July 1, 2010 Library’s Packard Campus Announces July Film Series

Classic crime dramas and romantic comedies take center stage at the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation’s free July film series in Culpeper, Va. Starting July 8, this month’s screenings will also include such cinematic luminaries as Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, James Stewart, and Ginger Rogers. There are no film screenings scheduled during Independence Day weekend (July 1-3).

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, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For reservation information, call (540) 827-1079 extension 79994 or (202) 707-9994 during business hours, beginning one week before any given screening. Reservations will be held until 10 minutes before showtime. 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, July 8, 7:30 p.m.

“Without Reservations” (RKO, 1946)
In this romantic comedy, a woman writer falls for a war hero who is a perfect match for the male protagonist of her latest novel. Directed by Mervyn LeRoy, the film was named to the National Film Registry in 1995. “Without Reservations” stars John Wayne and Claudette Colbert.

Friday, July 9, 7:30 p.m.

“The Philadelphia Story” (MGM, 1940)
When a rich woman's ex-husband and a tabloid-type reporter turn up just before her big-society wedding to spouse number two, she begins to discover the truth about herself. This romantic comedy was named to the National Film Registry in 1995. Directed by George Cukor, the film stars Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart and Ruth Hussey.

Saturday, July 10, 7:30 p.m.

“The Sea Hawk” (Associated First National, 1924)
This silent film features the adventures of Oliver Tressilian, who goes from English gentry to galley slave to captain of a Moorish fighting ship, all the while trying to regain his lady love. Directed by Frank Lloyd, the film stars Milton Sills, Enid Bennett, Lloyd Hughes and Wallace Beery. Live musical accompaniment will be performed by Andrew Simpson.

Thursday, July 15, 7:30 p.m.

“Passage to Marseille” (Warner Bros., 1944)
In this war drama, Devil’s Island escapees join up with the Allies during World War II. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the film stars Humphrey Bogart, Claude Rains, Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre.

Friday, July 16, 7:30 p.m.

“Godzilla” (Toho, 1954)
Thanks to nuclear testing, a 400-foot monster reptile with radioactive breath is revived and goes on a rampage, destroying Tokyo. Produced in Japanese with English subtitles, this sci-fi thriller was directed by Inoshiro Honda and stars Akihiko Hirata and Momoko Kochi.

Saturday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.

“The Cat and the Canary” (Paramount, 1939)
In this comedy thriller an eccentric millionaire dies and his lawyer assembles prospective heirs at the victim's Bayou mansion for the reading of the will. Directed by Elliott Nugent, the films stars Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard.

Thursday, July 22, 7:30 p.m.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Warner Bros., 1935)
This comedic fantasy is Shakespeare’s classic about two pairs of lovers and an amateur actor who get mixed up with fairies. Directed by Max Reinhardt and William Dieterle, the film stars Ian Hunter, Dick Powell, Olivia de Havilland, James Cagney and Mickey Rooney.

Friday, July 23, 7:30 p.m.

“Once Upon a Honeymoon” (RKO, 1942)
In this romantic comedy, a radio correspondent tries to rescue a burlesque queen from her marriage to a Nazi official. Directed by Leo McCarey, the film stars Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers and Walter Slezak.

Saturday, July 24, 2 p.m.

“The Black Stallion” (United Artists, 1979)
A boy and a horse forge a close friendship after being shipwrecked together in Africa. This family drama was named to the National Film Registry in 2002. It was directed by Carroll Ballard and stars Kelly Reno, Mickey Rooney and Terri Garr.

Thursday, July 29, 7:30 p.m.

“High Fidelity” (Buena Vista, 2000, R-rated *)
Rob, a compulsive list maker and the owner of a Chicago record store, recounts his top five breakups, including the one in progress. This comedy/drama was directed by Stephen Frears and stars John Cusack, Todd Louiso and Jack Black.

Friday, July 30, 7:30 p.m.

“The Godfather” (Paramount, 1972, R-rated *)
This crime drama is an epic tale of a 1940s New York Mafia family and their struggle to protect their empire from rival families as the leadership switches from the father to his youngest son. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, “The Godfather” was named to the National Film Registry in 1990. It stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, and Robert Duvall.

Saturday, July 31, 7:30 p.m.

“The Godfather Part II” (Paramount, 1972, R-rated*)
In this crime drama, the Corleone saga continues as the family moves to Nevada and makes the casino business their major income source under the leadership of the increasingly paranoid and malevolent Michael. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, “The Godfather II” was named to the National Film Registry in 1993. The film stars Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton and Robert De Niro.

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