An excited crowd gathered at the Lihu‘e Library last Wednesday evening for the Lihu‘e Library Film Club’s premier and a screening of the 1959 film “Some Like It Hot,” starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe, a news release
An excited crowd gathered at the Lihu‘e Library last Wednesday evening for the Lihu‘e Library Film Club’s premier and a screening of the 1959 film “Some Like It Hot,” starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe, a news release says.
While the library staff set up the projector for a big screen showing, audience members settled into their lawn and folding chairs and sampled refreshments.
“I’ve never met anyone who didn’t enjoy this movie,” said Paul Booth, the film club’s curator. “So when we decided to start the film club off with a comedy month, I immediately thought of this film.
“We are doing a tribute to Jack Lemmon with our comedy theme for the January films. ‘Some Like It Hot’ was one of Lemmon’s earlier films. The next film we show will be one of Lemmon’s later films, ‘Grumpy Old Men,’ which I think will be lots of fun as well,” he said.
Paul Booth, a Lihu‘e resident and graduate of Kaua‘i Community College, is an accomplished film producer and director. He has won multiple awards for his works such as the feature film “Blood of the Samurai” (available on DVD at Kaua‘i libraries).
“We are lucky to have Mr. Booth to curate the film club this season,” said Carolyn Larson, Lihu‘e Library branch manager. “He is a walking encyclopedia of film history and brings a unique perspective to the program.
“We have had a lot of public interest in the new film club,” she said. “There are a lot of film buffs out there who are not only interested in seeing good movies, but are also interested in discussing the films with other film aficionados. People want to learn more background about the development of the films and their place in cinematic history. They want to learn more about the actors’ and directors’ careers and filming techniques and they want to discuss books that have led to films.
“Lihu‘e Library has always been a gathering place, ever since John Mortimer Lydgate started began the Lihu‘e lending library in 1900,” said Larson. “I’m very happy that in this 110th anniversary year Lihu‘e Library can offer this free program as a public service.”
The audience enjoyed the big screen effect projected onto a large white wall while they munched goodies brought by audience members and provided by the Friends of Lihu‘e Public Library. Everyone stayed after the showing to discuss the film. Booth answered questions and provided background information on the director, the casting, the actors and the filming locations, the release says. The group discussed the film’s director and actors, the public response to the film when it first came out, and the relative merits of black and white vs. color films.
The Lihu‘e Library Film Club meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the library conference room twice a month with film curator Paul Booth to view and discuss noteworthy films. Each month a different movie genre will be explored such as crime films in February, music films in March and drama in April. During the year the club will see a mix of classic and contemporary, fiction and non-fiction, Hollywood, independent and foreign films. Parents are advised to note the film ratings as some films may not be appropriate viewing for children. The Spring Film Schedule is available at Lihu‘e Library.
All film club programs are free of charge.
