Cinephiles who live in the LA area are fortunate to have the American Cinematheque - located at the Aero Theatre and the Los Feliz Theatre - to enjoy some of their pretty amazing screening events throughout the year that would make any classic film lover green with envy!
For example, last November, there was a book signing at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica with actress Nancy Olson Livingston who was promoting her new memoir “A Front Row Seat: An Intimate Look at Broadway, Hollywood, and the Age of Glamour” - courtesy of the Larry Edmunds Bookstore! Since she is the last remaining cast member of the iconic 1950 Billy Wilder film “Sunset Boulevard” (which happens to be one of my favorite films) there was no way I was missing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet this legendary Oscar-nominated actress!
As you can see in the photo above, I was thrilled to meet her in person and have her sign a copy of her book for me! Little did I know that three months later I'd create my podcast "Hollywood Obsessed" which she would eventually be a guest on! How lucky am I?? Look below, for links to her two fabulous episodes.
After the book signing, there was a fascinating Q&A with her - moderated by historian Alan K. Rode - where she shared some wonderful behind-the-scenes stories of the filming of “Sunset Boulevard” and other fantastic memories of her incredible life with us.
We were then treated, to a screening of the classic film “Sunset Boulevard” on the silver screen! The best part of all of this is that this wasn't an invitation-only event! It was open to the general public! You just had to pre-purchase your $15 ticket in advance on their website and pay for the book (and your popcorn) if you wanted her to sign one. See what I mean about the American Cinematheque? They make an effort to make events like this accessible to everyone.
ABOUT THE FILM:
If you’ve never seen “Sunset Boulevard”, director Billy Wilder created one of his most enduring masterpieces in this dark, glittering, poison-pen letter to all things Hollywood, told in flashback by screenwriter Joe Gillis (William Holden), whose final job is playing paid companion to egocentric, aging silent-film goddess Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson). With co-stars Nancy Olson Livingston as ingenue Betty Schaefer who develops feelings for Joe and Erich von Stroheim who plays Max von Mayerling, Norma’s devoted butler.
Praised by many critics when first released 73 years ago, Sunset Boulevard was nominated for 11 Academy Awards (including nominations in all four acting categories) and won three. Best Screenplay (Wilder, Charles Brackett, and D.M. Marshman Jr.), Best Art Direction (Hand Dreier, John Meehan, Samuel M Comer, and Ray Moye), and Best Score (Franz Waxman).
ABOUT THE AC
The American Cinematheque is an independent, nonprofit, cultural organization dedicated exclusively to the public presentation of the moving image in all its forms.
The Cinematheque presents festivals and retrospectives that screen the best of worldwide cinema, video, and television from the past and present, ranging from the classics to the outer frontiers of the art form. In addition to presenting and celebrating all aspects of the moving picture on the big screen, the Cinematheque also provides a forum where film lovers and students can learn from the world’s leading filmmakers, actors, writers, editors, cinematographers, and others about their craft.
Click HERE to check out the American Cinematheque's upcoming event schedule or become a member.
