The other week Jeff says “So, is it just me or do “Screen on the Green” movies kinda suck this year?”
I think its just you Jeff.
With the distinction of the fact that Dr. No was shown just a few weeks a go during the James Bond summer fest, the line up is pretty flawless, tapping into the tried and tested “Screen on the Green” tradition of old school charmers, political satires and something for the whole family.
Starting today, pack “just in case” blankets to work every Monday.
Schedule is as follows:
Dates: Mondays, July 14-August 11, 2008, at dusk (8 pm or so)
July 14 - Dr. No (1962)
As I said this played just a few weeks a go at the Capitol Plaza but regardless, you have Sean Connery and Ursula Anders in a bikini, so really, you can see it again.
July 21 - The Candidate (1972)
This 1972 nugget (NOT to be confused with “The Manchurian Candidate”) is considered a political movie masterpiece, and it stars Robert Redford as Bill McKay (”the better way”) and the pretty much unforgettable Don Porter as his conservative opponent, Crocker Jarman. It is still THE greatest film about political campaigning of all time.
P.S. The entire film has been posted to Google Video. Seek and you shall find it.
July 28 - Arsenic and Old Lace(1944)
I love this movie. Frank Capra directs Cary Grant who suspects that his two aunts are up to no good, and well, he is right. Priceless from all angles.
August 4 - The Apartment (1960)
One of my all time (Billy Wilder) favorites starring the indelible Jack Lemon as the insurance statistician C.C. “Bud” Baxter who attempts to advance his career by making his Manhattan apartment available to executives in his company for their extramarital affairs. His boss, Jeff D. Sheldrake, finds out and promotes Bud in return for the exclusive use of the apartment for his own affair. When Sheldrake’s girlfriend turns out to be Fran Kubelik, a pretty elevator operator Bud likes (make that “loves”), he is heartbroken, but accepts the arrangement. Five Oscars including Best Picture, Director, Screenplay. Art Direction/Set Decoration, Cinematography.
Featuring the BEST 10 second movie dialogue exchange of all time:
He: “Do you hear what I say Miss Kubelik? I absolutely ADORE you!”
She (with a smile): “Shut up and deal”
and finally:
August 11 - Superman (1978)
With Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder and Marlon Brando.
What big screens are made for:
Plan to get there earlyish to set up a good spot and here are some handy Washingtonian tips to bear in mind:
1. A blanket is a must, but if you don’t want to invest in, or carry around, chairs—low chairs, mind you—then a pillow is key to being able to lounge and still see the screen.
2. Arriving anywhere from one to three hours before the show is part of the experience—spots front and center go to the early birds—so aside from enjoying a picnic dinner, bringing a deck of cards is a good way to make the time fly.
3. For those who forget to bring food, concession stands around the Mall sell snacks such as French fries and ice cream; $3 gets you a lemon or raspberry Italian ice.
4. After eating, wet naps and bug spray will make all the difference when the sun goes down.
5. Plan to stay late—the show doesn’t start until after sunset, around 8:30 PM these days.
Godspeed
no…they suck.
July 14, 2008 at 11:46 am