An update from Friends of The Cerrito Theater

"Preserving a reel community landmark."

Cerrito Classics May

“Neurotic Noir” proves that classic noir films can be about more than back alleys. The topic this month is psycho-sexual melodrama, and not to be missed.

Plus, “Sunset Boulevard” will be accompanied by a special treat, a short film by noir historian and “cultural archeologist” Eddie Muller. His film, “The Grand Inquisitor,” stars Marsha Hunt, who made her mark back in 1943 with the classic “Cry Havoc.” See below for more information.

Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11. Joan Crawford won an Oscar for her sympathetic portrayal of "Mildred Pierce," a woman who rises from poverty to riches – then stands to lose it all thanks to her spoiled-rotten daughter (a viperous Ann Blyth). Sin, murder, and plenty of pouting add to the mix. The film also serves as a strong critique of bourgeois values. Michael Curtiz (“Casablanca”) directed this 1945 masterpiece from a novel by James M. Cain, the king of hard-boiled. Saturday, May 10, at 6 p.m. and at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 11

Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25. Bill Wilder’s "Sunset Boulevard" (1950) is one of the great tales of Hollywood, a town of illusion, delusion, greed and tragedy. Gloria Swanson plays faded actress Norma Desmond, desperately praying for a return to the limelight. What happens next isn’t pretty. And what a cast! Erich von Stroheim, William Holden, Hedda Hopper – even Buster Keaton! “It justly deserves its place among the best films ever made,” critics Nick Martin and Marsha Porter wrote. Saturday at 6 p.m. and at 5 p.m. Sunday.

Special added features! Along with “Sunset Boulevard,” Will the Thrill interviews film noir historian Eddie Muller on stage, and screens Muller’s film, “The Grand Inquisitor,” with Marsha Hunt. Hunt was a star both of film and in real life. She was one of the few Hollywood actors who was brave enough to refuse to testify about friends who were accused of being Communists. As a result, she was blacklisted for many years.

After the film, Muller will sign his many books, including “Dark City Dames.”

A rare event not to be missed by fans of film noir!

Please check times before going to the theater as they may change! www.cerritospeakeasy.com or call (510) 814-2400.

GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE CERRITO THEATER

Web: cerritotheater.org. Email: info@cerritotheater.org. Phone: (510) 273-9250 (for Friends related information only).

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