Thursday, August 27, 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, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore; director, Frank Capra
Runtime: 2 hr. 10 min.
Tagline: Wonderful news...about wonderful people!...in a wonderful picture! It's a wonderful love! It's a wonderful laugh!
George Bailey has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. But on Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy loses the business's $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. Mr. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Uncle Billy. When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night, George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Mr. Potter to take over the town. Thinking of his wife, Mary, their four children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in his guardian angel named Clarence Odbody coming to Earth to help him, with the promise of earning his wings. He shows him what things would have been like if he had never been born.
Academy Awards, USA: Best Picture (Nominee); Best Actor in a Leading Role, James Stewart (Nominee); Best Director, Frank Capra (Nominee); Best Sound, Recording (Nominee); Best Film Editing (Nominee)
Memorable Quote: George Bailey: What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary.
Fun Trivia: For the scene that required Donna Reed to throw a rock through the window of the Granville house, director Frank Capra hired a marksman to shoot it out on cue. To everyone's amazement, Reed broke the window by herself. She had played baseball in high school and had a strong throwing arm.
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!