Henry Mancini composed the music for this trio of remarkable and very diverse films that include–a woman playing a man playing a woman; a monster from the deep, and the timeless glamour of Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant.
Victor/Victoria (Warner Bros., 1982)
Friday, September 20 @ 7:30 PM
A down-on-her-luck singer (Julie Andrews) is convinced by a gay impresario (Robert Preston) to masquerade as a female impersonator, becoming a huge success in Paris nightclubs and attracting the attentions of a Chicago gangster (James Garner). The catchy tunes from Mancini and lyricist Leslie Bricusse include “Le Jazz Hot,” “The Shady Dame from Seville,” and “Crazy World.” Color, 133 min. (Digital)
The Creature from the Black Lagoon (Universal Pictures, 1954)
Saturday, September 21 @ 2:00 PM
Universal’s classic monster movie tells the mythical story of a dangerous half-human, half-fish creature lurking in the depths of the Amazon. Part of its success stems from the score, a hybrid arrangement by Mancini, Hans J. Salter, and Herman Stein, with all three being unaccredited. Careful listening reveals a distinct inspiration for John Williams’ groundbreaking theme for Jaws. Black & white, 79 min. (Digital)
Charade (Universal Pictures, 1963)
Saturday, September 21 @ 7:30 PM
After her husband’s murder, Regina Lampert (Audrey Hepburn) finds herself entangled in a web of deception and danger. She seeks help from a charming stranger (Cary Grant) but soon questions his true intentions as identities shift and secrets unravel. The gripping plot allows Mancini’s musical creativity to flourish, resulting in a seamless integration of music and visuals. Color, 113 min. (35mm)
“Charade” was added to the National Film Registry in 2022.
For more information on LC screenings, see this link.