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May 30
Special Event
A Night Of Noir
MURDER, MY SWEET (1944)
Starring Dick Powell, Claire Trevor & Anne Shirley
Post-film Q&A with film noir maven Michael Kovner
Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: Dick Powell will forever be known as a 1930s crooner in archetypal musical comedies, but this career-changing role shows Powell at his best and remains perhaps the most faithful cinematic representation of Raymond Chandler's hard-boiled hero, Philip Marlowe, ever put on screen. In this adaptation of Farewell, My Lovely, Powell's cynical, smart-talking private eye is hired by a dim ex-con (pug-nosed Mike Mazurki) to find his girl Velma, and by the prissy stooge of a blackmail victim to babysit him during a handoff. The meeting ends with the stooge's death, and Marlowe is immediately engaged by the owner of some jewels, the wily Mrs. Grayle (Claire Trevor), to recover them. As Marlowe navigates the dark, dangerous world of wartime L.A., splitting his search between high-society haunts and the cheap, smoky bars and flophouses of the inner city, he turns up one too many stones, winds up on the wrong end of a fist, and wakes up to a drug-induced nightmare that director Edward Dmytryk delivers with a mixture of surreal symbolism and sinister expressionism. Powell delivers screenwriter John Paxton's snappy lines and droll asides with hard-boiled cynicism, like someone not quite as tough as he talks; but it's Powell's innate vulnerability that makes this reluctant saint of the city so compelling. Dmytryk's shadowy style creates a visual equivalent to the web of intrigue Marlowe navigates, an almost perpetual world of night. One of the first great films noir and an often-overlooked detective-movie classic. --Sean Axmaker
In English | 95 minutes
ABOUT THE HOST: Michael Kovner is a long-time Greenwich resident, having gone to Rye Country Day School as a youngster and still holding residence here today. While he is an accomplished VP and Managing Director with the real estate firm Brown Harris Stevens in his professional life, his personal passion is cinema. An avid Avon supporter and lover of film noir, Michael has watched movies since early childhood. He can repeat lines in his sleep, and he has probably spent more time in the dark confines of cinemas than anywhere else. His fascination with film noir began at a young age, starting with The Maltese Falcon all the way up to Psycho, which he first saw at the Avon. He first watched Born To Kill in Aspen while on a ski trip and was glued to the screen. It has remained his all-time favorite ever since.
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June 5
Documentary Night
Co-presented by Neighbors Link Stamford
HARVEST OF EMPIRE
Wednesday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets purchased through Neighbors Link Stamford include a pre-film wine reception at Fernando Luis Alvarez Gallery (6:15-7:15 p.m.)
Contact Lissette Lopez (203.674.8585x102, llopez@neighborslinkstamford.org)
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: A film based on the ground-breaking book by award-winning journalist and Democracy Now! Co-host Juan Gonzalez. Featuring real life stories and rare archival footage, the HARVEST OF EMPIRE examines the political events, social conditions, and U.S. government actions that led millions of Latino families to leave their homelands in an unprecedented wave of migration over the past six decades. At a time of heated and divisive debate over federal immigration policy, producers Eduardo Lopez and Wendy Thompson-Marquez felt it was important to offer a rare and powerful glimpse into the enormous sacrifices and rarely-noted triumphs of the millions of Latino immigrants who are transforming the cultural and economic landscape of the nation.
ABOUT NEIGHBORS LINK STAMFORD: A non-profit organization that provides a comprehensive resource center for recent immigrants in the Stamford area. The mission of Neighbors Link is to strengthen the whole community by enhancing the healthy integration of immigrants.
AVON SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
2013 RECEPTION AND CEREMONY
to precede this screening
Reception at 6:30pm / Awards Presentation at 7:25pm
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June 12
Special Event
Avon Theatre and Clean Water Action Connecticut Present
UNACCEPTABLE LEVELS
Post-film Q&A with filmmaker Ed Brown
Connecticut premiere!
Wednesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: Take a look at all the things around you; the furniture, food, toys, clothes, everything you handle in your everyday life. Have you ever thought about what they are made of and how many different industrial components are in the products you buy? Currently, we have over 80,000 chemicals in our system of commerce. Approximately 200 of these synthetic industrial compounds are interacting with our cells every day. Until recently, science did not understand the long term relationship, but that is changing. This film explores the controversy through the eyes of a father on a personal journey as he attempts to bring the issue to light for all parents. Weaving a compelling narrative, Mr. Brown presents us with the story of where our chemical revolution has brought us and where, if we’re not vigilant, it may take us.
ABOUT ED BROWN: Writer/Director/Producer Ed Brown dedicated 3 years to researching and developing this film and has interviewed the brightest minds regarding human health and its interaction with the environment. As a husband and father of two, ensuring the well being of his family, and investigating the best ways to do so, is his mission.
ABOUT CLEAN WATER ACTION: Clean Water Action organizes strong grassroots groups, coalitions and campaigns to elect environmental candidates and solve environmental and community problems. Our goals include clean, safe and affordable water; prevention of health threatening pollution; creation of environmentally safe jobs and businesses; and empowerment of people to make democracy work. www.cleanwater.org/ct
Additional support by:
Fairfield County Community Foundation: FCCF promotes philanthropy to build and sustain a vital and prosperous community where all have the opportunity to participate and thrive.
Visit FCCFoundation.org for more information.
GreenTowns: GreenTowns is a network of communities that connects local green initiatives. GreenTowns.com
Live Green Connecticut!: Celebrate and learn to "Live Green" at our two-day, fun-filled family festival for all ages, at Taylor Farm Park located at 45 Calf Pasture Beach Road in Norwalk, CT!
Stamford Green Drinks: Enjoy socializing and networking with others interested in sustainability the fourth Wednesday of every month at Grand Restaurant & Lounge, Stamford.
Fairfield Green Drinks: Enjoy socializing and networking with others interested in sustainability the first Tuesday of every month. http://www.facebook.com/FairfieldGreenDrinks.
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June 13
Cult Classics
DAZED AND CONFUSED (1993)
20th Anniversary Screening
Thursday, June 13 at 9:00 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: Like George Lucas' AMERICAN GRAFFITTI, Richard Linklater's DAZED AND CONFUSED is an affectionate look at the youth culture of a bygone era. While Lucas took aim at the conservative 1950s, Linklater jumps ahead a generation to the bicentennial year of 1976 to celebrate the joys of beer blasts and pot smoking. Set on the last day of the academic year, the film follows the random activities of a sprawling group of Texas high schoolers as they celebrate the arrival of summer, their paths variously intersecting at a freshmen hazing, a local pool parlor and finally at a keg party. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi
Rated R | In English | 103 minutes
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June 20
FRENCH CINEMATHEQUE
Co-presented by the Alliance Française of Greenwich
SOMETHING IN THE AIR
BEST SCREENPLAY – 2012 VENICE FILM FESTIVAL
2012 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
2012 NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL
2012 CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
2012 AFI FILM FESTIVAL
Thursday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Avon Members & AFG: $6 | Students/Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: At the beginning of the seventies, Gilles, a high school student in Paris, is swept up in the political fever of the time. Yet his real dream is to paint and make films, something that his friends and even his girlfriend cannot understand. For them, politics is everything, the political struggle all consuming. But Gilles gradually becomes more comfortable with his life choices, and learns to feel at ease in this new society.
