Films we love

Somebody at the New Haven Library knows how to pick more than books



The New Haven Public Library is inviting film buffs to "rediscover some old favorites" at Wednesday Classics, a film series showing classic films during the winter months at 133 Elm St.


From 5:30-7:30 p.m., on the first and last Wednesdays of the month, films will be shown on the big screen, library organizers said in a statement.


There is no charge for the showings, and free parking is available. Bring your own popcorn.


For more information, call the library at 203-946-8835.


The schedule is (with comments included herein by library staff):


January 6: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932), the first horror film to win an Academy Award, thanks to the lead performance by Fredric March and the elegant direction by Rouben Mamoulian.


January 27: It Happened One Night (1934), a screwball comedy directed by Frank Capra, in which pampered socialite played by Claudette Colbert tries to get out from under her father's thumb, and falls in love with roguish newspaper reporter Clark Gable.


February 3: Now, Voyager (1942), a middle-aged spinster played by Bette Davis suffers a nervous breakdown because of her domineering mother. After spending time in a sanitarium, she finds freedom with a man she meets while on a cruise.


February 24: Casablanca (1943). You must remember this, a kiss is still a kiss… Arguably America’s most popular film of all time, starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart.


March 3: Gaslight (1944). A husband played by Charles Boyer with a lot to hide determines to prove his wife, Ingrid Bergman, insane. His plan almost works, until a chance encounter with a stranger at the Tower of London who turns out to be Inspector Cameron of Scotland Yard, played by Joseph Cotten.


March 31: Born Yesterday (1950). A corrupt millionaire junk dealer played by Broderick Crawford) hires a smart journalist William Holden to add some grace notes to the behavior of his fiance Judy Holliday, so that she will not ruin his wheeling and dealing in Washington. The tables get turned when the “dumb blonde” discovers the principles of American democracy.

For the kids

Members of the New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade recently contributed to the "Toys for Tots" and "Metro Taxi's" annual toy drive.

Items will be distributed to needy families for the holiday season.

In the photo, shown l to r, are Chief of Staff Joe Lynch, Grand Marshal Jim McGovern, Chairman Walter Nester, Metro Taxi Operations Manager Jared Whitcomb and Secretary Kevin A. Smith. To make a donation to Metro Taxi's toy drive, call 203-777-7777. Non-perishable food items also are being collected.

Bridge to "Troubled Water"

The New Haven Public Library is a path to more than books

NEW HAVEN - A 2008 thriller from Norway and Sweden, "Troubled Water, is the first offering in the New Haven Public Library's World Film Series offered in cooperation with Yale's Program in International Educational Resources, organizers said in a statement.

Brian Carter, heads of the European Studies Program, will lead a discussion following a free screening from 2 t o 4:30 p.m. Dec. 18, at the library, 133 Elm St., the statment said.

Films in the series will be shown in their original languages with English subtitles, and are suitable for mature audiences, the statement said.

The film's story, according to the statement, is about a man who was recently released from prison after serving time for the murder of a child and has always maintained his innocence but is ready to put the past behind him. Using his middle name he takes a job as an organist at an Oslo church. His talent and gentle manner quickly earn him the respect of his superiors, as well as the love of the pastor, Anna. Thomas even overcomes his initial panic to return the affection of Anna's young son, Jens. But his past catches up with him when he is recognized by the mother of the young boy whom he was convicted of killing.

For more information, call the library at 203-946-8835.

Which craft?

WOODBRIDGE - The Woodbridge Library will hold an open drop-in Friday Morning Adult Craft Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 11.

Crafters seeking to meet "fellow crafty individuals who share your love of knitting, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, beading, needlepoint, and other handicrafts," are invited.

Partcipants are asked to bring their latest project to the open drop-in session.

Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 203-389-3433, stop by the Circulation Desk, or e-mail pvalsecchi@ci.woodbridge.ct.us.

Free!

NEW HAVEN — The New Haven Museum and Historical Society, 114 Whitney Ave., is now open free of admission charge from 1 to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month.
Special exhibits include "East Shore Reflections," with furniture and artifacts from the Pardee-Morris House, period paintings and photographs, and the Ingersoll Room, with lavish Christmas decorations.
The Museum Gift Shop features new items and collectibles, old-fashioned toys for children and unique gifts created exclusively for the shop. These include the popular "Three Churches on the Green" snow globes and leather bookmarks, as well as woven cotton throws depicting familiar city landmarks.
For more information, call 203-562-4183, ext. 12.