Timeless "Sunset Blvd." with South Pasadena's William Holden Screens at Library

“Sunset Boulevard,” one of the most acclaimed films in American cinema history, will be screened in the Community Room on Thursday, September 26 at 7 p.m.  The 1950 noir classic stars Gloria Swanson and William Holden (who grew up in South Pasadena) in their most unforgettable roles. Before 1950 American motion pictures were strictly for entertainment purposes, and “Sunset Boulevard” was groundbreaking with its artful, acerbic skewering of Hollywood’s distorted mirror. It has been called “The Father of Socially-Conscious Films” and was included in the first batch of films selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1989. The top-notch supporting cast includes Nancy Olson, Jack Webb, and Erich von Stroheim and features cameos by Buster Keaton, Hedda Hopper, and Cecil B. DeMille.

“Sunset Boulevard” was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 3, including Best Screenplay for Charles Brackett, D.M. Marshman, and Director Billy Wilder. Many thought that Gloria Swanson was a lock for Best Actress, but the Oscar surprisingly went to newcomer Judy Holliday. After many top actors turned down the leading role of Joe Gillis, the Hollywood hack writer, William Holden was forced into it as a contract player. Holden nailed the role and shot straight to the head of the class of Hollywood leading men. In 1953 Holden won the Oscar for Best Actor for “Stalag 17,” also directed by Billy Wilder, and by 1956 he was the top box office attraction in the United States.

Famed actress and author Stefanie Powers, President of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, will be on hand to deliver a tribute to Holden, who she lovingly remembers in her memoir “One from the Hart” which will be available for purchase at a signing table. Stefanie’s latest TV movie, “Reading, Writing, and Romance” aired on the Hallmark Channel on August 10, 2013. Acclaimed LA historian Tom Zimmerman will introduce the film with a critical and historical overview. Zimmerman’s books will also be for sale, including his latest, “El Camino Real & the Route of the Daylight from Los Angeles.”

CommCinema will be providing a professional projector and a giant screen for this free event presented by the South Pasadena Public Library, the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library, and South Pasadena Community Services.

The Community Room is located at 1115 El Centro Street.  Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and no tickets or reservations are necessary. Refreshments will be served. Special thanks to Bartelsco, Friends of the Rialto, Paramount Pictures, and Videotheque of South Pasadena.