Maybe I'm feeling inspired by Ben or the fact that my coworkers can't stop talking about fantastic older films, but I've been working through some black and white movies that showcase some of our best actors and stories. Of course, all of these are available here at NPL.
Both of these movies were directed by William Wyler and are worth watching together. They are the same story separated by what was considered appropriate to talk about at the time 1936 vs 1961. The basic story is that a spoiled little girl lies about her boarding school teachers' relationships and it ruins reputations and shakes up the local community. It features incredible acting and iconic "bad girls" that put you in the mind of Rhoda Penmark in The Bad Seed.
There's enough easter eggs and connective tissue between the films that I highly recommend watching both in order of their releases.
I'd love to know which Mary Tilford performance boiled your blood more!
A Face In the Crowd features the film debut of Andy Griffith and his role couldn't be more different (I've been told) than his role in The Andy Griffith Show.
There's an easy charm to his folksy way of talking as he slides between likeable to reprehensible. The cast features Patricia Neal and a young Walter Matthau who help this man from Riddle become a Kingmaker in America using mass media. It feels prescient in how well it mirrors movements in social media in the last 20 years.
Harvey is just a charming movie. You couldn't get further away from the previous recommendations than this one as James Stewart's character Elwood has an imaginary 6'3 best friend who is a white rabbit. Elwood is an odd but good-natured man who wins people over in curiosity and respect. Gone are the heavy themes in William Wyler's work and a much easier movie to digest if you're looking for something to just slip into.
We are constantly adding films to our physical collection so always feel free to checkout what we have (or request certain titles be added). Many films are available immediately on Kanopy such as some of the recommendations in this list so build your own playlist.
And of course, always feel free to join any of our movie based programming that focuses on different groups.
Movie Tuesdays @ Bordeaux from 2-5pm
Film Fridays @ Main from 3:30-5pm
Senior Movie Matinee is every 2nd Thursday from 1:30-4pm @ Goodlettsville
Family Movie Mondays @ North from 3:30-5pm
Frame by Frame: Movies from the Archive @ Main. A Special Collections program featured monthly as a lunch and learn series. Next one is October 9th, 2026 from Noon-2pm
