Originally banned in New York for its subject matter and language, this unconventional debut feature from filmmaker Shirley Clarke is now regarded as a staple of the New American Cinema. Based on a play by Jack Gelber of The Living Theatre, the story centers on junkies waiting for their dealer in a Greenwich Village loft, and features jazz musicians Freddie Redd and Jackie McLean. Shown here on a beautiful new 35mm print, this rarely seen film from one of our greatest female directors has never looked better.

Friday's screening introduced by Garth Jowett of the University of Houston.