MORRIS MUSEUM ANNOUNCES 2 HOLLYWOOD-THEMED EXHIBITS

The motion picture industry was born in New Jersey, in Thomas Edison’s Black Maria movie studio in West Orange. This fall, film lovers, movie stars fans and fashionistas will have the opportunity to see Hollywood in New Jersey with a focus on costumes, props and film-related memorabilia in the Morris Museum’s new exhibitions.

Icons of Costume: Hollywood's Golden Age and Beyond

WHEN: October 3–December, 2010

This exhibit features Hollywood fashions ranging  from Marlene Dietrich’s black velvet evening gown from Shanghai Express  to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s black leather jacket and pants from Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The exhibition includes Hollywood fashions worn by classic stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Barbara Stanwyck, Errol Flynn and James Dean, as well as costumes and accessories used in more recent films featuring Harrison Ford, Kevin Costner and Sean Connery. The exhibition is drawn from the fashion collection of John Lebold who served as an assistant to eight-time Academy Award-winning designer Edith Head. On view are costumes by Head and other legendary designers including  Adrian, Walter Plunkett, Bob Mackie, Orry-Kelly, Helen Rose and Travilla. Icons of Costume: Hollywood’s Golden Era and Beyond was organized by the Michener Art Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. (Above: Black velvet ball gown with silver bugle bead birds of paradise at shoulder, hem, and skirt. Designer: Edith Head. Movie: The Great Man’s Lady (1942).  Worn by Barbara Stanwyck. Collection of John LeBold.)

Bonus Features: Hollywood Posters, Props and Personalities

WHEN: through November 14, 2010
The companion to Icons of Costume, this exhibit is drawn from the collection of Bergen County residents Michael and Sylvia Frodella and includes a fascinating range of costumes, props, posters and movie memorabilia. Bonus Features includes classic 20^th Century films (such as Gone With The Wind, The Godfather) through contemporary blockbuster films (The Dark Knight and Titanic). Objects on view include costumes worn by such stars as Heath Ledger, Brad Pitt and Elvis Presley; signed posters and props, such as Forrest Gump’s candy box and the boxing gloves used by Robert DeNiro in Raging Bull. Some posters and stills are accompanied by personal checks signed by stars, including Marilyn Monroe and James Dean, and movie contracts for Al Pacino and Tom Cruise. All of these items, viewed together, give the visitor a more personal perspective on the stars and the roles they played. (Above: Black leather jacket and pants, T-shirt, boots and belt. Designer: Marlene Stewart. Movie: Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Collection of John LeBold.)

Guided tours of the exhibition Icons of Costume: Hollywood’s Golden Era and Beyond will be offered Saturdays, October 16, November 13, November 20 and December 4 at 1 PM.

Visitors to the Morris Museum’s Hollywood exhibitions will receive $1 off admission when they donate an item of women’s dress clothing or dress shoes, which will be collected at the museum. All donations go to Dress for Success Morris County.

In collaboration with the USGA Museum and its “Swing with the Stars: Golf and Hollywood” exhibition, a reciprocal 50 percent discount coupon on admission will be offered to visitors of either museum between October 5 and December 5, 2010.

Special Programs
Hollywood & Vine Wine Tasting
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 5:30 – 9:30 PM. Tickets: $30/person in advance, $35 at the door.
Join the Morris Museum and Park Avenue Club of Florham Park for an evening celebrating wine and Hollywood. 5:30 film, Big Night; 7:30 talk, Q&A and book signing with Michael Uslan, executive producer of the Batman movies and Archie Comics author; 7:30–9:30 enjoy wine tasting and delicious food. Call for tickets and information: 973.971.3720.

The Movies Return: Filmmaking in New Jersey, Past & Present
Thursday, Oct. 14, 6 PM. FreeThis video, narrated by Celeste Holm, features extensive film footage about the fascinating history of filmmaking in New Jersey and its recent return. Produced by Friends of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.

Tot TourFriday, Oct. 15, 10 AM. Free with museum admissionTot tours is a program for young children and their caregivers. Explore the Icons of Costume exhibition, learn about different kinds of costumes and get inspired for Halloween.

Senior Friday
Friday Oct. 15, 1 PM. Free with museum admissionVisit the Morris Museum for an early afternoon of art and conversation with a museum educator. The program includes a highlights tour through Icons of Costume: Hollywood’s Golden Era and Beyond, engaging discussion in the galleries and light refreshments. Pre-registration is not required.

Girls’ Night Out!
Thursday, Oct. 21, 6:30 – 9:30 PM. Tickets: $30/person in advance; $35 at the doorCome to the Morris Museum for a night of fashion and fun. The evening includes signature drinks and light appetizers, great giveaways, “Hollywood Glam” makeovers, ballroom dancing demonstrations  and more. A portion of each ticket sale will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure North Jersey to support breast cancer awareness month. For tickets, call 973.971.3721.

Hollywood’s Golden Age: Were Films Better Then?
Thursday, Nov. 4, 6:30-8:30 PM. FreeLearn about Hollywood’s “Golden Age” with Howard Libov, associate professor of film at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Florham Park. Professor Libov will compare classic films with more recent films, and discuss how film-making as an industry and as an art form has changed since the golden era. To register, please call 973.971.3720.

About the Morris Museum
The Morris Museum explores and celebrates the arts, sciences and humanities through exhibitions, educational programs, performing arts and special events. Founded in 1913, the museum serves over 200,000 adults and children each year.  This exhibition was made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation; the F.M. Kirby Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Nancy and Nelson Schaenen, Jr., and private donations.

The Morris Museum, located at 6 Normandy Heights Road (at the corner of Columbia Turnpike) in Morristown, NJ, is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM; Thursday, 11 AM to 8 PM; and Sunday, 1-5 PM. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults and $7 for children, students and senior citizens. Admission is free for museum members and is free to the public every Thursday between 5 and 8 PM. For more information, call 973.971.3700, or visit www.morrismuseum.org.

IMAGES all courtesy of the James A. Michener Art Museum