Event Film and Video Screenings “Little Caesar” (Warner Bros., 1931)

No studio released more Prohibition-themed films than Warner Bros., for whom “stories torn from today’s headlines” was both an advertising slogan and a production strategy. That was especially evident in a brilliant cycle of early 1930s gangster films, starting with “Little Caesar” in 1931. Edward G. Robinson’s breakout role of Rico Bandello was loosely based on Al Capone and the film proved enormously influential in establishing the gangster drama that Warner Bros. and other studios would return to repeatedly throughout the decade. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., costars as Robinson’s sidekick and the film is directed with great verve by Mervyn LeRoy. “Little Caesar” was added to the National Film Registry in 2000. 35mm film print. 79 minutes.

Programs are free and open to the public, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Seating at the screenings is on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise noted. Short films may be shown before some features.

For general Packard Campus Theater information, call (540) 827-1079 ext. 79994 or (202) 707-9994.