Every month, films from the Library’s collection are shown at the Mary Pickford Theater in the James Madison building, ranging from titles newly preserved by the National Audio Visual Conservation Center film lab, classics from the National Film Registry, and lesser known titles worthy of discovery.
SUMMER CAPERS
What better way to relax in the summer heat than with a pair of cool 1960’s caper flicks, rarely seen (especially on the big screen) and mostly forgotten (undeservedly so!). Hip characters, slangy dialogue, and groovy soundtracks abound!
July 18, 2019 (7:00pm)
THE JOKERS (Gildor – Scimitar, U.K., 1967). Directed by Michael Winner. Screenplay by Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais, from an original story by Michael Winner. With Michael Crawford, Oliver Reed, Harry Andrews, James Donald, Michael Hordern. (94 min, Technicolor, 35mm)
Lobby card from “The Jokers” (Gildor – Scimitar, U.K., 1967)
How do two aristocratic brothers relieve the boredom of a summer in London? By stealing the Crown Jewels, of course! Romping around “swinging London,” Michael Crawford and Oliver Reed, “the best double act since Laurel and Hardy” (Evening Standard), poke fun at the monarchy, the media, and the military – the opening credits have yet to roll as Crawford’s character is expelled from an elite military academy. Before moving to Hollywood and partnering with Charles Bronson (the “Death Wish” franchise), director Michael Winner established himself with several witty and inventive films which accurately captured the mood of 1960’s Britain, in particular its disaffected youth. Archival print from the Library’s Copyright Collection.
Seating is on a first-come first-serve basis. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
For more information on our programs, please visit the Mary Pickford Theater website.
The Mary Pickford Theater is located on the 3rd floor of the Library of Congress James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington, DC, 20540.