Classical Hollywood (1933-1954)
Celebrate the golden years of the Hollywood studio system. Americans went to the movies in record numbers across these two decades. The fourteen films in this series capture key genres (westerns, musicals, dramas, noir, adventure) and signature stars (Errol Flynn, Bette Davis, Gene Kelly, Marlon Brando) beloved of studio-era audiences. Todd Decker, Professor of Film and Music History at Washington University, will introduce all screenings, with an emphasis on the great symphonic scores heard in these films and the experience of moviegoing in studio-era St. Louis.
The Lost Weekend (4K Restoration)
- Tue, Oct 20
Director: Billy Wilder Run Time: 101 min. Format: 4K DCP Release Year: 1945
Starring: Doris Dowling, Howard Da Silva, Jane Wyman, Phillip Terry, Ray Milland
The film that changed Hollywood forever. Billy Wilder's Oscar-winning masterpiece is a gripping and compassionate portrait of addiction, anchored by Ray Milland's unforgettable Academy Award-winning performance.
Anchors Aweigh (35MM)
- Tue, Oct 27
Director: George Sidney Run Time: 143 min. Format: 35mm Film Release Year: 1945
Starring: Dean Stockwell, Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, José Iturbi, Kathryn Grayson
Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra set sail in one of MGM's most beloved musicals, featuring spectacular dance numbers including Kelly's groundbreaking duet with Jerry Mouse that remains one of cinema's most magical moments.
The Best Years of Our Lives (4K Restoration)
- Tue, Nov 3
Director: William Wyler Run Time: 171 min. Format: 4K DCP Release Year: 1946
Starring: Dana Andrews, Fredric March, Harold Russell, Myrna Loy, Teresa Wright
Winner of seven Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, William Wyler's landmark drama remains one of Hollywood's most moving and compassionate films.
A Streetcar Named Desire (35MM)
- Tue, Nov 17
Director: Elia Kazan Run Time: 125 min. Format: 35mm Film Release Year: 1951
Starring: Karl Malden, Kim Hunter, Marlon Brando, Rudy Bond, Vivien Leigh
Winner of four Academy Awards®, A Streetcar Named Desire pairs Vivien Leigh's unforgettable Blanche DuBois with Marlon Brando's career-defining Stanley Kowalski in one of the most influential performances—and films—in Hollywood history.
The Band Wagon (35MM)
- Tue, Nov 24
Director: Vincente Minnelli Run Time: 112 min. Format: 35mm Film Release Year: 1953
Starring: Cyd Charisse, Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray, Oscar Levant
Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse light up the screen in one of MGM's greatest musicals.
On the Waterfront (35MM)
- Tue, Dec 1
Director: Elia Kazan Run Time: 108 min. Format: 35mm Film Release Year: 1954
Starring: Eva Marie Saint, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Marlon Brando, Rod Steiger
Winner of eight Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor, On the Waterfront features Marlon Brando's legendary 'I coulda been a contender' performance in one of the most influential films ever made.