Nov 22: Mark A. Vieira - Irving Thalberg Lecture at the Egyptian

Co-presented with the American Cinematheque In collaboration with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences exhibit "Irving Thalberg: Creating the Hollywood Studio System 1920 - 1936" (Sept. 17 - Dec. 13, 2009)

Irving G.Thalberg expert Mark Vieira will present an illustrated lecture based on his extensive research on the legendary film producer known as "The Boy Wonder" in 1920s and 30s Hollywood. Vieira wrote not one, but two books on Thalberg who, during his brief career (he died at the age of 37), controlled production on many of the great films of the silent and early talkies era, including THE BIG PARADE which premiered originally at the Egyptian in 1925. The talk on Thalberg is followed by a double feature of two of Thalberg's pre-code films from 1932 and coincides with a special exhibit at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

Thalberg Pre-Code Double Feature: SKYSCRAPER SOULS, 1932, Warner Bros., 99 min. Dir. Edgar Selwyn. This pre-code gem is a surprisingly modern treatise on sex and money: Warren William plays a married skyscraper magnate who sleeps with his secretary (Maureen O'Sullivan), while another suitor (Norman Foster) tries to win her heart. Look for future gossip columnist Hedda Hopper as William's wife! The incredible Art Deco sets are by art director Cedric Gibbons.

FAITHLESS, 1932, Warner Bros., 88 min. Dir. Harry Beaumont. Tallulah Bankhead plays Carol Morgan, a spoiled young woman whose father's fortune is wiped out by the depression. She refuses to accept reality, however, and refuses to accept the love of middle-class suitor Robert Montgomery, who's baffled by the way she prioritizes money over romance.

Hosted by Mark A. Vieira, author of Hollywood Dreams Made Real and Sin in Soft Focus. Between films Vieira will tell M-G-M stories from his new book, Irving Thalberg and his previous book Irving Thalberg and the Rise of M-G-M. Book signing with both Vieira's Thalberg books between the films in the lobby.

Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 for seniors and $7 for ADSLA and American Cinematheque members.  Advance tickets available on Fandango.

There will also be a booksigning and reception hosted by the Larry Edmund's Bookshop from 12:30 to 1:30 a few doors east at Larry Edmund's Bookshop, 6644 Hollywood Boulevard.

The Academy recognizes legendary film producer Irving Thalberg (1899 - 1936) with a major gallery exhibition at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, featuring photographs, documents, poster art, props and costumes from many of the famed motion pictures overseen by Hollywood's original "Boy Wonder." Exhibit curated by Mark Vieira is open through December 13th. Free admission. Information: http://www.oscars.org