UNION STATION / CAIRO STATION

ABOUT THE EVENT: 

7:30pm | Introduction

7:40pm | UNION STATION

9:00pm | Intermission

9:10pm | CAIRO STATION

Start times are approximate.

ABOUT THE FILMS:

UNION STATION, Dir. Rudolph Maté, 81 Min, Paramount, USA

Originally released September 8, 1950

Although set in Chicago, L.A.’s UNION STATION provides the backdrop as coppers William Holden and Barry Fitzgerald attempt to foil a sinister kidnapping plot. Ace crime scenarist Sydney Boehm keeps the tension humming like a runaway train while folding in a sobering dollop of on-screen brutality (courtesy of a terrifying Lyle Bettger) that was decades ahead of its time. Expertly helmed by director (and renowned cinematographer) Rudolph Maté. Holden is reunited with SUNSET BLVD. co-star Nancy Olson for the second of their four features together. Presented in a sparkling new digital restoration!

FORMAT: DCP

CAIRO STATION, Dir. Youssef Chahine, 77 Min, Janus Films, Egypt

Originally released January 20, 1958

In Arabic with English subtitles. 

A newspaper hawker (portrayed by the director himself) at the eponymous train depot develops a frightening obsession with a sexy lemonade vendor (co-star Hind Rustom was nicknamed the “The Arab Marilyn Monroe.”) That’s the premise for this suspenseful drama which cunningly uses the bustling station to depict clashing strata of Egyptian society. Chahine’s combination of gritty authenticity and psychosexual Expressionism created a landmark of Egyptian cinema—despite public boycotts over its unflinching perversity and politics.

FORMAT: DCP