FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Margot Gerber
Date: July 9, 1997
Tel.: 213/466-FILM ext. 115
THE AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE PRESENTS SUMMER SERIES "THE SWINGERS’ HANDBOOK" – COOL, 50’s & 60’s RAT PACK, LOUNGE LIZARD & SUPER-SPY PICS
HOLLYWOOD – The American Cinematheque presents THE SWINGERS’ HANDBOOK, a Summer series of pop culture (completely politically incorrect by ‘90s standards) gems from the ‘50s and ‘60s, featuring stars like Tony Curtis, Angie Dickinson, Dean Martin, Ann-Margret, Frank Sinatra and other hi-ball sipping, sharkskin suit and fez sporting hipsters of the day. This romp through bachelor pads, lounges and casinos continues on selected Thursdays through September. Upcoming films include: a Thursday, July 17th screening of THE NUTTY PROFESSOR (1963) with Jerry Lewis; a Thursday, August 14th of the Audrey Hepburn classic, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANEY’S (1961); and a Thursday, August 28th super-spy double-feature of THE SILENCERS (1966) with Dean Martin teamed with OUR MAN FLINT (1966) starring James Coburn. Coming in September, is WHAT’S NEW PUSSY CAT? and THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR (1968) with Steve McQueen… so watch out AUSTIN POWERS – here come the originals. All screenings are at the Raleigh Studios Charlie Chaplin Theater (5300 Melrose Avenue between Bronson & Van Ness) in Hollywood.
The Thursday, July 17th program is a 9:30 PM screening of THE NUTTY PROFESSOR (1963, Paramount, 107 min.) which is directed by and stars Jerry Lewis. With one swig of his magic potion, Lewis is transformed from meek college professor into the God of Mutant Swingers -- Buddy Love!! A few critics saw Lewis’ performance as a sharp dig at old partner Dean Martin (the Hollywood Reporter winked, "there’s more than a dram of vinegar in this portrayal of the glib, flip, guzzling hipster." Yea, daddy-o!!) Be sure to check out Love’s den of unearthly delights, The Purple Pit, and grrrr-oove to the swanky sounds of Les Brown and His Band of Renown. With Stella Stevens. (Print courtesy Paramount Pictures.)
American Cinematheque
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard., 3rd Floor, Hollywood, CA 90028
(tel) 213.461.9737 u (fax) 213.461.9737 T Now on the web!!! http://www.americancinematheque.com
The Thursday, August 14th program is a 9:45 PM screening of BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S (1961, Paramount, 115 min.), the classic screen adaptation of Truman Capote’s novel about a charismatic young woman from a poor Southern family who reinvents herself in New York City – delivering coded messages to a crime boss to make a living and carrying on an affair with a young writer (George Peppard). If there’s one film that has the smooth, heady kick of a great martini, it’s BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S. And hands down, the ultimate in Swinger Style -- male or female -- is Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly, breezing ever-so-gently through the real world without a ripple. Basic Swinger tips here: always keep your shoes in the refrigerator. Directed by Blake Edwards. Also with Mickey Rooney. (Print courtesy Paramount Pictures.)
The Thursday, August 28th program is an 7:30 PM Super-Spy Double Feature of THE SILENCERS (1966, Columbia, 103 min.) starring Dean Martin as Hugh Hefner impersonating James Bond in this first, best and sleaziest of the Matt Helm movies. Helm’s secret-agent bachelor pad is a swinger’s wet dream, complete with circular bed that dumps him into his morning bath. Film Daily summed it up nicely: "Strong emphasis on The Slaygirls, booze, and the wide-screen leer." Directed by Phil Karlson. With Stella Stevens, Victor Buono and Daliah Lavi. (Print courtesy Columbia Pictures.) Next on the same bill is a screening of a New 35 mm. CinemaScope Print! of OUR MAN FLINT (1966, Fox, 107 min.) featuring lean, mean loving machine Derek Flint (James Coburn) as he take on the evil boys at GALAXY in a struggle for world domination and a good recipe for bouillabaise. Essential Swinger Equipment here: a cigarette lighter with 83 different functions. Directed by Daniel Mann. With Lee J. Cobb and Gila Golan. (Print courtesy Twentieth Century Fox.)
*Note, the term "Rat Pack" was originally coined by Humphrey Bogart and friends to refer to their chic Hollywood clique. After Bogart’s death, Frank Sinatra became the leader of the elite pack of millionaires who "played" together, as well as with certain politicians and mobsters.
Additional titles, dates and times of SWINGERS HANDBOOK screenings will be announced as they are confirmed.
A complete calendar/flyer listing of these films will be mailed to you.
BLACK & WHITE PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Admission for the general public is $7 and $4 for American Cinematheque Members with the exception of the June 19th program which includes a post-screening party. Separate admission for each screening.
Please note that tickets to our programs can be purchased through THEATIX (213) 466-1767. Our number (213) 466-FILM should be listed for further information only!
PRESS SCREENINGS FILMS IN THE SERIES ARE AVAILABLE TO RENT COMMERCIALLY ON VIDEO TAPE. WE SUGGEST ROCKET VIDEO ON LA BREA OR VIDIOTS ON PICO IN SANTA MONICA.
Established in 1984, the American Cinematheque, is a non-profit, viewer-supported film exhibition and cultural organization dedicated to the celebration of the Moving Picture in all its forms. The Cinematheque presents weekly film and video programming which ranges from the classics and world cinemas to the outer frontiers of the art form at the Raleigh Studios Charlie Chaplin Theater and other Los Angeles venues. Exhibition of rare works, special prints within our
series, etc., combined with fascinating post-screening discussions with the filmmakers who created the work, are a Cinematheque tradition that keep audiences coming back for once-in-a-lifetime cinema experiences.
The American Cinematheque is currently renovating the historic Egyptian Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, which, when open in 1998, will become the American Cinematheque's permanent home and offer daily, year-round programming.
For information about this film program call 213/466-FILM. THE PROGRAM IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
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