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Category: Film Essay

Black and white lobby card for 1931 Spanish language version of "Dracula." Three disembodied heads on right side of card including lead Carlos Vallarias (looking menacing) and actress Lupita Tovar.

From the National Film Registry: “Drácula” (1931)

Posted by: Cary O’Dell

What is the Spanish word for “terror”?  You’ll find out if you watch George Melford’s 1931 US-made but Spanish-language adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel.  Filmed concurrently with the US/Bela Lugosi-version, “Drácula” is considered by many film scholars to be better than the English version.  This version was added to the Library of Congress’ National …

A view looking past a digital display screen towards the doors of an indoor theater, with

From the National Film Registry: “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939)

Posted by: Cary O’Dell

Eighty-three years ago, on October 19, 1939, the Capra classic “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” had its debut in–where else?–Washington, DC.  Named by the Librarian of Congress to the Library’s National Film Registry in 1989, “Mr. Smith” is, for better or worse, as timely today as it ever was.  In the essay below, the late …

A view looking past a digital display screen towards the doors of an indoor theater, with

From the National Film Registry: “Nanook of the North” Released 100 Years Ago

Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin

  One hundred years ago this month, the film “Nanook of the North” premiered at New York City’s Capitol Theatre.  It has been watched and discussed ever since, as a complicated combination of art and ethnography, docudrama and reenactment, exploitation and cooperation. Today, we look back on the film with an essay from Patricia Zimmermann …

A view looking past a digital display screen towards the doors of an indoor theater, with

Celebrating Graduation with “The Graduate” and “Pomp and Circumstance”

Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin

With graduation season in full swing, there is no better time to share the Library’s collection and the song, “Pomp and Circumstance.” And if you’re thinking about films, “The Graduate” is just one related to graduation and coming of age that has been added to the National Film Registry. If you don’t know “Pomp and …

A view looking past a digital display screen towards the doors of an indoor theater, with

National Film Registry: Celebrating Liza and “Cabaret”

Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin

So much to celebrate as this sweet little girl turns 76, and the musical film that made her a star celebrates 50 years since its 1972 theatrical debut. Liza Minnelli was born on March 12, 1946 into true Hollywood royalty and all that it encompasses. Her father, the great film director Vincente Minnelli, and her …

A view looking past a digital display screen towards the doors of an indoor theater, with

National Film Registry: Remembering William Hurt (1950-2022)

Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin

Yesterday we learned of the passing of William Hurt, and today, internet, cable and even broadcast news will be filled with stories of his award-winning career spanning over 50 years and over 100 credits. Hurt holds a respected place in cinema for being nominated for the best actor Oscar for three consecutive years; “Kiss of …