BYU’s Motion Picture Film Series is hosting a free screening of “Les Misérables” this Friday in the Harold B. Lee Library Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
James D’Arc, who orchestrated the Motion Picture Film Series, said in order to have a guaranteed seat it is recommended that you come to line up no later than 6 p.m., and the doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for entry.
“We have a delightful mix of students, faculty and those from the community,” D’Arc said in an email.
The BYU Motion Picture Archive Series is in its 14th season, and they usually have two screenings per month, on the second and fourth Fridays.
Russ Taylor, department chair of special collections, said that the Motion Picture Film Series has been very popular with the community.
“It draws great crowds,” Taylor said.
One couple even came as far as Evanston, Wyom. to attend the series, D’Arc explained.
Watching a film in the auditorium can be an extra special experience because the film is not on video.
“All of the titles that we show are projected from original film prints, not video,” D’Arc said.
Kayla Tuso, 22, studying elementary education, is both excited and eager to watch the screening this Friday.
“After reading the book and seeing the play countless times, I’m looking forward to watching this specific version in the auditorium,” she said.
This Friday, it will be the 1935 version of “Les Misérables” directed by Richard Boleslawski that will be shown in the auditorium.
“It is the best of all of the sound film versions of the classic 1861 Victor Hugo novel,” D’Arc said.
D’Arc explained that even if you have seen the film before, watching films in the auditorium setting is a completely different experience.
“It’s one of the classics of motion picture film making, and we like to show the classics,” Taylor said.
“The magic that occurs when watching these films in a theatrical setting and with an audience creates an entirely different effect than occurs when watching them alone or with a few others at home on a television screen,” D’Arc said.
For the Christmas season, this year they’re offering two new films, the 1947 version of “Miracle on 34th Street” and the 1947 version of “The Bishop’s Wife.”
