April 22, 2010 Library's Packard Campus Announces May Film Series

Pugilists, cowboys and warriors hit the big screen during the May film series at the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation in Culpeper, Va. Starting May 1, this month's film series also will include such cinematic giants as Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, John Wayne, Gail Russell and Anthony Quinn. There are no film screenings during the final two weeks of May (20-22, 27-29).

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. 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

Saturday, May 1, 7:30 p.m.
"From Here to Eternity" (Columbia, 1953)
In this romantic war drama, enlisted men in Hawaii fight for love and honor on the eve of World War II. Named to the National Film Registry in 2002, the film was directed by Fred Zinnemann. It stars Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, Donna Reed and Frank Sinatra.

Thursday, May 6, 7:30 p.m.
"Naughty Marietta" (MGM, 1935)
In this musical drama, a French princess in Colonial America gets involved with an Indian scout. Directed by W. S. Van Dyke, the film was named to the National Film Registry in 2003. "Naughty Marietta" stars Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy.

Friday, May 7, 7:30 p.m.
"Mr. Hulot's Holiday" (Discina, 1953)
Vacationers in a French resort town almost kill themselves trying to relax in this French (with English subtitles) comedy. The film was directed by Jacques Tati, who stars as Mr. Hulot.

Saturday, May 8, 2 p.m.
"Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier" (Walt Disney, 1955)
This family adventure features tales from the life of famed American frontiersman Davy Crockett. Directed by Norman Foster, the film stars Fess Parker, Buddy Ebsen and Hans Conried.

Thursday, May 13, 7:30 p.m.
"The Angel and the Badman" (Republic, 1947)
When a Quaker girl nurses a notorious gunman back to health, he tries to adopt her peaceful ways. Directed by James Edward Grant, this Western romance stars John Wayne, Gail Russell and Harry Carey.

Friday, May 14, 7:30 p.m.
"Requiem for a Heavyweight" (Columbia, 1962)
A washed-up prizefighter tries to free himself from his ruthless promoters to build a new life. This sports drama was directed by Ralph Nelson and written by Rod Serling. It stars Anthony Quinn, Jackie Gleason and Mickey Rooney.

Saturday, May 15, 7:30 p.m.
"The Last Command" (Paramount, 1928)
A decorated, aristocratic czarist general is reduced to poverty after the collapse of Imperial Russia. An old adversary, now a successful director, hires the general to reenact the revolution that deposed him. Starring Emil Jannings, Evelyn Brent and William Powell, this silent film was directed by Josef von Sternberg. Live musical accompaniment will be performed by Andrew Simpson. "The Last Command" was added to the National Registry in 2006.