A Kiss Before Dying

Directed by Gerd Oswald, 1956
94 minutes

“It’s very much a product of its time, handsome and smoothly directed in Technicolor and CinemaScope by Gerd Oswald with a modest style that anticipates the romantic thrillers of the 1960s...” —Sean Axmaker, Stream on Demand

Based on the first novel by Ira Levin (author of Rosemary’s Baby), A Kiss Before Dying stars Robert Wagner (The Pink Panther, the Austin Powers films) as Bud Corliss, a charming but sociopathic college student who won’t let a pregnant girlfriend get in the way of his business aspirations. Another shocking Technicolor noir in the tradition of Leave Her to Heaven, A Kiss Before Dying also stars Jeffrey Hunter, Virginia Leith, and Joanne Woodward. This presentation features a newly recorded video discussion with film historian and author David Del Valle (Lost Horizons Beneath the Hollywood Sign).

The “My Favorite Films” series features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism with films since 1945. These films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they continue to draw you in once more. While many of these films are available through streaming, it's always more fun to see them in the theatre.

Trade the August heat for indoor thrills and chills with a set of suspenseful, twist-filled films! Cowtown Movie Classics host Ryan Bijan presents four thrillers that spotlight obsession, revenge, and all out danger, featuring gripping (and sometimes disturbing) performances by vintage Hollywood icons Gene Tierney, Robert Wagner, and Robert Mitchum.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern and then settle in for an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterwards with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (free for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online here.