November 26, 2013 Packard Campus Film Schedule Features Holiday 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

Christmas movies, television programs and cartoons will be featured throughout December, both at the Packard Campus Theater and as part of the “Library of Congress Presents” film series at the State Theatre in Culpeper, Va. Classic movies chosen for preservation in the National Film Registry will be represented with “A Christmas Story,” “Miracle on 34th Street” and the ever-popular “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which is scheduled for both a matinee and an evening screening. For more information on the National Film Registry, visit www.loc.gov/film/filmnfr.html.

Other popular holiday-themed features on the schedule include “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” “White Christmas,” “Home Alone” and “Gremlins.” William Wellman’s socially conscious drama, “Wild Boys of the Road,” is the final selection in The Packard Campus’ year-long 80th-anniversary tribute to films produced in 1933.

Short subjects will be presented before select programs. Titles are subject to change without notice. Screenings at the Packard Campus are preceded by an informative slide presentation about the film, with music selected by the Library’s Recorded Sound Section.

All Packard Campus programs are free and open to the public, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For general Packard Campus Theater information, call (540) 827-1079 ext. 79994 or (202) 707-9994 during regular business hours. For further information on the theater and film series, visit www.loc.gov/avconservation/theater/. In case of inclement weather, call the theater information line no more than three hours before showtime to confirm cancellations. The Packard Theater will be closed Dec. 26-28.

Admission to all programs in the “Library of Congress Presents” film series at the State Theatre is $6. For State Theatre information, visit its website (www.culpepertheatre.org External) or call 540-829-0292.

Seating at the Packard Campus Theater’s free screenings is on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, for a ticketing service charge, patrons can ensure admission to these shows by reserving tickets through the State Theatre website or by visiting the State Theatre ticket office at 305 S. Main Street in Culpeper.

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 7 million collection items. It provides staff support for the Library of Congress National Film Preservation Board (www.loc.gov/film), the National Recording Preservation Board (www.loc.gov/rr/record/nrpb) 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, publications and exhibitions. Many of the Library’s rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov.

Library of Congress Packard Campus Theater Schedule

Thursday, Dec. 5 (7:30 p.m.)
“55 Days at Peking”
(Allied Artists, 1963)
Set in Peking during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900, Chinese nationals—angry at the presence of foreigners on their soil—have attacked a group of embassies. Maj. Matt Lewis (Charlton Heston) and his soldiers arrive to help the group trapped in the embassy compound. While they wait for reinforcements, tensions escalate as soldiers, diplomats and their families unite for survival. Ava Gardner and David Niven co-star in this all-star epic.

Friday, Dec. 6 (7:30 p.m.)
“Wild Boys of the Road”
(Warner Bros., First National, 1933)
William Wellman directed this Depression-era drama in which a group of teenaged boys decide to ride the rails in search of jobs and shelter instead of burdening their penniless families. Frankie Darro stars in this socially conscious drama, which is the final feature in the tribute to films released in 1933. The film also stars Rochelle Hudson, Sterling Holloway and Dorothy Coonan.

Saturday, Dec. 7 (7:30 p.m.)
“A Christmas Story”
(MGM, 1983)
Bob Clark directed this family film about an Indiana schoolboy in the 1940s who dreams of getting a Red Ryder air rifle for Christmas. Based on the memoir by Jean Shepherd, who also provides narration, the film stars Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin. This Christmas comedy was added to the National Film Registry in 2012.

Thursday, Dec. 12 (7:30 p.m.)
“Christmas on Television”
(1953-1993)
This nostalgic look back at favorite Christmas programs on television will include episodes of “The Jack Benny Show” (1960) and “The Dick Van Dyke Show” (1963), with appearances in additional shows by Suzy Snowflake, Mr. Bill, Liberace, Mahalia Jackson, Bing Crosby, The Brady Bunch and more.

