Something for everyone this weekend on Mount Pony

August’s free movies on Mount Pony wrap up this weekend with a John Wayne western, an R-rated drama with big, small-town characters and a 76-year-old musical comedy starring tough guy James Cagney.

“The Shootist” (Paramount, 1976) screens Thursday night at 7:30 in the Library of Congress Packard Campus theater as part of the month’s ongoing series, “John Wayne — and the West.”

Wayne stars as a dying gun-fighter who lives by the trigger even as cancer consumes him.

With Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard and James Stewart. 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Friday night, it’s “The Last Picture Show” (Columbia, 1971, Rated R), an Oscar-winner based on the novel by Larry McNurty — winner of the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for fiction for his “Lonesome Dove.”

The film is part of the LOC theater’s ongoing, “From Page to Screen” series.

Ben Johnson and Cloris Leachman both earned Oscars for their supporting roles in “The Last Picture Show,” set in a declining Texas town in the early 1950s. The movie was nominated for another six Oscars, including Best Picture.

Future unknown, friends Sonny (Timothy Bottoms) and Duane (Jeff Bridges) wonder what will happen when their movie house goes dark. With Ellen Burstyn and Cybill Shepherd and Tony Bennett on the soundtrack. 1 hour and 58 minutes, black and white.

The National Film Registry’s “Footlight Parade” (Warner Bros., 1933) screens Saturday night on Mount Pony at 7:30.
James Cagney stars in this musical comedy as a stage producer with issues. One hears “Footlight Parade” has love, elaborate dance numbers and characters that like to drink.

With Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler and Dick Powell. 1 hour and 44 minutes.

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The Library of Congress Packard Campus Theater will be closed next Thursday, Friday and Saturday in observance of Labor Day. The September schedule of free movies is expected soon.

Reservations: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. one week in advance at (540) 827-1079 ext. 79994.