Video Archives Cinema Club Selects: Week of December 2nd
Dec 2, 2024
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Discover the allure of classic films as the hosts dive into 'The Thin Man,' a Christmas-themed murder mystery with sharp dialogue and intriguing characters. Explore how dog characters evolved in this beloved franchise. Historical adaptations like 'The Spoilers' reveal themes of love and justice, while a retrospective on big house murder mysteries blends humor and suspense. Plus, catch the innovative poster for 'Remember Last Night' and recommendations for female-led Westerns, showcasing cinematic treasures that shaped the film landscape.
The December programming at the Video Archives Cinema Club emphasizes holiday-themed films, particularly highlighting the lighthearted murder mystery in 'The Thin Man'.
The podcast discusses the significance of Sally Eilers' films, showcasing her range from vulnerability in 'Bad Girl' to comedic chaos in 'Remember Last Night'.
Deep dives
Theme of December Programming
The December programming at the Cinema Club highlights a festive theme with classic films related to the holiday spirit. An example is 'The Thin Man' from 1934, which features a Christmas party scene where characters engage in playful antics, such as shooting balloons off a Christmas tree. This film, starring William Powell and Myrna Loy, emphasizes the enjoyment of solving a murder mystery for high-society characters, showcasing the lightheartedness of the narrative. The choice to screen this film reflects a larger pattern of celebrating holiday-themed movies that resonate with audiences during the December season.
Exploration of 'The Thin Man'
The discussion surrounding 'The Thin Man' reveals insights into its plot and character dynamics, particularly the wealthy couple of Nick and Nora Charles who investigate a murder out of sheer amusement. The film's humor is enhanced by the chemistry between Powell and Loy, making their on-screen banter a highlight. The character of Asta, their dog, becomes iconic throughout the series, demonstrating the film's influence on popular culture. Notably, the film's lack of a central 'Thin Man' character adds an intriguing layer to its title and storyline.
Spotlight on 'The Spoilers'
The programming also includes a focus on the various adaptations of 'The Spoilers,' particularly the 1942 version featuring John Wayne and Marlena Dietrich. The film delves into the conflict of claim jumping during the Gnome Gold Rush, highlighting themes of greed and corruption within the story’s characters. Audience engagement with its thrilling plot twists and climactic fight scenes reveals the film's action-oriented nature, making it a notable entry in the Western genre. Several versions are showcased throughout the week, allowing viewers to compare and contrast their distinct takes on the narrative.
Double Feature of Sally Eilers' Films
A noteworthy event at the Cinema Club is the double feature of Sally Eilers' films, including 'Bad Girl' and 'Remember Last Night.' 'Bad Girl', recognized for its bold themes, portrays a woman navigating societal expectations and personal struggles, making it a significant piece for its time. 'Remember Last Night' combines a murder mystery with elements of comedy and debauchery, showcasing the raucous behaviors of a rich social circle. This pairing highlights Eilers' early career and underlines the duality of her screen presence, ranging from vulnerability to spirited engagement in complex narratives.
Welcome to Video Archives Cinema Club Selects. Hidden within The Vista Hollywood is an intimate 20 seat theater known as the Video Archives Cinema Club. Join reporter on the beat Gala Avary and Video Archives Cinema Club manager Matt Landsman as they walk you through the calendar for the week of November 11th. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.