• Hosted by Animation Historian Jerry Beck • A celebration of classic cartoon characters and animation superstars in rarely seen cartoons featuring the silent era antics of Koko the Clown and early talkie musicals of Betty Boop and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, through to the raucous looney-tuney characters of the 1940s. The program is curated by animation expert, Jerry Beck, who will introduce each short with fascinating insights.

1951 • Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh Directed by Elia Kazan Based on Tennessee Williams’ play, A Streetcar Named Desire stars Marlon Brando as the brutish Stanley Kowalski and Vivien Leigh as the fragile Blanche DuBois. The film’s intense performances and powerful themes of desire, mental illness, and social class make it one of the most acclaimed dramas in film history.

1987 • Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin Directed by Rob Reiner One of the most fun and charming films of the 1980s! Delight in this enchanting tale of adventure and love featuring a beautiful princess, a dashing hero, and a host of quirky characters. This film’s blend of romance, comedy, and fantasy makes it an enduring favorite across generations.

1923 • Lon Chaney, Patsy Ruth Miller, Norman Kerry • Live Accompaniment by Robert York on the Mighty Wurlitzer • • Introduction by Antonia Carlotta from Universally Me • This silent classic brings Victor Hugo’s tale to life, with Lon Chaney delivering an iconic portrayal of the tormented, hunchbacked bell ringer, Quasimodo. Known for its grand sets, Gothic atmosphere, and Chaney’s transformative makeup, the film tells a moving story of beauty, loyalty, and unrequited love, set against the stunning backdrop of Notre Dame Cathedral.

1961 • Produced by Walt Disney • Introduction by Voice Actor Mimi Gibson • This animated adventure comedy follows a litter of adorable Dalmatian puppies who are kidnapped by the marvelously villainous Cruella de Vil, who wants to make their fur into coats! Walt Disney innovated many advances in the animation process to make this film at a time when such films were too costly to produce. The result was a critically acclaimed, massive hit for Disney Studios and a delightful win for generations of movie-goers. For our screening, Julie Ream will interview voice actor Mimi Gibson (who worked for Disney and voiced the role of Lucky the puppy in 101 Dalmatians). Mimi will explain what it was like to work for Uncle Walt!

1957 • Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr One of the most beloved romance films of all time. Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr play budding friends and would-be lovers who make plans to meet on the Empire State Building in six months. The film is technically dazzling, and both Grant’s and Kerr’s performances are wonderful. It’s a big, classy, romantic weeper. Bring your tissues!

Once again, we celebrate Mother’s Day at Old Town Music Hall with lovely musical gems of the 1910s, 20s and 30s performed with uncommon authenticity by the enchanting Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys -- purveyors of rare and scintillating early Jazz, Tin Pan Alley & Vaudeville.

1935 • Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers Our most requested film, Top Hat is a screwball comedy musical featuring America’s most enduring film partners -- Astaire and Rogers -- in their most successful partnership. With a score by Irving Berlin, Top Hat is great entertainment with humor, music, song and dance.

1984 • Eddie Murphy A street-smart Detroit cop finds himself in the glitzy world of Beverly Hills as he investigates the murder of his best friend. With a mix of comedy, action, and fish-out of-water humor, this film became an instant hit. Its catchy score by Harold Faltermeyer and fast-paced script helped launch it as a defining action-comedy of the ‘80s.

1926 • Douglas Fairbanks • Live Accompaniment by Mark Herman on the Mighty Wurlitzer • Introduction by Tracey Goessel, Author of The King of Hollywood: The Life of Douglas Fairbanks, and Founder of the Film Preservation Society- One of Douglas Fairbanks’s greatest roles, this swashbuckler is full of stunts, adventure and excitement. This was a high-budget, major production in 1926 and was a huge hit with audiences. And who knew they had an early Technicolor process in 1926? Watch for the now famous (and often copied) sail-sliding scene, and see if you can spot Mary Pickford in her uncredited cameo.

1938 • Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains Introduction by Author/Historian Harlan Lebo Errol Flynn swashes his buckle in the role that made him a star! This is a fun, wonderful, escapist adventure with a cast packed with brilliant actors. The musical score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold is spectacular and it paved the road for the action-adventure music of today. The film won three Academy Awards®. The 1938 cinematography is spectacular, and it’s in color!

1947 • Starring Tyrone Power, Joan Blondell Delve into the shadowy depths of a 1940s noir where Tyrone Power delivers a riveting, career-defining performance as a cunning carnival con-man who spirals into darkness. His manipulation of those around him to gain fame and fortune as a nightclub psychic explores deep themes of ambition, deceit, and downfall. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore!

1983 • Sam Shepard, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid • Introduction by Julian David Stone • This riveting epic chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program and the brave test pilots who were eventually recruited to become astronauts. Featuring stellar performances and thrilling aerial sequences, the film captures the determination of the men who pushed the boundaries of human flight. Note: The film’s running time is three hours and fifteen minutes, so please plan accordingly.

1933 • The Marx Brothers • Introduced by Robert S. Bader, author of Zeppo the Reluctant Marx Brother • "Duck soup” was American slang which meant something easy to do. In this madcap political satire, Groucho Marx stars as the wildly incompetent leader of Freedonia, a fictional country on the brink of war. With his brothers by his side, chaos and hilarity ensue as they bumble their way through absurd situations, quick-fire gags, and brilliant wordplay. Duck Soup is widely regarded as the Marx Brothers at their finest, delivering nonstop laughs and sharp satire that remains as fresh and funny as ever.

