Thursday, October 23 (7:30 p.m.)
Dark Passage (Warner Bros., 1947)
In their third movie together, Humphrey Bogart plays an escaped convict, wrongly accused of his wife’s murder, who takes refuge in the apartment of a mysterious woman (Lauren Bacall) he has just met. Delmar Daves directed this film noir that is notable for the use of a first-person point-of-view camera from the perspective of the accused man for the first third of the movie. The film also features Agnes Moorehead, Bruce Bennett and Houseley Stevenson in the cast.
Friday, October 24 (7:30 p.m.)
Thriller (ITV, 1974)
Produced in the U.K. between 1973 and 1976, Thriller was a series of 43 short made-for-TV films, each written by prolific film and TV scribe Brian Clemens. Similar to Alfred Hitchcock Presents, the films were later imported into the U.S. for showing as part of ABC’s late-night offering ABC Wide World of Entertainment. Since its original airing, the series has developed a loyal cult following because of its inventive plots, clever twists and colorful casting. Two episodes will be shown–“In the Steps of a Dead Man” and “I’m the Girl He Wants to Kill.” Please see this post by Cary O’Dell for more information.
Saturday, October 25 (2 p.m.)
Casper (Universal, 1995)
Based on the popular cartoon character, this family-oriented “ghost story” stars Bill Pullman as ghost psychiatrist James Harvey who is hired by the cranky Ms. Crittenden (Cathy Moriarty) to rid the rickety old house she inherited of spirits so she can find a treasure trove rumored to be hidden there. Her plan backfires when James’s daughter Kat (Christina Ricci) befriends Casper, the friendly phantom who inhabits the place along with The Ghostly Trio. Directed by Brad Silberling, the family fantasy-comedy was praised for its visual elements, which bring Casper to computer-generated life with impressive special effects and an enchanting production design.
Saturday, October 25 (7:30 p.m.)
Four Flies on Grey Velvet (Paramount, 1971, R-rated *)
A rock musician confronts a stranger he believes is stalking him and accidentally stabs the man to death. The following day, he receives an envelope containing photographs of the shocking murder and an apparent blackmail begins. Italian horror master Dario Argento directed this chilling tale of terror, which stars Michael Brandon, Mimsy Farmer and Jean-Pierre Marielle. The film is in Italian with English subtitles.
* No one under the age of 17 will be admitted without a parent or guardian.
For more information on our programs, please visit the web site at www.loc.gov/avconservation/theater/.