Dickens and Disney at Mount Pony

The Library of Congress Mount Pony Theater continues its diverse programming of free films this weekend with a nod to Dickens and Disney.

Friday night British actor Robert Colman (1891-1958) stars in the Oscar-nominated “A Tale of Two Cities” (MGM, 1936). Charles’ Dickens’ tale of two guys wanting the same woman, this love story plays out amid the backdrop of the French Revolution. Black and white, 2 hours and eight minutes.

Saturday afternoon, the Mount Pony Theater presents an animated version of Victor Hugo’s classic, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Disney, 1996). Tom Hulce provides the voice of Quasimodo; Demi Moore is Esmeralda and Jason Alexander gives voice to Hugo, a gargoyle. A story of selfless love, inner beauty and true friendship, this Disney film premiered in New Orleans, preceded by a parade through the French Quarter. 1 hour and 31 minutes and preceded by Mickey in “The Prince & The Pauper” (Disney, 1990).

***
A word about last week’s print of “Butch Casssidy & The Sundance Kid” — GORG! Recently refurbished by 20th Century Fox for the film’s 40th birthday this year and delivered to the LOC just weeks before Saturday’s show, the print was so clear, Paul Newman’s eyes so blue, that it could have induced weeping.

***
Coming soon to Mt. Pony
April 17 “A Century Ago: The Films of 1908” (various studios, 1908)

April 18 “His Girl Friday” (Columbia, 1939)

April 24 “Culpeper Remembrance Days: Playing 75 years ago in Culpeper” features a special slide show on the history of film shows in Culpeper and, “Dinner At Eight” (MGM, 1933)

April 25 “Let It Be” (United Artists, 1970)

Friday night movies show at 7:30. Saturday matinees are at 2 and starting in May, the LOC adds a third weekly showing Saturday nights. Stay tuned.

Make your free reservations Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. up to one week in advance of each show by calling: (540) 827-1079 ext. 79994 or (202) 707-9994.

Don’t have reservations? Show up early to get on stand-by. All unclaimed tickets will be distributed to those on stand-by 10 minutes prior to show time.

—Allison Brophy Champion