Sunnylands Center & Gardens to Host Free Viewings of 'The Last Emperor' and 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington'

People at Sunnylands Center & Gardens are planning to host free viewings of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington on Wednesday Oct. 23 and The Last Emperor on Wednesday Nov. 13.

Both films are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. sharp, according to organizers. Guests are invited to arrive as early as 6 p.m.

"Carpooling is strongly advised," organizers said in an announcement. "Filmgoers may bring small picnics but are reminded that no large coolers are allowed at Sunnylands. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. The film program is presented in partnership with the Palm Springs International Film Festival."

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, released in 1939, was directed by Frank Capra and starred Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur, and Claude Rains.

It traces the experiences of a naive man, Stewart, who is selected to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate, and finds himself enmeshed in a scandal involving corrupt politicians. The film was nominated for 11 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. It won one, for Best Writing, Original Story.

The Last Emperor, released in 1987, was directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and starred John Lone, Joan Chen, and Peter O'Toole. The biopic of the life of Puyi, the Last Emperor of China, traces his life from his ascent to the throne as a small boy, to his imprisonment and political rehabilitation by Communist Chinese authorities. The Last Emperor was the first feature film to be shot inside the Forbidden City in Beijing. It won nine Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Here's more info from event organizers at Sunnylands:

The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands

Sunnylands was the home of Walter and Leonore Annenberg. Entrepreneurs, ambassadors, and philanthropists, the Annenbergs were devoted to American ideals of service. This commitment led them to place their estate in public trust. The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands oversees the historic estate as well as Sunnylands Center & Gardens. Operating as The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands, the home once again welcomes United States presidents, government officials, and world leaders to participate in high-level retreats on national and international issues. The dream of Walter and Leonore Annenberg was realized in the first year of operation when President Barack Obama and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China met for what has been termed the "Sunnylands Summit."

The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands, which operates The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating entity established by The Annenberg Foundation to hold high-level retreats that address serious issues facing the nation and the world community and to educate the public on the historical significance of Sunnylands. More information may be found online at www.sunnylands.org.