It’s time to get gassed up and into the Library of Congress Packard Campus Theater, according to programmers of the free monthly film series.
The theme for May is movies in which the journey is more important than the destination.
“From dreamy reveries into one’s own memory to pulse-pounding chases across nightmarish landscapes. Our heroes set out sure of their destination, only to find out that it’s the detours that will get them where they need to go,” according to publicity.
Movies screen at 7:30 p.m. on select Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with 2 p.m. Saturday matinees returning.
Access to the campus parking lot begins one hour before show time, entrance into the building begins 45 minutes before the show and the theater opens for seating 30 minutes before the curtain.
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Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Seating is first-come, first-served. Patrons must go through a metal detector upon entering and no large parcels, purses, backpacks, pocket knives or other weapons are permitted. The Library of Congress Packard Campus of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center is located at 19053 Mount Pony Road in Culpeper.
See loc.gov/avconservation/theater for more information. For ADA accommodations, please request at least five business days in advance at 202/707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov.
Coming Soon
Friday: “Ramona” (United Artists, 1928). Ramona (Dolores Del Rio), a young ward of a tyrannical California sheep rancher, elopes with Native American chieftain Alessandro (Warner Baxter), hoping for a new life embracing her heritage. Edwin Carewe directed this adaptation of Helen Hunt Jackson’s popular 1884 novel. Plus short subject. Silent, with live musical accompaniment by Ben Model. Black & white, 80 min.
Saturday matinee: “The Wizard of Oz” (MGM, 1939). Do not miss this dazzling classic on the big screen. Transported somewhere over the rainbow to the land of Oz, Dorothy befriends the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion and journeys to the Emerald City in hopes the Wizard can get her home. Black & white and color, 80 min.
Saturday night: “The Grapes of Wrath” (20th Century-Fox, 1940). John Ford’s towering adaptation of Steinbeck’s classic depression-era novel. Tom Joad (Henry Fonda) returns to his family after being released from prison. After losing their farm, the Joads flee the only home they’ve ever known for the promise of California. As hope gives way to crushing reality, Tom learns the true meaning of strength. Black & white, 129 min.
Thursday, May 9: “Bonnie and Clyde” (Warner Bros., 1967). Bored waitress Bonnie Parker is looking for a change in her life and finds it in small-time crook, Clyde Barrow. Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway sizzle as they ruthlessly blast their way across the most notorious crime spree in American history. Featuring one of the most shocking ending sequences ever filmed. Color, 111 min.
Friday, May 10: “The Hitch-Hiker” (RKO Radio Pictures, 1953). Ida Lupino directed and co-wrote this nail-biting thriller based on a true life 1950 crime spree. While fishing, two friends are taken hostage by an escaped convict and forced to survive a harrowing drive across the desert. Black & white, 129 min.
Saturday matinee, May 11: “Jumanji” (Tristar Pictures, 1995). If only Alan (Robin Williams) knew the board game Jumanji was for keeps! One bad roll traps him in a magical jungle for 26 years. When Judy and Peter (Kirsten Dunst and Bradley Pierce) finds the game in the attic, their world and Jumanji collide, allowing Alan a chance to return home. Bonnie Hunt and David Allen Grier also star in the comedy adventure for all ages. Color, 104 min.
Saturday night, May 11: “Mad Max: Fury Road” (Warner Bros, 2015). Before the release of “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” on May 24, return to the world of The Road Warrior. After freeing the wives of a merciless warlord, Max and Furiosa must battle across a diesel-soaked wasteland in a bleak and violent future. Pursued by an unstoppable army, they are forced to make terrible choices to ensure their safety. A film that demands to be seen on the big screen. Color, 120 min.
Thursday, May 16: “Sullivan’s Travels” (Warner Bros, 1941). Tired of directing comedies, John Sullivan yearns to create a serious film capturing the hardships of poverty but knows nothing of the struggles of the common man. Dressed as a drifter, he hits the road to gain some experience. He takes up with a struggling actress, spends time in prison and learns the value of laughter in the lives of the downtrodden. Black & white, 91 min.
Friday, May 17: “Wild Strawberries” (Svensk Filmindustri, 1957). While traveling to accept an honorary degree, Professor Isak Borg reflects on his life. Nightmares, memories and chance meetings force Borg to confront his regrets and biggest fears. The cast includes Bergman’s incredible stable of actors, including Max Von Sydow in a minor role. In Swedish with English subtitles. Black & white, 91 min.
Friday, May 24: “Vanishing Point” (20th Century-Fox, 1971). Hired to drive from Colorado to San Francisco in less than 15 hours, ex-race car driver Kowalski blasts across the Nevada desert at 200 mph on a speed-filled existential adventure. Featuring a brand-new 4K digital restoration. Restoration specialist Andrew Betzer is scheduled to appear to discuss his work on the film. Color, 99 min.
Saturday matinee, May 25: “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” (MGM, 1963). The race is on in Stanley Kramer’s biggest box office hit. When a dying convict reveals the location of his hidden fortune, a group of madcap motorists decides their expedition to find the loot is “every man for himself!” A star-studded cast is led by Spencer Tracy as Captain T. G. Culpeper. Color, 197 min.
Saturday night, May 25: “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (Warner Bros, 1983). From writer John Hughes and director Harold Ramis. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) promises the best vacation ever at “America’s favorite family fun park,” Walley World. The drive is the perfect bonding opportunity for Clark, his wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) and their two teens. What could go wrong? Color, 98 min.
Friday, May 31: “The Vanishing” (Tara Releasing, 1988). In this unsettling Dutch thriller, a young couple’s holiday comes to a tragic end when she disappears without a trace. Her boyfriend embarks on an obsessive search worthy of a Hitchcock film. Uncover the truth about Saskia’s fate and the disturbing forces behind it. You will not soon forget the haunting conclusion. In Dutch and French with English subtitles. Color, 107 min.