Golden Age of Hollywood Film Screening: "Sunset Boulevard"

Arlington Friends of the Drama will host a rare, big screen viewing of the film, “Sunset Boulevard” at the Regent Theater on January 19^th at 7:30. Nominated for eleven Academy Awards when it was released in 1950, it is considered to be one of the all-time classics of American films, and listed as one of the top twenty best movies by the American Film Institute.

The film noir story tells of an unsuccessful screenwriter (played by William Holden as Joe Gillis) and Norma Desmond (played by Gloria Swanson), a silent film star, now faded, who draws him into her fantasy world where she dreams of making a triumphant return to the screen. Erich von Stroheim plays Max Von Mayerling, her devoted servant. It depicts the seedy underside of Hollywood where old stars with their old scandals are quickly cast aside to make room for bright, young stars and the newest film technology, and masterfully combines movie-goers' favorite elements: intrigue, love and murder.

AFD will be staging this movie as an original opening night, complete with red carpet, paparazzi, and the arrival of their own Norma Desmond played by Janet Ferreri, along with Joe, Max, Betty and Cecil B. DeMille. Patrons are invited to dress up in vintage 1940's clothing or just come see the show. The movie is a prelude to a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, which is based on the film. Arlington Friends of the Drama will be staging the musical in March. As a special treat, cast members will sing a short medley of songs from the musical before the movie begins.

The historic Regent Theatre is one of Arlington's local gems, built in 1916, and pre-dates the historic theater group, Arlington Friends of the Drama by a decade. Located just a few blocks apart, the two groups have been entertaining Arlington residents for over a century. AFD felt this was the perfect venue for staging the movie “Sunset Boulevard,” as it would most faithfully re-create the feel of the 1950's movie experience.

Tickets are available online at www.regenttheatre.com or at the door for $15, and proceeds benefit Arlington Friends of the Drama and their upcoming production of “Sunset Boulevard, the Musical.” The Regent Theatre is located at 7 Medford Street in Arlington center. The show will start at 7:30. The Regent is wheelchair accessible.