SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE: AN IN-PERSON TRIBUTE

TO DEBBIE REYNOLDS 

American Cinematheque

Hollywood, California 

September 17 - 18, 2004

The American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre presents SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE: AN IN-PERSON TRIBUTE TO DEBBIE REYNOLDS, September 17 - 18, 2004. 

From her big screen debut to her most recent appearances, this two day series features six films starring the legendary actress/singer/dancer Debbie Reynolds, including the incomparable SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952, MGM (Warners), 103 min.). Debbie Reynolds will appear in person for a discussion following this screening. Director Curtis Harrington is also scheduled to appear for a discussion after the screening of his thriller WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH HELEN? (1971, MGM/UA, 101 min.) co-starring Reynolds and Shelley Winters. 

All guests are subject to their availability. All screenings are at the newly renovated Lloyd E. Rigler Theatre at the historic Egyptian (6712 Hollywood Boulevard between Highland and Las Palmas) in Hollywood. 

Actress/singer/dancer Debbie Reynolds broke into show business at the tender age of 16, scouted by Warner Brothers after winning the "Miss Burbank" contest in 1948. Her natural charm and vocal talents earned her early roles in MGM musicals such as THREE LITTLE WORDS and TWO WEEKS WITH LOVE. In 1952, Reynolds burst into the big time with her classic starring role in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, proving her talents extended also to dancing, and holding her own alongside the ranks of Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor. She went on to give stand-out comic performances in films such as THE TENDER TRAP, TAMMY & THE BACHELOR (which also spawned the Reynolds-performed Top 10 Hit, "Tammy"), THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN (with a dazzling, Oscar-nominated performance in the title role) and Albert Brooks' recent MOTHER, along with terrific dramatic turns in THE RAT RACE, HOW THE WEST WAS WON and Curtis Harrington's chilling WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH HELEN?, opposite Shelley Winters.

With a career spanning 55 years, starring roles in over 30 films, two Broadway shows, and numerous TV appearances, Debbie Reynolds is one of the last and greatest "triple threat" performers to emerge from Hollywood. Her legendary name has become synonymous with solid performances as an actress, singer, and dancer - and she often effortlessly wears all three hats at the same time! Along the way, Reynolds has also proven herself to be one of cinema's biggest collectors and preservationists, amassing the world's largest private collection of Hollywood costumes and memorabilia. 

Friday, September 17, 2004

The Friday, September 17th program begins at 7:00 PM with WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH HELEN? (1971, MGM/UA, 101 min.), directed by Curtis Harrington. Picture this: Debbie Reynolds as a platinum-blonde Jean Harlow clone, Shelley Winters as a latent-lesbian dance teacher, and Agnes Moorehead as a Bible-thumping evangelist! Featuring one of Reynolds' finest dramatic performances, WHAT'S THE MATTER is a creepy, delirious whirl of religious fervor, romantic obsession, and hundreds of little girls who all want to be Shirley Temple. Discussion following with director Curtis Harrington, who is also celebrating his birthday this evening!

Following at 9:30 PM is a Double Feature. First up is a screening of a new 35 mm print of TAMMY & THE BACHELOR (1957, Universal, 89 min.), directed by Joseph Pevney. High-gloss, Hollywood romantic comedy, with Debbie at her radiant, irrepressible best. When a plane suddenly crashes into a swamp near her home, Tammy (Debbie Reynolds) finds an injured young pilot (Leslie Nielsen) and takes it upon herself to nurse him back to health. Love is soon upon them, and backwoods Tammy is faced with also winning the hearts of his hoity-toity family.

Next on the same bill is a screening of MOTHER (1996, Paramount, 104 min.), directed by Albert Brooks. Debbie Reynolds steals the show in her big-screen comeback, assuming the title role of "Mother." Incapable of maintaining a relationship, a frustrated, twice-divorced writer (Albert Brooks) decides to move back in with his mother for a little self-discovery. In the process, he realizes "mom" is a complex woman he never really knew (while learning plenty about himself). Reynolds' layered, finely-tuned performance again proves her range and tremendous talent.

Saturday, September 18, 2004

The Saturday, September 18th program begins at 5:00 PM with SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952, MGM (Warners), 103 min.), directed by Stanley Donen & Gene Kelly. Hand selected by co-star Gene Kelly for the film, Debbie Reynolds delivered her stunning, breakout performance at age 20 in this all-time classic and arguably the greatest of American screen musicals. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN began with legendary MGM producer Arthur Freed giving screenwriters Betty Comden and Adolph Green a stack of songs he'd written early in his career (with partner Nacio Herb Brown) - including "Broadway Melody," "You Are My Lucky Star," and the title song - and saying simply, "weave a story around these." What emerged was a sublime marriage of song and dance, innocence and nostalgia, heart-tugging romance and surreal comedy (especially in co-star Donald O'Connor's show-stopping "Make 'Em Laugh" routine). Co-director Kelly shines as silent movie idol Don Lockwood, whose career and leading lady (hilariously played by Jean > Hagen) are imperiled by the coming of sound - until he hooks up with lovely ingenue Kathy Seldon (a stellar Reynolds). The brilliant supporting cast includes Millard Mitchell, Douglas Fowley, and the great Cyd Charisse. Discussion following with legendary actress Debbie Reynolds. 

[Special Ticket Price of $12.00 General, $10.00 Students/Seniors and $8.00 Cinematheque Members for this show only.] Please note that there will not be any press comps for this screening.

Following at 8:00 PM is a Double Feature. First up is a brand new 35mm print of THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN (1964, MGM (Warners), 128 min.), directed by Charles Walters. This big-screen adaptation of the hit Broadway musical earned Debbie Reynolds many critical accolades, including an Oscar nomination. When the charming, hard-working hillbilly Brown finds herself vaulted to high society after her husband (Harve Presnell, in his movie debut) strikes it rich, gaining the respect of her new peers proves to be a grand struggle. In the title role, Reynolds plays the legendary woman who, after rising from rags to riches, went on to famously survive the sinking of the Titanic. THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN originally premiered at the Egyptian.

Next on the same bill is THE TENDER TRAP (1955, MGM (Warners), 111 min.), directed by Charles Walters. Debbie Reynolds stars as the ambitious Julie, who happens upon womanizing theatrical agent and Manhattan socialite Charlie Reader (Frank Sinatra). With a wedding date already set and nary a fiancé in sight, Julie decides Charlie the Bachelor will soon become Charlie the Groom.

American Cinematheque

1800 North Highland Avenue, Suite 717, Hollywood, CA 90028

323.466-FILM (fax) 323.461.9737

http://www.egyptiantheatre.com