NOIR CITY XMAS: San Francisco, 12/17

The Film Noir Foundation presents its 5th annual holiday show at San Francisco's majestic Castro Theatre this Wednesday, December 17, at 7p.m. In addition to a seasonally themed double bill of vintage noir-stained films, host Eddie Muller will be revealing the complete schedule (and hot new poster!) for the eagerly anticipated NOIR CITY 13 festival, coming to the Castro January 16-25, 2015! Enjoy the big-screen premiere of a new documentary showcasing the world-renowned NOIR CITY festival (you might be in it!) and catch up on gift shopping for the film noir lover in your life—including the local debut of Eddie Muller's new book, Gun Crazy: The Origin of American Outlaw Cinema. Buy tickets ahead of time for NOIR CITY Xmas at Brown Paper Tickets or at the door of the Castro the night of the show. Only $10 for both films.

Features:
O. Henry's Full House  (1952, 117 minutes)
This anthology of short stories by America's master of the ironic twist is as entertaining as it is star-studded—featuring juicy roles for Richard Widmark, Anne Baxter, Farley Granger, Marilyn Monroe, Charles Laughton, Jean Peters, and many more. 20th Century-Fox employed several of its most renowned directors—Henry Hathaway, Henry King, Howard Hawks, Henry Koster, and Jean Negulesco—to bring to life such famous O. Henry tales as "The Last Leaf," "The Clarion Call," and the Christmas classic, "The Gift of the Magi." Each segment introduced by John Steinbeck! (Disclaimer: Mr. Steinbeck will not be appearing in-person.)

Playing with—
The Curse of the Cat People  (1944, 70 minutes)
This sequel to 1942's The Cat People is a stunner on many levels—far from being a horror story, it's a poignant and deeply felt meditation of the pain and loneliness of childhood, and perhaps the most sublime and personal film in the career of legendary producer Val Lewton. Eight-year-old Ann Carter gives a mesmerizing performance as imaginative little Amy, with Simone Simon (the original Cat Woman) reappearing as her imaginary friend. A spellbinding classic, co-directed by Robert Wise.