Lifeboat in Bryant Park

If the 6 train makes you feel claustrophobic, imagine being adrift at sea in a leaky lifeboat with a bunch of suspicious characters (including the German captain who sank your ship). Alfred Hitchcock's Lifeboat is tonight's Bryant Park film selection. The film stars Tallulah Bankhead and Hume Cronyn and the story was written by John Steinbeck.

Lifeboat was shot in a large studio tank and most of the cast members suffered from seasickness and pneumonia (from exposure to the cold water) during filming. Hume Cronyn almost drowned during a storm scene.

As for the infamous Tallulah, she reportedly refused to wear underwear during production. When crew members complained, Hitchcock said, "I don't know if this is a matter for the costume department, makeup, or hairdressing."

Pick up dinner and popcorn and enjoy a picnic in the park before the movie. This year, 'wichcraft is also offering lawnside dinner service for hungry moviegoers who didn't plan ahead.

Films start at sunset, but the lawn opens at 5:00 PM for picnickers. Get there early for a spot with a good view.

See the full schedule of films in Bryant Park this summer.