NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Five cinematic musicals for the whole family to enjoy will be shown at the New Rochelle Public Library, in conjunction with the library’s “Summer Reading Road Trip” theme. The timeless classics will be shown in the air-conditioned Ossie Davis Theater of the New Rochelle Public Library on Mondays at 6:00 pm, with no admission fee.
The series begins on Monday, July 11th with 1933 film, 42nd Street, starring Warner Baxter, Bebe Daniels, George Brent, and Ruby Keeler. The film that launched the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals traces the creation of a Broadway show from its first casting call through its blockbuster opening night. With choreography staged by Busby Berkeley and a supporting cast that includes Ginger Rogers and Dick Powell, this Pre-Code musical was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and is ranked 13th on the American Film Institute’s list of best musicals. The black and white film runs 89 minutes.
State Fair is the featured film for Monday, July 18th. The 1945 movie stars Jeanne Crain, Dana Andrews, Dick Haymes, and Vivian Blaine. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s only score written expressly for the screen highlights this delightful musical about a family’s adventures at the Iowa State Fair. The father is looking for a blue ribbon for his prize hog, mom is looking for glory in her cooking, and the kids are looking for love. Songs include “It’s a Grand Night for Singing” and “It Might as Well be Spring,” which won the Academy Award for Best Song. The color film runs 100 minutes. On Monday, July 25th, Bye, Bye Birdie will be shown, followed by Chicago, on Monday, August 1st and Meet Me in in St. Louis, on Monday, August 8h.
Full descriptions of the films and other free summer programs at the New Rochelle Public Library can be found on the library’s website: www.nrpl.org.