In French with English subtitles | 122 minutes
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June 26
Shelley Archives Presents
Legends of Rock Live
FLEETWOOD MAC
Rare Clips (1960s-1980s)
Hosted by Music Archivist Bill Shelley
Wednesday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students/Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Fleetwood Mac started in the mid 1960’s as a British blues band and struggled to have its songs chart until Mick Fleetwood and John MacVie changed their line-up and made their style more commercially mainstream. Once their song “Black Magic Woman” took off with Santana’s cover of it, Fleetwood Mac got more notice and started to build their fan base in the U.S. This program will begin with some of Fleetwood Mac’s earlier songs, with their first guitarist Peter Green and their second guitarist Bob Welch, and follow their upward trek with their third guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, their keyboardist Christine MacVie, and their new chanteuse Stevie Nicks. It will include songs from Rumours, their Grammy-winning, number one album that broke all records in sales and made the world sit up and notice them. Among the songs that will be highlighted during this show are “Black Magic Woman,” “Albatross,” “Rhiannon,” “Go Your Own Way,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Don’t Stop,” “Gypsy,” “Tusk,””Dreams,” “Eyes of the World,” “Sisters of the Moon,” “Hold Me,” “Say You Love Me,” Little Lies,” “Sara,” and more. Enjoy this clip fest of live concert footage from Japan, Europe, and America; television appearances; and promo films. This tribute to the band is a treat not to be missed.
In English | 110 minutes
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ABOUT BILL SHELLEY: Bill Shelley has been filming since the 1970s when he recorded bands Twisted Sister and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, then later directed music videos for Public Enemy (PE). Shelley Archives was started in 1985 and today the company has over 100,000 reels of original 35mm and 16mm films in its archives and over 10,000 hours of rare concerts, television shows, promos, interviews, out-takes and home movies. Preservation of films and music clips is the main focus of the organization. |
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June 27
Cult Classics
MISSING IN ACTION (1984)
Thursday, June 27 at 9:00 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: Colonel James Braddock is an American officer who spent seven years in a North Vietnamese POW camp, then escaped 10 years ago. After the bloodiest war, Braddock accompanies a government investigation team that goes to Ho Chi Minh City to check out reports of Americans still held prisoner. Braddock gets the evidence then travels to Thailand, where he meets Tuck, an old Army buddy turned black market kingpin. Together, they launch a mission deep into the jungle to free the American POWs from General Trau. --Anthony Pereyra
Rated R | In English | 101 minutes
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July 10
Documentary Night
HEY BARTENDER
Post-film Q&A with Douglas Tirola (Director), Susan Bedusa (Producer), Stephen Carpentieri (Cast) & Steve Schneider (Cast)
moderated by Joe Meyers (CT Post)
Wednesday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: Two bartenders try to achieve their dreams through bartending. An injured Marine turns his goals to becoming a principal bartender at the best cocktail bar in the world. A young man leaves his white-collar job to buy the corner bar in his hometown years later he struggles to keep afloat. Hey Bartender is the story of the rebirth of the bartender and the comeback of the cocktail. Featuring the world’s most renowned bartenders and access to the most exclusive bars in New York with commentary from Graydon Carter, Danny Meyer and Amy Sacco.
Not Rated | In English | 94 minutes
ABOUT THE PANEL:
Douglas Tirola is an NYC based filmmaker who got his start by working in production on studio movies, and later writing screenplays. His first documentary, AN OMAR BROADWAY FILM, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Douglas also directed ALL IN – THE POKER MOVIE, which won the grand jury prize at the Cinevegas Film Festival. Douglas also produced several other films including MAKING THE BOYS (Berlin Film Festival) and FAKE IT SO REAL. He is currently directing a documentary about the National Lampoon.
Susan Bedusa is a producer who got her start in development at Emerging Pictures where she worked under Fine Line founder, Ira Deutchman. Currently, Susan is Vice President of Development at 4th Row Films where she has produced 7 feature documentaries, including AN OMAR BROADWAY FILM (HBO Documentary Films), MAKING THE BOYS (First Run Features), and KATI WITH AN I (NY Times Critic’s Pick). Susan is currently in production on her next two films; a documentary about the story of the National Lampoon, and one about a 1990’s rock star.
Stephen Carpentieri aka Carpi is a former VP of Citi Group. He opened Dunville’s, a corner restaurant and bar, to create a spot catering to both the working class and the white-collar communities of Westport, CT. With the changing landscape of the economy, the industry, and the town, Dunvilles went from being the “it” bar in town to a place barely staying afloat. After 18 years of ownership, with both his business and his personal life struggling, Carpi’s dream of running a bar in his hometown is in jeopardy and he must decide what he is willing to do to save it, or if it is time pack it up and close the neighborhood staple for good.