Friday, Dec. 13 (7:30 p.m.)
“Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale”
(Oscilloscope Pictures, 2010 – R-rated*)
In the frozen beauty of Finland, local reindeer herders race against the clock to capture an ancient evil: Santa Claus. A single dad and his son are caught up in the chaos as scientists dig for artifacts. What they find endangers the entire village. The film is in Finnish with English subtitles. *No one under the age of 17 will be admitted without a parent or guardian.

Saturday, Dec. 14 (2 p.m.)
“The Muppet Christmas Carol”
(Buena Vista Pictures, 1992)
The Muppets take on the Dickens classic about the miserly Mr. Scrooge learning the true meaning of Christmas after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Directed by Brian Henson, the film stars Michael Caine as Scrooge and features the talents of Frank Oz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson and Dave Goelz as favorite Muppet characters.

Saturday, Dec. 14 (7:30 p.m.)
“White Christmas”
(Paramount, 1952)
In this romantic musical comedy, two star performers team with a sister act to help their old Army commander save his failing country inn. Directed by Michael Curtiz, this Technicolor Christmas classic stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.

Thursday, Dec. 19 (7:30 p.m.)
“Gremlins”
(Warner Bros., 1984)
A man brings home a rare creature from Chinatown as a Christmas present for his son that comes with three simple instructions: no water, no food after midnight and no bright lights. However, it makes for a horrifying holiday when those rules are ignored. Joe Dante directed this fantasy comedy, starring Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates and Hoyt Axton.

Friday, Dec. 20 (7:30 p.m.)
“Scrooged”
(Paramount, 1988)
In this updated version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” a television executive (Bill Murray) decides to exploit the holidays in order to boost ratings. Directed by Richard Donner, the contemporary comedy features a large cast, including Karen Allen, John Forsythe, John Glover, Bobcat Goldthwait and Carol Kane.

Saturday, Dec. 21 (7:30 p.m.)
“Miracle on 34th Street”
(20th Century Fox, 1947)
When a department-store Santa claims to be the real thing, a young lawyer defends him in court. Directed by George Seaton, the family Christmas comedy stars Maureen O’Hara, Edmund Gwenn, John Payne and Natalie Wood. The film was named to the National Film Registry in 2005.

State Theatre Schedule

Wednesday, Dec. 4 (7:30 p.m.)
“Die Hard”
(20th Century-Fox, 1988 – R-rated*)
A New York City cop gets trapped in a Los Angeles high-rise occupied by terrorists on Christmas Eve. Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman and Bonnie Bedelia star in this action-filled crime thriller directed by John McTiernan.
*No one under the age of 17 will be admitted without a parent or guardian.

Wednesday, Dec. 11 (7:30 p.m.)
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
(RKO, 1946)
In Frank Capra’s beloved Christmas tale, an angel shows a compassionate but desperate businessman what life would have been like if he never existed. The film—named to the National Film Registry in 1990—star James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell and Henry Travers.

Sunday, Dec. 15 (2 p.m.)
“Home Alone”
(20th Century-Fox, 1990)
Eight-year-old Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) makes the most of the situation after his family unwittingly leaves him behind when they go on vacation. However, when a pair of bungling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) set their sights on Kevin’s house, the plucky kid stands ready to defend his territory. By planting booby traps galore, adorably mischievous Kevin stands his ground as his frantic mother (Catherine O’Hara) attempts to race home.

Saturday, Dec. 21 (10 a.m.)
“Saturday Morning Cartoons: Christmas Edition”
(1950s-1980s)
The 1966 television special, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” featuring the voice of Boris Karloff, along with a selection of favorite Warner Bros., Disney and Looney Tunes characters will be featured on this special program of Christmas-themed cartoons.

Sunday, Dec. 22 (2 p.m.)
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
(RKO, 1946)
In Frank Capra’s beloved Christmas tale, an angel shows a compassionate but desperate businessman what life would have been like if he never existed. The film—named to the National Film Registry in 1990—stars James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell and Henry Travers.

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PR 13-211
2013-11-26
ISSN 0731-3527