Press Release nr98-62
Press Release · Thursday, March 26, 1998

Washington, DC

Washington, DC . . . The National Archives and Records Administration continues its free film series "America by Design", in conjunction with the exhibit "Designs For Democracy". Daytime showings will feature archival film, documentaries, and short subjects relating to architecture, design, and inventions. Evening screenings will present American feature films that represent outstanding examples of costume, set, and lighting design.

The screenings will be held in the theater of the National Archives Building, Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW and in the auditorium the National Archives at College Park, which is located at 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD. All programs are free and open to the public. The times and dates may be verified by calling the National Archives public events line at (202) 501-5000.

Friday, May 1 -- Film
America by Design
*Archival Film: Patents and Inventions. Today we present a selection of archival film, short subjects, and newsreels from the National Archives’ motion picture holdings related to patents and inventions. (60 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Thursday, May 7 -- Film
America by Design
*Lost Horizon, 1937. This American classic directed by Frank Capra is the story of five people who, after their plane crashes, enter a mystical Tibetan land of utter peace. Lost Horizon won the 1937 Academy Award for Art Direction. We present the American Film Institute restoration version, which returns the film to its original length and uses still production photos to represent missing scenes. Stars Ronald Colman, Jane Wyatt and H. B. Warner. (132 minutes.) 7 P.M. Theater.

Friday, May 8 -- Film
America by Design
*Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography, 1992. Produced in conjunction with the American Film Institute and the American Society of Cinematographers, Visions of Light is a fascinating look at the evolution of motion picture photography and lighting design that won the 1993 New York Film Critics Award for Best Documentary. (90 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Friday, May 15 -- Film
America by Design
*The Brooklyn Bridge, 1982, is Ken Burns’s acclaimed documentary about one of America’s best loved landmarks. Designed by John Augustus Roebling and opened in 1883, the bridge was a technical achievement of unparalleled scope. (58 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Thursday, May 21 -- Film
America by Design
*Gaslight, 1944. Featuring outstanding recreations of Victorian-era London design and architecture, this suspenseful tale of a suave, menacing husband trying to drive his wife insane won the 1944 Academy Award for Art Direction. Stars Ingrid Bergman, Charles Boyer, and Joseph Cotten. Directed by George Cukor. (114 minutes.) 7 P.M. Theater.

Friday, May 22 -- Films
America by Design
*The Stone Carvers, 1985, captures the work and great spirit of the Italian-American artisans who devoted their lives to carving the Washington National Cathedral. A film by Marjorie Hunt and Paul Wagner. (28 minutes.)
*Washington National Cathedral, 1993. Produced by WETA public television, this documentary combines breathtaking cinematography, interviews, archival film footage and poignant stories from the people who dedicated their lives to building this church. (60 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

98-62