Steve Schneider is an ex-Marine turned mixologist. After finishing at the top of his class in the Marine Corps, becoming an intelligence specialist, and volunteering for an elite unit headed for Afghanistan, Steve had a tragic accident and suffered a severe head injury. His military career ruined, Steve took a job behind the bar near where he was stationed in Washington DC. Steve’s appetite for learning and passion for the mixology movement led him to New York City, and a position as an Apprentice Bartender at the world-famous cocktail bar, Employees Only. Through various bartending competitions and events, Steve builds a reputation as a star up-and-comer on the cocktail scene, never taking his eyes off the prize of what he wants most: to someday become Principal Bartender at Employees Only.
Joe Meyers writes about movies for the CT Post. The former editor of the Delmarva News, he spent two wonderful years in the late 1970s running the first arthouse movie theatre on the Delmarva Peninsula, where he learned many valuable lessons about the differences between commerce and art. A collection of Joe’s pieces about film stars of the past are published in a book tiled “Whatever Happened to…”
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July 11
Cult Classics
THE BIG LEBOWSKI (1998)
Special 15th Anniversary Screening
Thursday, July 11 at 9:00 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: The plot of this Raymond Chandler-esque comedy crime caper from the Coen Brothers pivots around a case of mistaken identity complicated by extortion, double-crosses, deception, embezzlement, sex, pot, and gallons of White Russians. In 1991, unemployed '60s refugee Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski grooves into his laid-back Los Angeles lifestyle. One of the laziest men in LA, he enjoys hanging with his bowling buddies, pompous security-store owner Walter Sobchak (John Goodman) and mild-mannered ex-surfer Donny (Steve Buscemi). However, the Dude's life takes an alternate route the afternoon two goons break into his threadbare Venice, California, bungalow, rough him up, and urinate on his living room rug. Why? Because Jackie Treehorn is owed money by the wife of a certain Jeff Lebowski. However, the goons had the wrong Jeff Lebowski. They should have invaded the home of philanthropic Pasadena millionaire Jeffrey Lebowski. The Dude looks up his wealthy namesake, manages to get a replacement for his rug, and meets the millionaire's sexy young wife Bunny. Later, Jeffrey ("The Big") Lebowski calls in the Dude to deliver a $1 million ransom for the return of his kidnapped wife. Fine -- except that Walter intrudes and botches the ransom drop. As events unravel, the Dude gets caught up in the schemes of Lebowski's daughter, erotic artist Maude, encounters both cops and bad guys, and drifts through an elaborate bowling fantasy sequence titled Gutterballs. --Bhob Stewart, Rovi
Rated R | In English | 117 minutes
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July 24
Shelley Archives Presents
Legends of Rock Live
Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground, Nico,
Andy Warhol and the Sounds of Dissent
RARE CLIPS (1966 – 1985)
Hosted by Music Archivist Bill Shelley
Wednesday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students/Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM:The 1960’s was a time of experimenting, questioning, and reinventing. Many musicians, writers, and other artists gravitated to Andy Warhol’s Factory for the freedom to create, and the notoriety they needed to achieve commercial success. The Velvet Underground, with their lead singer-song writer, Lou Reed, was one such group. This show will demonstrate how The Velvet Underground’s music entertained as well as inspired political thought and new artistic methods of expression, using feedback and industrial tape-looping for effects. Some of the songs featured will be “I’m Waiting for the Man,” “Sunday Morning,” “Walk on the Wild Side,” “Sweet Jane,” “Rock and Roll” and songs from Reed’s musical memorial for Andy Warhol called Songs for Drella. The performances will include 16mm film prints, video tapes, promos, rehearsals, and live concert footage. See why the group went beyond accompanying Andy Warhol’s Exploding Plastic Inevitable gallery shows to become stars of Warhol’s experimental films and happenings. While their first album’s “banana cover” only sold a few thousand copies, Brian Eno is attributed to having said, “The first Velvet Underground album only sold 10,000 copies, but everyone who bought it formed a band.” The evening will be an intellectual treat, as you examine Lou Reed’s moody songs, such as “Heroin.” His poetry is a deeply moving musical portrait of dark images of drug addiction, the desperation of youth, and a pantheon of Greenwich Village characters. Along with German singer Nico, The Velvet Underground became a downtown attraction of New York City.
