Outdoor Classic Film at Lubber Run Park Arlington

Film: Spiral Staircase (1946) starring Ethel Barrymore and Dorothy Malone Robert Siodmak's "The Spiral Staircase" was adapted from the book "Some Must Watch" by the prolific Ethel Lina White. Two of White's books had been made into films by Alfred Hitchcock. "The Wheel Spins" became "The Lady Vanishes", and "Before the Fact" became "Suspicion". "The Spiral Staircase" deals with a pretty creepy premise: An unknown killer has been murdering women with "afflictions". (One victim was disfigured, another feeble-minded, another lame). Helen, a young mute servant girl working in a gloomy old mansion, is the killer's next intended victim. The killer is in the house with her, but who is it? Siodmak, a master of film noir, holds your attention for approximately 85 minutes, and never lets go. All of the classic elements are here: Old gloomy house, thunderstorm, chiaroscuro lighting, eerie musical score, colorful performances. The sets, by the way, are leftovers from Orson Welles' "The Magnificent Ambersons", the music score by Roy Webb, who had composed other goose-pimplers such as "The Cat People", "I Walked With a Zombie", "The Body Snatcher" and Hitchcock's "Notorious". Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman on the Theremin is featured on this score, providing added goosebumps. And the cast! Pretty Dorothy McGuire is excellent as the endangered Helen, in a house peopled by the likes of the very grand Ethel Barrymore, the wooden George Brent, marvelous character actors Elsa Lanchester, Rhys Williams and Sara Allgood, handsome Kent Smith and Gordon Oliver, and lovely Rhonda Fleming. Ellen Corby is in the film too, in a bit part-watch for her! Robert Siodmak was an excellent "B" movie director, having made masterpieces on relatively small budgets. His other films include "The Killers", "Phantom Lady", "Son of Dracula", the camp classic "Cobra Woman", "Criss Cross", and the Burt Lancaster romp "The Crimson Pirate". So, in this age of over-inflated budgets, it's a wonder and honor to see these well-made films from an era of almost non-existent special effects, modest budgets, and great actors. Lubber Run Amphitheatre This outdoor facility, nestled in a beautiful park, features summer performances by a diverse group of local artists and arts organizations, popular bands, film, and visiting artists. The amphitheatre can seat up to 1,200, and patrons can take advantage of adjacent picnic areas. Arts al Fresco, sponsored by Arlington Cultural Affairs, presents free outdoor performances throughout Arlington from May through September each year. You may bring a picnic, but alcohol is prohibited in all Arlington parks. To show consideration for your fellow audience members, we ask that you do not smoke. No reservations or tickets are required for any outdoor concerts or events, wwww.arlingtonarts.org click on Arlington Cultural Affairs, then click on Arts al Fresco