tony Richardson, this crime drama stars Jack Nicholson, Harvey Keitel and Valerie Perrine. The film is rated R. Thursday, March 10, 7:30 p.m. “The Human Comedy” (MGM, 1943) In this heartwarming family drama, a small-town telegraph boy deals with the strains of growing up during World War II. Mickey Rooney, Frank Morgan, James Craig and Marsha Hunt star in this film directed by Clarence Brown. Friday, March 11, 7:30 p.m. PRE-CODE DOUBLE FEATURE “The Match King” (Warner Bros., 1932) William Keighley directed this drama taken from the headlines of the day in which an ambitious man corners the market on matches, and then faces the destruction of his empire. Produced before the enforcement of moral code guidelines, the film stars Warren William, Lili Damita and Glenda Farrell. “The Mayor of Hell” (Warner Bros., 1933) James Cagney plays a racketeer who goes straight so he can manage a reform school. Archie Mayo directed this pre-code crime drama, which also stars Madge Evans and Frankie Darro. Saturday, March 12, 2 p.m. “Follow That Bird” (Children's Television Workshop, 1985) A meddlesome social worker sends Big Bird to live with a Dodo family. Big Bird’s heart, however, belongs to Sesame Street so he makes a road trip to return to his true home. Ken Kwapis directed this family comedy adventure, which stars the Muppets and their human counterparts Jim Henson, Carol Spinney and Frank Oz. Thursday, March 17, 7:30 p.m. “Michael Collins” (Warner Bros., 1996, R-rated) The controversial life and death of the “Lion of Ireland” Michael Collins, who led the IRA against British rule and founded the Irish Free State (Éire) in 1921, is depicted in this dramatic biography. Directed by Neil Jordan, the film stars Liam Neeson, Julia Roberts and Aidan Quinn. “Michael Collins” is rated R for violence and profanity. Friday, March 18, 7:30 p.m. THE AVENGERS – A TELEVISION DOUBLE FEATURE “The Cybernauts” (ITV, 1965) The Avengers duo investigates the deaths of corporate executives—all bidding on a new circuit element—killed by powerful karate blows. “Return of the Cybernauts” (ITV, 1967) The brother of the slain cybernaut inventor Dr. Armstrong pays a trio of top scientists to devise a hideous punishment for The Avengers. Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg star in both episodes of this British action and mystery series. Saturday, March 19, 7:30 p.m. “Modern Times” (United Artists, 1936) Charlie Chaplin directed and stars in his last silent feature in which “The Tramp” struggles to live in modern industrial society with the help of a young homeless woman. Named to the National Film Registry in its inaugural year of 1989, this romantic comedy-drama co-stars Paulette Goddard. Thursday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. “Tarzan and His Mate” (MGM, 1934) Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan star as the title characters as the jungle king fights to protect his wife from a greedy ivory hunter. Directed by Cedric Gibbons, this adventure-romance was selected for the National Film Registry in 2003. Friday, March 25, 7:30 p.m. “The Damned” (Warner Bros. /Seven Arts, 1969) The dramatic collapse of a wealthy, industrialist family during the Third Reich is portrayed in this war drama directed by Luchino Visconti and starring Dirk Bogarde, Ingrid Thulin and Helmut Berger. The film is rated R for violence, nudity and aberrant sexuality. No one under 18 will be admitted. Saturday, March 26, 7:30 p.m. “The Man From Planet X” (United Artists, 1951) In this science-fiction tale directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, a space visitor uses hypnotic powers to enslave a Scottish island. The film stars Robert Clarke, Margaret Field and Raymond Bond. A second sci-fi feature also will be showcased at the screening. Thursday, March 31, 7:30 p.m. “ABBA: The Movie” (Polar Music/WB, 1977) Lasse Hallström directed this feature-length music documentary about the pop group ABBA's Australian tour, which features Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog.

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PR 11-041
2011-02-25
ISSN 0731-3527