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ABOUT BILL SHELLEY: Bill Shelley has been filming since the 1970s when he recorded bands Twisted Sister and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, then later directed music videos for Public Enemy (PE). Shelley Archives was started in 1985 and today the company has over 100,000 reels of original 35mm and 16mm films in its archives and over 10,000 hours of rare concerts, television shows, promos, interviews, out-takes and home movies. Preservation of films and music clips is the main focus of the organization. |
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July 25
Cult Classics
SCANNERS (1981)
Thursday, July 25 at 9:00 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: The title of this David Cronenberg sci-fi horror film refers to a group of people who have telekinetic powers that allow them to read minds and give them the ability to make other people's heads explode. The children of a group of women who took an experimental tranquilizer during their pregnancies, the scanners are now adults and have become outcasts from society. But Darryl decides to create an army of scanners to take over the world. The only person who can stop him is his brother Cameron, who wants to forget that he was ever a scanner. --Matthew Tobey, Rovi
Rated R | In English | 120 minutes
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July 31
Special Event
2013 Sundance Film Festival Short Films
Wednesday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILMS: A roller coaster mix of drama and comedy, the SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL SHORT FILMS program is a collection of eight short films from the 2013 edition of the Festival. Vibrant storytelling highlights the group, including fiction, documentary and animation, with five award-winners. With no rules, the short film serves as a proving ground for young filmmakers to make their mark and for established filmmakers to take risks in story and style.
Not Rated | In various languages | 99 minutes
THE DATE
Short Film Jury Prize: International Fiction
Tino’s manhood is put to the test in front of two women when he has to host a date for Diablo, the family’s stud cat.
(Jenni Toivoniemi, Finland, 8 min)
WHIPLASH
Short Film Jury Prize: US Fiction
An aspiring drummer enters an elite conservatory's top jazz orchestra.
(Damien Chazelle, USA, 18 min)
SKINNINGROVE
Short Film Jury Prize: Non-Fiction
Photographer Chris Killip shares unpublished images chronicling time spent among the fiercely independent residents of a remote English fishing village.
(Michael Almereyda, USA, 15 min)
UNTIL THE QUIET COMES
Short Film Special Jury Prize
Shot in the Nickerson Gardens housing projects in Watts, Los Angeles, this film deals with themes of violence, camaraderie and spirituality through the lens of magical realism.
(Kahlil Joseph, USA, 4 min)
IRISH FOLK FURNITURE
Short Film Jury Prize: Animation
In Ireland, old hand-painted furniture is often associated with hard times, with poverty, and with a time many would rather forget. In this animated documentary, 16 pieces of traditional folk furniture are repaired and returned home.
(Tony Donoghue, Ireland, 9 min)
THE EVENT
Love and a severed foot at the end of the world.
(Julia Pott, USA/United Kingdom, 4 min)
JONAH
When two young men photograph a gigantic fish leaping from the sea, their small town becomes a tourist attraction in this story about the old and the new.
(Kibwe Tavares, Tanzania/United Kingdom, 23 min)
K.I.T.
A guilt-ridden, but well-intentioned, yuppie goes to great lengths to prove she is a decent person.
(Michelle Morgan, USA, 16 min)
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August 7
Documentary Night
BIG STAR:
NOTHING CAN HURT ME
Programmer's Pick -
A must see doc about one of the most seminal bands!
Wednesday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: BIG STAR: NOTHING CAN HURT ME is a feature-length documentary about legendary Memphis band Big Star. While mainstream success eluded them, Big Star’s three albums have become critically lauded touchstones of the rock music canon. A seminal band in the history of alternative music, Big Star has been cited as an influence by artists including REM, The Replacements, Belle & Sebastian, Elliot Smith and Flaming Lips, to name just a few. With never-before-seen footage and photos of the band, in-depth interviews and a rousing musical tribute by the bands they inspired, BIG STAR: NOTHING CAN HURT ME is a story of artistic and musical salvation.
