Films at the National Archives in September
Press Release · Friday, August 11, 2000

Washington, DC

In September, the National Archives and Records Administration presents a film screening relating to the current exhibition "Picturing the Century" and three special screenings as part of its Constitution Week celebration.

The screenings will be held in the theater of the National Archives Building, Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, and in the auditorium at the National Archives at College Park, located at 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD. All programs are free and open to the public. Free parking is available at the National Archives at College Park. 

Washington, DC Films

Friday, September 8-Picturing the Century
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment, released in 1963. Produced by Robert Drew for ABC News, this landmark documentary shows the confrontation between the Kennedy administration and Governor George Wallace over the integration of the University of Alabama. Crisis was one of the earliest films in the cinema verité movement of documentary filmmaking, made possible by the increasing mobility of 16mm camera and sound equipment. (60 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Thursday, September 21-Constitution Week
Thomas Jefferson, released in 1997 (part 1). In conjunction with Constitution Week activities, NARA presents this two-part documentary by filmmaker Ken Burns. Part 1 portrays the young Jefferson from the Virginia wilderness, transformed by the philosophic fire of the American Revolution. Torn between his career and family life at Monticello, he suffers heartrending personal loss even as he pens a new concept in democratic government. (90 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Thursday, September 21-Constitution Week
1776, released in 1972. America's first Congress and the struggle for independence from Britain form the framework for this film version of the Tony Award-winning stage musical by Sherman Adams and Peter Stone. The film stars most of the original Broadway cast, including William Daniels as John Adams and Howard da Silva as Benjamin Franklin. Directed by Peter H. Hunt. (141 minutes.) 6:30 p.m. Theater.

Friday, September 22-Constitution Week
Thomas Jefferson, released in 1997 (part 2). Follow Jefferson's rising star as he becomes U.S. Minister to France, enters national politics, fulfills his destiny as President, and begins his busy retirement years. (90 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

College Park, MD Film
(For a description of the College Park film, see September 8 listing)

Monday, September 11
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment (60 minutes.) Noon. Auditorium.