Thursday, August 13, 2026
Doors & wine open at 7:30 PM
Film begins at 8 PM
The Athenaeum's outdoor movie series, Flicks on the Bricks, invites you to enjoy classic movies on our patio during beautiful summer nights. In August, KPBS film critic, arts reporter, and Cinema Junkie podcast host Beth Accomando returns to host the 20th annual Flicks on the Bricks series. This year, she has chosen four classic films by director Frank Capra, viewing the American Dream through the eyes of an immigrant.
Frank Capra was born in Italy and raised in Los Angeles. As an immigrant, he pursued the American Dream. He would go on to win Oscars for directing Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) and other film comedies that championed the common man at the expense of the powers that be. Capra’s films reflect an immigrant's vision of what America and the American Dream were and how inspiring this country at its best could be. But he was never blind to its dark side, to corruption or to evil. His films are fueled by idealism and hope. So, as we celebrate America at 250, let's remember what immigrants like Capra contributed and bask in his vision of what we and America can be at our best.
Popcorn is included with your ticket. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be available for purchase. Plus, enjoy weekly trivia and prizes throughout the series. Join the Athenaeum for its 20th year of hot summer fun!
Cast: starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains; director, Frank Capra
Runtime: 2 hr. 9 min.
Tagline: The Picture that Caused a Furore in Washington!
Naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, is appointed on a lark by the spineless governor of his state. He is reunited with the state's senior senator, presidential hopeful and childhood hero, Senator Joseph Paine. In Washington, however, Smith discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss, Jim Taylor. Taylor first tries to corrupt Smith and then later attempts to destroy Smith through a scandal.
Academy Awards, USA: Best Writing, Original Story (Winner); Best Picture (Nominee); Best Actor in a Leading Role, James Stewart (Nominee); Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Harry Carey (Nominee); Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Claude Rains (Nominee); Best Director, Frank Capra (Nominee); Best Writing, Screenplay (Nominee); Best Art Direction (Nominee); Best Sound, Recording (Nominee); Best Film Editing (Nominee); Best Music, Scoring (Nominee)
Memorable Quote: Jefferson Smith: You see, boys forget what their country means by just reading The Land of the Free in history books. Then they get to be men they forget even more. Liberty's too precious a thing to be buried in books, Miss Saunders. Men should hold it up in front of them every single day of their lives and say: I'm free to think and to speak. My ancestors couldn't, I can, and my children will. Boys ought to grow up remembering that.
Fun Trivia: Jean Arthur's left side was considered her best side, so the sets had to be constructed in a way that whenever she entered, she would be photographed on that side.
Genre: Drama
INDIVIDUAL FILMS:
$24 member / $29 nonmember
SERIES OF 4 FILMS:
$88 member / $108 nonmember
The films will be shown in person and outdoors on the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library patio. There are no physical tickets for these events. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. Priority seating will be given to Donor level members and above.
Ticket Confirmation Notice:
Your reservation is not complete until you receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive a confirmation email, your tickets have not been reserved. Please check your inbox and spam/junk folder or contact us at info@ljathenaeum.org or (858) 454-5872 to ensure your booking is finalized.
Thank you!