January 27, 2010 Cinematic Treasures Headline Library’s Packard Campus Film Series

In February, the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation in Culpeper, Va., will showcase films named to the National Film Registry because of their cultural, historical and aesthetic significance. Beginning on Feb. 4, the series will run every Thursday through Saturday with the exception of Presidents Day holiday weekend.

Films from the Library of Congress National Film Registry will include movies starring such luminaries as Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Henry Fonda, Barbara Stanwyck, William Holden, Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon. 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 also will 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. For reservation information, call (540) 827-1079 extension 79994 or (202) 707-9994 during business hours, beginning one week before any given screening. In case of inclement weather, call the theater reservation line about three hours before showtime to confirm cancellations. 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, Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m.
• “Mrs. Miniver” (MGM, 1942)
• A British family struggles to survive the first days of World War II. Named to the National Film Registry in 2009, the film stars Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon and was directed by William Wyler.
• Friday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m.
• “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (Universal, 1957)
• When he mysteriously starts to shrink, a man finds a new world of danger in everyday situations. Directed by Jack Arnold and starring Grant Williams and Randy Stuart, the film was named to the National Film Registry in 2009.
• Saturday, Feb. 6, 2:00 p.m.
• “The Muppet Movie” (Associated Film, 1979)
• Kermit the Frog is persuaded to pursue a career in Hollywood by his agent. Along the way, Kermit picks up Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and a motley crew of other Muppets with similar aspirations. The movie was named to the National Film Registry in 2009. Featuring the voices of Jim Henson and Frank Oz, “The Muppet Movie” was directed by James Frawley.
• Thursday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.
• “Grand Hotel” (MGM, 1932)
• Guests at a posh Berlin hotel struggle through scandal and heartache. The film was chosen for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2007. “Grand Hotel” was directed by Edmund Goulding and features an all-star cast, including Greta Garbo and John Barrymore.
• Friday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.
• “Once Upon a Time in the West” (Paramount, 1968)
• A mail-order bride enlists an outlaw and a mystery man to help protect her land from a ruthless cattleman. Chosen for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2009, the film was directed by Sergio Leone and stars Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson.
• Saturday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m.
• “Stark Love” (Paramount, 1927)
• Cast with amateur actors and filmed in the Great Smoky Mountains, this silent film is an illuminating portrayal of the Appalachian people. Starring Helen Mundy and Forrest James, this silent film was directed by Karl Brown and inducted into the National Film Registry in 2009. Live musical accompaniment will be performed by Andrew Simpson.
• Thursday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m.
• “The Lady Eve” (Paramount, 1941)
• A lady cardsharp tries to con an eccentric scientist only to fall for him. Starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda, this 1994 National Film Registry selection was directed by Preston Sturges.
• Friday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.
• “The T.A.M.I. Show” (AIP, 1964)
• This 2006 selection to the National Film Registry stars some of the greatest pop performers of the 60s. Filmed before a sold-out crowd at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and directed by Steve Binder, this rock spectacle features headliners such as Chuck Berry, James Brown, The Rolling Stones and many more.
• Saturday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.
• “Bridge on the River Kwai” (Columbia, 1957)
• The Japanese Army forces World War II POWs to build a strategic bridge in Burma. Starring William Holden and Alec Guinness, this 1997 National Film Registry selection was directed by David Lean.