3 Classic Bette Davis films at the Loews Jersey Theater February 29, 2008

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Remembering
Bette Davis
In Her Centenary Year
February 29 & March 1

At the Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre
54 Journal Square, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Tel: (201) 798-6055 Fax: (201) 798-4020 Email: [email protected] Web: www.loewsjersey.org

"Acting should be bigger than life. Scripts should be bigger than life. It should all be bigger than life." — Bette Davis

Of all the stars in the firmament of the Golden Age of Hollywood, none ever shone more brightly – then or now – than Bette Davis. Her looks were not those of the archetypical pin-up girl, but she had a sex appeal that made her a leading lady for two decades. At a time in Hollywood when women were supposed to be not much more than set pieces for men, Bette Davis was independent and strong willed, both on and off the screen. Her clipped diction and distinct mannerisms became instantly recognizable to millions. She could play glamorous parts, as the studio often wanted, but she was also willing – actually, eager – to take on hard edged roles portraying characters that were less than admirable and even physically unattractive. That she etched an indelible mark on the silver screen is evidenced by the fact that almost two decades after her passing, and years more since the height of her career, Bette Davis remains a pop icon familiar even to many young people.

The Loew's Jersey pays tribute to Bette Davis by proudly presenting three of her finest films to be enjoyed again on the Big Screen:

Friday, February 29 at 8 PM: "Now, Voyager" Starring Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains. Directed by Irving Rapper. (1942, 117mins., B&W, Warner Bros. Pre-dates the rating system, but is suitable for most audiences.) One of Bette Davis' most adored pictures, "Now, Voyager" is the story of one woman's self-actualizing discovery of inner strength and transformation through love from dowdy, neurotic wall-flower. Davis gave a masterful performance showcasing her signature forcefulness as well as her capacity for romantic gentleness. The supporting cast is also superb. The movie includes the legendary scene of Henreid's neatly suggestive lighting of two cigarettes. It is a superior melodrama.
Saturday, March 1 at 3 PM: "Jezebel" Starring Bette Davis, Henry Fonda, George Brent, Fay Bainter. Directed by William Wyler. (1938, 105mins., B&W, Warner Bros. Pre-dates the rating system, but is suitable for most audiences.) Bette Davis was seriously considered by David O. Selznick for the role of Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone With The Wind". That, of course, did not happen, but Warner Bros. did cast her in the title role of its own antebellum romantic drama. Despite some obvious comparisons, "Jezebel" is no mere clone of "GWTW", but a strong, entertaining story in its own right. Davis, in one of the best remembered of her many memorable roles, plays Julie, a headstrong woman who loses her fiancé by creating a public scandal. This melodrama plays out against the film's study of the conventions and gender roles of The Old South. The film succeeds because of Davis' steely performance and elegant production values. The excellent cinematography uses light and shadow to build texture and mood, and Max Steiner's music (who, interestingly, also composed the score for "GWTW") is also very effective in adding to atmosphere. Davis won her second Best Actress Oscar for her role.

Saturday, March 1 at 7:45 PM: "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" Starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Directed by Robert Aldrich (1962, 132mins., B&W, Warner Bros. Pre-dates the rating system, but may not be suitable for young audiences.) The well known real-life animosity between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford was put to exquisite on-camera use in this gothic, if also sometimes campy exercise in psychological terror. Davis is "Baby Jane" Hudson, a former child star from the vaudeville stage who is embittered by the later, greater success of her sister Blanche (played by Crawford) as a top movie star. Blanche, however, was crippled for life in a car accident in the 1930s, and Jane is extremely resentful at having to take car of her in their decaying L.A. Mansion. As Jane maniacally schemes to make a "comeback" in show business, Blanche becomes increasingly desperate to get out of her demented sister's control. Davis was never afraid to take on characters that were unattractive or less than sympathetic, and her performance here is as courageous as it is unforgettable. The hostility between Davis and Crawford is palpable. Director Aldrich achieved a satisfyingly peculiar tone for the eccentric material by deftly blending serious, creepy and humorous elements. "Baby Jane" has become a cult classic, but it is, fundamentally, a skillful, well-performed nail-biter. The movie helped revive Davis' career, which had flagged as she'd grown older.

Each screening is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors & children 12 years old and younger and students with ID. Combo discounts are available for multiple screenings. Call (201) 798-6055 or visit www.loewsjersey.org for more info.

PLUS – In the grand Movie Palace tradition: Audiences for each screening of the Bette Davis tribute will enjoy live "entrance music" played on the Loew's Wonder Morton pipe organ! Paul Citti, member GSTOS, will perform on the keyboard.

Doors will open 40 minutes prior to each of the above show times. Entrance music will be played on the organ for one half hour before the start of each film at the above show times .

How To Get To The Loew's: The Loew's Jersey, at 54 Journal Square, Jersey City, is directly across JFK Boulevard from the JSQ PATH Center, is minutes from the NJ Turnpike & easily reached by car or mass transit from throughout the Metro Area.

Half-price off-street parking is available in Square Ramp Garage adjoining the Loew's. Patrons present a coupon to garage attendant when they leave. Coupon is available at our box office.

The Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre is one of America's grandest surviving Movie Palaces, and now operates as a non-profit arts center. The Loew's screens movies on our 50 ft wide x 25 ft high screen, using carbon arc illumination for the brightest, whitest light. We run reel-to-reel, not platter, which often allows us to screen an archival or studio vault print that is the best available copy of a movie title.

For Directions or More Information: Call (201) 798-6055 or visit www.loewsjersey.org.

Classic Film Weekends are presented by Friends of the Loew's, Inc., which operates the Loew's Jersey as a not-for-profit arts center.

(Press inquiries call Colin Egan at (201) 798-6055. Or email [email protected].)

Official Website: http://www.loewsjersey.org