Passion makes for great comedy on the Silver Screen

The Silver Screen Classic Movie Series continues with the pre-Code comedy “Private Lives,” from 1931. Norma Shearer and Robert Montgomery divorced because fireworks controlled their marriage. Meeting again the day they both remarry, they find that remembered passion irresistible ... and they yield to it. But their sensible spouses won't give up. Presented by the Library, admission is free. Neither Amanda nor Elyot has anything positive to say about their previous marriage. And when they realize that they're both honeymooning in adjoining suites, they're horrified. But for these two, familiarity trumps newness. Remembering only the good times, they escape together. And by the time their spouses, Victor and Sybil, catch up to them, their bickering has escalated into ear-splitting catfights. Written and directed by Nöel Coward, this play ran on Broadway for 256 performances in 1931. Of the movie, Pauline Kael raves that “style and excitement carries the cast along ... a dazzling success.” The next scheduled movie is “The Ox-Bow Incident,” with Henry Fonda and Harry Morgan, on Oct. 3.

Know and Go What: Silver Screen Classic Movie Series presents “Private Lives” When: 1, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: The Beecher Room of the Auburn Library, 350 Nevada St. in Auburn Info: Call (530) 878-7938, or visit auburnsilverscreen.com