100 Years of Cinema Under the Stars

Joan Crawford in Mildred Pierce on Saturday, August 26

Our Summer series of monthly screenings under the stars in Glendale’s Brand Park continues on Saturday, August 26th. What better way to pay tribute to the first 100 years of Warner Bros. than with 1945’s Mildred Pierce, which showcases the Jewel City in a starring role.

Under the masterful direction of Michael Curtiz, Joan Crawford portrays the long-suffering single mother struggling to raise two daughters, including the 16-year-old, social-climbing Veda (Ann Blyth), who disdains her mother’s low station in life. Mildred parlays a knack for baking pies into an eventual chain of restaurants, only to see it, and her family, crumble in the best Hollywood melodramatic fashion. Crawford’s first starring role for Warner Bros. earned her the Academy Award as Best Actress in 1946.

The series comprises representative films celebrating the first centuries of Warner Bros. and the Walt Disney Company, plus a 100th anniversary presentation of Harold Lloyd’s silent comedy classic Safety Last! with live musical accompaniment on September 30th.

These outdoor screenings are being presented on the expansive lawn of the historic Doctors’ House in Brand Park. Admission is free. Gates will open at 5:30 to allow time for picnicking and socializing before the program begins at 7:00 PM. Please bring blankets, lawn or beach chairs for seating.

The series is a presentation of Alex Film Society, Retroformat Silent Films, The Glendale Historical Society, Brand Associates and the Northwest Glendale Homeowners Association, with generous support provided by the City of Glendale’s Community Services & Parks.

Directions to Brand Park and The Doctors’ House

In Northwest Glendale, follow Grandview Ave. up the hill and into the park. Grandview can be accessed from San Fernando Rd., W. Glenoaks Blvd. and Kenneth Rd. Once in the park, follow the signs to the Doctors’ House or Brand Motorway. Note that vehicular access ends at the red barrier shown on the map below.

The Series Continues on September 30 With Safety Last!