SILVER

CEILING ZERO in 35mm
Introduction by film historian Jon Mirsalis
This long-unavailable Howard Hawks drama stars James Cagney and Pat O'Brien in a tense story of airmail pilots in the struggling early years of commercial aviation. Less well known than Hawks' later ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS (1939), this film explores many of the same themes of professionalism, camaraderie and sacrifice. Hawks keeps the action concentrated in the airport control room, so that the only knowledge of the predicament of the pilots is revealed from the radio contact with ground control. Based on the successful Broadway play by Frank Wead, naval aviator and champion of aviation, the film presents a much more rounded view of its characters than a typical Hollywood movie, adroitly building the drama around the emotions of the flyers in the air and on the ground. The bravery and daring of the pilots in fulfilling their duty emphasizes that this is an industry in transition, leaving rule breakers behind, as Cagney's character finds that his once valued skills are now obsolete. "Tersely written, handsomely produced and played to perfection." – Frank Nugent, The New York Times. DIR Howard Hawks; SCR Frank Wead, from his play; PROD Hal B. Wallis, Jack L. Warner. U.S., 1936, b&w, 95 min. NOT RATED
35mm print from the Library of Congress.

Preceded by:
CALDONIA (1945)
Introduction by Maya Cade, Founder of the Black Film Archive
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame called musician Louis Jordan "the supreme ruler of '40s R&B" when he was inducted in 1987. Eight of his recordings topped the R&B charts for a total of 113 weeks. This two-reel short includes four separate musical numbers that showcase Jordan's preeminence in the genre of jump music. Jordan also performed the song "Caldonia" in the musical comedy SWING PARADE OF 1946 for Monogram Pictures, aimed at a mainstream audience. This version of "Caldonia" was intended for theatrical exhibition for a few days preceding Jordan's touring show. The film captures the energy and enthusiasm of his performances that influenced Chuck Berry, James Brown and other rock-and-roll artists of the 1950s. DIR/SCR William Forest Crouch; SCR John A. McGee; PROD Berle Adams. U.S., 1945, b&w, 18 min. NOT RATED
Digitally restored in 2022 by the Library of Congress.

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