March 1, 2010 March Film Series Announced at the Library's Packard Campus Theater

Oscar winners and contenders, musicals, science fiction and Boris Karloff classics headline the March film series at the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation in Culpeper, Va., starting March 4. This month’s film series will include movies with such luminaries as Clint Eastwood, Ava Gardner, William Holden, Edward G. Robinson, Shirley Temple and John Wayne.

Titles from the Library of Congress National Film Registry are also in the lineup. 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. 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 worlds 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, March 4, 7:30 p.m.

“Network” (MGM, 1976, R-rated *). Driven mad by corruption, trivia and his network's obsession with ratings, a veteran anchorman threatens to blow his brains out on live television. Directed by Sidney Lumet, the film was named to the National Film Registry in 2000. Its stars Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway, William Holden and Robert Duvall.

Friday, March 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, March 6, 2 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, March 11, 7:30 p.m.

“Scarlet Street” (Universal, 1945). A meek, henpecked middle-aged man is drawn into a world of crime and deception by a seductive young woman and her manipulative boyfriend. Directed by Fritz Lang, the film stars Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett and Dan Duryea.

Friday, March 12, 7:30 p.m.

“Showboat” (MGM, 1951). The daughter of a riverboat captain falls in love with a charming gambler, but their fairytale romance is threatened when his luck turns sour. Directed by George Sidney, with music by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein, “Showboat” stars Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel and Ava Gardner.

Saturday, March 13, 7:30 p.m.

“Fort Apache” (RKO, 1948). Resentful of his loss in rank and transfer to the West after serving gallantly in the Civil War, a vain cavalry officer insists upon imposing rigid authority on rough-and-tumble Fort Apache. Directed by John Ford, “Fort Apache” stars John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Shirley Temple and John Agar.

Thursday, March 18, 7:30 p.m. (Double Feature)

“The Body Snatcher” (RKO, 1945). A doctor must buy corpses from a grave robber to continue his medical experiments. Starring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, the film was directed by Robert Wise.

“The Black Cat” (Universal, 1934). A satanist faces off with the vengeful man whose wife and daughter he has kidnapped. Starring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, the film was directed by Edgar G. Ulmer.

Friday, March 19, 7:30 p.m.

“The Set-Up” (RKO, 1949). An aging boxer defies the gangsters who ordered him to throw his last fight. Directed by Robert Wise, the film stars Robert Ryan, Audrey Totter and George Tobias.

Saturday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.

“Kiss Me Kate” (MGM, 1953). Feuding co-stars reunite for a musical version of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew.” The film was directed by George Sidney with music by Cole Porter. “Kiss Me Kate” stars Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, Ann Miller and Keenan Wynn.

Thursday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.

“The Man Who Came to Dinner” (Warner Bros., 1942). When acerbic theater critic Sheridan Whiteside slips on the front steps of a provincial Ohio businessman's home at Christmastime and ends up in a wheelchair, he and his entourage take over the house indefinitely. Starring Bette Davis and Monty Woolley, the film was directed by William Keighley.

Friday, March 26, 7:30 p.m.

“Deliverance” (Warner Bros., 1972, R-rated *). During a hunting vacation, four men fight against a murderous clan of backwoodsmen. Directed by John Boorman, the film was named to the National Film Registry in 2009. It stars Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight and Ned Beatty.

Saturday, March 27, 2 p.m.

“Paint Your Wagon” (Paramount, 1969). Two California miners share a gold claim and a wife. Featuring music by Alan Jay Lerner, André Previn and Frederick Loewe, the film was directed by Joshua Logan. It stars Lee Marvin, Clint Eastwood, Jean Seberg and Ray Walston.

* No one under 17 will be admitted without a parent or an adult guardian.