14 Jan Catch a free screening of ‘Lifeboat’

SOUTHPORT — The first 3rd Tuesday program of 2020 starts off with a story described as a group of shipwreck survivors facing off against the sea — and each other.

N.C. Maritime Museum at Southport will host a showing of the 1944 Alfred Hitchcock film “Lifeboat” as its Maritime Movie Masterpiece on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Southport Community Building, 223 E. Bay St. The film, inspired by a John Steinbeck story of the same name, is set during World War II and follows the survivors of sinking ship who find themselves sharing a lifeboat with one of the sailors from the German U-boat that torpedoed them.

The museum’s education curator, Katy Menne, said she’s expecting a good turnout for the program.

“We’ve had a lot of feedback about people being excited about the film,” she said.

The screening is part of the museum’s regular 3rd Tuesday series, offered at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. While the museum typically lines up speakers for the series, January’s unreliable weather wasn’t always conducive to their travel. So, museum staff switched the series’ annual kickoff event to a movie. Menne narrowed down the selection to films that have a maritime focus, clock in at less than two hours and have solid reviews. She then put the finalists up to vote on the museum’s Facebook page, with “Lifeboat” coming in with the win at 64 percent.

The program, which is open to the public, is designed for ages 16 and up. For the January feature, there will be fresh popcorn available; however, as part of the museum’s commitment to eliminate single-use containers, beverages will not be offered. Guests are welcome to bring their own drinks, as well as other snacks. Admission is free (donations are appreciated). Since seating is limited, registration is required. To register or for more information, call 910-477-5151.