Contact
Steve KnightArt Deco Society of Washington
301-448-5613
info@adsw.org
Join fellow Decophiles at the fabulous AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring!
We have partnered with the American Film Institute to put on a showing of The Thin Man Saturday evening, February 20th. The 1934 film chronicles retired detective Nick Charles (William Powell) and wife Nora (Myrna Loy) through a glamorous cocktail-infused romp to solve murders during a visit New York. It is a favorite for lovers of the fashion, wit, glamour and sophistication that typifies Hollywood films of the 1930's. Even if you have seen it before, there is nothing like seeing it on the big screen! And seeing it in this fabulously restored Art Deco Theatre will be a special treat!
We will also have a talk by Deborah Sorensen, assistant curator at the National Building Museum. Some will remember Deborah's recent past work on the Museum's exhibition "Designing Tomorrow: America's Worlds Fairs of the 1930's". She has a special interest in architecture and film, and has collaborated with AFI staff for over five years to present design-related programs, including "Hollywood Modern: Film Design of the 1930's" and "Overdrive: L.A. Noir, 1940-1959." Deborah will give us some unique insights into M-G-M's "modernistic" house style, as it relates to The Thin Man series and other films overseen by influential art director, Cedric Gibbons.
One of ADSW's earliest preservation cases, the 1938 John Eberson-designed Moderne theater and shopping center was preserved, with the movie house transformed into the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, a pivotal landmark in the ongoing transformation of downtown Silver Spring.
ADSW's Founding President, Rick Striner, and his family have been invited to join us for this special screening. Rick was instrumental in saving the Silver Theatre from the wrecking ball and several hairbrained "preservation" projects before the theatre was finally restored.
The evening will start at 5:30 PM with a cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres and open bar followed by Ms. Sorensen's talk. The movie begins at 7:00. Tickets are $30 for ADSW members and $40 for non-members. Tickets cover the reception, talk, and movie admission.
Vintage attire is most welcome but certainly not required.