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August 8
Cult Classics
THE KARATE KID (1984)
Thursday, August 8 at 9:00 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: Newly arrived in California from New Jersey, teenager Daniel almost immediately runs afoul of karate-trained high school bullies. He is rescued by Japanese janitor Miyagi, who agrees to teach Daniel how to harness karate for good instead of brutality. The film culminates in a championship karate bout, pitting Daniel against his sworn enemy Johnny -- the cruel and thuggish boyfriend of Ali, with whom Daniel has fallen in love (and vice versa). Real-life karate champ Chuck Norris was offered the role of Kreese, the sadistic coach who goads Johnny into fighting dirty, but Norris turned down the role, refusing to be shown utilizing his skills negatively onscreen. --Hal Erickson, Rovi
Rated PG | In English | 122 minutes
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August 15
FRENCH CINEMATHEQUE
Co-presented by the Alliance Française of Greenwich
AUGUSTINE
Thursday, August 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Avon Members & AFG: $6 | Students/Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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“A dark romance of sex and power. Vivid and Feverish.”
- AO Scott, The New York Times
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ABOUT THE FILM: The powerful and darkly sensual drama AUGUSTINE is based on the true story of the unusual relationship that developed between Dr. Jean-Martin Charcot, the pioneering 19th century French neurologist and mentor to Sigmund Freud, and his star teenage patient. In Belle Epoque Paris, 19-year-old kitchen maid Augustine suffers an inexplicable seizure that leaves her partially paralyzed and is shipped off to an all-female psychiatric hospital specializing in the then-fashionable ailment of 'hysteria'. Augustine captures the attention of renowned neurologist Dr. Charcot (Vincent Lindon) after she has another attack that appears to give her intense physical pleasure. Intrigued, he begins using her as his principal subject, hypnotizing her in front of his fellow doctors. As Augustine displays her spectacular fits in lecture halls, the lines between doctor and patient become blurred, radically impacting the course of both of their lives. Chronicling one woman’s sexual awakening against the backdrop of Victorian psychology and social repression, director Alice Winocour’s auspicious feature film debut stars 27 year-old French recording artist Soko in a breakout performance.
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August 22
Cult Classics
THE WARRIORS (1979)
Thursday, August 22 at 9:00 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: In a dystopian near-future, when various gangs control New York City, each gang sports a unique moniker ('The Warriors,' 'The Baseball Furies,' 'The Rogues'), with a costume underscoring its "theme"; each, in turn, is also responsible for one geographic area. The city is a massive, violent playground - with vacant subway tunnels, abandoned buildings and the like. As the tale opens, Coney Island’s The Warriors have traveled to the Bronx to attend a city-wide meeting of all gangs; at that event, however, the psychotic leader of a rival gang, The Rogues, assassinates the head of the city's foremost gang, but The Warriors are pegged as culpable. This sends the gang fleeing through the labyrinthine city. With every thug in Manhattan in vicious, homicidal pursuit. --Nathan Southern, Rovi
Rated R | In English | 93 minutes
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August 28
Shelley Archives Presents
Legends of Rock Live
THE KINKS 2
Rare Clips (1960s-1980s)
Hosted by Music Archivist Bill Shelley
Wednesday, August 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students/Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM: The Kinks, one of the most enduring and talented British Invasion bands, had so many great hits that we are showing another program of different performances by the group. Their witty observation of political and social trends put to catchy melodies captured many American fans. The satire is still meaningful to this day. Join us as we celebrate the Kinks’ music with THE KINKS 2, which will show rare performances from television, concerts, promos, and behind-the-scenes footage. The show will include “Days,” a cover of “Louie, Louie,” “Father Christmas,” Come Dancing,” “State of Confusion,” “Do It Again,” “Hollywood Boulevard,” and many more, including different performances of some of the favorite songs from the first Kinks show. Don’t miss the fun!
