Movie Time:
Classic Movies in a Classic Mansion
Every other Wednesday
Doors open @ 6:30
Movie begins at 7:30 p.m.
Leading Milwaukee film historian Dale E. Kuntz presents special choices from his rare collection of classic films from the 30s and 40's. Films are shown on 16mm, reel-to-reel film - not video! Most of these cinematic treasures are not available on video so don't miss this rare opportunity to see these films in their original glory. Prior to each screening, Dale fascinates the audience with his vast knowledge of film history and gives the inside scoop on each movie, including bizarre details about the stars and clues to help the audience spot little oddities that ended up in the film instead of on the cutting room floor. Admission: $5/Adults, $3/Seniors & Students, Free/museum member.
For more information please call (414) 278-8295
A Greer Garson Tribute
Through August 26, 2009
When the great beauties of Hollywood are mentioned, for some unknown reason, Greer Garson’s name is never among them. Yet, she was one of the most natural beauties of the Silver Screen! Granted, she was a “mature beauty” but a beauty never the less. Though born in County Down, Ireland, she embodied the loving, faithful English mother and wife in most of her films. In the 1940s, she single-handedly replaced Greta Garbo, Jeanette MacDonald, Norma Shearer, and Joan Crawford as MGM’s leading lady. She managed to remain MGM’s top box-office star during this time period as well. She and Bette Davis still hold the record of being the only actresses nominated for Best Actress five years consecutively. We at the Charles Allis Art Museum are happy to be doing our very first retrospective of Miss Garson’s career. Our selection of films will give you an example of Miss Garson’s range as an actress, including dramas, costume epics, romantic comedies, and her most famous role, the Academy Award winning, Mrs. Miniver.
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When Ladies Meet 1941, 108 min. Greer Garson, Joan Crawford, Robert Taylor, Herbert Marshall, Spring Byington. Based on the famous early 1930s play by Rachel Crothers, this adaptation is a light, romantic comedy – unusual roles for both Miss Garson and Miss Crawford. Crawford plays a famous author who fall in love with her publisher, played by Herbert Marshall. On a weekend at the country home of a friend, Crawford meets Garson, who she thinks is a friend of Taylor. In reality, she is the wife of the publisher! The complications that arise are well acted out by this attractive cast. Academy Award nomination for Best Interior Decoration of a black and white film, lost to How Green Was My Valley. |
Mrs. Miniver 1942, 134 min. Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon, Theresa Wright, Dame May Whitty, Richard Ney. Nominated for 12 Academy Awards, this film won six, including: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director. The most popular and beloved film of World War II (No, it was not Casablanca)! Based on the novel of Jan Struther, this film is a moving and touching drama about a middle class English family learning to cope with war and its tragic aftermaths. This film was credited to rally more American support for the British than any news of the day. Its moving, patriotic final speech was written by none other than President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. |
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The Miniver Story 1950, 104 min. Greer Garson, Walter Pidegon, John Hodiak, Cathy O’Donnell, Leo Genn. The seldom-seen sequel to Mrs. Miniver, filmed entirely in England. The story continues with the Miniver family and how it is coping with post-war problems, rationing, and rebuilding. The two younger children have grown beyond their years, and strangely enough, the eldest son is not seen of even mentioned! In spite of some complications, we know that Mr. Miniver will always love Mrs. Miniver. |
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The Valley of Decision 1945, 119 MIN. Greer Garson, Gregory Peck, Lionel Barrymore, Donald Crisp, Preston Foster, Marsha Hunt, Gladys Cooper, Jessica Tandy. Based on the popular novel by Marcia Davenport. As in most film adaptations of long novels, the film only uses the first half of the book. But, what a plot! Greer plays the daughter of a poor Irish immigrant from the wrong side of the coal mines in Pittsburgh, 1870. She and Peck, the son of the coal mine owner, fall in love. However, social degrees, a workers strike and murder, separate them and Peck is left to marry a socialite. A climax is reached when Peck’s mother (Cooper) dies and leaves all her shares of the mine to Garson! Now Garson has the power to save or destroy the family. |
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Julia Misbehaves 1948, 99 min. Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon, Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Lawford, Cesar Romero, Mary Boland, Nigel Bruce. A rare opportunity to see Greer as you have never seen her before…in a screwball comedy! Greer’s a showgirl who gave up her daughter when she was a baby. Now, the daughter (Taylor) is grown and about to get married. She invites her mother to the wedding but her fiancé (Pidgeon) and his stuffy family want to avoid the meeting. When Greer shows up with a family friend and trapeze artist (Romero) all hell breaks loose. Greer upsets everyone, including her daughter, who is not sure about her fiancé. The highlight of the film is second-rate trapeze artists trying to perform a pyramid on stage with Greer while she loses half her clothes! |
The Charles Allis Art Museum
A vibrant, urban center for Wisconsin artists, the Charles Allis Art Museum continually strengthens and supports the Milwaukee community by elevating the visibility and prestige of local talent through its sponsorship of exhibitions featuring Wisconsin artists in changing exhibitions. At the Allis there is an emphasis on fine art - drawing, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. Charles and Sarah Allis generously bequeathed the home and its collection to the public to "delight, inspire and educate." The Tudor-style mansion is intact with original furnishings and an art collection spanning more than 2,000 years. The Museum also hosts a variety of events and programs that not only entertain our patrons, but educates as well. Located at 1801 N. Prospect Ave., the Museum is part of the Milwaukee County War Memorial complex and a partner of the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, 2220 N. Terrace Ave.
Museum Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m. General admission is $5 for Adults, $3 for Seniors, Military and Students with a valid ID, and FREE for Museum Members and children 12 and under.