1955 • James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo Filmed on location around Los Angeles, this classic film about angst-ridden suburban teenagers was James Dean’s first time receiving top billing, but tragically he died in a car accident before the film was released. His charisma and star power are on full display here, securing his place as an American cultural icon. Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo were both nominated for Academy Awards® for their roles, along with director Nicholas Ray.

1965 • Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker Directed by Robert Wise The Sound of Music is a beloved musical that tells the story of the von Trapp family’s escape from Nazi-occupied Austria. Julie Andrews is unforgettable as Maria, the spirited governess who brings music and joy to the family. Filmed with the spectacular Todd AO color process, with memorable songs and stunning scenery, The Sound of Music has become a timeless classic. Note: The film runs almost three hours, so please plan accordingly.

1971 • Gene Wilder The original! This musical fantasy adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book has been a family favorite for over fifty years. Gene Wilder’s portrayal of the colorful candy man is brilliant. The film’s Oscar-nominated score includes the memorable songs “Pure Imagination” and “Oompa Loompa” which you’ll be singing for days after you watch the film!

1971 • Dennis Weaver This is Steven Spielberg’s first film. Come see it on the big screen! It’s about a deadly game of cat and mouse between a driver and a mysterious, menacing truck. With minimal dialogue and masterful suspense, Spielberg’s talent for building tension and creating thrills is very apparent. This made-for-TV film became an instant hit, setting the stage for Spielberg’s legendary career.

1928 • Marion Davies, William Haines, Dell Henderson • Live Accompaniment by David Marsh on the Mighty Wurlitzer • Introduced by Lara Gabrielle, biographer of Marion Davies Marion Davies shines as Peggy Pepper, a small-town girl with big dreams of Hollywood stardom, in this charming satire of the silent film industry. Show People playfully parodies the glamour and quirks of Hollywood, featuring cameos from real-life stars of the era. This film remains a delightful tribute to classic cinema, showcasing the comedic talent and timing of Marion Davies.

Eve Elliot, Vincent Johnson, John Reed-Torres The popular American musical genre known as “Ragtime” enjoyed its heyday from 1895 to about 1920. It then fell into virtual obscurity until a revival in the 1970s with Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer”, made popular by the film The Sting. Please join us as we celebrate our 48th year of this rousing tradition with three phenomenal, local pianists. You’ll love ‘em!

1927 • Buster Keaton • Live Accompaniment by Randy Woltz on the Mighty Wurlitzer • Introduction by Film Historian Randy Haberkamp- The General is one of Buster Keaton’s greatest silent comedies, featuring his trademark physical comedy and spectacular stunts. The climactic train chase is not only the high point of the film, but it’s a milestone in filmmaking. Old Town Music Hall is the ideal place to see The General, with live musical accompaniment on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ.

1934 • William Powell, Myrna Loy In what may be the first “comedy detective” film, William Powell and Myrna Loy star as a classy and sassy husband/wife detective team. They’re one of the most entertaining couples ever to appear in films. What started out as a B-picture turned into an Oscar nomination for Best Picture and a cultural phenomenon with six sequels.

1964 • Catherine Deneuve, Nino Castelnuovo An enchanting tale of love and fate unfolds in the picturesque town of Cherbourg, where Geneviève and Guy fall deeply in love. This groundbreaking musical features every line of dialogue sung, blending romance and melody seamlessly. Catherine Deneuve’s luminous performance helps make this a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its heartfelt story and beautiful music. (In French with English subtitles)

Chloe Feoranzo is an accomplished clarinetist, saxophonist and vocalist who has toured the world and can be heard on more than 70 albums. She has a passion for classic film and is excited to be performing her favorite film music together with guitarist Luca Pino, guitarist Gage Hussey, and bassist Riley Baker, from films such as Shop Around the Corner, Dark Passage, and Marked Woman.

Hosted by Film Historian Randy Haberkamp • Silent Shorts Accompanied Live by Randy Woltz on the Mighty Wurlitzer • Get ready for a tail-wagging good time as we present an afternoon of classic dog themed short comedies from the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s! From scrappy mutts to pampered pooches, these beloved four-legged stars bring laughter, adventure, and a touch of chaos to the screen. This celebration of canine capers will delight anyone who loves dogs and classic film. Join us for a barking good time with these timeless, heartwarming shorts that showcase the charm, loyalty, and irresistible antics of man’s best friend.

1967 • Gene Wilder, Zero Mostel A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his high-strung accountant hatch a zany scheme to get rich by staging the worst musical ever made – one that’s sure to flop. But when their hilariously offensive production, “Springtime for Hitler”, becomes an unexpected hit, chaos ensues. Gene Wilder shines as the neurotic, wide-eyed accountant alongside Zero Mostel’s scheming producer. With sharp wit and outrageous humor, this Mel Brooks comedy has become a cult classic and a landmark in satire.

1932 • Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Joan Crawford, Wallace Berry, Lionel Barrymore Grand Hotel won the Academy Award® for Best Picture in 1932, and was arguably MGM’s most opulent film to date. The studio loaded it with A-list performers. The line “I want to be alone”, famously delivered by Greta Garbo, has become a staple of American cultural references.