The LA Times has revealed this years addition to National Film Registry, which brings the total to 650.
The selections are to be announced Wednesday by the librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, who recognizes the pictures as “cultural, historical or aesthetic cinematic treasures.”
Among the announced titles are the 1968 Rosemary’s Baby and André De Toth’s 1953 House of Wax.
“The National Film Registry showcases the extraordinary diversity of America’s film heritage and the disparate strands making it so vibrant,” read a statement from Billington. “By preserving these films, we protect a crucial element of American creativity, culture and history.”
House of Wax, starring Vincent Price, Frank Lovejoy and Phyllis Kirk, is considered the first full-length 3-D film produced and released by a major U.S. studio. In it, an associate burns down a wax museum with the owner inside, but he survives only to become vengeful and murderous.
Based on the novel by Ira Levin, Roman Polanski’s horror masterpiece Rosemary’s Baby stars Mia Farrow in her first leading role, John Cassavetes and Oscar winner Ruth Gordon. In it, a young couple move into a new apartment, only to be surrounded by peculiar neighbors and occurrences. When the wife becomes mysteriously pregnant, paranoia over the safety of her unborn child begins controlling her life.
Also added is the 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Roald Dahl adapted his classic novel, and Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley penned the score to this fanciful musical starring Gene Wilder as the enigmatic candy maker.