In English | 110 minutes.
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ABOUT BILL SHELLEY: Bill Shelley has been filming since the 1970s when he recorded bands Twisted Sister and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, then later directed music videos for Public Enemy (PE). Shelley Archives was started in 1985 and today the company has over 100,000 reels of original 35mm and 16mm films in its archives and over 10,000 hours of rare concerts, television shows, promos, interviews, out-takes and home movies. Preservation of films and music clips is the main focus of the organization.
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September 5
Cult Classics
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (1963)
Thursday, September 5 at 9:00 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: The second in the series of James Bond films, is the film that solidifies all the Bond film elements into a formula. Sean Connery as Bond has nailed down his role as 007 -- accentuating Bond's stylishness and sophistication, while toning down his cold-bloodedness. In FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, the bad guys don't want to take over the world. They want something more mundane -- a Russian decoding device. Assigned the mission of stealing the decoding device are No. 3, former KGB agent Rosa Klebb, and No. 5, Kronsteen, an expert chess player who has plotted every move of the mission. Kronsteen's plan requires using Bond's weakness for women as an element in acquiring the decoding device. Once Bond obtains the decoding device from Russian cipher clerk Tatiana Romanova, SPECTRE muscleman Red Grant is to forcibly take it from Bond and kill him. Though Bond suspects a trap, he can't resist the lure of a beautiful woman. So, flaunting danger, Bond travels to Istanbul to meet Tatiana. The centerpiece of this 007 feature is the thrilling fight to the death between Bond and enemy agent Red Grant aboard the Orient Express. --Paul Brenner, Rovi
Not Rated | In English | 118 minutes
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September 26
Shelley Archives Presents
Legends of Rock Live
WOMEN OF FOLK MUSIC
(1950s-1980s)
Hosted by Music Archivist Bill Shelley
Thursday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students/Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM: This show will pay tribute to the female folk singers who used a guitar and their voice to change the world. Their lyrics encouraged the listener to contemplate economic inequality, racial harmony, women’s rights, the rights of children, workers’ rights, the need for peace and cession of wars, the importance of love and friendship, and the need for fairness among people, to name a few of their favorite topics. Some of the legendary performers who will be shown will be Mary Travers (of Peter Paul & Mary) singing the classic “Blowin’ in the Wind,” Joan Baez singing “Diamonds and Rust,” Joni Mitchell singing “Big Yellow Taxi,” Janis Ian singing “Society’s Child” and “At Seventeen,” Judy Collins singing “Both Sides Now” and “Someday Soon,” Melainie singing “Beautiful People,” and “Peace Will Come,” and performances by Buffy Saint Marie, Odetta, Linda Ronstadt, and a host of others. In the 1950s, when folk music became even more commercially popular, the “big names” were dominated by men. Soon, women singer/songwriters found an audience. They sang old and new songs that voiced their political opinions and supported social causes. Their voices reflected our nation’s struggles. This was a prolific time of songwriting and rediscovery of songs that portrayed the concerns of people from all walks of life throughout our country and especially spotlighted the poor and disenfranchised. The footage will be from archived rare concert films, television performances, promo films, and studio rehearsals. Note: Singing and clapping are welcome!
In English | 110 minutes
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ABOUT BILL SHELLEY: Bill Shelley has been filming since the 1970s when he recorded bands Twisted Sister and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, then later directed music videos for Public Enemy (PE). Shelley Archives was started in 1985 and today the company has over 100,000 reels of original 35mm and 16mm films in its archives and over 10,000 hours of rare concerts, television shows, promos, interviews, out-takes and home movies. Preservation of films and music clips is the main focus of the organization. |
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October 2
Documentary Night
AKA DOC POMUS
Wednesday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students & Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE FILM: Doc Pomus’ dramatic life is one of American music’s great untold stories. Paralyzed with polio as a child, Brooklyn-born Jerome Felder reinvented himself as a blues singer, renaming himself Doc Pomus. He then emerged as a one of the most brilliant songwriters of the early rock and roll era, writing “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “This Magic Moment,” “A Teenager in Love,” “Viva Las Vegas,” and dozens of other hits. Spearheaded and co-produced by his daughter Sharyn Felder and packed with incomparable music and rare archival imagery, this documentary features interviews with collaborators and friends including Dr. John, Ben E. King, Joan Osborne, Shawn Colvin, Dion, Leiber and Stoller, and B.B. King, as well as passages from Doc’s private journals read by his close friend Lou Reed.
