James Stewart Film Series Continues

Settle into the air-conditioned comfort of the Barrington Public Library’s auditorium on Monday afternoon for librarian Doug Swiszcz’s film lecture series, James Stewart on the Big Screen?

The series runs every Monday at 1 pm through Aug. 6.

Swiszcz describes Stewart as "an actor who personified honesty, integrity, and idealism," and who "brought a boyish charm to many of his earlier roles. However, following a stint as a bomber pilot during World War II, he returned — like most who had seen battle -- an older, emotionally changed man. This change informed his acting in most of his future roles, with Stewart playing darker, more psychologically complex men."

The romantic comedy, The Shop Around the Corner, plays on Monday. It was released in 1940.

"The movie was directed by Ernst Lubitsch, renowned for his light, deft touch in comedy. Stewart and Margaret Sullavan play co-workers at a Budapest gift shop who have an antagonistic relationship. Ironically, the two of them are anonymously exchanging love letters.

Sound familiar? The film was the inspiration for the 1998 Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan comedy You’ve Got Mail.

The Lubitsch film was based on a Hungarian play, and is suffused with an Old World charm.  It is in black & white, and runs for 99 minutes.

All of the moves are free and include commentary by Swiszcz. Here’s the rest of the lineup:  

• July 23 – Winchester ’73 (1950)
• July 30 – Rear Window (1954)
• August 6 – Bell, Book & Candle (1958)

-- Doug Swiszcz