Films with Special Guests

Starring: Clara Bow, Antonio Moreno, Jacqueline Gadsden, Priscilla Bonner, William Austin. Presenting the first true Rom-Com film - 100 years later, still one of the finest ever made. Inspired by a story by Elinor Glyn who specialized in risqué fare, Clarence Badger’s “It” is a frothy romantic comedy transformed by the incandescent Clara Bow—who indeed had “it”. Bow’s shopgirl Betty Lou sets her sights on her handsome boss (Antonio Moreno), wooing him with her sheer animal magnetism. What could possibly go wrong? “Clara Bow is the quintessence of what the term ‘Flapper’ signifies as a definite description: pretty, impudent, superbly assured, as worldly-wise, briefly-clad and ‘hard-berled’ as possible.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald. New 4k It restoration premiered at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. New score by The Mont Alto Orchestra. Screening to benefit the Bedford Playhouse gives you the rare opportunity to see a beautifully restored film on the Playhouse’s big screen. In 2001, It was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". A Q&A with film restorer and Playhouse Board member Robert Harris follows the film.

A Q&A with the filmmakers follows the film. Set against the backdrop of Ronald Reagan's America, Mario traces Mario Cuomo's journey from the son of Italian immigrants to the New York governor who championed government as a force for compassion. Weaved together through archival footage, reflections from his family, and excerpts from his personal diaries, the film portrays a leader shaped by humility, intellect, and the struggles of his parents' generation. His early legal battles defending working-class families against powerful interests became the foundation for his belief that politics should serve those without privilege. That conviction would guide him through decades of leadership defined by empathy, eloquence, and an unwavering sense of moral duty.

A Q&A with Amy Irving follows the film, celebrating its 50th anniversary! Based on the best-selling Stephen King novel, this "absolutely spellbinding horror movie" (Roger Ebert) stars Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie in Oscar-nominated performances. This ultimate revenge fantasy has become one of the all-time great horror classics! At the center of the terror is Carrie (Spacek), a high school loner with no confidence, no friends ... and no idea about the extent of her secret powers of telekinesis. But when her psychotic mother and sadistic classmates finally go too far, the once-shy teen becomes an unrestrained, vengeance-seeking powerhouse who, with the help of her "special gift," causes all hell to break loose in a famed cinematic frenzy of blood, fire and brimstone! This classic also stars John Travolta, Amy Irving, William Katt and P.J. Soles. 

Join acclaimed film historian and author Robert Hofler for a special author talk on his new book, A Star Is Reborn: The Most Filmed Hollywood Story of Love Found and Lost. Discover the fascinating history, real-life inspirations, and behind-the-scenes stories behind A Star Is Born and its iconic remakes spanning nearly a century of Hollywood. Following the discussion, celebrate the film's enduring legacy with a special 50th anniversary screening of the 1976 A Star Is Born, starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson.