The following is a guest post by Jenny Paxson , an Administrative Assistant at the Packard Campus.
Thursday, December 3 (7:30 p.m.)
Love Actually (Universal, 2003 – R-rated *)
The intertwining stories of more than twenty characters in London, England, are followed during the busy month leading up to Christmas in this romantic comedy written and directed by Richard Curtis. The film received BAFTA nominations for Best British Film and Best Supporting Actress (Emma Thompson) and a win for Best Supporting Actor (Bill Nighy), who brilliantly portrays aging rock star Billy Mack. Also in the ensemble cast are Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley and Rowan Atkinson. *No one under the age of 17 will be admitted without a parent or guardian. 135 minutes.
Friday, December 4 (7:30 p.m.)
The Shop Around the Corner (MGM, 1940)
This romantic comedy, one of director Ernst Lubitsch’s most enduring works, takes place almost entirely within a store in Budapest shortly before World War II. James Stewart is the earnest, slightly awkward head salesman; Margaret Sullavan is the novice clerk who gets under his skin. What neither realizes is that they’re pen pals who have just begun to fall in love through each other’s letters. As the romance develops, Lubitsch uses point of view to let the audience in on each character’s experiences at just the right moment to heighten anticipation and empathy. The film was remade in 1949 as In the Good Old Summertime and in 1998 as You’ve Got Mail. The original was named to the National Film Registry in 1999. 99 minutes.
Saturday, December 5 (2 p.m.)
Lady and the Tramp (Disney/Buena Vista, 1955)
Lady, a pampered cocker spaniel belonging to Jim Dear and his wife Darling, runs away from her comfortable home after the arrival of a new baby, soon followed by the insufferable Aunt Sarah and her two malicious Siamese cats. She runs into Tramp, a free-spirited outdoor mutt, and the two share an unlikely romance and adventure despite their differences. This was Disney’s first full-length cartoon based on an original story rather than an established classic and was the studio’s first Cinemascope animated feature. In addition to outstanding animation and visual effects, Lady and the Tramp features several memorable songs written by Sonny Burke and recording artist Peggy Lee. In the film, Lee sings: “He’s a Tramp,” “La La Lu,” “The Siamese Cat Song” and “What Is a Baby?” 76 minutes.
For more information on our programs, please visit the website at: www.loc.gov/avconservation/theater/.