Variety of films debut in Mount Pony Theater

A screwball comedy, foreign drama and World War I silent are all on the bill this weekend on Mount Pony.

Tonight at 7:30, the Library of Congress Packard Campus Theater presents Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Irene Dunn in “Joy of Living” (RKO, 1938). In black and white, it’s about a hardworking Broadway star whose relatives are mooches and the good-looking guy who teaches her how to have fun. With Lucille Ball.

The 100th anniversary of Fairbanks’ birth in NYC was Dec. 9. The prolific actor and genuine looker died in 2000.

Friday night, same time, Ingmar Bergman directs “Fanny and Alexander” (Embassy Pictures Corp., 1982), a Swedish film about a widowed actress and her unhappy children newly joined with a conservative church leader. In color with English subtitles.

Saturday night, same time, strike up King Vidor’s “The Big Parade” (MGM, 1925). John Gilbert stars in this silent as the son of a rich businessman who joins the army during the Great War, falls in love in France and is sent to the frontline. With Andrew Simpson on piano.

Last Saturday’s special program of Disney shorts was cancelled due to snow and has been tentatively rescheduled to Jan. 9.

Make reservations Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. a week in advance at (540) 827-1079 ext. 79994. Remaining December films screen at 7:30 p.m. The Packard Campus Theater is located at 19053 Mount Pony Rd.

Coming soon:
Dec. 17 “We’re No Angels” (Paramount, 1955)
Dec. 18 “The Man Who Came to Dinner” (Warner Bros., 1942)
Dec. 19 “It’s A Wonderful Life” (RKO, 1946)
–Allison Brophy Champion