COAL OR CANDY: A 2021 CHRISTMAS

For some people, the Holidays are a candy-colored dream. For others, a stocking stuffed with filthy coal. And since we try to please everyone, the Heights is bringing back another slate of holiday classics that celebrate the season as it really is: joyous, heartbreaking, annoying and hilarious. In short, a microcosm of life itself. So don your Santa cap, guzzle your mulled wine (or your anti-depressants) and join us for six great movies that you may not even recognize as Christmas classics.

THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER

Dec. 6, 2021, 7:30 p.m.

DIGITAL CINEMA PRESENTATION

Though The Night of the Hunter was a disappointment in its day, it has since been recognized as a classic. Robert Mitchum is the Reverend Harry Powell, a serial killer hell bent on finding the $10,000 his former cellmate hid at his family's home. The preacher ingratiates himself with the family, terrorizing the children while charming their little community. This thrilling film is an emotional rollercoaster that culminates in a Christmas celebration that is at once devastating and a searing examination of faith. Not to be missed.

DCP courtesy Park Circus


IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME

Dec. 8, 2021, 7:30 p.m.

DIGITAL CINEMA PRESENTATION

Don't let the title fool you because this is one of the sweetest Christmas movies. Veronica (Judy Garland) is looking for work; Andrew (Van Johnson) is a music store's top salesman. When Veronica lands a job by proving Andrew wrong, the two quickly grow to loathe one another... not realizing they're falling in love as pen pals. This musical remake of The Shop Around the Corner is a delightful romp with great songs. Featuring both S. Z. "Cuddles" Sakall and Buster Keaton, this one is candy all the way.

DCP courtesy Warner Bros.


CARNIVAL NIGHT (Карнавальная ночь)

Dec. 16, 2021, 7:30 p.m.

DIGITAL CINEMA PRESENTATION

If it's December, it must be time for Carnival Night, the delightful 1956 Soviet Agfacolor musical. Wait... what? That's right, the Heights is bringing this rare Soviet holiday treat to Minnesota to brighten your holiday. It's New Year's Eve, the biggest celebration of the year in the USSR, and employees at the House of Culture have pulled out all the stops for a tremendous party. Until their new director arrives, eager to turn the soiree into a series of lectures and somber music. Using every trick in the book, the employees prove you can't stop a good party easily. "The action barrels along with terrific sprightliness and flair... an inspired piece of comedy. " --The Guardian

In Russian with English subtitles

DCP courtesy Mosfilm Studios


THE RECKLESS MOMENT in 35MM

Dec. 20, 2021, 7:30 p.m.

35MM PRESENTATION

It's Christmas and Lucia Harper (Joan Bennett) is a mother in chaos: her husband's in Europe for work, her father-in-law lives with the family, and her 17-year-old daughter is wild and uncontrolled. When Lucia tries to break up her daughter's affair with an older man, he turns up at their suburban home for money... and is promptly murdered. Did her daughter kill him? And to what lengths will Lucia go to cover up this crime? A noir of almost unbearable tension from famed director Max Ophul's. Featuring a brilliant performance by Joan Bennett, who is the subject of Karina Longworth's newest acclaimed podcast, Love is a Crime. Please don't miss this incredibly rare screening.

35mm print courtesy The Library of Congress