From the Graphic Page to the Silver Screen
Graphic novels and comics come to life on the big screen at the Packard Campus Theater! From Hollywood’s earliest adaptations to the latest blockbusters, we have something for everyone! Also this month, each screening will feature a classic episode from the thrilling 1936 Flash Gordon serial starring Buster Crabbe!
The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (United Artists, 1943)
Friday, August 2 @ 7:30 PM
Roger Livesey dynamically embodies outmoded English militarism as the indelible General Clive Candy, who barely survives four decades of tumultuous British history, only to see the world change irrevocably before his eyes. An incomparable film about war, love, aging, and obsolescence, shot in gorgeous Technicolor. Based on the satirical Colonel Blimp comic strip by David Low. Color, 143 min. (35mm)
Black Panther (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2018)
Saturday, August 3 @ 2:00 PM
T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is crowned king of Wakanda, a high-tech Central African kingdom never colonized by the West. Using superhuman powers bestowed by the mantle of the Black Panther, T’Challa fights to keep Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) from starting a global revolution. Director Ryan Coogler’s triumph smashed barriers and was nominated for seven Oscars, winning three. Color, 134 min. (Digital)
Danger: Diabolik (Paramount, 1968)
Saturday, August 3 @ 7:30 PM
Diabolik is a suave, psychedelic-era thief who can’t get enough of life’s good things. Not when there are priceless jewels to swipe from the super-rich and currency shipments to steal from snooty government officials. The elusive scoundrel finds plenty of ways to live up to his name in director Mario Bava’s tongue-in-cheek action caper. Adapted from the popular Italian comic series. Color, 99 min. (Digital)
Dick Tracy (Buena Vista Pictures,1990)
Friday, August 9 @ 7:30 PM
The classic comic strip is colorfully brought to life as legendary detective Dick Tracy (Warren Beatty) attempts to oust dangerous criminal mastermind Big Boy Caprice (Al Pacino) and his cadre of hyper-stylized goons. Will Breathless Mahoney (Madonna), an enigmatic barroom singer who witnesses some of Caprice’s crimes, help Tracy solve the case of his career? Color, 105 min. (35mm)
Wonder Woman (Warner Bros., 2017)
Saturday, August 10 @ 2:00 PM
An archival photograph is the starting point for this action-packed superhero tale from director Patty Jenkins (Monster). Amazonian princess Diana (Gal Gadot) works with US spy and pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) to stop World War I. This box-office smash from the DC Extended Universe set a new standard for comic book movies and how women are depicted in them. Color, 141 min. (Digital)
The Crow (Miramax, 1994)
Saturday, August 10 @ 7:30 PM
Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) and his fiancée are brutally murdered on the eve of their Halloween wedding. Exactly one year later, Eric is risen from the grave by a mysterious crow to seek out his killers and force them to answer for their crimes. James O’Barr’s 1989 supernatural comic series was the inspiration for this haunting tale of revenge and redemption. Color, 102 min. Rated R. (35mm)
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Universal Pictures, 2010)
Friday, August 16 @ 7:30 PM
It’s on like Donkey Kong in this “epic of epic epicness”! Geeky musician Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) must win the love of his newest girlfriend (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) by battling her seven evil exes. The award-winning graphic novel series by Canadian author Bryan Lee O’Malley is brought to screen by director Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead). Color, 112 min. (35mm)
Batman (Warner Bros., 1989)
Saturday, August 17 @ 2:00 PM
The Joker (Jack Nicholson) seizes control of Gotham City’s criminal underworld and unleashes a deadly chemical that causes victims to die laughing. Only Batman, heroic alter-ego of billionaire Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton), can end Joker’s reign of terror and save Gotham. This visual spectacle from director Tim Burton (Beetlejuice) and production designer Anton Furst radically changed the modern superhero-movie landscape. Color, 126 min. (35mm)
Creepshow (Warner Bros., 1982)
Saturday, August 17 @ 7:30 PM
Masters of the macabre—writer Stephen King and director George A. Romero—conjure up five shocking yarns, each a virtuoso exercise in the ghouls-and-gags style of classic ‘50s horror comics. Add spirited performances from the ensemble cast and Tom Savini’s makeup wizardry, and you have a non-stop, thrilling ride that “plays like an anthology of human phobias” (Roger Ebert)! Color, 129 min. Rated R. (Digital)
Hellboy (Revolution Studios, 2004)
Friday, August 23 @ 7:30 PM
At the end of WWII, Nazi soldiers conjure a baby demon, who is subsequently rescued and raised by the Allies. Despite his dark origins, Hellboy (Ron Perlman) joins the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense, teaming with other unique and powerful creatures to protect America from the forces of evil. Directed by Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth). Color, 122 min. (35mm)
Ella Cinders (First National Pictures, 1926)
Saturday, August 24 @ 2:00 PM
This archetype of 1920s comedy was the first feature-length adaptation of a comic strip! After winning a beauty contest, Ella Cinders (Colleen Moore) leaves behind an abusive family to seek stardom in Hollywood. Added to the National Film Registry in 2013. Featuring a new digital restoration made from the only surviving tinted 16mm print. Live musical accompaniment by Andrew Simpson. Black & white, 75 min.
Flash Gordon (Universal Pictures, 1980)
Saturday, August 24 @ 7:30 PM
Evil alien emperor Ming the Merciless targets Earth for destruction! Who can stop this tyrant and protect the universe? Flash! He’ll save every one of us! Based on the King Features space adventures by Alex Raymond, this campy cult classic inspired a generation of filmmakers and comic book artists alike. British rock band Queen composed and performed the electrifying score. Color, 110 min. (35mm)
ALSO THIS MONTH…
Flash Gordon (Universal Pictures, 1936)
At every screening during the month of August, the Packard will show an installment from the 1936 Buster Crabbe serial “Flash Gordon”! Will Flash and Dale survive the latest peril inflicted on them by Ming! You’ll have to keep comin’ back to find out!
PLEASE NOTE:
Programs are free and the matinee show will be family friendly. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Seating at the screenings is on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise noted.
Patrons must go through an “airport style” security check upon entering and no large parcels, purses or backpacks are permitted.
Federal law (18 U.S.C. 930) prohibits the possession of any firearm or other dangerous weapons on this Federal facility. This includes in the parking lot, on all roads, trails, and grounds as well as inside the building. This also applies to off-duty law enforcement officers (LEO) and concealed-carry permit holders.
The Packard Campus is located at 19053 Mount Pony Road in Culpeper, Virginia. Access to the campus parking lot begins one hour before show time, entrance into the building begins 45 minutes before the show, and the theater opens for seating 30 minutes before the curtain. Please do not arrive early and queue at the Packard Campus gate.
The Library of Congress Packard Campus of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center oversees one of the largest collections of motion pictures in the world. Acquired primarily through copyright deposit, exchange, gift and purchase, the collection spans the entire history of the cinema. Since 2008, the art deco theater located at the Packard Campus has shown films each week and screened more than 2,500 titles. The programs highlight the best in cinema, including silent films, Hollywood classics, kids’ cartoons and foreign films.
For more information on LC screenings, see this link.