December 21, 2010 Library’s Packard Campus Announces January Film Series

Some moviegoers eager to see the newly released “Tron: Legacy” with Jeff Bridges are getting a post-holiday gift from the Library of Congress. The 1982 original “Tron,” reportedly difficult to find commercially on DVD, will head the lineup of free movies featured at the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation’s January film series. Showcased in the Packard’s plush Art Deco theater with superlative sound and state-of-the-art film projection, this month’s screenings will also include such cinematic stars as Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Gregory Peck and Helen Mirren.

In addition, the film series will feature movies from the Library of Congress National Film Registry. 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. In case of inclement weather, call the theater reservation line no more than three hours before showtime to confirm cancellations. For further information on the theater and film series, visit www.loc.gov/avconservation/theater/.

The Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation is a state-of-the-art facility funded as a gift to the nation by the Packard Humanities Institute. The Packard Campus is the site where the nation’s library acquires, preserves and provides access to the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of motion pictures, television programs, radio broadcasts and sound recordings (www.loc.gov/avconservation/). The Packard Campus is home to more than six million collection items, including nearly three million sound recordings. It provides staff support for the Library of Congress National Film Preservation Board, the National Recording Preservation Board, and the National Registries for film and recorded sound.

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, Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m.
“The Gay Divorcee” (RKO, 1934)
In this romantic musical comedy, an unhappily married woman mistakes a suitor for the gigolo hired to end her marriage. Directed by Mark Sandrich, the film stars Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Alice Brady, Edward Everett Horton, Erik Rhodes and Eric Blore.

Friday, Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m.
“Tron” (Disney, 1982)
A computer genius falls into the game he has designed and must fight an evil intelligence he accidentally created. Jeff Bridges, David Warner and Bruce Boxleitner star in this science-fiction adventure, directed by Steven Lisberger.

Saturday, Jan. 8, 2:00 p.m.
“My Neighbor Totoro” (Toho,1988)
In this animated family fantasy, two girls have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby when they move to the country to be near their ailing mother. Produced in Japanese and dubbed in English, the film was directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Thursday, Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m.
“Twelve O’Clock High” (20th Century Fox, 1949)
The head of a World War II bomber squadron cracks under pressure in this action drama. Directed by Henry King, this 1998 selection to the National Film Registry stars Gregory Peck, Hugh Marlowe and Gary Merrill.

Friday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m.
“Trainspotting” (Channel Four, 1996, R-rated)
Set in Edinburgh, “Trainspotting” follows a few days in the life of Mark Renton and his mates: a crew of junkies, deadbeats, thieves and liars. Directed by Danny Boyle, this crime drama stars Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Johnny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle. The film has been rated R for drug use, language, nudity, sex and violence.

Saturday, Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m.
“Excalibur” (Orion, 1981, R-rated)
John Boorman directed this fantasy adventure about King Arthur's evil half-sister and his wife's affair with Sir Lancelot that threatens his dream of finding the Holy Grail. “Excalibur” stars Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicholas Clay, Nicol Williamson and Cherie Lunghi. The film has been rated R for nudity, sex and violence.

Thursday, Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m.
“TV Westerns”
Bonanza: Enter Mark Twain (NBC, 1959), Starring Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Michael Landon, Dan Blocker and Howard Duff. Annie Oakley: Annie and the Brass Collar (Syndicated, 1954), Starring Gail Davis, Brad Johnson and Jimmy Hawkins. Sugarfoot: The Canary Kid (ABC, 1958), Starring Will Hutchins, Frank Albertson and Lonie Blackman.

Friday, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m.
“Skammen” (“Shame”) (Lopert, 1968, R-rated)
Ingmar Bergman directed this story of a politically uninvolved couple suffering the terrifying consequences of a civil war. In Swedish with English subtitles, this drama stars Liv Ullmann and Max von Sydow. It is rated R for nudity, language and violence.

Saturday, Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m.
“The Crowd” (MGM, 1928)
In this compelling silent film, which was named to the National Film Registry in 1989, an office worker deals with the simple joys and tragedies of married life. Directed by King Vidor, this drama stars Eleanor Boardman and James Murray. Andrew Simpson will provide musical accompaniment.