AFI Silver Classic Film Weekend: MAN, WOMAN, AND SIN + Introduction by film historian David Stenn and live piano accompa

Date and Time for this Past Event

• Saturday, Jun 15, 2024  11am - 12:30pm

Location

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Event Category

In-Person

About

"Pre-Code: Sex and Censorship" electrifies the first AFI Silver Classic Film Weekend. Immerse yourself in the thrilling era of pre-Code cinema, a fleeting moment from the late 1920s to 1934 when films defied convention before the Hays Code stifled Hollywood's boldness. These movies, lighthearted or dramatic, showcased complex women and flawed heroes struggling against social injustice, and unflinching explorations of sex, ambition and crime. Witness legendary stars ignite the screen: Clara Bow, James Cagney, Barbara Stanwyck, Cary Grant, Jean Harlow, Joan Blondell, Spencer Tracy, Warren William, Anna May Wong and Josephine Baker. Festival guests, including film historians Richard Koszarski, Steven C. Smith, Farran Smith Nehme, Katie Gee Salisbury and David Stenn, will introduce each film.

MAN, WOMAN, AND SIN
Introduction by film historian David Stenn. Live piano accompaniment by Jon Mirsalis

At the pinnacle of his Hollywood stardom, John Gilbert took a bold risk by appearing in writer/director Monta Bell's passion project. For MAN, WOMAN AND SIN, Bell — known for light comedies and his background as Chaplin's assistant — channeled Chaplin's darker narratives, in which a random event can lead to personal misfortune. Al (Gilbert), rising from humble Washington, DC, roots, lands a menial newspaper job. A chance at reporting catapults him into disaster as naïve Al falls for society editor Vera (Jeanne Eagels), unaware she's the mistress of the newspaper's owner. Bell's stark realism and social commentary make this a rare Hollywood film infused with art-house sensibilities. Eagels, a celebrated Broadway star, appeared in only a handful of films before her tragic death in 1929. Newly restored, including the original tints.