Media Contact: 
Ann Erdman 
(626) 375-2742 

FEMME FATALES AND SMILING PSYCHOPATHS: THE HISTORY OF FILM NOIR IS TOPIC OF THE MASTERS SERIES HOSTED BY PASADENA SENIOR CENTER

The theme for the fall term of The Masters Series presented by the Pasadena Senior Center via Zoom Tuesdays, Sept. 13, 20 and 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. is Femme Fatales and Smiling Psychopaths: The History of Film Noir.”

The three-week series, which embraces lifelong learning, will highlight some of the stylish and moody film noir crime dramas of the 1940s and ‘50s that are essential to any discussion about films of the 20^th century.

Documentarian and author Steven C. Smith will lead participants in an examination of the genre that often features cunning women, men on the outskirts of society, shady characters who inhabit the shadows of murder and betrayal and the relentless detectives who are hot on their trails.

The cost for the three-week course is only $35 for members of the Pasadena Senior Center and $45 for nonmembers. To register or for more information, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org and click on Lectures & Classes, then Masters Series Lifelong Learning or call 626-795-4331. Everyone who registers will receive an email link for joining the classes online.

Smith is a four-time Emmy-nominated documentary producer and author whose latest book is “Music by Max Steiner: The Epic Life of Hollywood’s Most Influential Composer” (Oxford University Press, 2020). He has written about film and music for the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly and the Hollywood Reporter. A former supervising producer of the TV series “A&E Biography” and “AMC Backstory,” his award-winning documentaries include “The Sound of a City: Julie Andrews Returns to Salzburg,” “The Lure of the Desert: Martin Scorsese on Lawrence of Arabia” and “Thou Shalt Not: Sex, Sin and Censorship in Pre-Code Hollywood.” He lives in Los Angeles.

In addition to online classes, onsite events and other activities, members and nonmembers of the Pasadena Senior Center are encouraged to visit the website regularly for highlights of a quarterly magazine, free food delivery for older adults in need, COVID updates specifically for older adults and more. 

The center is an independent, donor-supported nonprofit organization that has served older adults for more than 60 years. During the pandemic, doors are open Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for social services as well as the library, Sy Graff Fitness Center, computer lab and limited occupancy for events. Rooms are sanitized after each use.

In accordance with Pasadena Public Health Department guidelines, proof of COVID vaccination is required for everyone who uses the fitness center or attends onsite activities indoors. Masks are optional.