6.) Saturday May 10, 2008 7:00 P.M.

Feature Film: Trouble in Paradise (1932)

The 2008 film series wraps up with Trouble in Paradise -- a de luxe, Art Deco paradise -- that is the supreme example of "the Lubitsch touch," that mastery of comic timing, diamond-cutter editing precision, and continental sophistication that made Ernst Lubitsch a household name in the 30's.
Loaded with sparkling dialogue, witty innuendo, and elegant comic invention, this scintillating and rarely seen comedy is director Ernst Lubitsch's masterpiece.

The film tells the story of a master jewel thief who meets up with a beautiful pickpocket. The two of them go to work for a famous perfume manufacturer, and the thief finds himself torn between the two women. The film stars Miriam Hopkins, Kay Francis, and Herbert Marshall. 
Flawless in every aspect, this influential work is one of the cinema's greatest romantic comedies. Lubitsch relied heavily on the intelligence of his audience. The fact that this worked so beautifully only two years after Hollywood fully embraced sound pictures shows the genius of the director's craft.

Made in 1932, the film is an example of pre-code cinema containing adult themes that were not permitted under the production code. When Paramount tried to reissue the film in 1935, the rules of the newly enforced Hays Production Code forbade it. This effectively banned the film from being shown and it was not screened in public again until 1968.
The film's release on DVD in 2003 has spawned a new legion of fans who are re-discovering the sound era's first master filmmaker. Trouble in Paradise has been deemed "culturally significant" by the United States Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.

Get a pair of advance tickets for the next show!

ART DECO AT THE ARK is a six month series of events showcasing classic movies from the 20's and 30's, and more modern films set during the period. It's a fun way to increase public awareness about the art deco era and promote the popular culture.

More than what you get at today's movie show, the 1930's movie palace experience consists of a FULL program that includes cartoons, newsreels, shorts, classic cliff hanger serials, previews and a main attraction in an entertaining and educational event.

Stephan, Artist in Residence to the Art Deco Society of California and special advisor to the City Center Newport Deco District will be on hand to provide insight and perspective on the evening’s feature film.
At intermission, there'll be a trivia contest, best dressed awards and a charity auction. Light refreshments, beer and wine is available at the cash bar and dancing after the film.
Presented by the City Center Newport Association, the series is hosted by The Ark, Newport’s historic art deco theater at 453 SW Coast Hwy.

General Admission $12.00 • Members $10.00

Proceeds benefit the City Center Newport Association's ongoing efforts to preserve and revitalize City Center's unique Art Deco heritge. A portion of each ticket may be tax deductible.
Advance tickets are available from Priscilla at the Deco District branch of Bank of the West or click the yellow 'buy now' button above.

Dress in the art deco style, get $5.00 off!

1.) Dec. 8, 2007
Top Hat (1935)

* The dress deco discount applies to tickets purchased at the door. Advance tickets are full price.
Please note that some films from this period were made before the Motion Picture rating code existed, so have no rating at all, and may not be suitable for children.