NEWLY RESTORE PRINTS COURTESY OF THE GLADSTONE GALLERY

Note: Sound on CD.

Filmmaker Jack Smith also stars in this funny short film, playing the cadaverous matron Rose Courtyard (inspired by Rose Kennedy). Dressed completely in red (gown, gloves, glasses, and wig), the wheelchair-bound Rose sits ceremoniously under an American flag, the floor littered with corpses, while Kate Smith sings "God Bless America" on the soundtrack. Rose is laden down with all sorts of odd paraphernalia (hot-water bottle, box of candy, ears of Indian corn, toilet brush, Valentine's Day card, football, etc.), which she keeps dropping. Besides tippling on a bottle of booze and spraying the air with Lysol, she also peruses a scrapbook of old theatrical clippings. Song for Rent ends with Rose shedding a tear.
-- Nicole Gagne, Rovi