October 4 - Double Indemnity (1944), 106 minutes, directed by Billy Wilder, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, and Edward G. Robinson.
Film and pop culture biographer and writer Jared Stearns will guest co-host Double Indemnity.
Femme fatale Phyllis Dietrichson (an indelible Barbara Stanwyck) decides insurance salesman-sap Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) is the perfect guy to murder her husband so she can collect his insurance money. While some complex crime dramas of the era don’t pretend to make narrative sense, Double Indemnity is clear and purposeful throughout, or as Phyllis would say, “straight down the line.” With its expert blend of directing, writing, acting, and editing, Double Indemnity might be one of those elusive perfect movies. Certainly it’s as pure and fine an example of classic film noir as you’ll ever see.
October 2024 CinemaLit - Suspense!
October at CinemaLit explores the delicious, nerve wracking, spine tingling, singular experience of film suspense. Any story carries with it some level of suspense - what’s going to happen next? - but few play with suspense in the extreme. These four films are exceptional in taking our curiosity, dread, and hope to the highest levels. Come sit on the edge of your seat for Double Indemnity (1944), Strangers on a Train (1951), High Noon (1952), and Wait Until Dark (1967).
Matthew Kennedy, CinemaLit’s curator, has written biographies of Marie Dressler, Joan Blondell, and Edmund Goulding. His book Roadshow! The Fall of Film Musicals in the 1960s, was the basis of a film series on Turner Classic Movies. His most recent book, On Elizabeth Taylor: An Opinionated Guide, examines the screen legend's entire career.
“I don't have a favorite film,” Matthew says. "I find that my relationships to films, actors, genres, and directors change as I change over the years. Some don't hold up. Some look more profound, as though I've caught up with their artistry. I feel that way about Garbo, Cary Grant, director John Cassavetes, and others."
“Classic films have historical context, something only time can provide,” Matt observes. “They become these great cultural artifacts, so revealing of tastes, attitudes, and assumptions.”
Mechanics' Institute Members Free
Non-Members $10
Cafe opens at 5:30 pm with wine, beer, sparkling water, juice, and fresh-popped popcorn for sale.
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Please note: Photos and/or video may be taken during this event.
CinemaLit Films
