Perhaps it is because Time Magazine put one of his movies in its Top 100, or perhaps it is because his films are just plain good. Regardless, I am pleased to type that The Smithsonian Institution will be screening 5 of Guru Dutt’s works, each newly restored by the National Film Archive of India including Pyaasa, which was included in Time’s list. I liked Pyaasa, but I liked Kagaz Ke Phool and Chaudvi Ka Chand more. All three of these films will be screened, in addition to Mr. and Mrs. 55 and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. I haven’t seen either of the last two, but its Guru Dutt, so it should be good.
If I was in DC, I would be most looking forward to Chaudvi Ka Chand. Think Moh’d Rafi and his amazing voice swoon, “Chaudvin Ka Chand Ho, Ya Aaftaab Ho…”. But I digress.
The movies will be screened throughout June and the schedule is as follows: Mr. and Mrs. 55, Sunday, June 5, 2 pm. Meyer Auditorium
Pyaasa, Friday, June 17, 7 pm. Meyer Auditorium
Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Sunday, June 19, 2 pm. Meyer Auditorium
Kaagaz Ke Phool, Friday, June 24, 7 pm. Meyer Auditorium
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Sunday, June 26, 2 pm. Meyer Auditorium
I used to volunteer at the Freer’s free screenings, so a word of advice: show up a little early. People start queuing 30 minutes or so before the film. (The queue time varies, of course, based on the film series.)
Also, the auditorium is NOT designed to screen movies. There are bad seats, etc. But, hey, it’s FREE!