There are many who long for a bygone era. A time when ladies and gentlemen stepped into the streets of a glistening downtown adorned in dresses, suits, trench coats and fedoras. An era when there was a certain air of class that made urban Oakland feel a bit more urbane. For those who long for that feel, the Paramount Theater’s monthly Movie Classics series provides a brief glimpse at such times.
A man rises from the depths of the stage to play tunes on an old Wurlitzer organ to entertain early arrivers– a tradition that trumps the commercials and movie trivia of the present. Then the theater goes dark and you watch old black and white news reels from the early 20th century before being treated to a Bugs Bunny adventure, or similar classic cartoon. Then of course, you are treated to a classic movie.
Tonight, Friday, January 20th, locals will see the Frank Capra directed Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939), featuring the iconic Jimmy Stewart. The story follows a naive junior congressman who is quickly introduced to the corruption, ineptitude and inaction of the American government. However, rather than be rocked to sleep by the comfort such corruption affords, be takes a stand for himself, his constituents and the fundamental beliefs of democracy.
It’s an tale of idealism, but it also reframes what politics can and should be in this country… especially at a time like the present. With SOPA and the fledgling economy on folks minds, a plethora of social ills afoot, a looming election and a tolerated norm of government gridlock and sanctioned corporate greed, we could all use a little bit of Mr. Smith’s faith in the creation of a government that serves it’s country. Below is an excerpt from the climax of the film in which Mr. Smith talks about lost causes while facilitating a one man filibuster.
You can choose whether or not to don your pearls or that camel hair coat in the back of your closet, but whatever you wear, come out and enjoy a screen gem this evening. If you can’t make it tonight, come out next month on February 17th to see The Sting, my favorite film of all time! The box office opens at 6, the doors open at 7, and the movie starts at 8. And for those of you worried about your pocketbooks, tickets are only $5!
Also tonight:
The Oakland Premier of Red Tails at The Grand Lake Theater
Your other on-screen option tonight, is the red carpet Oakland premier of Red Tails, the George Lucas financed and produced film about the infamous Tuskegee Airmen. The film tells the amazing story of a group of American heroes who have still not received their just dues. The all African-American WWII fighter pilot unit made history, but has felt the sting of their service even up to the present day.
In a recent appearance on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Lucas said that none of the major studios would produce the film because there were no white lead roles. According to him, Hollywood still won’t stand behind African-American films unless they’re low budget fluff, a lá Tyler Perry’s filmography. Whether you see it tonight or later this week, be sure to support Red Tails. Show the film industry the efficacy and importance of producing substantive films starring African-American casts, beyond hood comedies.
Oakland Red Carpet Premiere of Red Tails
The story of the Tuskegee Airmen
TICKETS: http://bit.ly/oakredtails (please use any browser besides Chrome)
Grand Lake Theater at 7:15pm
Friday, January 20
More info