Not Rated | In English | 99 minutes
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October 24
Shelley Archives Presents
Legends of Rock Live
TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS
Rare Clips (1970s-1980s)
Hosted by Music Archivist Bill Shelley
Thursday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students/Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Tom Petty, Mike Cambell, Benchmont Tench, Ron Blair and Stan Lynch formed Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1976. Since then, the group has given fans a number of well deserved hits, with a lead singer whose voice reminds one of Dylan and a slide guitar worthy of any Southern blues band. Their ballads and take on the world were an interesting contrast to the New Wave music that was gaining popularity at the same time. Among the songs that will be featured are “Breakdown,” “ American Girl,” “I Won’t Back Down,” “Don’t Want to Live Like a Refugee,” “Don’t Do Me Like That,” “Free Falling” and many more. The sources of the clips for this show will be promos, films and videos of live concerts, studio rehearsals, and television appearances.
In English | 110 minutes
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ABOUT BILL SHELLEY: Bill Shelley has been filming since the 1970s when he recorded bands Twisted Sister and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, then later directed music videos for Public Enemy (PE). Shelley Archives was started in 1985 and today the company has over 100,000 reels of original 35mm and 16mm films in its archives and over 10,000 hours of rare concerts, television shows, promos, interviews, out-takes and home movies. Preservation of films and music clips is the main focus of the organization. |
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November 21
Shelley Archives Presents
Legends of Rock Live
GARAGE BANDS OF THE 1960s
Rare Clips
Hosted by Music Archivist Bill Shelley
Thursday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Carte Blanche: FREE | Members: $6 | Students/Seniors: $8 | Nonmembers: $11
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM:“Garage Bands” were predominately started by groups of teens or young 20’s that first recorded at home, in basements or garages. Their equipment was limited to what their low budgets could afford. Somehow, they produced demos that wound up on the national charts and became huge hits. Some of these groups had limited commercial success, some were “One Hit Wonders,” and others got replaced with session players (professional studio musicians who got paid per song, often as little as $5/song). But they created a sound, a market, and a call to young musicians everywhere who saw that their dreams might be possible. Over night bands with unusual names popped up: The Electric Prunes, The Seeds, ? and the Mysterians, and The Blues Magoos, to name a few. Many Punk and New Wave bands got their inspiration from the garage band sound. In later years, as the technology got cheaper and more sophisticated, groups recording at home could create sounds much like the bigger studios. But our show will focus on the beginning of this trend, with all of the raw energy that these groups had. Their sound is so captivating that a new generation of musicians, Lo-Fi bands, is rejecting current technology to try to duplicate the sound of the original garage bands.
Some of the music that will be included in this program will be The Kingsmen with “Louie, Louie,” Paul Revere and the Raiders with “Kicks,” The Sir Douglas Quintet with “She’s About a Mover,” The Shadows of Knight with “Gloria,” Tommy James and the Shondells with “Mony, Mony” The McCoys with “Hang on Sloopy, The Standells with “Dirty Water,” The American Breed with “Bend Me, Shape Me,” and many more.
In English | 110 minutes
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ABOUT BILL SHELLEY: Bill Shelley has been filming since the 1970s when he recorded bands Twisted Sister and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, then later directed music videos for Public Enemy (PE). Shelley Archives was started in 1985 and today the company has over 100,000 reels of original 35mm and 16mm films in its archives and over 10,000 hours of rare concerts, television shows, promos, interviews, out-takes and home movies. Preservation of films and music clips is the main focus of the organization
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