A Robin Williams tribute and the always-wonderful Jack Benny in his best screen performance highlight this week at the Packard Campus Theater.
Thursday, September 4 (7:30 p.m.)
To Be or Not to Be (United Artists, 1942)
Jack Benny stars as “that great, great actor” Joseph Tura, whose Polish theater troupe is put out of business by invading Nazis–until they become involved in espionage and find their thespian skills being put to the ultimate test. Carole Lombard plays Tura’s wife Maria who has eyes for the handsome young pilot Lt. Stanislav Sobinski (Robert Stack). Ernst Lubitsch directed this clever black comedy, which was named to the National Film Registry in 1996. Also on the program is the second film in the “Why We Fight” series, “The Nazis Strike.”
Friday, September 5 (7:30 p.m.)
Mrs. Doubtfire (20th Century Fox, 1993)
Robin Williams won a Golden Globe Award as best actor for his portrayal of Daniel Hillard, a loving but irresponsible father of three. When his exasperated wife (Sally Field) gets a divorce, the judge allows him only weekly visits with the kids until he gets a steady job and a suitable residence. When Daniel hears that his ex is interviewing for a housekeeper, he schemes to get the job so he can be close to his kids, no matter what he has to do. The comedy, directed by Chris Columbus, won an Oscar for best makeup and co-stars Pierce Brosnan and Harvey Fierstein.
Saturday, September 6 (2 p.m.)
Aladdin (Disney, 1992)