April 30, 1998
June Films at the National Archives and Records Administration
Washington, DC . . . The National Archives and Records Administration presents a free film series "America by Design," in conjunction with the exhibit "Designs for Democracy." Daytime showings will feature archival film, documentaries, and short subjects relating to architecture, design, and inventions. Evening screenings will present American feature films that represent outstanding examples of costume, set, and lighting design.
The screenings will be held in the theater of the National Archives Building, Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW and in the auditorium the National Archives at College Park, which is located at 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD. All programs are free and open to the public. The times and dates may be verified by calling the National Archives public events line at (202) 501-5000.
WASHINGTON, DC, FILMS
June 4, Thursday
America by Design
*An American in Paris, 1951. Featuring the timeless music of George and Ira Gershwin, this lavish MGM musical won seven Academy Awards. Stars Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, and Oscar Levant. Directed by Vincente Minnelli. (113 minutes.) 7 P.M. Theater.
June 5, Friday
America by Design
*The Statue of Liberty, 1985. This compelling film from Ken Burns uses rare archival photographs, drawings, and paintings to tell the story of the statue’s creation in France and its installation in America. Narrated by David McCullough. (58 minutes.) Noon. Theater.
June 12, Friday
America by Design
*Edison’s Miracle of Light, 1995. This is a revealing portrait of Thomas Edison, the eccentric "Wizard of Menlo Park," who was seen by some as a godlike figure and by others as a satanic figure who had challenged God’s order. From The American Experience series. Produced by Matthew Collins. (60 minutes.) Noon. Theater.
June 18, Thursday
America by Design
*The Hustler, 1961. Paul Newman stars as pool hustler "Fast Eddie" Felson in this landmark American film. Academy Awards went to the cinematography of Gene Shufton as well as to the art direction/set design of Harry Horner and Gene Callahan. Directed by Robert Rossen. (135 minutes.) 7 P.M. Theater.
June 19, Friday
America by Design
*I Am Become Death: They Made the Bomb, 1995. The Manhattan Project was a design and production achievement of monumental scale. This film is a unique view from within as several scientists speak of their experiences working on the bomb and how they came to terms with their work’s most immediate consequence, the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Produced by Arthur MacCaig. (55 minutes.) Noon. Theater.
June 25, Thursday
America by Design
*Archival Film: The Space Program. Today we present a selection of newsreels, short subjects, and film reports related to the development of America’s space program. Included will be The Eagle Has Landed--The Flight of Apollo 11, a 1969 NASA documentary about the historic mission to the moon. (Approximately 60 minutes.) Noon. Theater.
June 25, Thursday
America by Design
*Bound for Glory, 1976. David Carradine stars in this superbly crafted biography of American folksinger-composer Woody Guthrie. The film features Oscar-winning cinematography and lighting design by Haskell Wexler. Also stars Melinda Dillon and Randy Quaid. Directed by Hal Ashby. (147 minutes.) 7 P.M. Theater.
COLLEGE PARK, MD, FILMS
June 3, Wednesday
*The Statue of Liberty (58 minutes) Noon.
*An American in Paris (113 minutes) 7 P.M.
June 11, Thursday
*Edison’s Miracle of Light (60 minutes) Noon.
June 15, Monday
*I Am Become Death: They Made the Bomb (55 minutes) Noon.
*The Hustler (135 minutes) 7 P.M.
June 30, Tuesday
*Archival Film: The Space Program (Approx. 60 minutes) Noon.
*Bound for Glory (147 minutes.) 7 P.M.
For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.
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