The following is a guest post by Jenny Paxson of the Packard Campus.
Thursday, February 8 (7:30 p.m.)
Hope and Glory (Columbia, 1987)
This British comedy-drama was written, produced and directed by John Boorman, based on his own experiences growing up in the Blitz in London during the Second World War. A warmly nostalgic view of his childhood, it stars Sebastian Rice-Edwards as 10-year-old Billy and Sarah Miles as his mother. The film earned five Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Director and Screenplay for Boorman as well as Best Cinematography and Art Direction. It was named one of the year’s Top Ten Films by the National Board of Review. Rated PG-13. 113 min.
Friday, February 9 (7:30 p.m.)
The Last Picture Show (Columbia, 1971, R-rated*)
Based on the best-selling novel by Larry McMurtry, director Peter Bogdanovich and McMurtry adapted the semi-autobiographical story into a visceral reflection of life in a small West Texas town in the early 1950s. The film boasts a cast of young actors, many of whom went on to stardom in film and television, including Cybill Shepherd, Jeff Bridges and Timothy Bottoms as well as seasoned veterans including Ben Johnson, Cloris Leachman and Ellen Burstyn. The black and white cinematography by Robert Surtees suggests the innocence of a simpler time and the bleak uncertainty as those simpler times begin to fade away. While nominated for eight Academy Awards, only Johnson and Leachman won Oscars for their subtly moving performances. The film was added to the National Film Registry in 1998. 118 min. *No one under the age of 17 will be admitted without a parent or guardian.
Saturday, February 10 (2 p.m.)
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (Columbia, 1988)
Terry Gilliam directed this extraordinary fantasy-adventure tale of an 18th century aristocrat, his talented henchmen and a little girl in their efforts to save a town from defeat by the Turks. Loosely based on the tall tales of a German adventurer first published in 1785, this adaptation stars John Neville as the Baron leading a large cast that includes Eric Idle, Uma Thurman, Sarah Polley and Robin Williams. Critically acclaimed and winner of four BAFTA awards, the film performed poorly at the box office, but has developed a cult following after video releases. Rated PG. 126 min.
Saturday, February 10 (7:30 p.m.)
Lawrence of Arabia (Columbia, 1962/1989 Restored version)
David Lean directed this epic adventure based on the exploits of T. E. Lawrence during World War I organizing and leading the Arab revolt against the Turks. Peter O’Toole plays Lawrence, larger than life, while the supporting cast includes Omar Sharif, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Claude Rains and Alec Guinness. The film took home a total of seven Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and one for Maurice Jarre’s memorably rousing score. We will be playing a 35mm print, the restored director’s cut undertaken by Robert A. Harris and Jim Painten under the supervision of director David Lean in 1988. The film was added to the National Film Registry in 1991. 216-minute length (plus overture, intermission, and exit music).
For more information on our programs, please visit the website at: www.loc.gov/avconservation/theater/.