In November 2021, the Naro Expanded Cinema’s marquee read “The end of an Era,” in memoriam to the late Malvern “Mal” Vincent, 83. He had been a movie critic at The Virginian-Pilot for more than half a century and founder and host of Naro’s Summer Classic Film series.
His passing was far from a final curtain. The series, which opens Monday, has continued in accordance with his wishes and is hosted by those who knew him. It runs through late August.
Vincent was known locally and nationally for his exuberance and iconic Southern cadence. With each series, he provided commentary on his hand-curated movies, including tales from his career, featuring interviews with stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman and Snoop Dogg.
He also had a popular podcast at WHRO called “This Week in Mal’s World.”
The films in the series, except for the last one, will be shown at 7 p.m. each Monday with a host. The movies will play again, without a host, as 1 p.m. Tuesday matinees.
Visit narocinema.com for more information.
“His Girl Friday” (1940), July 7* and 8
*Hosted by Mike Gooding, retired reporter, WVEC-TV13
“Sabrina” (1954), July 14* and 15
*Hosted by Joe Flanagan, retired reporter, WVEC-TV13
“Some Like It Hot” (1959), July 21* and 22
*Hosted by Danny Epperson, digital media specialist, producer and actor
“The Dirty Dozen” (1967), July 28* and 29
*Hosted by Joel Rubin, president of Rubin Communications Group
"What’s Up Doc” (1972), August 4* and 5
*Hosted by Christopher Palestrant, professor of music at Elizabeth City State University
“The Sting” (1973), August 11* and 12
*Hosted by Jim Newsom, musician and songwriter
“Follow The Fleet” (1936), August 18* and 19
*Hosted by Page Laws, corresponding theater and opera critic for The Virginian-Pilot and film critic for Cineaste magazine
“The General” (1927), August 24* and 25. The performances include an original live musical score.
*Hosted by Christopher Kypros, composer, actor, conductor
