Coming Soon to
The Nightlight
Coming Soon to
The Nightlight
The Nightlight Film Society is a monthly gathering of cinephiles, patrons, and members of the Nightlight to watch essential Cinema on the big screen. We encourage a discussion not only about the film but analyze the impact of cinema on society. Every month we have a guest speaker give a brief introduction before we screen the film and help conduct a conversation after.
JOHN CASSAVETES, TELEVISIONS LOST CLASSICS (1955) ONE SHOW ONLY, NIGHTLIGHT MAIN THEATER FEBRUARY 23RD, 6:00 PM
Before the showtime of John Cassavetes best known film Woman Under the Influence (1974) The Nightlight is screening a rare, never before seen on the big screen, a program of 2 live broadcasts during his television career. These will be screened in a new digital restoration in our main theater.
Television's Lost Classics starring John Cassavetes directed by Sidney Lumet (KING: A FILMED RECORD, MONTGOMERY TO MEMPHIS 1970) thanks to Jeff Joseph of Turner Classics.
CRIME IN THE STREETS (1955): actors: Robert Preston, Glenda Farrell, John Cassavetes
NO RIGHT TO KILL (1955): actors: John Cassavetes, Terry Moore, Robert H. Harris
The 1950s produced a treasure trove of live dramatic programs originating from New York. Top talent from stage and screen were retained for both in front and back of the camera. These two prime examples convey the feeling of watching a Broadway performance, but with the advantage of abundant and intimate close-ups and medium shots. They are surprisingly cinematic, especially considering the impediments those behind the camera had to face – clunky cameras, hot lights, quick set changes, live music and sound effects and always being mindful of keeping microphones out of the frame. Clearly, the highlights of these programs are the intense performances by John Cassavetes, with his variation of method acting displayed in full form. The first program is titled “Crime in the Streets” and is from The Elgin Hour (Elgin watches) and was broadcast live on ABC, Tuesday, March 8, 1955. It was written by Reginald Rose and directed by Sidney Lumet, starring Robert Preston and a very young John Cassavetes. The second program, “No Right to Kill,” was part of the Climax! Series and was presented by the Chrysler Corporation. Based on Dostoyevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” and adapted for TV by Victor Wolfson. It was broadcast on CBS, Thursday, August 9, 1956.